Unfortunately waffle irons are a difficult category for truly toxin-free options. Waffle irons are expected to be able to release the waffle from the mold without breaking – often requiring a “non-stick” surface. In years past this was achieved with PFAS/PFTE surfaces (teflon.) Cleaner ceramic-coated options are now available, however ceramic-coated options are still not 100% toxin-free, citing concerns about nanomaterials and solvents used in production.
That leaves us with few options. Cast iron is our best bet for this, however it has a significant learning curve and may still stick. With this in mind, here are some toxin-free alternatives for waffle makers.
Cast Iron (Stovetop)
DVK 7 Inch Round Cast Iron Waffle Iron $29.99
Rome Industries Cast Iron Waffle Maker $35.95
Sircles Cast Iron Waffle Maker $39.90
UKENEM Cast Iron Waffle Maker with Low Base $67.99
Commercial (Electric) Option:
(Again please keep in mind that we’re only reporting on options available on the market. Currently there are no consumer models using cast iron plates. This is the lowest price point on a commercial unit we can find.)
Waring Heavy-Duty Cast-Iron Belgian Waffle Maker $1,124.00
Ceramic-Coated Options
Ceramic-coated options are better than teflon but not a fully toxin-free options. We’re including these “lower-tox” items here in the absence of other options. These coatings are created using what’s called Sol Gel. Sol Gel liquid is made up of a colloidal mix of silicon compounds and sometimes colorants like titanium dioxide. The liquid is applied to the surface of the pan and then heated, evaporating the liquid and leaving a hard matrix of the silicon (and other additives like titanium dioxide that may have been added.)
These ceramic coatings are likely safer than things like PFTE, PFAS, etc. However, they still pose some risks. One, is that the coating chips really easily. Because nanotechnology is being used to create the Sol Gel, it’s likely that it leaves these metallic/crystalline nanoparticles in your food as the coating wears off. It may be that the nanoparticles are held inside a larger flake of material and don’t pose a risk – however there’s still a lot that we don’t know about this. Even so, you’d be ingesting titanium dioxide which isn’t great. Then also because the material scratches and flakes easily, the often-used aluminum core underneath would be exposed, potentially getting aluminum in your food.
Additionally there are “organic solvents” being used that may remain in trace amounts in the coating. Organic in this context doesn’t mean like organic food, but organic chemistry. Organic solvents include things like toluene, hexane, acetone, acetonitrile, benzene and methanol. So, that’s a bit of a concern as well.
All in all, the ceramic products are likely safer than a PFTE teflon coating, however, there’s still not a lot that we know about the material. Again, in the absence of electric cast iron or other safe material options, we’re including these ceramic-coated options as a “lower-tox” alternative.
bella Flip-n-Store Waffle Maker $24.99
Oster Nonstick Belgian Waffle Maker, Nonstick Ceramic Waffle Iron $28.69