You might’ve heard that Teflon coating can release some dangerous chemicals into the food, especially when it’s heating to high temperatures. Luckily, over the few last decades, brands started coating waffle makers with various non-stick materials that aren’t toxic. In the following article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before picking the best Teflon free waffle maker that you can find out there. So without further ado, let’s dive in!
Top 5 Teflon Free Waffle Makers Available on the Market
Finding a good waffle maker that’s also free of Teflon coating isn’t a walk in the park. To make the search process easier for you, I’ve scoured the market looking for the best Teflon free options available on the shelves.
The following 5 Teflon free Waffle Makers are among the best ones that I’ve found. Let’s have a brief overview of each one of them, so you can pick the one that suits your needs the most!
1. Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Waffle Maker
Kicking off the list with one of the best ceramic waffle makers that don’t use PTFE or PFOA to coat their plates. The DuraCeramic waffle maker from Oster is a great appliance if you want to avoid any harmful materials to go into your waffles.
Unlike most products on the market, this innovative and unique waffle marker uses Oster’s patented Dura Ceramic coating, which is ceramic infused with titanium
This adds to the level of durability and resilience of the coating all the while staying healthy and chemicals free!
According to them, this ceramic coating non-sticking lasts 4 times longer than most Teflon and its derivatives without peeling or flaking with time.
Besides its durability, the DuraCeramic is also great at cooking the waffle batter evenly and in a relatively shorter time than most competing brands.
This happens because the titanium infused ceramic heats up twice as fast as a regular cooking surface. This enables you to enjoy your waffles quicker while saving on your electricity bill as well.
That’s why I recommend this flip-type waffle maker if you’re on a tight schedule in the morning and want to prepare some waffles on the go.
The best part about the DuraCeramic is that the cooking surface also releases the food remains pretty easily. This means that it won’t be a problem while cleaning the ceramic surface. you can also remove the tray for easier cleanup.
The last part of the deal is the convenience of storage. I like that you can store the waffle maker vertically, thanks to its design. This saves you a lot of space when you’re not using the waffle maker.
What I Liked
- Gives you full control with adjustable temperature settings
- Extremely durable and lasts 4 times longer than many competitors
- Easy to clean and store
What I Didn’t Like
- Some users complain about the durability of the handle
2. Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker
If you’re a serious fan of waffles and looking for a high-end model, consider this one. It’ll give you the best waffle experience while staying free of Teflon
The Intellicrisp waffle maker is one of Calphalon’s top-tier appliances and they really did a great job designing and adding features to it. Here’s what the waffle maker is all about!
This amazing waffle maker has two cooking plates, allowing you to cook 2 Belgian waffles at a time. This makes it great for a quick and delicious meal for a large family.
The cooking plates have a ceramic layer that allows the batter to cook quickly. It also cooks waffles up to 20% more evenly than most standard plates.
This ditches the need for adding those dangerous non-stick materials, such as PFOA, PTFE, and other Teflon derivatives.
In addition to even cooking, you’ll also get to choose the shade of the waffle you like. The Intellicrisp comes with a shade selector that gives you 5 different options to pick your favorite waffle style from.
As for durability and cleaning, the impressive coating makes it easier to clean. Also, it’s up to 11 times more durable than standard waffle irons on the market.
The intuitive part about this waffle maker comes from the high contrast LCD screen that you can use to set a timer.
Moreover, it displays information about the appliance status to tell you when it’s preheated for cooking and whether your waffles are ready!
Despite being on the pricier end of the scale, it’s still a great option for a family that wants to frequently enjoy waffles without a lot of side hassle.
What I Liked
- Ultra-durable construction
- LCD screen with a timer
- Shade selector with 5 different options
- Cooks batter evenly and quickly
What I Didn’t Like
- Premium price tag
3. Euro Cuisine WM520 Eco-Friendly Heart Shaped Waffle Maker
Choosing a Teflon free waffle maker is all about showing how you care about your loved ones. So what’s a better way to show them that love than a heart-shaped toxins-safe waffle?
The WM520 waffle maker from Euro Cuisine with Italian-inspired design is great at making thin heart-shaped waffles for a small family. The plate is able to make up to 5 of these at a time.
On the top of the waffle maker, you’ll find two indicator lights. This light will let you know when the device has finished preheating and when the waffle is ready for removal.
You’ll only need to prep the heating plates with oils to maximize the non-sticking surface. However, it’s completely free of Teflon coating derivatives, such as PFOA and PTFE.
You’ll also find an easy to use and large knob to help you adjust the heat to your favorite waffle shade.
While pouring the batter, you’ll notice that the device comes with a large drip tray to avoid spreading batter mess while cooking.
Storing the Euro Cuisine WM520 is also super easy. You can store it in an upright position to save you a lot of space when it’s not in use.
What I Liked
- Makes heart-shaped waffles
- Ideal for buyers on a budget
- Easy to use and store
What I Didn’t Like
- Can only make thin waffles
- Takes a bit longer to cook the batter
4. Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
When it comes to efficiency and versatility, the innovation of Presto always wins! The Ceramic FlipSide waffle maker is a professional waffle iron that cooks excellent waffles without costing you a fortune.
