Artisan · Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Hello Hobby Silicone Craft Mat
Silicone craft mats rarely contain PFAS.
Silicone is naturally low-PFAS and requires no Teflon-family coating coatings, though Hello Hobby offers no PFAS statement.
The safe swap
Teflon
Fiskars Silicone Craft Mat
80/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
silicone
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Silicone oligomer leaching at high heat
Silicone can release trace cyclic oligomers when heated above 400-500F for extended periods. Risk is minimal for craft use but increases if the mat is repurposed as a food-contact surface near direct heat sources. Intended craft applications carry negligible exposure.
Surface degradation and microparticle release
Prolonged UV exposure, aggressive cleaning, or thermal cycling may cause silicone to harden and shed microscopic particles. This is a wear-related risk over years of use, not an acute hazard, and is typical of all silicone products.
Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
New silicone products may emit trace VOCs during initial unpacking and use. Airing the mat outdoors or in a well-ventilated space for a few hours before craft use will minimize any odor or vapor exposure; this is a transient, non-hazardous occurrence typical of rubber and silicone goods.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Lead
No documented incidents or testing data for Hello Hobby silicone mats. If the mat contains added colorants, standard FDA compliance for non-food silicone products generally permits safe pigments, but Artisan has not disclosed pigment sourcing or testing.
Source: ATSDR ↗Phthalates
Silicone does not require phthalate plasticizers to function; formulations may include other additives for flexibility or durability, but none are documented in public records for this product.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Hello Hobby mats are silicone-based, a polymer that does not contain the volatile fluorinated compounds found in traditional non-stick coatings like Teflon-type coating. Silicone is chemically inert across typical craft and moderate heat exposure (typically stable to 400-500F depending on formulation), meaning it does not off-gas toxic fumes during normal use. Unlike ceramic or enamel cookware, silicone mats have no glazed surface prone to crazing or heavy metal leaching. The material's flexibility and non-adhesive surface make it popular for crafting, baking molds, and protective work surfaces.
The brand's record and disclosure
Artisan has not publicly disclosed formal safety certifications, testing results, or PFAS avoidance commitments for this product line. The brand maintains a largely silent stance on material sourcing and third-party compliance, which is common among budget craft-goods manufacturers. No recalls or safety incidents tied to Hello Hobby silicone mats have been documented in public records. The lack of transparency does not indicate a hazard but reflects typical industry practice for non-food hobby products.
How it compares in its category
Silicone craft mats occupy a safer niche than traditional non-stick cookware; they avoid Teflon-type coating and ceramic-glaze risks entirely. They are more durable and less prone to surface degradation than rubber or PVC alternatives, which may leach plasticizers or off-gas over time. However, they are categorized as craft tools rather than food-contact cookware, so they face less regulatory oversight than baking sheets or pans. Premium brands (e.g., OXO, Artbeads) may offer clearer safety documentation, but functional risk is broadly equivalent across silicone mat products.
If you buy it
Use this mat for crafts, jewelry making, or temporary baking applications away from direct stovetop flame. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 500F, as silicone can degrade and potentially leach oligomers at extreme heat. Clean with mild soap and warm water; do not use harsh solvents or abrasive scrubbing that may compromise surface integrity. Replace the mat if you observe permanent discoloration, hardening, or visible degradation, though silicone typically remains serviceable for years with standard care.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 78% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Artisan has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Silikomart
Silicone Grip Mat
silicone rubber grip mat, non-coated
Siloxane leaching (low-molecular-weight oligomers)
Limited concern
Microparticle shedding from grip surface
Limited concern
Mold or bacterial growth in surface texture
Limited concern
Low concern; silicone grip mats rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Pyrex
Rockler Silicone Project Mat
silicone
Bacterial or mold growth if unmaintained
Limited concern
Migration of manufacturing residue or plasticizers
Limited concern
Silicone project mat carries low concern; no coating risk.
⚠Risky category by default
Pyrex
1, Size: 29cm/11.42 x 26cm/10.24 (Approx.)40cm/15.75 x 30cm/11.81 (Approx.)50cm/19.69 x 40cm/15.75 (Approx.)60cm/23.62 x
borosilicate glass
Thermal shock fracture and cutting hazard
Moderate concern
Lid or handle coating hazards
Limited concern
Minimal concern. Pyrex borosilicate glass is inherently PFAS-free.
⚠Risky category by default
More silicone cutting & prep boards 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.