OXO · Grill Pans
OXO Outdoor Carbon Steel Double Burner Griddle
Lower concern, carbon steel griddle with no nonstick coating means no PFAS risk from cookware treatment.
This is a bare carbon steel double burner griddle with no nonstick or waterproof coating, so there is no coating where PFAS are typically found in cookware. OXO makes no PFAS claims, but the material itself, seasoned or bare carbon steel, carries lower PFAS risk than Teflon-family coating-coated nonstick products.
Shop OXO on Amazon →Material
Carbon steel (bare metal)
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
This griddle is bare carbon steel, a ferrous metal alloy that requires seasoning (oil coating) to prevent rust and create a natural nonstick patina. Unlike enameled or coated griddles, there is no ceramic glaze, enamel layer, or synthetic nonstick finish that could degrade or leach hazardous compounds over time. Carbon steel's main risk profile centers on iron and potential contaminants in the steel itself, not coating breakdown. Proper seasoning and maintenance are essential to prevent corrosion and maintain food safety.
The brand's record and disclosure
OXO is a kitchen equipment manufacturer with no established recalls or safety controversies on their cookware products in public records. The brand does not publish detailed material sourcing or heavy-metal testing certifications for their carbon steel cookware. OXO does not make explicit PFAS-free claims, but this product category (bare carbon steel without nonstick treatment) inherently avoids PFAS by design. No independent third-party certifications (NSF, GOTS, or similar) are marketed for this griddle.
How it compares in its category
Carbon steel griddles occupy a middle ground: they lack the PFAS/coating-degradation risk of traditional nonstick cookware but require more maintenance than enameled cast iron or modern ceramic-coated pans. They are less expensive than quality enameled cast iron and more durable than lightweight nonstick. OXO's carbon steel offering is comparable in safety profile to Lodge and other bare-carbon-steel griddle brands, though Lodge offers more detailed material transparency and seasoning guidance.
If you buy it
Season the griddle thoroughly before first use with neutral oil (vegetable, canola, or flaxseed) to establish the protective layer and prevent rust. Avoid prolonged soaking or dishwasher use; hand-wash and dry immediately after each use. Do not exceed typical stovetop or outdoor heat ranges (most carbon steel is stable to 600°F+, suitable for direct flame). Re-season periodically as the patina wears; inspect for rust spots and address promptly with light scrubbing and oil to prevent pitting.
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.”
Iron and steel leaching
Carbon steel will leach small amounts of iron into food, particularly acidic foods (tomato, vinegar, citrus) or during extended cooking. This is generally not a health concern for most people (dietary iron is beneficial), but those with hemochromatosis should limit exposure. No specific testing data for OXO brand carbon steel composition is publicly available.
Rust and corrosion if maintenance is poor
Bare carbon steel rusts rapidly without protective seasoning or dry storage. Surface rust (orange/brown spots) is removable and not inherently toxic, but deep pitting can create crevices where bacteria or mold may grow if left wet. This is a maintenance issue, not an inherent material hazard, but neglect increases food contamination risk.
Lead or cadmium in steel alloy
Modern carbon steel cookware from reputable brands like OXO is not known to contain lead or cadmium; these are not intentionally added to food-grade steel. No recalls or testing concerns for OXO carbon steel cookware are documented. Zinc or nickel (from stainless steel alloys) are possible in carbon steel blends but are not reportable hazards at normal cookware levels.
Coating degradation and particle shedding
This product has no synthetic coating to degrade, eliminating flaking or shedding risks associated with damaged nonstick or enamel cookware. The seasoning layer is organic (oil-based polymer) and will wear naturally with use but does not produce harmful particles.
VOC or off-gassing from manufacturing oils or lubricants
Carbon steel shipped from manufacturing may retain metalworking oils, waxes, or lubricants used during production. Initial heating (seasoning or first use) can release odors. This is temporary and not documented as a health hazard, but proper cleaning and seasoning before first food contact is recommended to minimize any residual manufacturing residue.
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.
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More grill pans 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.