OXO · Non-Stick Knife Sets
OXO Icing Knife Set
Lower PFAS concern, icing knives are non-coated utensils with no water-repellent or non-stick treatment.
OXO icing knives are simple stainless steel blades with polymer handles. They have no non-stick coating, waterproof treatment, or stain-resistant finish that would typically introduce PFAS. This product category carries lower inherent risk compared to non-stick cookware or treated textiles.
Shop OXO on Amazon →Material
Stainless steel blades with polymer handles
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
OXO icing knives use food-grade stainless steel blades paired with polypropylene or similar polymer handles. Stainless steel does not leach metals under normal use, making it chemically inert for frosting and decorating work. The polymer handles are not exposed to high heat during typical icing tasks, so thermal degradation or off-gassing is not a realistic concern. Because these are icing knives (low-heat, small-scale spreading tools), material stress is minimal.
The brand's record and disclosure
OXO does not publicly disclose polymer sourcing, BPA-free claims, or material certifications for this specific product line based on available information. The brand has no known recalls or chemical contamination incidents related to icing knife sets. OXO's general reputation centers on ergonomic design rather than material transparency, which is a gap but not a documented safety red flag for utensils.
How it compares in its category
Icing knives are among the safest kitchen utensil categories because they are never heated above room temperature and contact only frosting or food surfaces. This product avoids non-stick coatings entirely, unlike some premium knife sets that incorporate Teflon-type coating or ceramic coatings. Most competitor icing knife sets use identical stainless steel and polymer construction, so OXO is neither ahead nor behind on material chemistry.
If you buy it
Wash handles by hand or top-rack dishwasher; avoid prolonged soaking, which can weaken polymer-to-blade seals over years. Do not use for non-icing tasks (e.g., cutting hot foods or spreading hot spreads), as handles may soften. Inspect handles annually for cracks or separation; replace if degradation appears. Store handles away from direct heat sources and strong solvents.
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.”
Polymer handle degradation
Polypropylene handles may weaken, crack, or separate from the blade after years of dishwasher cycles or if exposed to solvents; this is cosmetic and functional rather than chemical, but compromised seals could trap bacteria.
Lead or cadmium in stainless steel
Food-grade stainless steel used in kitchen utensils is regulated and does not intentionally contain lead or cadmium; no recalls or testing discrepancies are on record for OXO knife sets.
BPA or bisphenol alternatives in handles
OXO does not confirm BPA-free status for icing knife handles in public documentation; however, polypropylene is not a primary vector for BPA, and icing knives do not contact hot liquids that would accelerate leaching.
Microplastic shedding from handles
Heavy wear or dishwasher abrasion over many years could theoretically cause microscopic polymer flaking from handles; risk is minimal for occasional home use and negligible compared to food contact from blade edges.
Bacterial growth at blade-handle junction
If the seal between blade and handle degrades, moisture and food debris can accumulate; proper drying and inspection mitigate this risk effectively.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% 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 Knife Sets
GreenPan
Bobby Flay Knife Block Set
stainless steel knives and wooden block
Lower concern, stainless steel knives with wood are inherently PFAS-low, though no third-party verification exists.
⚠Risky category by default
GreenPan
Elite Cutlery Knife Block Set
stainless steel blades and handles
Lower-concern product, stainless steel knives are inherently PFAS-free; brand stance supports this.
⚠Risky category by default
More non-stick knife sets 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.