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The chemicals lurking in your waffle maker may not be something you think about much while making breakfast. I certainly hadn’t thought about them until I began reading about the dangers of non-stick Teflon coating, aka PTFE. Lo and behold: one of the most common Teflon-containing kitchen appliances is the humble waffle maker.
As I began looking for a Teflon-free waffle iron, I quickly realized there was no perfect option out there. Cast iron waffle pans are the most inert of all the options, but they’re usually designed for camping or to use on a stove-top, rather than plugging them in.
That’s fine for some folks (and great news for frequent campers), but I wanted the less messy kind of waffle iron I was used to from my college dining hall days — the type that plugs in and that you flip over half-way through to cook the waffle sides evenly. As a type A neat freak, I also didn’t want to mess with batter spilling out onto my stove-top.
I eventually found a waffle iron with ceramic plates for my kitchen that does a great job, but not without some waffling over which choice to make. Check out all my top picks for the best non-toxic waffle makers below, starting with a quick look at why you probably want to avoid Teflon.
First Things First: Why’s Teflon a Problem?
Teflon, aka PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), is a common non-stick coating found in many cookware items, including traditional waffle makers and air fryers. It’s popular for its non-stick properties, making cooking and cleaning a breeze.
When heated to high temperatures, though, Teflon coatings can release toxic fumes. These fumes have been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems and even certain types of cancers. Yikes.
The chipping and degradation of the coating over time can also lead to Teflon particles mixing with your food. It’s a good idea to avoid Teflon completely in your kitchen by choosing only non-toxic pots and pans and bakeware to cook with.
“Teflon flu,” also known as “polymer fume fever,” can occur when Teflon is overheated to the point of breaking down and releasing fumes. Teflon coatings typically degrade at temperatures above 500°F (260°C). When this happens, the fumes released can cause flu-like symptoms, including headache, fever, chills, and body aches.
Benefits of Teflon-Free Waffle Makers
Here are some advantages of opting for a Teflon-free waffle maker:
- Healthier cooking: By choosing a waffle maker without Teflon, you reduce the risk of toxic chemical exposure. Non-toxic waffle makers will be made out of safer materials like ceramic or cast iron, which don’t release harmful fumes.
- Durability: Many non-toxic waffle makers are very durable. For example, cast iron waffle makers and pans can last for generations if properly cared for. They can basically become family heirlooms!
- Environmentally-friendly: By avoiding Teflon and other synthetic materials, you’re choosing a product that’s more eco-friendly. You’re also not contributing to the addition of more forever chemicals (PFAS and PFOAs) into the environment, which take hundreds of years to break down and are a serious source of pollution.
What Are Non-Toxic Waffle Makers Made From?
When shopping for a new non-toxic waffle maker, it’s important to consider what materials it’s made out of. Some non-toxic materials include:
- Ceramic: Ceramic waffle makers often have a coating made from hardened clay, which is free from PTFE (Teflon) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid, aka “forever chemicals”). Ceramic coatings, like Durathon, are known for being non-stick, easy to clean, and heat resistant.
- Cast iron: Cast iron waffle makers are known for excellent heat retention and even cooking. They require seasoning to maintain their non-stick surface, but with proper care, they can last for decades. However, most cast iron waffle makers are used directly on your stove-top. This may be a deal-breaker for those looking for an electric waffle maker and a less messy waffle cooking experience.
- Silicone coatings: Some waffle makers may also have silicone coatings. Unlike Teflon, silicone can withstand higher temperatures without degrading or releasing harmful toxins. It’s relatively inert, food safe, and provides a non-stick coating. Silicone also has a lower environmental footprint than Teflon during production. However, it’s not biodegradable.
Best Non-Toxic Electric Waffle Makers
Here are my favorite non-toxic electric waffle irons that plug right into the wall and require less of a learning curve than the camping/stove-top waffle makers. (If you’re looking for a camping or stovetop waffle maker, though, keep scrolling for my top picks below!).
1. Hamilton Beach Waffle Maker With Removable Ceramic Plates ($44) – Best Budget Pick
This is the non-toxic waffle maker I took a chance on when I was replacing my old waffle iron. I chose it because it has detachable ceramic plates that are easy to clean and are, most importantly, Teflon-free.
My waffle maker still works perfectly, after two years of use. It makes super fluffy waffles which you easily flip halfway as they’re cooking with the handle on the waffle iron. It also comes with a tray to help you catch batter drips (YES!), and it’s very easy to remove the waffles once they’re done cooking.
The ceramic plates on this waffle maker are made of Durathon, a ceramic nonstick coating that won’t crack or peel and doesn’t contain PTFE or PFOA. It works really well to help the waffles come right off the plates when they’re done cooking.
