Waffle makers are quickly becoming one of the most-loved kitchen gadgets worldwide – because who doesn’t love warm, crispy waffles? 🧇
But here’s the catch:
Many waffle makers still rely on PTFE-based nonstick coatings, and that’s something we’d rather keep off our food, and out of our environment..
That’s why we went on a mission to find the 6 best truly Teflon-free waffle makers – All of which use cast iron or ceramic-based coatings and are explicitly marketed as PTFE- and PFOA-free.
(We prefer our waffles topped with ice cream, not mystery chemicals.)
The Good News?
PFOA & PTFE-free waffle makers DO exist – but they’re a bit tricky to find.
If you want to be 100% Teflon-free, your best options are ceramic or cast-iron waffle makers.
Beware of the “PFOA-Free” marketing trick!
Many brands label their waffle makers as PFOA-free, making it seem like they’re Teflon-free. But in reality? They often contain other PFAS chemicals instead. (We’ll break this down in a bit!)
What's In Here
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 Why You Need a Teflon-Free Waffle Maker
- 3 The 6 Best Teflon-Free Waffle Makers (Ceramic/Cast Iron)
- 3.1 1. Best Classic & Belgian Combo – GreenPan Ceramic Waffle Maker
- 3.2 2. Best Belgian – Calphalon Intellicrisp
- 3.3 3. Best Rotating – Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker
- 3.4 4. Best Cast Iron – Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast Iron
- 3.5 5. Best Vertical – Oster DuraCeramic Waffle Maker
- 3.6 Why Is Teflon Still Used Inside Cookware and Kitchen Appliances?
- 4 How We Chose a Nontoxic Waffle Iron
Key Takeaways
- Truly Teflon-free waffle makers use cast iron or ceramic-based coatings, not PTFE
- “PFOA-free” alone does not guarantee a waffle maker is PFAS-free
- Cast iron offers the most certainty for non-toxic cooking, while ceramic adds convenience
- Cleaning method and temperature control matter more than brand for long-term safety
In a Hurry?
See our top 4 picks compared, or jump to our Teflon-free waffle maker reviews.
- Easiest cleanup – GreenPan (removable plates)
- Best texture control – Calphalon IntelliCrisp (5 texture settings)
- Best rotating flip – Hamilton Beach (flip design & removable plates)
- Best no-electric option – Rome cast iron (stovetop/camping)
- Best no mess design – Oster vertical (top funnel & batter cup)
This post may contain affiliate links, at no extra cost to you.
Why You Need a Teflon-Free Waffle Maker
Who doesn’t love a good non-stick surface, right?
You put your batter in, close it up, and voila! Perfectly formed waffles every time. But that’s not the whole story, unfortunately.
Most nonstick waffle makers contain Teflon, which contains hazardous chemicals such as PFOA and other PFAS.
According to studies, PFAS are toxic, and their effect include nerve damage, reproductive damage, immune system damage, and cardiovascular toxicity.
According to the EPA, some PFAS compounds are highly persistent and can remain in the body for years.
When Teflon-coated products reach the end of their life and are disposed of in landfills, the Teflon coating can release PFAS into the environment. These chemicals can also be released into the environment during the manufacturing process.
The 6 Best Teflon-Free Waffle Makers (Ceramic/Cast Iron)
True non-Teflon waffle makers exist, although they are hard to find.
Below you’ll find the 6 best waffle makers without PTFE and PFOA in sight, to make the healthiest version of homemade waffles, smelling heavenly on a Sunday morning.
Plus, these waffle makers are eco-friendly, so you’ll contribute to making the environment cleaner and safer for people and animals.
All waffle makers in this guide are selected based on publicly disclosed coating materials and manufacturer safety statements. We avoid models that rely on PTFE-based nonstick coatings.
1. Best Classic & Belgian Combo – GreenPan Ceramic Waffle Maker
Eco-friendly and versatile – but pricey
- Best for: people who want dishwasher-safe plates and zero-PTFE coatings
- Cooking style: Electric ceramic waffle iron with removable plates
- Maintenance: Low (plates detach for cleaning)
- Size – 12.6″ x 8.6″
- Waffle count – 4
- Cooking time – 4-6 minutes (depending on level)
✅ Pros – combined classic and Belgian waffle maker, comes with a good recipe book, toxin-free, and manufactured in an eco-friendly way, removable dishwasher-safe plates
❌ Cons – more expensive than average
The GreenPan Ceramic Waffle Maker is a 4-square classic/Belgian waffle maker, with removable plates that you can pop in the dishwasher for easy cleaning.
