Rank #2 · Enameled cast iron
Staub Enameled Cast Iron Cocotte
Strong enameled-iron materials profile with a published independent XRF showing ND for the four heavy metals Lead Safe Mama screens on that gray cocotte.
Materials
Enameled cast iron — inert glass enamel over iron; no PTFE cook surface. Excellent for braises and oven-to-table.
Plastic-free build
Score 7.0/10. Body is enamel on iron. Some knobs/lid hardware may include non-metal parts depending on SKU — check the exact model.
Lab findings
Published figures: Lead Safe Mama: gray Staub coated cast iron La Cocotte — Pb/As/Cd/Hg not detected on tested surfaces; exterior chromium reported at 26,200 ppm (context: chromium is common in stainless/enamel systems). Colorways can differ — this citation is for the gray piece tested.
Lead Safe Mama XRF on a gray Staub La Cocotte reported negative for lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury on the tested interior/exterior surfaces (single piece, 2016 test published 2017).
Caveats
- XRF is total-content surface screening of one piece/color — not a leach test and not a guarantee for every colorway or production year.
- Black enamel interiors can hide seasoning/patina; follow maker care guidance.
Sources cited
- Lead Safe Mama — Gray Staub La Cocotte XRF — ND for Pb, As, Cd, Hg on tested surfaces (gray cocotte). · checked 2026-10-26
- Ecology Center — What’s Cooking? (PFAS/PTFE context) — Category context: FTIR found PTFE on most tested nonstick pans; enamel cast iron is outside that PTFE coating class. · checked 2026-10-26
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Price band: $200–$500 (size/color dependent). Data last reviewed 2026-10-26. Affiliate status never changes rank.