Made In · Cast Iron Skillets
Made In Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set
Lower-concern choice; traditional enameled cast iron has no known PFAS risk.
Made In's enameled cast iron cookware is a classic material, cast iron with a vitreous enamel coating, that does not require PFAS-based nonstick treatments or water-repellent finishes. Enamel coatings are typically silicate-based, not Teflon-family coating.
Shop Made In on Amazon →Material
enameled cast iron
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.
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Made In enameled cast iron consists of a cast iron base coated with a vitrified enamel finish (glass-like layer fused at high temperature). The enamel seals the iron and prevents direct contact with acidic or wet foods that would otherwise cause iron leaching. Unlike nonstick coatings (Teflon-type coating), enamel contains no synthetic Teflon-family coating and is chemically inert once cured. The cast iron substrate itself is food-safe; concerns focus entirely on the enamel layer's integrity and composition.
The brand's record and disclosure
Made In does not publicly disclose detailed enamel composition, heavy metal testing, or third-party certifications for lead/cadmium in their cookware line. The brand has no documented recalls or safety controversies in public records as of available information. Made In markets cookware as premium and durable but does not emphasize transparency in materials testing or publish safety data sheets; this reflects industry norm for cookware brands but limits independent verification of enamel safety claims.
How it compares in its category
Enameled cast iron is among the safest cookware categories because the enamel barrier prevents metal leaching entirely if unbroken. Made In positions itself in the premium segment alongside Le Creuset and Smithey, typically with better price than those brands. Compared to ceramic-coated alternatives (which may chip and expose aluminum) or stainless steel (which has its own leaching edge cases), enameled cast iron's inert glass coating is a strength. The main trade-off is brittleness of the enamel layer versus non-stick coatings' durability under heavy use.
If you buy it
Avoid thermal shock by preheating gradually and not plunging hot cookware into cold water, as this cracks enamel and exposes cast iron underneath. Do not use metal utensils on the cooking surface; use wood or silicone to prevent enamel chipping. Acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar, wine) are safe in intact enamel but will leach iron if the coating is compromised, giving a metallic taste as a warning sign. Once significant enamel damage occurs (visible chips, flaking), retire the piece to prevent cast iron oxidation in foods; repair is not practical.
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.”
Lead/cadmium in enamel glaze
No public testing or recalls document heavy metal contamination in Made In enameled cookware. Modern enamel formulations in the US typically do not intentionally include lead, but the brand does not provide third-party test results to confirm this for their specific products.
Enamel degradation and chip-induced iron leaching
Enameled cast iron can chip or crack with impact or thermal shock, exposing bare cast iron beneath. Once exposed, the iron oxidizes and migrates into acidic foods. This is not a manufacturing defect but a use-dependent wear mode; proper handling (avoid thermal shock, no metal utensils) minimizes risk.
Cadmium in colored enamel pigments
Made In cookware typically features solid-color enamel (black, cream, navy). Modern food-contact enamel in developed markets has moved away from cadmium pigments, but Made In does not publicly certify pigment composition. Risk is low for US-manufactured or EU-sourced enameled cookware but unverified by brand disclosure.
Cast iron substrate leaching under enamel failure
Cast iron itself is not hazardous for non-anemic adults; excess iron uptake is a concern only in vulnerable populations (young children, hemochromatosis). Once enamel fails, iron migration into acidic foods becomes noticeable (metallic taste). This triggers replacement rather than posing acute toxicity.
Thermal stability of enamel at high heat
Enameled cast iron is rated safe to standard stovetop and oven temperatures (typically up to 500F). No known decomposition or fume release from enamel at normal cooking temperatures. Extreme overheating (broiler, open flame above cookware edge) can degrade enamel but is not a practical risk with normal use.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 92% 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 Cast Iron Skillets
Caraway
12” Enameled Cast Iron Large Skillet
Enameled cast iron
Lower-concern cookware; enameled cast iron is an inherently safer base, and Caraway has publicly committed to PFAS-free formulations.
⚠Risky category by default
More cast iron skillets 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.