Calphalon Premier Hard-Anodized Nonstick 13" Deep Skillet with Lid
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 safe swap
Pyrex
Pyrex Ceramic Cookware Set
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.
What’s concerning
PTFE / Teflon confirmed
Contains Teflon-type coating, also called Teflon, a type of PFAS.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
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 ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
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.
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 we don’t know
- 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.
Safer alternatives in Cookware
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Limited concern
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Limited concern
Microparticle shedding from coating
Limited concern
Low risk, safe to use.
⚠Risky category by default
Scanpan
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Ceramic coating degradation and aluminum leaching
Limited concern
Microplastic or particulate shedding from coating
Limited concern
Low risk, safe to use.
⚠Risky category by default
GreenPan
Chatham Ceramic Nonstick Frypan Set
Ceramic coating degradation over time
Limited concern
Thermal shock and handle integrity
Limited concern
Low risk, safe to use.
⚠Risky category by default
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.