Tramontina · Cast Iron Skillets
Tramontina 12.5" Cast Iron Skillet
Lower PFAS concern, traditional cast iron with no synthetic coatings.
Tramontina's 12.5" cast iron skillet is made from uncoated cast iron with seasoning, a foundational material without synthetic Teflon-family coating coatings. Cast iron does not require Teflon-type coating or PFAS-based treatments to function.
Shop Tramontina on Amazon →Material
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
This skillet is bare cast iron with a natural seasoning layer (typically oil-based polymerization on the surface). Cast iron itself is chemically inert when properly seasoned and does not leach metals at normal cooking temperatures. The seasoning layer is what protects the underlying iron from rust and creates the non-stick surface. Unlike enameled cast iron or modern non-stick coatings, there is no synthetic polymer topcoat that can degrade, flake, or release harmful fumes.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tramontina is a major Brazilian cookware manufacturer with no documented safety recalls for this cast iron line in public records. The company does not issue explicit PFAS or safety certifications for this product category, which is typical for traditional cast iron makers. No formalized hazard disclosure or third-party certifications are publicly available, but the absence of recalls and the simplicity of the product design suggest routine compliance with food contact regulations.
How it compares in its category
Bare seasoned cast iron is the baseline category standard and avoids the risks of enameled variants (lead in glazes is a historical concern with some enamelware) and modern non-stick coatings (Teflon-type coating fumes, PFOA legacy). Tramontina's cast iron is competitively positioned and performs identically to heritage brands like Lodge or vintage pieces. Price is typically lower than enameled or premium heritage options.
If you buy it
Maintain the seasoning by oiling lightly after each wash and occasional stovetop heat-seasoning to prevent rust and preserve non-stick properties. Cast iron can be safely used on all heat sources including high temperatures without coating failure. Replace only if structural damage (cracks, severe rust) occurs; cast iron is durable for decades. Hand wash promptly after use and store dry to prevent corrosion; do not leave soaking wet.
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 at low pH
Acidic foods (tomatoes, vinegar, wine) can dissolve small amounts of iron from seasoned cast iron, especially in new unseasoned pans or damaged seasoning. This is generally not a health concern for adults and may even provide supplemental dietary iron, but should be minimized in cookware for vulnerable populations.
Seasoning degradation and rust
If the seasoning layer is not maintained through proper washing and occasional re-oiling, bare iron will oxidize and rust. Rust itself is not acutely toxic but rough particles can contaminate food and the pan becomes unusable without restoration.
Thermal mass and burn risk
Cast iron skillets retain heat intensely and can remain dangerously hot long after removal from heat, increasing risk of accidental contact burns. This is a use-safety issue rather than a material toxicity issue.
Lead or cadmium in recycled iron scrap
No public recalls or testing data for Tramontina cast iron indicate contamination from heavy metals in the raw iron material. Modern cast iron manufacturing typically sources virgin or well-screened scrap iron, though formal certifications are not routinely disclosed.
Coating delamination or particle shedding
Bare seasoned cast iron has no topcoat to peel, flake, or shed microparticles. The seasoning is a cured oil layer integral to the surface, not a discrete coating that can separate over time.
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.