What Is Teflon? The Truth About PTFE, PFAS, and Safer Cookware Options
Author: Hamlet Fort | December 11, 2025 | Time to read: 7 min
Teflon has long held a place in home kitchens — the surface that made stuck-on eggs and post-dinner scrubbing feel like problems of the past. But as more research brings PFAS chemicals into focus, many cooks are rethinking the materials they use every single day. Understanding what Teflon actually is (and isn’t) can help you make more informed choices about your cookware and overall kitchen safety.
So, what is Teflon?
In short: Teflon is PTFE, a type of PFAS chemical known for extreme resistance to heat and stains. That same stability means PFAS don’t easily break down, which is why they’re often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
What Exactly Is Teflon?
Teflon® (owned by The Chemours Company, formerly DuPont) is the brand name for polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a fluorinated polymer.. Discovered in 1938 by a DuPont scientist, PTFE was initially used in military applications before making its way into consumer products. Over time, the Teflon® family expanded to include multiple fluorinated compounds, many of which fall under the broader category of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are known for their resistance to heat, water, and stains — but that same durability means they don’t break down easily. Because they end up staying in the environment, PFAS have been dubbed “forever chemicals.”
PFAS vs. PTFE vs. PFOA
These acronyms are often used together, but they have distinct meanings:
PFAS: A broad category of synthetic chemicals used in stain-, grease-, and water-resistant products.
PTFE: A specific PFAS used in traditional nonstick cookware. Teflon is a type of PTFE.
PFOA: A PFAS previously used in the production of PTFE coatings. It was phased out in the U.S. by 2014 due to health concerns.
Many pans labeled “PFOA-free” still contain PTFE — so they are not PFAS-free. For a full breakdown of cookware materials, our Best Cookware Material Guide goes deeper into how each type performs.
Is Teflon Safe?
The safety conversation around Teflon generally centers on two issues: fume exposure from overheating and broader PFAS exposure in daily life.
1. Overheating PTFE Coatings
PTFE coatings can release fumes when heated to extremely high temperatures, particularly when a pan is preheated empty. This can cause “Teflon flu,” a temporary flu-like reaction.
2. Environmental and Health Impact of PFAS
Outside the kitchen, PFAS chemicals persist in soil, drinking water, and even air. Studies have connected long-term PFAS exposure with:
Hormone disruption
Certain cancers
Immune system effects
Elevated cholesterol
Potential developmental concerns
While cookware is only one potential exposure source, many home cooks choose to reduce PFAS wherever possible — especially in high-heat, everyday cooking tools.
💡Pro Tip
No matter what kind of nonstick pan you use, avoid preheating an empty pan. Low to medium heat is best for nonstick surfaces and helps prevent overheating — one of the main contributors to coating breakdown.
Is Teflon Harmful?
PTFE itself is stable under normal cooking temperatures however the concern around PTFE coated cookware comes from:
Their PFAS classification (environmental persistence)
The risks of overheating, releasing harmful Forever Chemicals
The shift and desire for non-toxic, PFAS-free kitchens
This is part of why many cooks are turning to materials that offer nonstick performance without PFAS.
PFAS-Free Alternatives: Safer Cookware Options
If you're looking to reduce PFAS in your kitchen, several materials offer excellent performance without relying on PTFE.
Ceramic Nonstick
A PFAS-free, silica-based coating that delivers a naturally slick surface. It performs best on low to medium heat and is great for everyday tasks.
Our Always Pan® uses Thermakind®, an exclusive PFAS-, PTFE-, and microplastic-free ceramic nonstick — one example of a modern alternative designed for ease.
Titanium (No-Coating Technology)
Our NoCo® pressed titanium pans create a nonstick effect through engineered texture rather than chemicals. They are PFAS-free and built for high heat, offering durability and excellent searing power.
Stainless Steel
A classic option for browning, deglazing, and oven finishing. While not nonstick, stainless steel offers long-term durability and great flavor development when used with the proper “heat → oil → food” technique.
Carbon Steel
Lightweight, high-heat compatible, and capable of building a natural nonstick patina over time.
For more comparison details, our article on Is Ceramic Cookware Safe? explores what makes PFAS-free coatings different.
💡Pro Tip
If you prefer a PFAS-free nonstick experience, ceramic-coated pans and no-coating titanium options offer everyday ease without relying on traditional PTFE-based coatings.
Why Many Cooks Are Moving Beyond Teflon
Regulatory groups worldwide are evaluating restrictions on PFAS due to environmental persistence and health concerns. Some U.S. states have already enacted PFAS limits in consumer goods, and European regulators are pursuing broader PFAS phaseouts.
For many home cooks, this shift has clarified a simple goal: choose materials aligned with long-term wellness and transparency.
The Bottom Line
Teflon changed home cooking, but our understanding of PFAS has evolved. If you’re looking to reduce PFAS in your kitchen, PFAS-free cookware like ceramic nonstick, titanium, carbon steel, stainless steel, or enameled cast iron offers reliable performance without relying on traditional PTFE coatings.
Cooking should feel good — for your food, your home, and your peace of mind.
FAQs About Teflon
Is Teflon the same as PTFE?
Yes. Teflon is the brand name for PTFE, a type of PFAS.
Is Teflon still used today?
Yes. Many traditional nonstick pans still rely on PTFE coatings.
Is Teflon safe if it isn’t overheated?
Under typical low to medium heat cooking, PTFE coatings are generally stable. The risk increases when a pan is overheated or left empty on high heat.
What temperature is dangerous for Teflon?
PTFE can begin to degrade at very high temperatures, especially when heated empty. Avoid high heat on all nonstick surfaces.
Does “PFOA-free” mean PFAS-free?
No. A PTFE pan can be PFOA-free while still containing PFAS chemicals.
Are ceramic nonstick pans safer than Teflon?
Ceramic nonstick is PFAS-free and made from a silica-based sol-gel coating. It’s a popular choice for cooks looking to avoid PFAS entirely.
How can I reduce PFAS exposure in the kitchen?
Choose cookware made without PFAS (PTFE), avoid high heat on nonstick surfaces, and look for transparent materials disclosures from brands.
