Cuisinart · Non-Stick Baking Molds
Silpat Flexipan 6 Heart Mold
Silicone molds typically lower PFAS risk, but coating composition unclear.
Silpat Flexipan uses silicone, generally considered lower risk than Teflon-type coating. However, Cuisinart does not disclose coating details or PFAS status, limiting confidence.
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 baking mold, 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
Silpat Flexipan molds are made from food-grade silicone, a synthetic rubber polymer that does not contain Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or traditional nonstick coatings requiring fluorochemicals. Silicone's inert chemistry means it resists leaching under normal baking temperatures (up to 400-500F depending on formulation). The nonstick property comes from silicone's inherent surface properties, not an applied coating, which eliminates degradation and flaking risks common to older coated cookware.
The brand's record and disclosure
Cuisinart does not publicly disclose PFAS or chemical composition details for this product line on their website or product materials reviewed. The brand has no documented recalls or safety incidents specific to Silpat silicone molds. Silpat is a long-established brand (owned by Groupe SEB) with widespread food service and consumer use since the 1970s, but transparency on material sourcing and testing is not a stated priority.
How it compares in its category
Silicone molds represent a middle ground between ceramic (no nonstick coating) and coated metal pans. Unlike ceramic, silicone poses no lead/cadmium glazing risk. Unlike traditional nonstick cookware, silicone does not shed Teflon-type coating particles or release fumes at normal baking temps. Metal molds require seasoning or suffer rust; silicone requires only washing and drying, making it a lower-maintenance alternative.
If you buy it
Store molds flat or rolled to prevent creasing and cracking, which can trap food residue. Do not exceed 500F; prolonged exposure above this may degrade silicone over decades. Wash by hand with mild soap rather than harsh abrasives or high-heat dishwasher cycles. Replace if silicone becomes sticky, discolored, or develops odors (signs of breakdown), though well-maintained molds typically last 5-10 years of home use.
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 degradation and leaching
Lower-grade silicone or silicone with fillers/additives may leach oligomers (small silicone chains) into fatty foods at high heat. No recalls documented for Silpat, but FDA testing has detected trace migration in worst-case scenarios; risk is minimal for typical home baking under 400F.
Lead or cadmium in pigments
Silicone molds are not glazed or enameled; colored silicone typically uses FDA-approved colorants. No lead/cadmium risk identified in food-grade silicone cookware category for Cuisinart or Silpat products.
Coating degradation or Teflon-type coating fume risk
Silicone molds do not use Teflon-type coating or applied nonstick coatings; nonstick property is inherent to silicone polymer. No risk of coating flaking or toxic fume emission at normal use temperatures.
Aluminum leaching
This product is pure silicone, not aluminum-based. No aluminum leaching risk applies.
Microplastic or physical fragmentation
Silicone molds do not generate microplastics in traditional sense, but silicone polymer degradation under extreme heat or UV exposure may release tiny particles over decades. Risk is extremely low for normal baking use; replace if visible cracking or stickiness appears.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.