Question from Jeana
I’m looking for a least-toxic portable cooktop. My current one is still working so it’s not urgent yet, but is on its last legs.
If anyone has looked into this, I’d love to hear what you found out!
My last two I’ve used are both Waring Professional Double Burner. Body is made of stainless steel. But the thing strongly offgassed for months. Maybe safe— I researched but did not find out much.
Lisa’s Answer
This is not something I have researched. Readers, any suggestions?
Broil King -Cadco . It was made in CT, 30 years ago and I called them for it. I have had about 3 of these in 30 years. I plug into a power strip because I always unplug after use. It is cast iron. There is a slight smoking on the first heat up to burn off the finish on the cast iron burner. Open the window , no lasting health effect. I used to order directly form Broilking but they no longer sell to individuals. Warning: I had ordered one from Amazon and it came in an inner box and was not taped and it was dumped on my side walk .. Broilking recommended to buy form Wayfair and it will be in picture outer box, inner box with packing.. Available in a black finish that is a few dollars cheaper ( always had this one) and new style have a stainless steel version. I either learned about this in Debra’s early book or from the Wary Canary or HEAL magazines back in he late 1980s.. .. About $125- $ 145. .. I think I paid over $60 thirty years ago.. If you want it to last longer make sure you don’t touch the cord to the hot surface..
https://www.wayfair.com/BroilKing–BroilKing-Professional-Electric-Hot-Plate-PCR1S-PCR1B
Awesome, Marlo. Can’t thank you enough.
And major thanks Lisa, for this forum. Excellent job!
I’ve been dealing with this problem for years. There was a great one that didn’t off-gas and then it was discontinued. When I tried buying it off eBay it smelled moldy – like it was in some smoker’s attic. The the i use right now is very good but it’s not the most stable and you have to make sure your large frying pans are centered or they could slide off. It’s a Continental Electric Double Burner – 1500 watts. It’s not expensive at all and it will last a few years but it’s not a heavyweight construction.
Endless thanks Steve! Been a long, long search. I’ll look into that when my current one dies. Just want to be ready for that day
I also wonder if portable double induction cook tops would work best?
Yes Kimberly– we should all go induction for energy savings anyway.
I’ll save up for special pots to go with induction. Then research least-toxic induction portable cooktops.
Thanks so much!
Hello Jeana,
My Family and I have not had any problems with off gassing with this camper stove/oven. We used a brand similar to this one for almost 10 yrs. We also keep it outside usually at all times. We love it because we never eat out and take it with us to cook when we travel.
Blessings,
Kimberly
Hello Kimberly,
What camper stove / oven?
Blessings to you too! We all need that warm wish these days. <3
One of the two reviews I found said it was slow to heat up and cool down; best for warming only. Another said the sides were plastic and burned if the pan was too big for the burner – perhaps the cause of the odor?
You’re talking about Broil King, Jean? Yes, mine is plastic on the sides.
Good question about cause of odor! No, the odor was gone after a few months of use. Even when using big, wide pans. The odor never smelled like heated plastic anyway.
So I’m figuring the burners may come with a chemical coating that burns off after a few months of use.
Thanks for your thoughts Jean!