Simply Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Cake Pan, Is It Non-Toxic?
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 better-graded swap
Nordic Ware
Heritage Bundt Pan 10 Cup
85/100 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)
Lab data
No public lab test
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Is Simply Calphalon Nonstick Round Cake Pan non-toxic? What it is made of
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).
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.
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Marketed as non-stick without stating the coating chemistry.
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 ↗How is this PFAS grade calculated?
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 is not known about PFAS in this product?
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% 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 Simply Calphalon Nonstick Bakeware 9-Inch Round Cake Pan?
- Cast iron with natural seasoning
- Coating degradation over time
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Cast aluminum with non-stick coating
- Non-stick coating degradation and particle release
3 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
- Enameled cast iron (enamel coating over cast iron body)
- Enamel coating degradation and metal exposure
2 hazards checked on this product, all on its full breakdown.
Find an alternative on AmazonMore bundt pans grades
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