I find this basic non-toxic waffle maker easy for making fluffy, delicious waffles during Sunday brunch. Plus, it has a much lower price than some of the other options out there.
You can choose whether you want light, medium, or dark (aka extra toasty) waffles, and they always turn out great. I also appreciate that the plates detach, so you can wipe down the body of the waffle iron and clean the waffle trays separately.
2. GreenPan Ceramic Waffle Maker ($129)
I appreciate GreenPan as an eco-friendly cookware company, and I use their pots and pans on my induction stove every day. They also make this ceramic nonstick waffle iron for healthier waffle cooking.
GreenPan’s nonstick ceramic coating is free from PFAS and PFOA. Its plates are made from cast aluminum that delivers even heat conduction. You can change the setting from light to golden brown, depending on how you like your waffles.
Rather than a drip tray, this waffle iron comes with a “moat” around the plates to catch the drips. Note that the trays are not removable, so clean-up isn’t quite as simple as with the Hamilton Beach waffle iron.
For a removable tray option from GreenPan, check out the next waffle iron to make the list…
6. GreenPan Elite 4-Square Waffle Maker ($249) -Best Splurge
This double-sized waffle iron is also from GreenPan, although this one features removable plates for easier cleaning. This pan also has a ceramic nonstick coating that’s tough, easy to clean, and hard to chip or wear down. Most importantly, it’s free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
GreenPan’s more expensive waffle iron can make either thinner American-style waffles or thicker Belgian style ones. It has a dial that you use to pick how long you want to cook your waffles for.
Best Non-Electric Waffle Makers For Camping and Stove-Top Use
If you’d prefer a non-electric option, check out these non-toxic, Teflon-free waffle makers you can use use while camping or at home right on your stove-stop. These non-toxic waffle irons don’t require any electricity to use.
1. Hawok Cast Iron Waffle Maker ($25)
This compact cast iron waffle maker is designed for easy storage when you’re camping in the great outdoors. It even fits easily in a hiking backpack! This waffle iron makes 6.5 inch diameter waffles. Including the handle, it’s 12 inches long. It weighs just over three and a half pounds.
This cast iron requires you to properly season it with oil before use so your waffles don’t stick to the pan. You can use it over a camping stove, a gas stove in your kitchen, or even a camp-fire.
*Note that this waffle iron produces thinner waffles than those you might make in a plug-in waffle iron.
2. Rome Cast Iron Waffle Maker ($33)
At four pounds, Rome makes this waffle iron in the traditional round waffle shape. The two cast iron sides of the iron connect via a hinge that helps you open and close the two sides as you cook. Like the Hawok waflle iron, this design works best on a 2-burner camping stove or on your gas stove at home.
People who enjoy this waffle iron appreciate that they cook outside with it, that it takes up less space than an electric waffle maker, and that it makes delicious waffles, once you get the strategy down. Note that it takes practice to use these stove-top waffle irons correctly, and that they can smoke if you overly grease the pan.
3. Nordicware Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Maker ($51)
Nordicware makes some of my favorite non-toxic bakeware, and they also make this slim waffle maker for use on gas, electric, and even electric ceramic stovetops.
I like that Nordicware is an American company that makes most of its products here in the USA (although this waffle maker does have an imported handle). It’s easy to clean this cast aluminum Belgium waffle maker, which has a Teflon and PFOA-free silicone nonstick coating that helps you remove waffles from its surface.
This waffle maker creates delicate, crisp waffles. The key to making great waffles with it is to use butter while it’s pre-heating, and to cook each side for three to four minutes apiece.
4. Appalachian Great American Waffle Iron ($259) – Most Patriotic Waffle Maker
Another great non-electric waffle maker, you can use this Americana-themed cast iron waffle maker on gas, electric, and ceramic cooktops. The pan heats evenly and produces waffles with patriotic star imprints rather than the traditional squares. It also features an eagle on the outside of the pan (because eagles love waffles!).
Like the other stove-top waffle irons, this one takes some getting used to. We like that it comes with a coil to help you prevent burning your hand while cooking.
This non-toxic waffle maker is made in the good ol’ US of A and is seasoned with grapeseed oil. Each piece is hand-finished in Tennessee, so you should expect minor surface differences in each one. If you love waffles and America, this might just be the waffle iron for you.
No More Waffling: Time To Go Teflon-Free In Your Kitchen
Making the switch to a non-toxic waffle maker is a small but significant step towards a healthier lifestyle. Not only are you protecting yourself and your family from toxins in their food, but you’re also investing in a durable kitchen appliance that makes delicious waffles without a side of Teflon.
Check out our guides to the best Teflon-free air fryers and best non-toxic kids’ dinnerware to further de-toxify your kitchen.
