The Best 6 Non Toxic Waffle Makers: PFOA, PFAS, and Teflon Free.
This post is about the non toxic waffle makers.
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Hey there, fellow waffle lovers (in the pancake vs. waffle debate I am definitely team waffle btw)! We’re embarking on a delightful quest to uncover the best non-toxic waffle makers out there. It’s not just about sidestepping those well-known nasties like PFOA and PFAS, but also about dodging any other dubious characters lurking in the world of kitchen appliances.
Imagine a morning where your delicious waffles are not only scrumptious but also free from any health-hazardous substances. I’m not going to lie, there aren’t many perfect options out there for 100% non toxic waffle makers but this is Lowtoxish and we are going to do our best to learn together and to think through what the best options are, even if it’s not perfect. Let’s dive in and discover how your next waffle feast can be both mouth-wateringly tasty and reassuringly safe.
Why Non Toxic Waffle Makers Matter
We Want More Than Just a Tasty Breakfast!
In the realm breakfast realm, non-toxicity in waffle makers is a crucial consideration. Sure, the primary goal is to create delicious, golden-brown waffles, but there’s more to the story. The term ‘non-toxic’ isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a commitment to health and safety.
When we talk about non-toxic waffle makers, we’re looking beyond just the absence of infamous chemicals like PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) and PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). These compounds have been the focus due to their potential health risks, including being linked to certain types of cancers and other health issues. However, they’re just the tip of the iceberg.
Our focus broadens to include other potentially harmful substances. Heavy metals, for instance, can leach into food at high temperatures. Lead and cadmium, sometimes found in cookware coatings, are particularly notorious for their toxic nature. The goal is to ensure that your morning waffle indulgence doesn’t come with a side of heavy metal exposure.
Then there’s the issue of plastics. Certain plastics, when heated, can release chemicals into food. For a waffle maker, where heat is a constant, ensuring that any plastic components are not just BPA-free but also capable of withstanding high temperatures without degrading is vital.
By choosing a non-toxic waffle maker, you’re not just making a choice for better-tasting breakfasts; you’re making a choice for better health. It’s about peace of mind, knowing that the only thing your waffles are soaked in is syrup, not harmful chemicals. Let’s dive into the world where safety meets deliciousness head-on.
Understanding Non Toxic Waffle Makers: What to Consider
When it comes to choosing a non-toxic waffle maker, it’s about more than just avoiding certain chemicals. It’s about understanding the various materials and features that contribute to a safer, healthier cooking experience. Here’s what to consider:
Material Matters When it Comes to Non Toxic Waffle Makers
- Coating: Look for natural non-stick coatings like ceramic or silicone, which avoid the risks associated with PTFE (Teflon). Ensure any silicone used is high-quality and food-grade.
- Body Composition: Prefer materials like stainless steel or cast iron, which don’t leach chemicals into food. They might be heavier but are safer and more durable.
Heat Resistance and Stability
- Temperature Control: Ensure the waffle maker has stable temperature control. Overheating can cause safer coatings to degrade faster and can release harmful substances from less safe materials.
- Heat Distribution: Even heat distribution is key for cooking waffles properly and for the longevity of the non-stick surface.
Manufacturing Standards to Look For In Non Toxic Waffle Makers
- Certifications: Look for certifications or statements from manufacturers about being free from PFOA, PFAS, BPA, and heavy metals. These assurances add a layer of trust and safety.
- Brand Reputation: Choose brands known for their commitment to non-toxic, environmentally friendly products.
User-Friendly Features
- Ease of Cleaning: Non-toxic waffle makers should be easy to clean without requiring abrasive materials that could damage the surface.
- Design and Size: Consider the size and design based on your kitchen space and personal needs. Compact designs are great for small spaces, while larger ones can cater to big families or gatherings.
Environmental Impact
- Eco-Friendly Manufacturing: Consider brands that focus on eco-friendly manufacturing processes, reducing the overall environmental impact.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can select a non-toxic waffle maker that not only makes delicious waffles but also aligns with your health and environmental values.
Understanding Toxic Coatings: What to Avoid
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances):
- What It Is: A group of man-made chemicals used for their non-stick and water-repellent properties.
- Risks and Dangers: Linked to various health issues like hormonal disruptions, immune system impairment, and certain cancers.
- Additional Info: PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.
- Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34533150/
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid):
- What It Is: A type of PFAS, previously widely used in manufacturing non-stick coatings.
- Risks and Dangers: Associated with developmental problems, liver damage, and increased risks of certain cancers.
