Calphalon · Non-Stick Baking Molds
Silicone Pillow Baking Mold
Lower concern. Bare silicone unlikely to contain PFAS.
Bare silicone baking molds are naturally PFAS-free unless they receive water or stain-resistant treatments. Calphalon hasn't disclosed PFAS data, but silicone itself poses lower risk than coated nonstick cookware.
The safe swap
Calphalon
Square Savarin Silicone Baking Mold
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 mold, no nonstick coating
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 degradation at high heat
While food-grade silicone is stable below 500F, exposure to sustained temperatures above this range may cause microscopic breakdown and leaching of oligomers (uncrosslinked silicone fragments). No health threshold is established for ingestion of these compounds, but manufacturers recommend respecting temperature limits.
Bacterial or mold growth in crevices
Silicone molds with intricate shapes can trap moisture and food residue in seams or details. If not dried thoroughly after washing, microbial growth can occur. This is a use-and-care issue rather than a material hazard; proper drying prevents it.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber with no PFAS risk.
Migration of uncrosslinked oligomers
Food-grade silicone sold in the US is regulated to minimize uncrosslinked fractions, and migration into typical baked goods (brief contact, moderate fat content) has not been documented as a safety concern in published literature or regulatory warnings.
Heavy metals
Calphalon silicone molds are typically plain white or neutral colors. If colored dyes are used, FDA food-contact silicone regulations restrict heavy metal content. No recalls or findings of cadmium, lead, or antimony in Calphalon silicone baking molds have been recorded.
Source: FDA ↗Off-gassing of volatiles
Unlike foam cushioning or PVC-based products, silicone does not emit formaldehyde or phthalate fumes during normal storage or use. Brand reports or testing for volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing are not available, but this hazard is not typical for food-contact silicone.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This product is a food-grade silicone mold with no non-stick coating applied. Silicone is a synthetic polymer (polydimethylsiloxane) that remains stable at normal baking temperatures (up to 500F). Unlike coated cookware, bare silicone does not degrade into harmful fumes or particles during use, and it does not leach metal oxides or synthetic coatings into food.
The brand's record and disclosure
Calphalon has not published detailed safety certifications or PFAS commitments for this specific product line. The brand manufactures both traditional non-stick cookware (which historically contained Teflon-type coating) and silicone accessories. No recalls or safety violations have been recorded for Calphalon silicone baking molds as of available public records.
How it compares in its category
Silicone molds are among the safest options in baking accessory categories, avoiding hazards common to glazed ceramic, enameled cast iron, or coated metal molds. They eliminate concerns about coating flaking, lead in glaze, or non-stick chemical degradation. Metal or glass alternatives carry lower risk for leaching but are less flexible and may require more oil or spray.
If you buy it
Do not exceed 500F (check product label for exact limit). Avoid contact with sharp utensils that could puncture the mold. Hand wash or use gentle machine cycles; dishwasher use may shorten lifespan over time. Replace if you notice visible tears, permanent discoloration, or sticky residue that does not wash off. Store away from direct sunlight when not in use to slow aging of the material.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 82% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Calphalon has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Non-Stick Baking Molds
Calphalon
Square Savarin Silicone Baking Mold
Food-grade silicone
Degradation and brittleness over time
Limited concern
Mold and bacterial colonization
Limited concern
Odor and flavor absorption
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern; silicone baking molds don't typically contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
Calphalon
Silicone Baking Mold (Alphabet)
Silicone (food-grade)
Silicone degradation and microparticle shedding
Limited concern
Bacterial colonization if improperly stored
Limited concern
Lower concern. Silicone baking molds rarely contain PFAS.
⚠Risky category by default
More non-stick baking molds 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.