17. Zwilling — PFAS-FREE (Most Lines)
PFAS Status: No PFAS in ceramic and stainless lines; verify specific products.
Coating: Ceraforce ceramic (PFAS-free) or none (stainless steel)
Zwilling, the German company best known for J.A. Henckels knives, has committed publicly to phasing out PFAS across its entire cookware range. The Clad CFX line uses Ceraforce XTREME ceramic nonstick coating, confirmed PTFE-free and PFAS-free by the manufacturer. The Spirit and Aurora stainless steel lines are also completely PFAS-free.
Durability reviews for Zwilling’s ceramic coating run above average, partly because the ceramic sits on a fully-clad stainless steel body rather than aluminum. At $100-180 per pan, Clad CFX competes in the premium ceramic nonstick tier. Best pick: Zwilling Clad CFX for ceramic nonstick; Zwilling Spirit for stainless steel.
18. Staub — PFAS-FREE
PFAS Status: No PFAS — enameled cast iron only.
Coating: Matte black enamel interior (glass-based)
Made in Alsace, France and owned by Zwilling, Staub produces enameled cast iron exclusively. No PTFE products exist anywhere in their catalog. The coating is porcelain enamel fused to cast iron at temperatures exceeding 1,500 degrees Fahrenheit.
What separates Staub from Le Creuset is the matte black interior enamel. It develops a patina over time and improves food release. The self-basting lid with internal spikes promotes moisture retention in a way unique to the brand. Pricing ($200-350 for cocottes) runs comparable to Le Creuset. Best for: Serious cooks who want heirloom-quality, completely PFAS-free cookware.
[INTERNAL_LINK: Cast Iron vs. Ceramic vs. Stainless Steel: Complete Cookware Comparison]Quick Reference: PFAS Status Summary
| Brand | PFAS/PTFE? | Safe Lines Available? |
|---|---|---|
| Teflon | Yes | No |
| T-fal | Yes | Ceramic Chef line only |
| Calphalon | Yes (nonstick) | Stainless steel lines |
| All-Clad | Yes (nonstick) | Stainless steel lines |
| GreenPan | No | All lines PFAS-free |
| Caraway | No | All lines PFAS-free |
| Our Place | No | All lines PFAS-free |
| Lodge | No | All lines PFAS-free |
| Le Creuset | No | All lines PFAS-free |
| Scanpan | Yes | Impact (ceramic) line only |
| Cuisinart | Yes (nonstick) | Stainless steel lines |
| Circulon | Yes | No |
| Rachael Ray | Yes | No |
| Farberware | Yes (nonstick) | Classic Stainless only |
| HexClad | Yes | No |
| Made In | Yes (nonstick only) | Stainless & carbon steel |
| Zwilling | No | All current lines PFAS-free |
| Staub | No | All lines PFAS-free |
How to Choose PFAS-Free Cookware
The rule is straightforward: avoid anything labeled “nonstick” unless it explicitly states “PTFE-free” or “PFAS-free.” The Nature Sustainability study makes the stakes clear. “PFOA-free” isn’t enough. That label means one legacy PFAS chemical was removed while the PTFE coating remains.
Your safest options fall into four categories: cast iron (Lodge, Le Creuset, Staub), stainless steel (All-Clad, Made In, Zwilling Spirit), carbon steel (Made In, Lodge), and certified ceramic nonstick (GreenPan, Caraway, Our Place, Zwilling Clad CFX).
If you currently cook with PTFE-coated pans, don’t panic, but plan to replace them. Prioritize any pan with scratching, peeling, or discoloration. In the meantime, keep PTFE pans below 450 degrees Fahrenheit, use only wooden or silicone utensils, and run the exhaust fan while cooking.
Your cookware isn’t the only PFAS source in the kitchen, either. Tap water in many areas carries measurable PFAS contamination, and boiling concentrates those chemicals in food. A reverse osmosis under-sink filter removes up to 99% of PFAS from cooking and drinking water. The APEC Water Systems ROES-50 and Aquasana OptimH2O are both NSF-certified for PFAS removal. [See Our Full Water Filter Recommendations]
[INTERNAL_LINK: PFAS-Free Kitchen: Complete Transition Guide] [INTERNAL_LINK: 25 Everyday Products That Contain PFAS]The Bottom Line
Of the 18 brands we reviewed, eight sell cookware that’s entirely PFAS-free: GreenPan, Caraway, Our Place, Lodge, Le Creuset, Staub, and Zwilling, along with Made In’s stainless and carbon steel lines. Four more brands (Calphalon, All-Clad, Cuisinart, and Farberware) offer PFAS-free stainless steel alongside their PTFE nonstick lines. The remaining brands sell PTFE-coated products with no safe alternative in their catalogs.
The “PFOA-free” label dominating cookware packaging doesn’t mean PFAS-free. Until regulators force clearer labeling, the responsibility falls on you to read beyond the marketing. Check for PTFE in the product specs. When in doubt, stainless steel, cast iron, and carbon steel remain the safest bets on any budget.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
If you have experienced health issues linked to PFAS exposure, consulting a qualified attorney is a recommended first step. Most PFAS attorneys operate on a contingency basis.
Sources
- Luo, Y., et al. “Nonstick coating degradation and release of micro/nanoplastics from cookware.” Nature Sustainability, 2022. nature.com
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “PFOA Stewardship Program.” epa.gov
- EPA Science Advisory Board. Review of replacement chemicals in PTFE manufacturing.
- Manufacturer disclosures and material safety data sheets from all 18 brands reviewed.
- Cook’s Illustrated independent cookware testing and reviews.