Solidteknics · Cast Iron Skillets
Solidteknics AUS-ION Frypan
Lower-concern cookware; bare cast iron poses no PFAS risk.
Solidteknics AUS-ION frypans are cast iron with traditional seasoning, no synthetic nonstick coating, no PFAS applied. Cast iron is an inherently lower-concern cookware material. No PFAS disclosures needed because the product contains no fluorinated compounds by design.
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cast iron with natural seasoning
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
The AUS-ION is solid cast iron with a natural seasoning (oil-based buildup), not an applied enamel or synthetic nonstick coating. This means there is no Teflon-type coating polymer, no industrial resin layer, and no binders or pigments to degrade, leach, or off-gas. Cast iron itself is chemically inert at normal cooking temperatures and does not break down into particles or release harmful compounds into food. The natural seasoning is simply polymerized fat, it serves as a barrier against rust and sticking but is not a chemical coating.
The brand's record and disclosure
Solidteknics is an Australian manufacturer focused on cast iron cookware and has maintained a low public profile on food safety certifications and third-party testing disclosures. The brand does not publicize PFAS testing results or make explicit claims about chemical safety, which is neither a red flag nor a mark of transparency in the bare cast iron space. No recalls or documented safety controversies are on record for this product line. The company's emphasis on natural seasoning and heritage manufacturing aligns with the material's inherent safety profile.
How it compares in its category
Bare cast iron skillets like the AUS-ION represent the lowest-risk cookware category: no synthetic coatings mean no Teflon-type coating fume risk, no PFOA/PFAS residues, and no polymer degradation hazards that plague nonstick alternatives. Enameled cast iron (such as Le Creuset) introduces glazes that may contain lead or cadmium, and modern nonstick pans (ceramic or traditional Teflon-type coating) carry microplastic and off-gassing concerns. Against uncoated steel or aluminum, bare cast iron avoids aluminum leaching and requires no surface treatments.
If you buy it
Season regularly with high-smoke-point oils (avocado, grapeseed) to maintain the protective layer and prevent rust. Do not preheat empty to very high temperatures (above 500°F) or expose to sudden temperature swings, which can crack cast iron but do not create safety hazards. Hand wash immediately after use and dry thoroughly to avoid water damage. Expect a gradual improvement in nonstick performance over months of cooking as seasoning builds; this is normal and safe.
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 leaching into acidic foods
Cast iron can transfer small amounts of iron to highly acidic dishes (tomato sauce, vinegar, citrus) especially if seasoning is thin or new. This is generally benign for most adults and may even provide dietary iron, but should be monitored by those with hemochromatosis or iron-absorption disorders.
Rust and bacterial growth from improper maintenance
If the pan is left wet or stored in humid conditions without proper drying and oiling, rust can develop. Rust itself is not directly toxic, but pitting can trap food particles and moisture, creating conditions for bacterial growth if not cleaned thoroughly.
Teflon-type coating fume inhalation
Natural seasoning on bare cast iron does not contain Teflon-type coating or any synthetic Teflon-family coating, so overheating will not release polymer fumes. This eliminates a major hazard associated with traditional nonstick cookware.
Lead or cadmium in surface coatings
Bare cast iron has no applied enamel, glaze, or ceramic coating, so there is no source for lead or cadmium contamination. This hazard is specific to enameled or coated cast iron products.
Aluminum leaching
The AUS-ION is cast iron, not aluminum, so aluminum leaching is not a concern. This hazard applies only to aluminum or hard-anodized cookware.
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.