Outset · Grill & Oven Mats
Outset Silicone Grill Mat and Tong Holder 76652
Lower PFAS concern; silicone mat and basic metal holder carry minimal risk.
Outset's grill mat is food-grade silicone, which is not a PFAS-prone material. The tong holder is likely stainless steel or aluminum, standard cookware metals. The brand makes no PFAS claims (silent stance), but the core materials themselves present lower concern than non-stick or waterproof-treated products.
Shop Outset on Amazon →Material
Silicone (mat); stainless steel or aluminum (tong holder)
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.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
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
The mat is food-grade silicone, a synthetic rubber polymer that resists heat and does not rely on Teflon-type coating (Teflon) coatings or ceramic glazes that historically leach metals or emit fumes. The tong holder combines stainless steel or aluminum with silicone, avoiding lead-glazed ceramics or enamel coatings. Silicone's chemical stability under typical grill temperatures (under 500F) means minimal off-gassing of volatile organics or migration of heavy metals into food.
The brand's record and disclosure
Outset is a small kitchenware brand with no published transparency reports, third-party certifications (e.g., NSF, FDA), or documented product recalls on this specific item in public records. The brand does not explicitly disclose PFAS status or manufacturing standards. No established controversies or safety incidents have been widely reported for this product line, but the absence of proactive disclosure limits independent verification of material claims.
How it compares in its category
Silicone grill mats and holders occupy a safer middle ground compared to non-stick cookware (which may use Teflon-type coating), ceramic-coated grills (variable glaze lead content), or aluminum cookware (possible leaching at high heat or acidic food contact). Silicone's inertness is well-established in food-contact applications. Stainless steel tong holders are a standard, low-risk choice; aluminum is acceptable for non-heated storage but more reactive if directly handling acidic foods.
If you buy it
Keep silicone mat use below 500F to avoid potential breakdown of polymer bonds; do not expose to direct flames. Inspect the mat annually for tears, discoloration, or odor, which may signal degradation; replace if visible damage occurs. Clean with mild soap and warm water; avoid abrasive scouring pads that may degrade the surface. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to extend silicone lifespan and prevent brittleness.
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 polymer degradation under extreme heat
Food-grade silicone is stable to approximately 500F; prolonged exposure to direct flame or temperatures above 600F may cause polymer breakdown and leaching of uncrosslinked oligomers. This is not inevitable under normal grill use but possible if mat is used in direct contact with very hot coals or open flame.
Aluminum leaching (tong holder component)
If the tong holder is aluminum and contacts acidic foods (e.g., citrus marinades) or is left wet, minimal leaching is possible but unlikely for a non-heated storage component. Stainless steel eliminates this risk entirely; product specifications do not confirm which metal is used, creating minor ambiguity.
Bacterial or mold growth in mat crevices
Silicone mats can trap moisture and food residue in seams or around the tong holder attachment; if not cleaned thoroughly after use, bacteria or mold may colonize these areas, particularly in humid climates. Regular drying and inspection mitigate this non-chemical food-safety concern.
Heavy metals or contaminants in silicone raw material
Food-grade silicone is subject to indirect FDA oversight when imported; no public recalls or test data specific to this Outset product indicate contamination with lead, cadmium, or arsenic. The brand's lack of third-party certification means independent verification is unavailable.
Volatile organic compound off-gassing during heat
Food-grade silicone mats emit no known VOCs or formaldehyde resins at typical grill temperatures. Odor from new mats (common in silicone) is cosmetic and typically dissipates after first use; it does not indicate a safety hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.
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More grill & oven mats 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.