Question from Debra
Hi Debra: Long time follower. I use your website all the time to find things I need. Is there a waffle iron that you know of with a suitable non-toxic non-stick surface? My daughter is at college and she is asking for one so want to do my best to get her something healthy. Thanks so much.
Debra’s Answer
Some years ago we had this question and could find only one cast iron waffle maker that didn’t have a Teflon finish.
Now, there are a number of choices for wafflemakers.
I’ll list them here to make it easy for you to compare, because I know waffles are a favorite.
There are two types to choose from. If you want an electric waffle-maker, you can now buy them with a ceramic-based nonstick finish. Much less toxic than Telfon, but as I’ve noted elsewhere, these finishes tend to wear down and get more sticky with time.
There are also old-fashioned cast-iron waffle makers that you put on a stovetop gas burner. I bought one of these and it just arrived today.
The reason I bought a waffle iron is because there are now recipes for gluten-free waffles! Yay! I’ve been missing waffles!
I haven’t tried any of these yet, but here are some to experiment with:
- www.fitbodsoul.com/2013/04/11/miracle-waffles-the-fluffiest-tastiest-almond-maple-waffles-gluten-free-paleo-heart-healthy/
- www.paleomg.com/almond-flour-coconut-waffles/
- www.2cookinmamas.com/2013/07/30/go-paleo-with-almond-flour-waffles/
- www.comfybelly.com/2009/01/waffles/#.U1WkICjaPZc
- www.thedigin.com/2013/11/almond-flour-waffles-gluten-free/
- www.allrecipes.com/recipe/almond-flour-waffles/
There’s more online, but I think that’s enough for now. You can always search for “almond flour waffle.”
Aren’t the old electric waffle iron plates made of aluminum? Which is unsafe?
They may be. I didn’t suggest using them.
I’ve bought some silicone waffle moulds, hopefully there’s no nasty fillers in the silicone (was a good make) and I can safely make waffles now! 🙂
I would say these would be safer than a nonstick finish on a waffle iron.
Remember lead free is NOT the same as no lead. If you are looking for something that doesn’t have lead it needs to say no lead. lead free still means there is lead but at a low level, which is completely within the US regulation. Research the terms please. The US loves to give the corporations the upper hand but within so called guidelines. Sucks but true.
I was lucky enough to find my mother’s old electric waffle iron, circa the 40s in our attic. I do see them every so often in some of the thrift stores. Try asking an older relative if they or their friends may have one. It will probably have to be rewired but definitely worth it.
Yes, yes, yes. These waffle irons are THE only ones that are reliable and make waffles and not those big Belgian soft yucky ones.
Hi Debra,
I was wondering if waffles stick to your cast iron waffle maker (does the waffle batter stick?)?. Do you need lots of butter?
Thanks.
Yes, you need to put butter or oil on a cast iron waffle maker. Ghee is perfect.
Kirt is correct about ceramic coating. It’s no safer than teflon due to the bonding agents used to adhere the ceramic to the appliance.
I’m struggling to find a non teflon here in france, my kids want waffles too! wish they would outlaw teflon!
my understanding with some research is the the oster ceramic coating is not true ceramic and may still leach compounds into food
Debra, this post made my day. I didn’t know Oster made all these products with ceramic coatings!!
I love making gluten free waffles and have experimented with both almond flour and Namaste all-purpose flour. Both make a great waffle batter. I bought the Presto Flipside Waffle Maker and it turned out to be a great purchase. It makes a Belgian style waffle that turns out crispy on the outside and moist in the middle.
I’m glad to hear you are having success with gluten-free waffles, however, your waffle maker has an unspecified “non-stick” finish on it, which usually means toxic Teflon. I suggest using one of the newer waffle makers with a finish that is not Teflon.
Best GF waffle/ pancake mix I’ve ever had (including trad gluten kind) is King Arthur brand … Quite addictive
That may be, but it’s not organic, full of starch and synthetic vitamins. The ingredients have little nutritional value so it’s fortified.
Try my Amazing Pumpkin Pancakes, which are gluten free and nutritious.
Based on your experiences what for you was the Presto Flipside Waffle Maker’s rating, pros and cons?