You know it.
I know it.
We just need to let everyone else know it as well.
Waffles = LIFE.
Period.
But as much as you may love waffles, the interwebz (where else?) is packed with rumors about how non-stick surfaces are carcinogenic.
I don’t know about you but while I love waffles, I don’t love them enough to put myself and my loved ones at risk.
With more people asking “does this waffle maker have a Teflon non-stick coating”, I just had to find out.
I documented my findings in this pretty interesting post on what you should be wary of and what doesn’t matter here, but the gist is Teflon fumes only happen when an empty Teflon-coated pan is over-heated and the fumes given off are only deadly to birds.
But you’d rather be safe than sorry.
I get it, and there’s nothing wrong with that.
While PTFE-coated cookware (more commonly known as Teflon cookware), is prized for its ease of cleaning, it doesn’t help if one is scared every time it’s used. Cooking is supposed to be fun, not filled with dread.
So, it’s a good thing that there are many other options for cookware and in appliances like waffle makers and griddles.
As with any other purchase, buying a new kitchen appliance can become confusing. This is based on the sheer volume of available options and the decisions (attachments, colors etc) that you have to make. Here is a detailed post on what features to look for when choosing a waffle maker.
But picking a waffle maker with a non-Teflon cooking surface, doesn’t have to be difficult.
Let me walk you through choosing a Teflon-free waffle maker, alongside our top picks:
First, understand that Teflon-free waffle makers will have one of the following surfaces:
- Cast iron
- Ceramic
- Coated Metal
Let’s talk abut cast iron appliances; with these, it’s a case of going back to the basics. There’s a reason grandma made the best eggs in that old skillet and the best waffles in a cast iron waffle iron.
While it may seem like cast iron cookware is having a moment right now, it never really left. I know cooking aficionados who won’t even touch anything that’s not cast iron.
And for good reason too.
Cast iron has been used in cookware for centuries, as it’s durable (you can find 75-year-old cast iron cookware at yard sales and antique shops), has very high heat capacity i.e. once it’s hot, it stays hot and is ‘naturally’ non-stick.
Cookware made of cast iron are generally easy to store as they are relatively flat (compared to modern pots and waffle makers). And they only get better with time as frequent use bakes oil in, increasing its non-stickiness.
Some lucky folks have had cookware passed down to them over the generations, but not everyone has had such heirlooms handed down. While you can still buy an old one at a yard sale, it will most likely require intense reconditioning.
So save yourself some stress and check out these top picks available on Amazon right now :
Rome’s #1100 Old Fashioned Waffle Iron
Made by Rome Industries, a veteran in the family camping industry, the Rome 1100 waffle iron can be used on a gas burner or outdoors over a camp fire. Weighing 4 pounds, it can produce a 6-inch waffle in minutes.
Rome’s #1100 Old Fashioned Waffle Iron
Worried about complex timing patterns, buttons and lights?
Don’t be, the Rome 1100 is as basic and no frills as you can get. At 10 x 6.8 inches, it’s quite compact and stores away easily.
I will point out that users should be mindful when handling the waffle iron after its been heated up. Its short handles get quite hot and should only be handled while wearing oven gloves or with a silicon sleeve attached.
Rome Chuck Wagon Waffle Iron
The Rome Chuck Wagon gives you all of the benefits of a stove-top iron with one useful extra. Taking a feature from the pie iron handles that Rome Industries is famous for, the Chuck Wagon comes with long removable handles.
Rome 128 Chuckwagon Waffle Iron
These keep your hands from burning your fingers on the hot handles and it also makes the Rome Chuck Wagon Waffle Iron perfect for BBQ grill use!
Isn’t that just brilliant?
In addition to a classic cast iron surface and exterior, the Rome Chuck Wagon comes with 2 15-inch long poles. With the poles screwed in and weighing only 4.7 pounds, flipping the whole thing becomes a piece of cake.
And removable handles means the waffle iron can be taken apart quickly for thorough cleaning.
Making 6-inch waffles quick, without burning your fingers, what’s not to love?!!
Useful UH-CI194 Old Fashioned Cast Iron Stove Top Waffle Iron
For lovers of a square waffle who also want a cast iron waffle maker, the
Useful Old Fashioned Cast Iron Stove Top Waffle Iron is your new go-to appliance.
With a 7 x 7 in. cooking surface, the Useful UH-CI194 waffle iron makes 1 huge, deep pocket waffle, or 4 waffles that are 3 x 3 inches in size.
Useful UH-CI194 Cast Iron Waffle Iron
It can be used on the gas stove or over a campfire and cleaning is easy as it pulls apart at the hinge for a quick dunk in the sink.
Weighing 7 pounds, the Useful UH-CI194 is a tad heavy and the short-ish handles may make it difficult to flip when it’s filled with delicious batter.
But hey, that’s one way to burn off the calories from deliciousness, right?
One thing to note with cast iron waffle makers is that they need to be cleaned (to remove the paraffin wax coating) and seasoned before first use. To maintain the seasoning, use spray from a mister and a little extra oil in your batter. This helps build up the layers of oil that keep the waffle iron non-stick.
