It’s been a weekend ritual to bust out the old waffle maker for breakfast. Some may say my waffles are controversial because they are green (lol, check out my fav recipe). I’ve been using the same non-stick Belgian waffle maker for about 10 years and it’s flaking and starting to fall apart. I like to use an appliance until it has seen better days and then replace with a healthier, non-toxic option. So for the past month I’ve been researching the topic of non-toxic waffle makers. This was my first post doing a deep dive in to the world of non-stick cookware and teflon and it was a doozy. My hope is to simplify the concern with non-stick products like teflon, highlight the key points you should know, and recommend the best non-toxic waffle makers for 2022. Show
Which Waffle Maker is Best?Waffle makers can be an electric appliance or an iron for use over an open flame or stovetop. They typically come in two styles:
Should I get a Belgian style or traditional style waffle maker?Belgian Style Waffle MakerBelgian waffles started in Brussels, and were introduced to the US in 1962. If you like to pile on the toppings I suggest you get a belgian waffle maker because the deep pockets can hold more toppings. Here are some key features you will find with a Belgian waffle maker:
Traditional Style Waffle MakerPeople say traditional style waffles have been around since the medieval times in Europe and were introduced to America by pilgrims in the 1620s. These are the types of waffles people are usually most familiar with. If you want more convenience, and versatility then I suggest a traditional waffle maker. Here are some key features:
What materials are toxic in waffle makers?PFAs (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are toxic materials that can be found in waffle makers. They are used to make the waffle maker non-stick. Read on to learn more! What is a PFA?PFAs are fluorinated chemicals that are used to make everyday products. It’s a coating that resists water, oil, stains, and grease. The following types of products can contain PFAs:
PFAs have been in use since the 1940s and there are over 4,000 chemicals that classify as a PFA. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they break down very slowly and accumulate over time in the environment, animals, and humans. According to the EWG, it’s estimated that 99% of Americans have PFAS in their blood. The more commonly used and researched PFAs have been the following:
PFAs Health EffectsHere is what the EPA lists as health effects of PFAsthat are known so far, and research is still ongoing: Current peer-reviewed scientific studies have shown that exposure to certain levels of PFAS may lead to:
Let’s breakdown the most commonly used and researched PFAs to understand how they relate and the main concerns:
PFA ContaminationEWG says PFAs are a national crisis and the organization has been voicing their concerns for years. Now the government is taking action. In July 2021, the US House of Representatives passed the PFAs Action Act of 2021. The bill calls to do the following:
Do all waffle makers use Teflon?No. While many options do contain PFTE (chemical used in Teflon) you can also find cast iron waffle makers and ceramic coated waffle makers. What is the safest waffle maker material?Cast Iron is the safest waffle maker material. Cast Iron Waffle MakersCast iron waffle makers will bring you back in time. The first stovetop cast iron waffle maker was patented in 1869. Cast iron is a very popular cooking material and one of the best options out there for non-toxic cooking. Here are some key features about cast iron waffle makers:
Let’s be honest though, cast iron does not seem ideal for cooking waffles in your kitchen and here are some disadvantages:
So what other options are there for non-toxic waffle makers? Let’s talk about ceramic coated waffle makers which many people say is a safe alternative as well. Are ceramic coated waffle makers safe?Not exactly :/ Ceramic coated waffle makers started gaining popularity as a safer alternative to Teflon (PFTE) since it does not release the toxic chemicals at high heat which can cause polymer fume fever. Ceramic coated cookware has a metal base (usually aluminum) and is coated with a ceramic layer to make them non-stick. Many coatings use a “sol-gel” method which uses a coating of silica (sand) and other inorganic chemicals. However studies are coming out about titanium dioxide nanoparticles being released from ceramic coated pans when at a high heat and when the surface gets scratched. This study from Scientific Reports the following concerns with that Food-grade titanium dioxide (TiO2):
Here’s some additional information about ceramic coated pans:
