What it is
PTFE is a fluoropolymer — a plastic-like coating built from repeating tetrafluoroethylene units. It is the material sold under trade names like Teflon.
It is a member of the broader PFAS family, and until 2015 it was manufactured using PFOA as a processing aid.
Why it matters
PTFE begins to break down around 260°C / 500°F, releasing fumes shown to cause 'polymer fume fever' in humans and to be lethal to pet birds.
Even when the coating itself is intact, scratches and flaking release micro-particles into food.
Modern PTFE cookware is PFOA-free but still contains fluoropolymer chemistry — a distinction many product labels blur.
Common uses
- Traditional nonstick fry pans, sauté pans, and bakeware
- Waffle irons, rice cookers, and slow cooker inserts
- Some hair styling tools and industrial gaskets
Safety considerations
- Never preheat an empty PTFE pan; the coating can reach damaging temperatures within minutes.
- Discard coated pans once scratched or flaking rather than continuing to cook on damaged surface.
- For most home kitchens, uncoated stainless steel, cast iron, or carbon steel deliver decades of performance without the coating question at all.
Where you meet it in the home
- Kitchen — nonstick cookware and bakeware
- Small appliances — waffle irons, air fryer baskets, rice cookers
Related categories
Related essays
Frequently asked questions
Is PTFE safe below 260°C?
In intact form, PTFE is generally considered stable at everyday cooking temperatures. The risks concentrate at high heat and once the coating is damaged.
Is 'ceramic nonstick' PTFE?
No. Ceramic-coated pans use a sol-gel silica coating. They are PTFE-free but tend to lose their nonstick performance faster than PTFE.
Editorial references
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency — Fluoropolymers
- American Chemical Society — Fluoropolymer chemistry background
Last updated 2026-07-18.