Chicago Metallic Baking Sheet
PFAS confirmed or highly likely, we recommend avoiding it. This is a model-based estimate from materials and available data, not a lab test.
The better-graded swap
Caraway
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Medium Baking Sheet
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.
Is Chicago Metallic Baking Sheet non-toxic? What it is made of
Chicago Metallic baking sheets are typically manufactured from aluminized steel or steel with a dark non-stick coating, though exact composition varies by product line and is not fully disclosed by the brand. Steel substrates are chemically stable at baking temperatures and do not leach aluminum or other metals into food under normal conditions. The coating type (if present) determines whether Teflon-type coating or other synthetic polymers are involved; this is the primary concern for this product category.
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.
Teflon-type coating/Teflon fume risk from non-stick coating
If this baking sheet uses Teflon-type coating or other Teflon-family coating non-stick coating (not confirmed by brand), overheating above 500F can release fumes. Most standard use in home ovens (typically 350-450F) carries minimal risk, but preheating or broiler use increases exposure potential.
Coating degradation and migration
Repeated thermal cycling, dishwasher use, or abrasion can degrade non-stick or enamel coatings over time, potentially releasing coating particles or exposing underlying metal. No recalls exist for Chicago Metallic sheets, but visual inspection before each use is prudent.
Steel substrate corrosion and rust
If the protective coating is compromised or the sheet is stored wet, surface rust can develop. Rust itself is not a direct ingestion hazard at small levels, but indicates the product is reaching end of life and should be replaced.
What’s reassuring
Aluminum substrate leaching (if applicable)
If the sheet is aluminized steel (aluminum-clad), aluminum leaching into food is negligible at typical baking temperatures. Acidic foods (tomato sauce, lemon) baked on unlined sheets may theoretically increase leaching, but no data exists for Chicago Metallic products specifically.
Heavy metals
No recalls or test results indicate lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in Chicago Metallic baking sheet coatings or printed labels. Brand does not disclose coating composition publicly, so independent verification is not available.
Source, FDA ↗The full breakdown
The brand's record and disclosure
Chicago Metallic is a long-established US bakeware manufacturer (part of Groupe SEB) with no major product safety recalls or public health incidents on record for their baking sheets. The brand does not publish detailed material safety data or PFAS disclosure statements on their consumer-facing website. No third-party certifications (NSF, FDA compliance statements) are prominently advertised for this line.
How it compares in its category
Steel and aluminized-steel baking sheets like this are considered a mid-tier option between bare aluminum (faster heat transfer, slight leaching risk in acidic foods) and ceramic or glass (slower heating, no leaching). Chicago Metallic's reputation for durability is solid within commercial foodservice; consumer-grade versions perform similarly to OXO, Calphalon, and store-brand equivalents. Non-stick coatings on steel sheets carry identical Teflon-type coating concerns as non-stick cookware, pending confirmation of this specific product's coating.
If you buy it
Use at temperatures under 500F to avoid coating degradation and potential fume release. Hand wash only if non-stick coated; dishwasher use accelerates coating wear. Inspect the surface regularly for scratches, peeling, or discoloration; discard if coating is compromised. Store in a dry location to prevent rust on steel edges or substrate.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 40% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Chicago Metallic has made a specific claim
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Better-graded alternatives in Bakeware
Caraway
Nonstick Ceramic Medium Baking Sheet
- ceramic nonstick coating
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Ceramic coating degradation over time
Caraway
Ceramic Nonstick Baking Sheet Duo
- ceramic nonstick coating
- A third party reports verifying it as PFAS-free
- Coating degradation and durability
2 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
Caraway
Nonstick Ceramic Large Baking Sheet
- ceramic nonstick coating
- The brand calls it PFAS-free, which we have not verified
- Ceramic coating degradation and particle shedding
3 hazards checked on this product. See all of them.
More bakeware 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.