You can choose classic or Belgian waffles (or both), and the Thermolon Volt coating, a diamond-infused ceramic nonstick material, will not leach PFAS, PFOS, lead, or cadmium.
Plus, GreenPan uses recycled materials and solar power to manufacture this kitchen gadget.
With the great LED display, this waffle maker allows you to adjust the shade (light or darker, just like a toast) and the crunch level you or your guests prefer.
The coating is truly nonstick, and waffles come right off; In most cases, only minimal oil is needed.
We love that you can just remove the plate and put it in the dishwasher.
Available at GreenPan ($299) and Amazon ($299) – Pricey, but removable plates are what you’re paying for.
👉 You can also consider the lower-cost and smaller model, which is the same, only it makes 2 waffles at a time, and only Belgian waffles:
2. Best Belgian – Calphalon Intellicrisp
Smart crisping tech and toxin-free – but harder to clean
- Best for: Belgian-style waffles with adjustable texture control
- Cooking style: Electric ceramic-coated waffle maker with preset crisp levels
- Maintenance: Moderate (plates are non-removable; wipe clean only)
- Size – 11″ x 6″
- Waffle count – 2 (4″x5″ each)
- Cooking time – two 4”×5” waffles every 4-5 minutes
✅ Pros – has locks for vertical storage, no Teflon, lead, or cadmium, 5 waffle texture options, the timer beeps at the end of cooking
❌ Cons – plates are not removable
The two square Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle plates are made from Teflon-free ceramic coating, which is highly durable and nontoxic (if you don’t scratch it with metal utensils).
The easy-to-use LCD display offers 5 different texture settings – from soft and fluffy to dark and crispy, while the countdown timer lets you track the cooking process.
When the waffles are done, you’ll hear a beep, so you don’t have to constantly track the cooking process.
The plates are not removable, but since they are completely nonstick, you’ll only need a damp cloth to clean them.
Available on Amazon ($150) – No removable plates, but designed to wipe clean fast.
3. Best Rotating – Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker
Thick, crispy waffles made easy with a flip and removable plates – but no beep at the end
- Best for: Thick Belgian waffles with even browning – on a budget
- Cooking style: Rotating electric waffle maker with ceramic-coated plates
- Maintenance: Low to moderate (removable, dishwasher-safe plates)
- Size – 15” x 10” x 9”
- Waffle count – 1 (6.5″)
- Cooking time – 5-6 minutes
✅ Pros – the extra thick grids make deep Belgian waffles, removable plates for easy cleaning, rotating flip feature for even cooking, cool touch handle
❌ Cons – no audible beep, so you’ll have to watch for the light to turn green
For about $60, the Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker is probably the best Teflon-free waffle maker for the money on this list.
It has a unique copper-ceramic coating, which is toxin-free and completely nonstick while heating up faster and more evenly.
The plates are removable and dishwasher safe, and there’s also a removable drip tray.
The great rotating flip feature makes evenly-cooked Belgian waffles with no risk of soggy, half-cooked ones coming out when the indicator light turns on to tell you they are ready.
This one also has a turn dial to help you choose the crispiness level of the round 6.5-inch and 1-inch deep waffle, to have it ready in 5-6 minutes.
Available on Amazon ($88) – No beep, but the ready light does the job.
4. Best Cast Iron – Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast Iron
Rustic and campfire-ready – but requires seasoning
- Best for: Campfire, stovetop, or off-grid waffle cooking
- Cooking style: Manual stovetop cast iron waffle iron (no electricity)
- Maintenance: High (requires seasoning, hand-washing, and drying)
- Size – 7″D x 10″W x 1″H
- Waffle count – 1 (6.8″)
✅ Pros – no electricity required, toxin-free, durable, and lasts for years, great for camping
❌ Cons – needs regular seasoning and gentle cleaning only, short handle
The Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Maker is the only cast iron waffle maker on this list and is quite different than the others on this list. But, we had to include it for several reasons:
It’s made out of 100% cast iron (100% toxin-free), which is naturally nonstick with its seasoning layer and gets even more nonstick with time.
The highly durable cast iron plates make a great classic round waffle (6.5”– time varies) and are best used on a stovetop or a two-burner stove when you go camping.
This one has a secure hinge system that connects both sides of the pan, and basically, all you need is heat – no electricity is required.
Here’s how to use cast-iron waffle plates:
On the flip side, it does take some trial and error until you learn how to make perfect fluffy waffles, and cast iron needs proper cleaning and seasoning.
If you buy it, make sure to clean the protective wax layer before you use it.
