Simply Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Cake Pan
Avoid until Calphalon reveals its nonstick coating formula.
Simply Calphalon won't disclose what makes this pan nonstick or whether PFAS chemicals are involved. The coating stays a black box with no lab verification available.
The safe swap
Le Creuset
Le Creuset Fluted Cake Pan
90/100 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
Nonstick coating (type unspecified, proprietary)
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.
Nonstick coating thermal stability (unspecified chemistry)
Because Calphalon has not disclosed whether this coating contains Teflon-type coating, legacy PFAS, or alternatives, the risk of fume release at elevated temperatures cannot be ruled out. Overheating or damage may trigger degradation.
Coating degradation and flaking
Consumer reports for Simply Calphalon cookware indicate coating wear and peeling after 1-2 years of regular use, particularly with dishwasher exposure or metal utensils. Flaking coating particles in food pose ingestion risk.
Substrate leaching (aluminum if used)
If substrate is aluminum (common in budget nonstick), a damaged or thin nonstick layer may allow aluminum to leach into acidic foods (e.g., tomato-based batters). Risk is low for occasional baking but increases with coating wear.
Uneven heat distribution and hotspots
Simply Calphalon bakeware is typically thinner gauge than premium lines; uneven heating may cause overbaking or scorching at pan edges, though this is a performance rather than toxicity concern.
What’s reassuring
Lead
No recalls or public reports of heavy metal contamination in Simply Calphalon bakeware finishes. Modern US-manufactured nonstick cookware is unlikely to contain these, but Calphalon does not explicitly certify this product lead-free.
Source: ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This pan uses Calphalon's proprietary nonstick coating applied to what is typically steel or aluminum substrate. The coating chemistry is not publicly specified, which prevents independent assessment of whether it contains legacy PFAS (PFOA), next-generation PFAS replacements, or Teflon-type coating-based chemistries. The lack of transparency means users cannot verify the coating's thermal stability or degradation profile at common baking temperatures (typically 350-425°F for cakes).
The brand's record and disclosure
Calphalon has not publicly disclosed the specific nonstick chemistry of this product line as of recent available information. The brand was acquired by Groupe SEB (which also owns T-fal) and has faced no major recalls specific to this bakeware line, but the absence of detailed material transparency is notable compared to competitors who explicitly market PFOA-free or ceramic alternatives. No third-party certifications (e.g., GreenGuard, NSF) are advertised for this product.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mid-market segment. Budget nonstick bakeware often uses Teflon-type coating-based coatings, while premium alternatives offer ceramic coatings or disclose PFAS-free formulations explicitly. Simply Calphalon positions itself as affordable but does not differentiate on coating safety credentials, making it harder to assess relative risk than brands like GreenPan (ceramic) or Lodge (cast iron) in the same price range.
If you buy it
Avoid using above 400°F, as undisclosed nonstick coatings risk thermal degradation and fume release. Hand wash gently to prevent coating damage; abrasive scrubbing or dishwasher cycles accelerate wear. Inspect before each use for peeling, flaking, or discoloration; replace within 2-3 years or sooner if coating damage appears. Do not use metal utensils; stick to silicone, wood, or plastic tools.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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.
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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.