Lodge Cast Iron · Pizza Stones & Ceramic Bakeware
Weber Gourmet BBQ System Pizza Baking Stone 8836
Lower PFAS concern, uncoated stone cookware carries minimal risk.
The Weber/Lodge pizza baking stone is made from natural cordierite or similar ceramic stone material without intentional Teflon-family coating or nonstick coatings. Pizza stones are inherently uncoated products, making PFAS contamination unlikely from manufacturing.
Shop Lodge Cast Iron on Amazon →Material
Natural stone (cordierite/clay-based pizza stone)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pizza stone is made from cordierite, a naturally occurring mineral composite clay that has been kiln-fired to high temperature. Cordierite is chemically stable under normal cooking heat (up to 500F+) and does not leach heavy metals, glazes, or synthetic coatings into food. Unlike ceramic bakeware with decorative glazes or enamel cookware, unglazed cordierite stone has no surface treatments that can degrade, chip, or release contaminants.
The brand's record and disclosure
Lodge is a historic US cast-iron manufacturer (est. 1896) with strong reputation for cookware safety and transparency, though this product is a cordierite stone, not cast iron. Lodge does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or mitigation statements for this specific product line, which is typical for uncoated stone bakeware and reflects low concern in the category. No recalls, contamination reports, or safety controversies are on record for this model.
How it compares in its category
Cordierite pizza stones are the industry standard and safest option in this category, preferred over clay (which can crack and dust) or glazed ceramic (which may contain lead in older designs). This product sits at the mid-to-premium price point with no added coatings, colors, or finishes that would introduce chemical risk. Direct comparison to cheaper unbranded stones is difficult, but material quality appears equivalent.
If you buy it
Preheat gradually to avoid thermal shock and cracking; do not expose to rapid temperature swings (e.g., moving from oven to cool surface). Clean with dry brush or soft cloth; avoid soaking or sudden water exposure after heating, which causes fracturing. Stone will develop seasoning over time and does not require seasoning oil or special conditioning. Replace only if visible cracks develop or large pieces chip away.
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.”
Thermal cracking and fragmentation
Cordierite is durable but can fracture if exposed to rapid temperature changes or thermal shock. Improper care (cold water on hot stone, uneven heating) increases risk; fragments in food are a physical hazard, not chemical.
Heavy metals in raw cordierite or clay source
Cordierite is geologically low in lead, cadmium, and arsenic compared to certain clay sources. No testing data published for this specific product, but material class has no documented contamination record at commercial manufacturers.
Surface dust or clay particle inhalation during setup/cleaning
Unglazed stone can shed fine dust when dry-brushed or handled. Risk is minimal with wet cleaning or gentle handling, but users with respiratory sensitivity should avoid vigorous dry sweeping of the stone surface.
Mold or bacterial growth if stored damp
Cordierite is porous and can absorb moisture. If stored in humid conditions or cleaned with excess water and not dried, mold growth is possible. Proper air drying and dry storage eliminate this risk.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 88% 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 Pizza Stones & Ceramic Bakeware
GreenPan
Premiere Ovenware Round Pizza Baker
Ceramic nonstick coating (Teflon-type coating-free, proprietary)
Lower-concern option; GreenPan's ceramic nonstick has public PFAS-free positioning and MADE SAFE backing, though full chemical transparency remains limited.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
15" Ceramic Nonstick Pizza Pan
ceramic nonstick coating
Lower concern; ceramic nonstick with credible PFAS-free claim and third-party backing.
⚠Risky category by default
Caraway
Ceramic Nonstick Large Pizza Crisper Pan - Cream
ceramic nonstick coating
Lower-concern ceramic nonstick option with transparent PFAS-free positioning and third-party backing.
⚠Risky category by default
More pizza stones & ceramic bakeware 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.