Sur La Table · Dutch Ovens
Sur La Table 5-Quart Enameled Cast Iron Round Dutch Oven in Blue – Versatile Covered Pot for Braising, Baking, Stews and Deep Frying
Lower PFAS concern, traditional enameled cast iron cookware without nonstick or special coatings.
This is a classic enameled Dutch oven with cast iron core and vitreous enamel surface coating. Vitreous enamel (fused glass) is not a Teflon-family coating and does not typically require PFAS.
Shop Sur La Table on Amazon →Material
enameled cast iron (vitreous enamel coating over cast iron base)
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.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This Dutch oven consists of cast iron base topped with a vitreous enamel coating (a glass-like layer fused to the metal surface at high temperature). Vitreous enamel is chemically inert once cured and does not release harmful chemicals during normal cooking. The enameled surface prevents direct contact between food and cast iron, eliminating iron leaching concerns and eliminating the need for seasoning maintenance required on bare cast iron.
The brand's record and disclosure
Sur La Table is a major U.S. cookware retailer with a long-standing reputation for kitchen equipment. The brand has not issued public safety certifications or PFAS commitments on Dutch ovens, nor has there been a recorded recall or safety complaint involving enameled cast iron cookware from this manufacturer. No established controversies regarding coating safety or material disclosure are on record.
How it compares in its category
Enameled cast iron Dutch ovens (such as Le Creuset and Staub) are considered a lower-risk cookware category compared to nonstick pans or aluminum. The enamel coating is inherently PFAS-free and does not degrade into microparticles with normal use. This product falls in the middle-to-premium segment; Sur La Table branded versions are typically more affordable than luxury European brands while offering comparable material safety.
If you buy it
Avoid sudden temperature shocks (moving from stovetop directly to cold water), as this can crack the enamel. The enamel is durable but not scratch-proof; inspect it annually for chips or crazing (fine cracks). If the enamel is damaged, stop using the piece, as exposed cast iron can rust and iron content in food may spike. Hand washing is recommended to extend coating life; dishwashers can wear the surface over time.
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 or cadmium in enamel glaze
Vitreous enamel used by established cookware manufacturers in the U.S. and EU is regulated to exclude lead and cadmium. No test results or recalls specific to Sur La Table enameled cast iron have been published. Traditional enamels are considered safe if manufactured to current standards.
Enamel coating degradation and flaking
Enameled cookware can develop chips or crazing (fine cracks) with heavy use or thermal stress. Small enamel flakes pose minimal risk if swallowed; however, large chips expose the iron below and allow rust formation. Inspect regularly and replace if damage is visible.
Iron leaching from exposed cast iron
If the enamel coating is cracked or chipped, acidic foods (tomato, vinegar, wine) can leach iron from the underlying cast iron. This is not a toxicity hazard per se, but excess dietary iron may be undesirable for certain populations (e.g., those with hemochromatosis).
Thermal shock fracture
Enameled cast iron is prone to sudden cracking if moved from high heat to cold water. This is a durability issue rather than a chemical safety concern, but it can create sharp edges and expose the base metal.
Teflon-type coating or nonstick polymer fumes
This is a traditional enameled Dutch oven without nonstick coating. Vitreous enamel does not emit fumes at normal cooking temperatures and is not Teflon-type coating-based.
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 Dutch Ovens
All-Clad
Crate & Barrel All-Clad Cast Iron Braiser
cast iron, enameled
Lower concern, cast iron and enameled ceramic don't use PFAS-based nonsticks.
⚠Risky category by default
Misen
Missen Dutch Oven 7 Qt
enameled cast iron
Lower PFAS concern, enameled cast iron carries minimal risk if enamel coating is intact.
⚠Risky category by default
Our Place
Dutch Oven Pot
Enameled cast iron (non-stick ceramic enamel coating)
Lower-concern option; brand claims PFAS-free but lacks third-party verification.
⚠Risky category by default
More dutch ovens 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.