Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 13" Deep Skillet with Lid, Is It Non-Toxic?
High risk for PFAS exposure from nonstick coating.
This nonstick skillet uses a nonstick coating that raises PFAS concerns. No brand disclosure or testing data is available.
The better-graded swap
Made In
Made In Stainless Clad Fry Pan
100/100 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.
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Is Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Lid non-toxic? What it is made of
Calphalon Premier hard-anodized skillets are constructed from aluminum that has been electrochemically hardened to increase durability and scratch resistance. The nonstick surface is applied over this anodized layer. Hard-anodization creates a dense oxide barrier on the aluminum, which significantly reduces the likelihood of aluminum leaching into food compared to raw aluminum cookware. The nonstick coating's specific chemistry (whether Teflon-type coating-based or ceramic-hybrid) determines risks around fume release and coating longevity.
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
PTFE / Teflon confirmed
Uses Teflon-type coating (Teflon), a Teflon-family coating in the PFAS family.
Teflon-type coating nonstick fume risk
Calphalon Premier hard-anodized cookware coating chemistry is not transparently disclosed. If Teflon-type coating-based, overheating above 500°F can release fumes; risk is low during normal use but present if overheated or damaged.
Coating degradation and wear
Consumer reports document gradual nonstick loss after 2-3 years of regular use; this is typical for mid-range nonstick cookware. Dishwasher use accelerates degradation. Worn coating increases contact between food and underlying substrate.
Lid seal or handle material safety
This model includes a lid; composition (glass vs. silicone gasket, handle material) is not specified in standard product descriptions. Potential for off-gassing from silicone or adhesives, though unlikely at normal temperatures.
What’s reassuring
Aluminum leaching
Hard-anodization significantly mitigates aluminum leaching risk compared to bare aluminum. No documented cases of leaching from Calphalon hard-anodized cookware have been reported.
Lead
Calphalon hard-anodized cookware does not carry public recalls for lead or cadmium contamination. Hard-anodization is a well-controlled industrial process; contamination risk is low but not independently verified here.
Source, ATSDR ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
The brand's record and disclosure
Calphalon has not published detailed PFAS phase-out commitments or third-party certifications visible on their cookware lines. The brand does not prominently disclose coating chemistry (Teflon-type coating vs. Teflon-type coating-free) on retail listings for this model, making independent verification difficult. No major product recalls specific to lead, cadmium, or coating failure have been publicly documented for Calphalon hard-anodized cookware in recent years. The company is owned by Groupe SEB, a multinational with variable environmental transparency across product lines.
How it compares in its category
Hard-anodized cookware sits in the mid-range safety profile for nonstick skillets. It is more durable and less prone to aluminum leaching than bare aluminum, but typically carries higher Teflon-type coating risk than ceramic nonstick or stainless steel alternatives. Calphalon's hard-anodized line is competitively priced; premium brands like All-Clad or GreenPan offer explicit Teflon-type coating-free or ceramic options at higher cost. Budget nonstick brands may use lower-grade coatings with faster degradation.
If you buy it
Use on low to medium-high heat only; never preheat empty or use broiler temperatures, as nonstick coatings degrade and release fumes above 500°F. Hand-wash with soft sponges to preserve coating; dishwasher use accelerates wear. Inspect the nonstick surface regularly for chips, flaking, or discoloration. Replace the skillet if coating damage is visible, as continued use on a compromised surface increases exposure to the underlying layers. Avoid acidic foods stored in the pan to minimize any aluminum contact.
What is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 85% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Calphalon has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
What are the PFAS-free alternatives to Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 13" Deep Skillet with Lid?
- Stainless steel clad construction, no nonstick coating
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Clad separation or delamination over time
- stainless steel clad construction, no nonstick coating
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Nickel leaching from stainless steel
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Clad stainless steel, no coating
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Metal ion release during cooking (iron, nickel, chromium)
More cookware 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.