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Let me guess:
You feel the same way I do and don’t want toxins lurking in your morning waffles!
The only problem is you’re not sure where to find a truly non-toxic waffle maker that won’t leach heavy metals or poison your family with nonstick coatings.
The struggle is real for us health-conscious peeps.
I scoured the market to find a healthy waffle iron for my family, and I’d like to pass on my findings to you today!
The Problem with Most Waffle Makers
Most waffle makers have a non-stick coating that is Teflon. Manufactured by DuPont, Teflon is just one of the many cookware brands that use a non-stick coating known as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
Another well-known chemical is perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), which was derived from PTFE.
These chemicals are associated with thyroid problems, high cholesterol, pregnancy difficulties, and male infertility just to name a few.
And get this:
When you heat a Teflon-coated pan, it releases toxic fumes into the air after just 2 minutes.
These toxins are fatal to pet birds in your homes. It can also cause anyone nearby to develop flu-like symptoms and allergies. You can read more about the toxic effects of PFOA here.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to get sick just from making waffles!
Healthiest Materials for Waffle Makers
Cast Iron
One of the primary benefits of cast iron is that it practically lasts forever! With cast iron waffle irons, their simplicity works in their favor with no moving or electrical parts to break.
Cast iron is also famous for its ability to heat evenly, so you don’t have to worry about crispy waffles with gooey, uncooked centers.
But perhaps my favorite thing about cast iron is that it’s naturally nonstick as long as you season and oil it properly.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is growing in popularity among non-toxic cookware. It offers the durability of cast iron with the low-maintenance and easy cleaning of non-stick pots and pans.
Stainless steel is naturally non-porous, so you don’t have to worry as much about staining, leaks, or cracks.
I also like that it doesn’t leach metal into your food like aluminum cookware.
Ceramic
Ceramic became popular when consumers started learning about the dangers of Teflon. Families still wanted the nonstick convenience but without the toxins, and ceramic seemed to be a happy medium.
You have to be careful though as some cheap ceramic waffle makers use chemicals in their nonstick coating. Ceramic items are also notorious for “protective glazes.” Only problem is those so-called helpful glazes can contain traces of lead or cadmium.
However, there is true ceramic cookware that is made using only water, minerals, and inorganic materials.
Genuine ceramic waffle makers don’t contain any metals, so they are considered safe, non-toxic, and non-reactive.
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Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Features to Consider in a Waffle Iron
The two obvious and must-have features in non-toxic waffle irons are:
No nonstick coating (just spray with oil or butter)
-or-
At the bare minimum, a Teflon-free nonstick coating
Other than that, here are some features to consider as you shop!
- Indicator lights: Usually two small red and green lights on the top of the waffle maker. A red light will glow while the waffle maker is preheating, and the green will glow once it is preheated and ready for the waffle mix. Once the mix is poured in the maker and it is flipped, the red light will glow until it is fully cooked. The green light will appear when the waffle is finished cooking.
- Removable plates: These are easy to clean and mostly dishwasher safe. Although the plates tend to be shallow and don’t allow for thicker waffles.
- Adjustable temperature control: A great feature so everyone is able to have a customized waffle. However, it is easier to undercook or overcook the waffle if the setting is not correct.
- Rotating flip: This feature ensures the batter is evenly distributed throughout the plates, allowing the waffle to cook on both sides evenly.
- Vertical storage: This is a plus for small spaces. If would not benefit, however, a kitchen with shallow cabinet space.
- Design: Design is a fun feature on a waffle maker. Kids love to have character food like Mickey Mouse waffles or a Star Wars waffle. Also, how great would it be to have heart-shaped waffles for breakfast on an anniversary or Valentine’s Day!
- Timers: Timers are important for busy mornings. No more burnt waffles from rushing and forgetting about it!
If you like baking in general (not only waffles), you can check out our guide about the best toxin free bakeware out there.
The Best Non Toxic Waffle Makers
1. Rome’s Old Fashioned Waffle Iron
Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Iron is made entirely of heavy cast iron. It is best suited for a gas stove or camp fire.
This traditionally round, double sided waffle iron does not require electricity for use because there are no wires. You simply heat it over a gas burner or open flame like you would any other pot or pan.
It is compact with only a hinge at the back to hold the plates together. This old-fashioned waffle iron is easy to clean in a sink, but should be properly seasoned before the first use.
It does get extremely hot, so you will need a hand towel or pot holder to flip it. Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Oster DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker
Oster DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker has a non-toxic ceramic coating that is 4x stronger than the other non-stick coatings. It will not peel or flake after continuous use, and it is scratch resistant.
The ceramic enables the waffle maker to cook 20% faster, too!
The Oster DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker flips to get even distribution of batter, allowing the waffle to cook thoroughly.
As a bonus for small kitchens, it can be stored vertically to save space when not being used. Also, this waffle maker has adjustable temperature control to obtain your perfect waffle – whether it is light and fluffy or golden and crispy.
Bear in mind that the handle of the waffle maker is plastic and is prone to break after continual use. The plates are not removable either, but the DuraCeramic coating makes it easy to clean.
- Belgian waffle maker with titanium-infused DuraCeramic nonstick coating lasts 8x longer than...
- Natural, PTFE- and PFOA-free ceramic coating won't flake or peel and cleans easily
Last update on 2024-09-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Bottom Line – Who Needs a Non-Toxic Waffle Maker?
If your family loves waffles for breakfast…
If you want to avoid chemicals, toxic fumes, and heavy metals…
Then you need a non-toxic waffle iron. Plain and simple.
I personally love cast iron for its many health benefits, but if you have an electric stovetop, then the Oster is an excellent option.
What’s your favorite way to make waffles? Let me know in the comments below!
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Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
Could you provide me with a link for a stainless steel plated waffle maker? I prefer stainless steel because cast iron leaches. Thank you!
Have you found an electric ceramic waffle iron that makes regular waffles, i.e. not Belgian?
Hi Carol,
No, I haven’t unfortunately. The cast iron one is the best I’ve found as far as non-toxic goes, but I understand the need for greasing it can be kinda annoying! Please do come back and let me know if you find one, and I’ll add it to the list.
Have you found a usa made safe waffle maker or donut pan ☻
Great article; thank you for the helpful information! We had been using a 26-years old non-stick waffle iron from Europe (not sure if it was toxic non-stick, but probably; thoughts on how I could determine this?) but my husband blew it up by accidentally heating the cord (ha!). I clicked through and ordered the Oster (and one for my grown son as well). Looking forward to non-toxic waffles!