Cuisinart · Non-Stick Baking Molds
Quilted Round Silicone Baking & Freezing Mold
Silicone base is likely lower concern. Nonstick coating source unclear.
Food-grade silicone is inherently PFAS-free. Coating composition not disclosed by Cuisinart, creating uncertainty about finish treatment.
The safe swap
Calphalon
Square Savarin Silicone Baking Mold
80/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
silicone (primary); nonstick coating unspecified
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Marketed non-stick without stating the coating chemistry.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product is primarily food-grade silicone, a synthetic rubber polymer that is chemically stable and does not leach under normal baking or freezing conditions. Silicone's cross-linked structure resists breakdown at typical kitchen temperatures (up to around 400-450F depending on formulation). The quilted texture is part of the silicone itself, not an applied coating, which eliminates concerns about coating degradation or flaking. Unlike ceramic nonstick cookware or older Teflon-type coating-coated pans, silicone molds do not release fumes or particles during heating.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cuisinart does not publicly disclose detailed material sourcing or third-party silicone certifications for this specific mold. The brand has no established history of silicone-related recalls or safety controversies in their baking product line. Cuisinart remains silent on PFAS use in nonstick coatings across their cookware portfolio, though they market many products as Teflon-type coating-free. For silicone molds specifically, the absence of explicit PFAS treatment is a practical advantage since silicone does not require traditional nonstick coatings.
How it compares in its category
Silicone molds occupy a lower-hazard tier than metal molds with applied nonstick coatings (which may contain Teflon-type coating or PFAS) or ceramic-coated steel (which can leach lead if glazes are unregulated). They are safer for freezing and repeated heating than rigid plastic molds, which may warp or leach BPA when hot. The primary trade-off is durability and heat tolerance compared to glass or high-quality ceramic, but for the stated use case (baking and freezing), silicone is well-suited and poses fewer chemical hazards.
If you buy it
Hand wash rather than dishwasher to extend life; silicone can absorb odors and stains but these do not indicate safety failure. Do not exceed 400F for sustained use, and avoid direct flame or broiler contact. Inspect regularly for tears, permanent discoloration (beyond normal staining), or loss of elasticity, which signal material degradation. Replace if you notice sticky residue buildup that does not wash off, as this may indicate breakdown of the silicone matrix.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Silicone leaching (thermal)
No established reports of chemical leaching from food-grade silicone molds at normal baking temperatures. Published safety data on silicone in contact with food does not identify migration of hazardous substances.
Coating degradation and particle release
Silicone molds do not rely on a separate applied nonstick coating, eliminating risk of coating flaking or peeling into food. The material itself is integral, not layered.
Heavy metal contamination (lead, cadmium)
Silicone molds are not glazed or enameled. No public recalls or test data indicate heavy metal contamination in Cuisinart silicone baking molds.
Plastic degradation at high heat
Silicone is a thermoset polymer and does not soften or leach at typical baking temperatures (350-400F). Risk is minimal compared to rigid plastic molds, which may warp below 200F.
Bacterial growth if stored wet
Silicone molds can trap moisture in textured surfaces if not fully dried after washing. Store dry in a ventilated space to prevent mold or odor accumulation, though this is a hygiene concern rather than a direct chemical hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 62% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Non-Stick Baking Molds
Calphalon
Square Savarin Silicone Baking Mold
Food-grade silicone
Lower PFAS concern; silicone baking molds don't typically contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Calphalon
Silicone Baking Mold (Alphabet)
Silicone (food-grade)
Lower concern. Silicone baking molds rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Calphalon
Cobblestone Pan Silicone Baking & Freezing Mold
food-grade silicone
Lower PFAS concern; silicone molds rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
More non-stick baking molds grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.