Why You Should Buy a Teflon-Free Waffle Maker
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.
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:
- Belgian
- Traditional
Should I get a Belgian style or traditional style waffle maker?
Belgian Style Waffle Maker
Belgian 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:
- Belgian style recipes will create a waffle with a thick and fluffy texture on the inside and a crispy outside.
- Deep pockets hold more butter, syrup, whipped cream, ice cream, fruit, and whatever else you desire on your waffle.
- Appliance tends to take up more counter space when compared to a traditional style waffle maker.
- Needs to be flipped, and takes longer to cook when comparing to a traditional style waffle maker.
Traditional Style Waffle Maker
People 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:
- Traditional style recipes will create a thin waffle with a dense texture and rich flavor.
- Smaller pockets.
- Available in a variety of shapes and sizes: square, rectangle, circle, characters.
- Provides more versatility, you could make waffle cones, or sandwiches.
- When comparing to a Belgian waffle maker it may be more convenient since it tends to cooks faster, and usually folds up for storage.
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:
- Non-stick cookware
- Clothing
- Food packaging
- Furniture
- Personal care products
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:
- Teflon/PFTE
- PFOA
- GenX
PFAs Health Effects
Here is what the EPA lists as health effects of PFAs that 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:
- Reproductive effects such as decreased fertility or increased high blood pressure in pregnant women.
- Developmental effects or delays in children, including low birth weight, accelerated puberty, bone variations, or behavioral changes.
- Increased risk of some cancers, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
- Reduced ability of the body’s immune system to fight infections, including reduced vaccine response.
- Interference with the body’s natural hormones.
- Increased cholesterol levels and/or risk of obesity.
Let’s breakdown the most commonly used and researched PFAs to understand how they relate and the main concerns:
- Teflon is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
- PFTE releases toxic chemicals into the air when heated to over 280℃ (536℉), this exposure in humans causes flu-like symptoms. Inhaling these fumes may lead to polymer fume fever, also known as the Teflon flu. These fumes are toxic to birds. The fumes are the main health concern when using PFTE cookware. The FDA states there is no harm if your pan flakes and you ingest PFTE because it passes through your digestive system.
- Teflon used to use perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) during the manufacturing process.
- PFOAs were phased out in the United States by 2014 because of the harmful health effects like those listed above. Exposure happens with high heat, and when the pan coating degrades and gets scratched. This is a “forever chemical” that remains in the environment so it’s still found in the air, earth, and drinking water. Companies selling products in the United States and state they are PFOA free is a marketing gimmick since the chemical should no longer be in use.
- One of the replacements for PFOAs is GenX.
- GenX is being studied by the EPA and they are reporting lab studies of animals showing harmful effects on the liver, kidney and immune system, developmental effects, and an association with cancer. So the replacement of PFOAs may prove to not be a healthier alternative to PFOAs.
PFA Contamination
EWG 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:
- Require the EPA to establish within two years a national drinking water standard for the two most notorious PFAS chemicals – PFOA, formerly used to make DuPont’s Teflon, and PFOS, formerly an ingredient in 3M’s Scotchgard – that protects public health, including the health of the most vulnerable populations.
- Designate PFOA and PFOS chemicals as hazardous substances within one year and require the EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years.
- Designate PFOA and PFOS as hazardous air pollutants within 180 days and require the EPA to determine whether to list other PFAS within five years.
- Require the EPA to place discharge limits on industrial releases of PFAS and provide $200 million annually for wastewater treatment.
- Prohibit unsafe incineration of PFAS waste and place a moratorium on the introduction of new PFAS into commerce.
- Require comprehensive PFAS health testing.
- Create a voluntary label for PFAS in cookware.
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 Makers
Cast 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:
- Durable: It can last for years as long as you season and clean it correctly
- Versatile: Best to be used over an open flame, so that could be a gas stovetop, grill, or campfire.
- Iron: Cast iron can leach iron into your foods, which could be a good or bad thing depending on what your body needs. If you are concerned about extra iron, studies show more iron gets added to food if it’s acidic (apple sauce, spaghetti sauce), if it’s a newer pan, and if it’s not seasoned well.
- Non-stick alternative: If seasoned correctly, it will eventually become non-stick
Let’s be honest though, cast iron does not seem ideal for cooking waffles in your kitchen and here are some disadvantages:
- It won’t be electric so you lose the timer settings and other features. Can someone please make an electric waffle maker with removeable cast iron plates?!
- I’m unaware of a cast iron Belgian waffle maker
- The handle gets HOT so you will need something on the handle to protect your hands from the heat.
- Some state it doesn’t work as well on glass and coil stoves
- Can be heavy
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):
“There are growing concerns that daily oral TiO2-NP intake is associated with an increased risk of chronic intestinal inflammation and carcinogenesis.”
“These data should be considered for risk assessments of the susceptibility to Th17-driven autoimmune diseases and to colorectal cancer in humans exposed to TiO2 from dietary sources.”
Scientific Reports
Here’s some additional information about ceramic coated pans:
- Ceramic coated cookware is not as durable as Teflon (PFTE), some say it could only last a year. However if you are cooking waffles once a week it should last longer if you are maintaining it correctly.
- If you start to see scratches on your pan then it’s time to replace. If the base is aluminum then the concern is being exposed to bismuth or lead since that can be added to aluminum.
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 2022
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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 Iron
I’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:
- Material: Cast Iron
- Built to last
- Highly reviewed and mentioned as the best non-toxic waffle iron option
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 Maker
- Removeable plates makes it easy to clean
- 4 times more durable than non-stick
- Ceramic coated means PFA free
- Indicator lights
- Highly reviewed, Amazon choice product
Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker
If 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:
- Ceramic coated so it’s PFA free,
- LCD screen display
- Convenient vertical storage
- Temperature control and countdown timer
- 5 waffle shades to choose from
Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker
The 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 Thoughts
Well 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