- Additional Info: Although phased out in many countries, PFOA can still be present in older cookware or imported items.
- Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34780734/
Heavy Metals (like Lead and Cadmium):
- What It Is: Toxic metals that can be found in some ceramic and enamel coatings.
- Risks and Dangers: Lead and cadmium exposure can lead to neurological damage, kidney problems, and other health issues.
- Additional Info: These metals are particularly dangerous for children and pregnant women.
- Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28643849/
PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene):
- What It Is: A synthetic fluoropolymer often used in non-stick cookware coatings, including some waffle makers. One brand name is “Teflon”.
- Risks and Dangers: When overheated (above 500°F/260°C), PTFE coatings can release fumes potentially harmful to humans and pets, leading to symptoms known as “Teflon flu” or polymer fume fever.
- Additional Info: PTFE is generally considered safe at regular cooking temperatures, but concerns arise with high-heat applications or when the cookware is damaged.
- Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28913736/
BPA (Bisphenol A):
- What It Is: A chemical used in manufacturing some plastics and resins, which can be found in various consumer goods, including some kitchen appliances.
- Risks and Dangers: BPA exposure has been linked to potential health effects on the brain, behavior, and prostate gland in fetuses, infants, and young children. It can also affect children’s health more broadly.
- Additional Info: Given its potential risks, many consumers now look for BPA-free products, especially in items that come into contact with food. In response, many manufacturers have started producing BPA-free waffle makers.
- Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31362658/
Nano Titanium:
- What It Is: Nanoparticles of titanium used in some non-stick coatings.
- Risks and Dangers: Concerns about nanoparticles include potential toxicity and long-term accumulation in the body.
- Additional Info: The impact of nano titanium on human health is still being researched, with limited data on its long-term effects.
- Research: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26554951/
Understanding these compounds and their risks can help make informed choices about the cookware you use, ensuring not just delicious meals but also a safer, healthier lifestyle.
Safer Alternatives in Non Toxic Waffle Makers
When hunting for the perfect non toxic waffle maker, it’s not just about what to avoid, but also about what to look for. Here are some safer alternatives that promise a delicious, health-friendly waffle experience:
Safe Coating Options
- Ceramic Coatings: A popular non-toxic option, ceramic coatings are free from PFOA, PFAS, and PTFE. They provide excellent non-stick properties without the health risks.
- Silicone-Based Coatings: High-quality, food-grade silicone coatings offer a safe, non-stick surface. They withstand high temperatures well and are a healthy alternative.
Healthy Material Choices for Non Toxic Waffle Makers
- Cast Iron: If you’re up for a bit of seasoning and maintenance, cast iron waffle makers can be a safe and long-lasting choice. They naturally become non-stick over time.
Green Manufacturing Practices
- Eco-Conscious Brands: Opt for brands that are committed not only to non-toxic products but also to sustainable manufacturing processes.
By focusing on these less toxic alternatives, you can enjoy your waffle-making experience with peace of mind, knowing you’re making a choice that’s good for both your health and the planet.
The Safest 6 Non Toxic Waffle Makers: My Recommendations Listed From Safest to If-iest
Disclaimer… I feel like I’m going to puke writing these recommendations because the honest truth is that companies lie all the time and Science changes or at least constantly has new discoveries. It scares me to think I could suggest a model to you, based on a company’s claims and then find out later they were false claims- because that happens with companies a lot.
Only the first two recommendations, the cast iron waffle makers do I feel good about recommending as a totally nontoxic waffle maker. The issues with the other options are:
- None of these companies are 100% transparent with their testing- as in, show me the lab reports.
- Even if a non-stick coating is totally non toxic, guess what isn’t… the core material under the coating. So, if the coating gets scratched as you wrestle out some waffle mess-ups with a fork or knife and scratch the coating, you’ve just exposed the core aluminum material of the piece. Bleh.
So… how about this… I am only listing the waffle makers that I myself would consider buying and using with my family of 7. A waffle iron isn’t like a normal pan and I can see how a non-stick surface and perhaps more reliable cooking process might be really really helpful for family waffle night. So, where I would never use a pan with a “non-toxic” nonstick coating, I would consider a nontoxic non-stick coating for a waffle maker.
APPALACHIAN CAST IRON Great American Waffle Iron Pre-Seasoned
- I feel like I am winning at life by finding this option.
- Totally non-toxic cast iron instruction.
- Family business.
- Small batch runs- each run tested for heavy metals.