Available on Amazon ($38) – Needs seasoning, but no coating and no electricity.
5. Best Vertical – Oster DuraCeramic Waffle Maker
Vertical, spill-proof design with easy measuring – but plates are not removable
Best for: Mess-free waffles in small kitchens
Cooking style: Vertical electric waffle maker with ceramic-coated plates
Maintenance: Moderate (non-removable plates; careful wipe-down cleaning)
- Size – 6″D x 12.5″W x 13.5″H
- Waffle count – 1 (7″)
- Cooking time – 3-6 minutes
✅ Pros – vertical design for an even spread, cooks fast, batter cup, wide top funnel
❌ Cons – plates are not removable, no beep when ready
The Oster Titanium-Infused Waffle Iron is made with ceramic coating with infused Titanium inside – designed to be more durable than traditional PTFE coatings, according to the manufacturer.
The vertical design, the pre-measured batter cup, and the top funnel allow for maximum precision and minimum mess – the batter is completely locked in and evenly spread on the plates – for perfect crispy outside and fluffy inside waffles.
Fill the batter cup, pour, bake, and enjoy – with no mess.
Available on Amazon ($62) – Fixed plates, but the funnel design reduces cleanup mess.
Why Is Teflon Still Used Inside Cookware and Kitchen Appliances?
In 2010, the EPA demanded that manufacturers stop using Teflon-containing PFOA.
Did that solve the problem?
No, because these companies replaced PFOA with any other PFOA alternative. Some replacement PFAS, such as GenX and PFBS are still under investigation for potential health risks.
Then they labeled their products as PFOA-free, and now most people believe that PFOA-free means toxin-free and Teflon-free.
A true Teflon-free waffle maker is labeled as PFOA and PTFE-free.
How We Chose a Nontoxic Waffle Iron
Once you’ve made sure the waffle maker is PTFE & PFOA-free, choose from the following features the ones that are most important to you:
- Rotating flip – contributes to even heat distribution
- Adjustable temperature control – to adjust the level of crispiness and shade (light to dark)
- Cooking indicators – the best waffle makers indicate the waffles are ready with a beep
- Removable plates – plates you can easily remove and put in the dishwasher
- Vertical storage – for saving cabinet and counter space
- Multi-Waffle Surface – Some waffle makers have cooking irons for both classic and Belgian waffles
FAQ
Are Ceramic-Coated Waffle Makers Safer Than Traditional Ones?
Yes, Teflon-free waffle makers are generally safer because they avoid PFAS chemicals, which have been linked to health concerns.
Some studies have raised questions about nanoparticle migration in certain ceramic coatings, though real-world exposure from waffle makers remains unclear.
For example, A 2017 study published in Food Additives & Contaminants found that nanoparticles from ceramic pan coatings can migrate into food, and another study linked chronic exposure to nano-titanium dioxide with immune disruption and pre-cancerous gut lesions.
How Do I Prevent Waffles From Sticking in a Teflon-free Waffle Maker?
To prevent sticking, preheat the waffle maker, lightly grease the surface with oil or butter, and use a batter with enough fat content.
Cast iron waffle makers need proper seasoning, while ceramic models work best with a well-balanced batter and avoid too much sugar, which can caramelize and cause sticking.
Can You Use Cooking Spray on the Waffle Maker Iron?
If you have a nonstick waffle maker, cooking spray is not necessary and can damage the nonstick surface while creating a tacky surface that makes the cooking iron useless.
If your waffles stick, brush some lightly over the plate instead. Cast iron waffle irons need regular seasoning.
How Do I Clean a Ceramic Waffle Maker Without Damaging It?
To clean a ceramic waffle maker safely, unplug it and let it cool completely. Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water to wipe down the plates.
Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals. If the plates are removable, wash them by hand or place them in the dishwasher (if allowed by the manufacturer). For stuck-on bits, use a soft-bristle brush or a silicone spatula. Never submerge the appliance base in water.
Bottom Line
If avoiding PTFE matters to you, cast iron offers the most certainty, while ceramic waffle makers balance convenience and easier cleanup.
The right choice depends on how often you cook waffles, whether you value removable plates, and how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.
Happy breakfast!
The KM Team
Studies
Zhuotong Zeng, Biao Song, et al. Assessing the human health risks of perfluorooctane sulfonate by in vivo and in vitro studies, Environment International, Volume 126, 2019
10/23/23 In my search for a non toxic waffle maker, I was recently emailed from an OSTER Co Rep, advising they are currently using FDA “approved” PTFE in their non stick coating – which is in contradiction to many descriptions concerning thier product. BUYER BEWARE.