The smart design on this waffle maker allows you to use either side as the base. This means that you can flip the plates for an evenly cooked waffle, hence the name of the product.
The dual function base also allows the waffle maker to sit upright when you don’t need it and store vertically to save you more space.
The ceramic non-stick plate is free of dangerous Teflon chemicals and can make a 7-inch diameter Belgian waffle with 4 sections.
As for the exterior, it has a brushed stainless steel look that gives the waffle maker an aesthetically pleasing finish!
However, the model is also available in a stuffed waffle maker version that allows you to bake stuffed pie waffles. Thanks to its 1100 watt heating plate, you’ll be able to cook your waffles in about 2 to 2.5 minutes.
Moreover, the Ceramic FlipSide Waffle Maker comes with a digital display and a countdown timer to let you know when the waffle cooking is complete. This enables you to enjoy crispy waffles that are super fluffy on the inside!
What I Liked
- 1100 watts with a 180-degree flip to cook crispy and fluffy waffles in minutes
- Available in a stuffed waffle pie version
- Elegant design
What I Didn’t Like
- Lacks temperature controls
5. Hamilton Beach 26031 Belgian Copper Ceramic Plates Waffle Maker
Ending on a high note, Hamilton Beach is one of the most popular kitchen appliance manufacturers for all the good reasons.
This waffle iron comes with copper ceramic plates that allow you to cook waffle batter that doesn’t stick without adding PTFE and PFOA.
This promotes easier cleaning as the batter remains release easily from the pan if you spray with some cooking oil before making the waffles.
The ease of cleaning is also extended to its removable plates and drip trays that you can easily detach and throw in a dishwasher for a quick cleanse.
The waffle maker also has an adjustable browning control system that allows you to choose the ideal shade for your waffle with ease.
The flip feature also promotes even cooking and crisping the outside while maintaining a fluffy inside that’s up to 0.79 inches thick.
The exterior design is lovely and durable thanks to the stainless steel finish. This means that you can easily wipe it clean without hassle after you’re done.
While the device promotes vertical storability, I find it a bit difficult to store as it stays a bit bulky even when it’s folded. That’s why it’s recommended for larger kitchens with plenty of space.
What I Liked
- Removable plates and drip trays that are dishwasher safe
- Highly adjustable browning controls with flip feature
- Durable stainless steel exterior design
What I Didn’t Like
- Lacks a timer and LCD screen for its price
- Takes some space even when folded
What Is Teflon? And Is It Really a Problem?
Teflon is one of the most commonly used non-stick surfaces for cookware. However, it had its fair share of controversy over the past few decades due to multiple reports about their dangers.
One of the main derivatives of Teflon is a chemical known as “Perfluorooctanoic acid” (PFOA). Another highly problematic chemical in Teflon is “polytetrafluoroethylene” (PTFE).
While there isn’t a definitive study that measures their toxicity, almost all reports say that they’re always dangerous when they’re used in high temperatures (above 570 °F or 300 °C).
Moreover, when you clean the Teflon plates, it breaks down and releases toxic chemicals into the food, which can be dangerous for your health.
According to the American Cancer Society, the released chemicals from overheated Teflon can even cause certain types of cancers.
What Is the Best Alternative to Teflon Coating?
Due to these problems, and more, a lot of manufacturers were trying to come up with new nonstick alternatives to Teflon.
However, the best alternative to Teflon is stainless steel with ceramic coating. Besides being a non-toxic and eco-friendly alternative, it’s also surprisingly more durable than Teflon.
That’s why even those who don’t think that Teflon is dangerous are switching to ceramic coated cookware. They usually last for longer and don’t peel off their coating as easy as Teflon.
Things to Look for While Shopping for a Teflon Free Waffle Maker
In addition to the quality and thickness of the ceramic material, there are multiple aspects that you should consider while buying a Teflon-free waffle maker.
Let’s have a quick look at these points, so you can make sure you get the most value for your investment.
The Durability of the Cooking Surface
Ceramic is characterized by its remarkable durability and resistance to chipping and flaking when compared to Teflon.
Make sure that the cooking surface is well coated with high-quality ceramic and not just a “ceramic surface”. These ones tend to peel off much quicker than the heavily coated ones.
While these are a bit pricier, they’ll save you a fortune when you don’t have to replace the baking plates every couple of months.
Intuitiveness
No matter how feature backed the waffle maker can be, it’s rendered useless if you can’t use it. It’s critical that all the features are easy to understand and use.
One of the valuable features that will help you control the crisp on your waffle is the timer setting.
This setting also requires the presence of an LCD screen with high contrast, so you can monitor the timer as well as the readiness of the waffle iron to cook your batter.
Temperature Controls
While timers and LCD screens are often “sweet additions” that you can get by without, adjustable temperature controls are crucial if you want to cook the waffle to the ideal shade you want.
