We all know by now that Teflon is horribly toxic, right? So we've detoxed our pots and pans.(Click here if you haven't done that yet to find out my favorite non-toxic options.) But we still need a healthy way to make those healthy gluten-free waffles and pancakes, right?!
So I spent time digging into the world of non-toxic (or at least the least toxic) waffle irons and griddles. Here's what I found:
Waffle Iron
So obviously a cast iron waffle iron is gonna be your best bet. Something like this old-fashioned cast iron waffle maker:
But it's not practical for many of us. I'm personally stuck with an electric glass cooktop stove. So I had to find an electric waffle iron. Last year, I found this ceramic one and it has been incredible:
It barely takes any coconut oil at all to keep even the toughest Paleo waffles from sticking. I've actually never had any issues with sticking on this one. It cleans very easily as well.
Large families: get two (they're really inexpensive!) and make things go faster. ;)
Griddle
We use a griddle often for things like pancakes, (turkey) bacon, burgers, etc. And again, cast iron options like this are available:
But again we need electric. Most electric griddles are SO toxic with their heavy-duty Teflon coating (and some have plastic "warming trays" which are horrible toxic to be putting hot foods on).
Ceramic again is the most affordable least toxic option, but many griddles are copper ceramic. As a practitioner, I see that most women (and some kids) have too much copper in their bodies already, so I really don't like using or recommending any copper cookware.
There are also some ceramic griddles that are PFOA free but not PTFE free. We want to avoid both.
So I went with the Hamilton Beach Reversible Ceramic Electric Griddle. It is both PFOA and PTFE free and not copper ceramic. I like that the griddle plate is removable for easier cleaning. This one may take some experimenting with to optimize its non-stick ceramic surface.
(I will state the obvious just in case: Do not use metal utensils or spatulas on this griddle as it can scratch the ceramic.)
Instant Pots
And don't forget about the Instant Pots! You gotta have the real deal cuz knock-offs have Teflon in the inner pots.
I have both the 6 quart Instant Pot and the 8 quart Instant Pot and use them both often!
Why do I love Instant Pots so much?!
Amazing bone broth in 90-120 minutes.
"Baked" potatoes (sweet or regular) in 10 minutes (and I don't have to heat up my house with the oven on).
Cooked ground beef FROM frozen in 25 minutes. (And I don't have to sit and stir/chop like when I saute.)
Cooked soups in 10 minutes (making even celery and carrots soft).
Perfectly cooked (sprouted) rice.
I fit two whole organic chickens in the 8 quart Instant Pot and they're done (like falling apart done) in 35 minutes. And not dry like when they're baked.
Just a few reasons why I sacrifice the tiny amount of counter space I have for TWO Instant Pots!
There you have it. Hope that helps your journey to toxin-free living! Happy cooking!