- No plastics used so no concern of PFOA, PFAS, or PTFES
- Makes Belgian waffles
- IT FLIPS! This old school cast iron waffle maker has a mechanical design so you can flip the waffle half way through.
- Made for stove top use.
Rome Industries Old Fashion Cast Iron Non Toxic Waffle Maker
- Totally Non Toxic.
- No coating at all to worry about scratching off or containing weird stuff.
- Free from all the nasties you could think of.
- Advertised for camp fire use but works fine on a gas or electric stove.
- Hot to touch so where oven gloves to open.
- Not non stick so you’ll need to play with the heat settings and “greasing” the waffle maker to find your groove.
- Great price.
- Waffles will be on the thin and crispy side.
Green Pan 2 Square Non Toxic Waffle Maker: Makes Belgian & Classic Waffles
- Free from: lead, cadmium, PFOA, and PFAS
- Uses a non-tefelon non-stick coating called Thermolon™ Volt – which is silicon-derived.
- Comes in 4 colors
- Two sets of removable plates: Belgian & classic waffle plates
- Adjustable shade and crunch control—from light to golden brown
- Easy-to-read LCD display makes it easy to find the right setting
- Integrated one-touch dial with easy presets
- Dishwasher safe plates
GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Iron
- Ceramic Nonstick: Thermolon Volt
- Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium.
- Removable plates.
- Adjustable shade and crunch control.
- Two sets of plates: American-style waffles and thicker Belgian waffles.
- XL LCD Display.
- Storage space on unit to store 2nd set of plates.
- XL moat to prevent spill over.
- Dishwasher safe.
- Comes in: Black, Stainless Steel, Cream, and Graphite.
GreenPan Elite 7-in-1 Multi-Function: Waffle, Grill, Griddle, Panini Press…
- Comes in 6 colors.
- Ceramic Nonstick: Thermolon Volt
- Free of PFAS, PFOA, lead or cadmium.
- 7 in 1: Contact grill, panini press, grill and griddle, grill on one side, griddle on the other, plus real waffles.
- Removable plates.
- Adjustable cover plate height.
- Re-configurable layout- can be a press design or an open griddle design.
- Adjustable shade and crunch control.
- DIshwasher safe plates.
Blue Diamond Sizzle Griddle With Waffle Plates
Conclusion
There you have it – a roundup of the best non-toxic waffle makers that promise to keep your breakfast time both safe and delightful. I’m not going to lie… this post was hard to write because… there just aren’t a lot of amazing choices or at least ones I feel amazing about.
I only use stainless steel or cast iron pots and pans- no nonstick coatings… and so to think about adding those to something I’m cooking with is not my favorite but I also don’t want waffles sticking to the maker every single batch.
I feel so so good about recommending the APPALACHIAN CAST IRON Great American Waffle Iron. It’s flipping mechanism for me is everything and it’s made specifically for stove top use. It is a little pricey but it’s also hand-cast and can literally become an heirloom. To me, this is a great Christmas or Birthday present to ask for.
If you want something less expensive, I would then suggest trying the Rome Industries Old Fashion Cast Iron Non Toxic Waffle Maker. It doesn’t have a flipping mechanism and you will have to where oven gloves as you use it but the reviews are really good and the price is lower so if you don’t love it, you could still keep it for camping trips or an emergency power outage.
On the other hand, the Green Pan options are really tempting. Electric waffle makers are more familiar and the ceramic coating they use is free of PFOA, PFAS, cadmium, and lead. The only drawbacks with the Green Pan options are: the cast aluminum core being exposed if the coating is scratched and that it certainly will not last as long as a cast iron maker will.
This is a hard choice! Lastly, if I wanted to buy a non toxic waffle maker immediately but also felt like I wasn’t ready to invest in the best… here’s one last option to consider. It is a 7-in-1 electric appliance very very much like the Green Pan one and includes waffle plates. It is ceramic coated and free from PFOA, PFAS, lead, and cadmium. For all I know it is the exact same as the Green Pan but it seems a little less durable. Regardless, it’s way less expensive than the Green Pan option so if you are wanting to make a quick purchase while keeping the price lower, this Blue Diamond Sizzle Griddle with waffle plates might be a good option.
With these non-toxic waffle makers, you can enjoy those fluffy, golden waffles with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your food is free from PFOA, PFAS, and other unsafe substances. Here’s to healthier, happier mornings filled with your favorite waffle delights!
This post was about non toxic waffle makers. Yum!
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