It won’t matter if it’s through a knob or buttons as long as you’re able to adjust the temperature of the iron surface to your liking.
Ease of Cleaning
One of the most heavily ignored features while purchasing is the ease of cleaning. When you find a good Teflon free waffle maker, always make sure that you can also avoid or at least clean the after mess.
If ease of cleaning is a top priority for you, you should pick a waffle maker with removable ceramic plates.
For instance, the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker, which has dishwasher friendly detachable drip trays and cooking plates.
Compactness and Storability
While waffles make excellent breakfast or brunch, they’re not used for main courses and not as essential as your microwave or toaster.
For that reason, they rarely stay above your counter and you’ll need to find a good storage spot for them when they’re not in use.
That’s where their compactness and ease of storage come into play. I’ve made sure to choose Teflon free waffle makers that are vertically stored, so you don’t have to worry about that aspect while picking your perfect fit.
Best Teflon Free Waffle Maker Brands
In the following section, I’ll provide you with a quick rundown of the brands that make the best Teflon free waffle makers on the market.
Oster
Oster is one of the reputable names in the field of kitchen appliances. They’re known for their patented titanium infused Ceramic coating that they apply to most of their products.
Calphalon
Calphalon is known for making anything from bakeware, cookware, cutlery, as well as high-end kitchenware with premium quality.
The company covers its products with its exquisite 10-year to a lifetime warranty for an ultra worry-free purchase.
Euro Cuisine
Euro Cuisine produces a range of small kitchen appliances that never fail to show huge attention to details.
Despite being a relatively small brand, it succeeded to prove itself as one of the best selling brands. All that thanks to the company’s dedication to making nice gadgets for relatively affordable prices.
Presto
Presto needs no introduction. The folks at Presto have been masters of innovation for decades now.
They’ve made an excellent reputation selling pressure cookers and portable pizza ovens. Their take on waffle makers is truly a one to watch!
Hamilton Beach
Nearly every home in America has at least one kitchen appliance from Hamilton Beach. The American giant has a wide range of kitchen products as well as cutting edge technologies to make your purchase a worthy investment.
FAQs
Do you need to prep ceramic coated waffle makers with oil?
While ceramic coated waffle makers are nonstick, they still need prepping with oil before you start cooking your waffle.
This means adding a light coat of cooking oil before the first waffle you make for the day. After that, you won’t need to add an extra layer of oil before you make new waffles.
How to cook a waffle with a Teflon free waffle maker?
Cooking with a Teflon free waffle maker isn’t different from the classic Teflon waffle makers. After you prepare the waffle batter. Here’s what you should do:
- Prep the waffle cooking surface with oil.
- Plug the waffle maker into the wall outlet and let it preheat.
- When the waffle maker is ready, it’ll let you know by lighting the indicator light or as your instructions manual says.
- Add a small amount of batter into the center of the waffle maker.
- Let the waffle cook for the designated amount of time.
- Don’t open the lid before the instructed time to avoid difficult cleanups and undercooked waffles.
- Remove the waffle and add another patch.
Make sure you read the instructions manual because the cooking time differs among waffle makers. Also, you might need to flip the machine 180° at some point if it has a flipping feature.
How to take care of the waffle maker?
The most important tip while dealing with a waffle maker is to keep it clean before you store it.
Cleaning them as soon as you’re done is always easier. This helps them maintain long life and protect the food remains from sticking too hard to the plates that it starts peeling off the coating.
How do you clean a Teflon free waffle maker?
With a good nonstick ceramic waffle maker, it’s very easy to clean after you’re done, as it rarely leaves any batter behind if used properly.
To clean the waffle maker you should first unplug it from the wall and wait a few minutes for it to cool down to a safe temperature. After that, wipe the plates and the exterior with a damp cloth or paper towel.
If you come across some stuck batter between the grooves that your paper towel can’t reach, you can use a smooth brush to take them out.
Make sure that you don’t use any kind of abrasive cleaning tools while wiping the waffle maker to keep the coating intact.
Wrap Up
There you have it. A complete guide with everything you need to know about eco-friendly waffle makers that are free of Teflon and its derivatives.
As you can see, there’s a wide variety of options to go for while choosing the ideal pick for your need.
Personally, I recommend Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic as the all-round best Teflon free waffle maker out there.
Thanks to its titanium infused ceramic plates and the adjustable heat controls, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious Belgian waffles that are crispy on the outside but super fluffy on the inside.
The titanium infusion and flip feature allow the batter to cook evenly and much quicker than most standard non-stick waffle makers. Moreover, the coating is 4 times more durable, so it’ll gladly stand the test of time!
However, if you’re on a tight budget and looking for a professional alternative, you should consider a good value product. In that case, you should opt for Euro Cuisine WM520 Waffle Maker.
The eco-friendly waffle maker is free of Teflon chemicals and cooks the cutest heart-shaped waffles. All that comes at a price that won’t poke a hole in your wallet!