Cast iron isn’t the only non-Teflon option available, Nordic Ware makes a cast aluminum Belgian waffle maker.
NordicWare 15040 Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron
And yes, I’d also read all the rumors purporting to link aluminum cookware to Alzheimer’s.
So I dug deeper and soon found the aluminum-Alzheimer’s link is bogus.
Like cast iron, aluminum has excellent thermal conductivity, but unlike cast iron it’s lightweight, 2 features that influence its use in Dutch ovens.
Yes, raw aluminum is highly reactive to alkaline or acidic foods, which is why cast aluminum has been coated with ceramic and other non-stick materials. This hardens and thickens the exterior of the metal, making it non-reactive.
Now, the NordicWare 15040 Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron is ideal for lovers of square waffles. You know, the waffle enthusiasts that insist that a 4-inch square can be loaded with more fruit and cream than a round one.
NordicWare 15040 Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron
Measuring 8.5 x 8.5 inches, the NordicWare 15040 makes 1 large square waffle or 4 smaller ones. This waffle iron is best suited for use on a gas or an electric stove top to produce delicious 1.5 inch thick Belgian waffles, that will satisfy anyone!
Its cast aluminum frame means it weighs in at 3.3 pounds; that’s pretty light, if you ask me!
Nordic Ware also ships the waffle maker with its own silicone handles to protect your hands when using the appliance. The NordicWare 15040 pulls apart for easy cleaning. Storage is a breeze as it can be stood upright on its side.
All that PLUS a 10-year warranty, what’s not to love?!
Another option for non-Teflon waffle makers is using ceramic-coated waffle makers.
For some consumers, the term ‘coating’ is synonymous with Teflon, but that’s incorrect.
Ceramic coated cookware is PTFE-free as plastic isn’t used in the process or the finished product. The coating is a metal (typically anodized aluminum) with a ceramic layer. Manufacturers claim the coating is more durable than Teflon, won’t flake or peel and can withstand exposure to high temperatures.
One of the popular models of this type is the Oster CKSTWF1502-Eco Duraceramic Belgian waffle maker.
Oster makes excellent and affordable kitchen appliances and their Oster CKSTWF1502-Eco Duraceramic
Oster CKSTWF1502-ECO DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker
is no exception. Jumping on the non-Teflon bandwagon, Oster released the Duraceramic line.
While the Oster 1502 doesn’t make the thickest Belgian waffles (they’re only about ¾ inch thick), but it still manages to have an impressive number of useful features.
With an 8-inch cooking plate, the Oster 1502 will make soft pillowy waffles in no time. Simply adjust the browning control to your desired crispness and watch for the red/green indicator lights. Its polished chrome exterior allows it match almost any kitchen décor.
With 3,400 5-star reviews on Amazon, another popular choice is the Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker.
Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
Apart from having a ceramic coated interior, the Presto 03510 waffle maker also has an actual countdown timer, makes waffles over an inch thick, it flips to make evenly cooked waffles and can also be stored upright! In this position, it’s only 3 inches wide! Talk about a space saver!
A minor gripe is that the timer runs on separate batteries, but like i said, minor.
I chose to list the Euro Cuisine WM520 Eco Friendly waffle maker, for one reason – heart shaped waffles!!
I mean, just look at them!
Euro Cuisine WM520 Heart Shaped Waffle Maker
The Euro Cuisine WM520 waffle maker has PTFE- and PFOA-free plates and comes in a brilliant chrome exterior. The appliance measures 10 x 8 inches and makes 5 heart shaped waffles. These may not be the thickest waffles but they are still crispy and can hold choc chips.
One thing I must mention is how hot the Euro Cuisine waffle maker gets; it radiates so much heat that one reviewer claimed it warped plastic plastic containers close to it.
That’s hot!
So please stay safe by keeping kids away from it while it’s in use, and always use oven mittens when handling it.
Summary
There are many alternatives available for Teflon-free waffle makers, this article listed 7, ranging from a no-frills stove top model to one that makes frigging heart shaped waffles!
Just remember, whether it’s cast iron or ceramic, taking proper care of the waffle iron surface is the best way to ensure it lasts for a long time. Though there are a few differences in caring for your non-Teflon waffle maker, there are some fundamentals to keep in mind:
- Always wipe the surface with a dry paper towel first. This reduces the amount of soap (if any) required.
- If you have to wash, avoid using scouring pads, use a dishcloth or sponge. Keep the use of detergent to a minimum and wipe with a dry dishcloth.
- Use silicone, plastic or wooden implements when removing waffles. Metal utensils will scratch the surface and render it less non-stick.
For readers that are don’t know what PTFE or PFOA mean and how they affect you, head over to this post for a detailed breakdown.
For everyone else, I hope our selection has helped with deciding which non-Teflon waffle maker you want to start your waffle adventures with.
So, hop on to Amazon and get a bargain now!
Happy waffling!!