Artisan · Silicone Cutting & Prep Boards
Silicone Non-stick Crafting Mat
Silicone is lower risk, but nonstick properties are unspecified.
Silicone itself isn't a PFAS source, but the nonstick function raises questions about hidden coatings or treatments.
The safe swap
Tovolo
Tovolo TrueBake Silicone Baking 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 (stated)
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Advertised as non-stick but coating type is not explained.
Category baseline
PFAS exposure happens more often with clothing products.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Teflon-type coating or fluorinated nonstick coating (if present)
Artisan has not disclosed whether the nonstick layer uses Teflon-type coating, FEP, or other fluorinated compounds. If present and heated above ~500 F, fume inhalation risk exists, though crafting mats are typically used at room temperature. Confirmation from manufacturer is necessary.
Silicone degradation and particle release
Over years of use, especially with frequent folding or exposure to heat, silicone can crack and shed microparticles. For a crafting mat this is a minor risk since particles are not ingested, but replacement is prudent if visible wear occurs.
What’s reassuring
Heavy metals
Food-grade silicone typically uses approved pigments, but Artisan does not provide composition data. Craft-grade silicone mats may face less scrutiny. No recalls or test failures are publicly recorded for this brand.
Source: FDA ↗Lead
Silicone mats are not glazed like ceramics, so traditional glaze contamination does not apply. However, colorants in silicone formulations are the only plausible source; risk is minimal if the product meets basic US labeling standards, though verification is absent.
Source: ATSDR ↗Off-gassing of volatiles at room temperature
Food-grade silicone typically has minimal VOC emissions. Artisan has not published off-gas testing, so residual monomer or processing solvent cannot be ruled out, but this is uncommon in finished silicone products sold in the US.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product is a silicone-based crafting mat, which is fundamentally different from traditional nonstick cookware. Food-grade silicone itself is chemically inert, meaning it does not leach into materials it contacts under normal use. However, the term "nonstick" here requires clarification: if the nonstick property comes from a coating (rather than silicone's inherent slickness), the coating's composition matters significantly. Artisan has not disclosed the source or type of any topcoat, leaving uncertainty about whether Teflon-type coating or other fluorinated compounds are present.
The brand's record and disclosure
Artisan's public stance on material sourcing and safety certifications is largely absent from available records. The brand does not advertise third-party testing, FDA approval, or transparent material specifications on widely accessible platforms. This silence is typical of small craft-supply brands but means independent verification of claims is limited. No recalls or safety controversies specific to Artisan silicone mats appear in public databases, though absence of record does not confirm safety.
How it compares in its category
Silicone crafting mats occupy a lower-risk tier compared to traditional nonstick cookware because they are not designed for direct food contact at high heat. Most silicone alternatives avoid the lead-in-ceramic and Teflon-type coating-fume risks that plague older nonstick pans. However, they lack the regulatory oversight food cookware receives, so material purity is less assured. For craft use (not cooking), silicone mats are considerably safer than reusable plastic cutting surfaces or phthalate-prone vinyl mats.
If you buy it
Store the mat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent silicone degradation. Do not expose it to temperatures above 400-500 degrees Fahrenheit (check product specs); silicone can degrade and potentially off-gas if overheated. If the mat develops visible cracks, discoloration, or odor, replace it. Hand wash with mild soap; avoid scouring pads that can scar the surface and potentially release particles.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% 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.