If you want to dive deeper in to ceramic pots and pans I really liked this article from mamavation, and this one from the rational kitchen. If I had to get a non-stick cookware I would get a ceramic pan and ensure it does not go over 500 degrees and replace if chipped. The health concern for PFAs are apparent, were downplayed and covered up in the past. PFAs are now a national crisis so I’d want to avoid in general. Teflon-Free Non-Toxic Waffle Makers for 2022This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using this link. Please see my disclaimer for more details. Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you information about non-toxic living. After hours and hours of research I’ve discovered there is no perfect non-toxic waffle makers. I would love to see an electric waffle maker with removable cast iron plates. That would be amazing, however something like that is not in the marketplace. Most of the waffle makers available are non-stick, so I’m going to include the best ceramic coated waffle makers. However, I’m keeping my eye on the titanium oxide nano particle studies. If you get a ceramic coated waffle maker please be carfeful how you clean and the utensils you use to get the waffles out since you want to avoid scratching. Do not cook at high heat and replace if you start to see scratches. Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast IronI’m highlighting the Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast Iron because so many reviews state this is one of the better cast iron options. Since it’s cast iron it may not be for everyone, but here are the features I liked:
Please note the company states it works best on a 2-burner camp stove, gas stove, or grill. It sounds like it comes covered in paraffin wax to prevent rust and you have to season over an open flame. So I advise not purchasing if you aren’t keen on the prep work and maintenance for cast iron. Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle MakerThe Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker is an Amazon choice product, and people really seem to like it. They use Durathon technology so claims it’s four times stronger than other non-stick options. If you are looking for a Belgian style this could be a great option for you.
Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle MakerIf you want a fancy pants waffle maker then the Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker is what you need! People love this waffle maker and it’s an Amazon choice product. It has all the features you’d want and it’s great if you are cooking for multiple people since you can cook two at a time. Here are some of the features:
Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle MakerThe Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker is a no frills waffle maker. It has great reviews and it’s a less expensive option when compared to other models. It is lacking removeable plates, and temperature controls. Really the only feature to call out here is it’s ceramic coated so it’s PFA free. Final ThoughtsWell I wish I could recommend the most perfect non-toxic waffle maker, but it doesn’t exist. However there are some better for you options to choose from and that’s what I highlighted in this post. Cast iron material is your best option however they can be high maintenance and work best on an open flame so gas stoves are best. They’re actually perfect if you want to bring camping. Ceramic coated is your next best material option, however make sure you don’t over heat and replace if there are scratches to reduce your risk of exposure to titanium oxide nano particles which studies are showing have negative health affects. Really try to avoid PFAs, this would be Teflon which is also called PFTE. The materials have polluted the environment, our bodies, and animals. There are proven health risks and it’s gotten so bad that the government is now taking action to help deal with this hazardous substance. For now I’m dreaming of a cast iron electric waffle maker with removeable plates, let me know if someone starts making one 🙂 Cheers, Brekke Jo Are ceramic coated waffle makers Safe?The only real non-toxic waffle makers are those with ceramic coatings. They're both non-stick and non-toxic, even if overheated. Ceramic isn't only a safe waffle maker coating but performs much better than Teflon. It's more durable, will not scratch and peel like Teflon, and heats much more efficiently and evenly.
Are waffle irons made of Teflon?Professional waffle makers are usually made of uncoated cast iron whereas domestic models, particularly cast aluminum ones, are often teflon coated. Many have a light that goes off when the iron reaches a set temperature. Modern versions offer multiple choices.
What are waffle plates made of?The most common materials for waffle iron grids are cast aluminum, cast steel, cast iron, and nonstick-coated. The size of the pockets or squares on the grids will vary between different units, and some even have grids that are removable to make cleaning and sanitizing easier than ever.
Is dash non toxic?PFOA + BPA Free
The majority of Dash products are BPA-free, and no parts that come in contact with food are made using BPA so your food is truly unprocessed.
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