Non-Toxic Waffle Makers: Cast Iron & Ceramic Options
Waffles are a weekend thing in our house, and most electric waffle makers have traditional nonstick plates that are hard to clean without scratching. I found two good alternatives: old-fashioned cast iron irons and electric makers with ceramic plates.
Like nonstick pans, most waffle makers use a PTFE-type coating. If you're cutting back on those (our cookware guide explains why), you have two main options.
- Cast iron: no coating at all, lasts forever, and gets better with use. It needs a stove, preheating and some practice.
- Ceramic-coated electric: plug in and go. The ceramic coatings are sold as PTFE- and PFAS-free, but they wear out faster than traditional nonstick, usually in a few years.
Cast iron waffle irons
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Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
Rome's #1100 Old Fashioned Cast Iron Waffle Iron
Plain cast iron with no coating, used on a gas stove.
Why we picked these
- Rome's #1100 Old Fashioned Cast Iron Waffle Iron Classic stovetop Plain cast iron with no coating, used on a gas stove. Once seasoned it releases waffles well and lasts forever. Worth knowing: Cast iron waffle irons take practice: preheat both sides well and brush with oil. It works best on gas burners.
- Lehmans Cast Iron Waffle Maker, Stovetop or Grill Round waffles A hinged two-piece cast iron iron that makes 7-inch round waffles on the stove or grill. No electronics, no coating.
- Sircles Cast Iron Waffle Maker, 4 Square Belgian Waffles Belgian-style cast iron Makes four square Belgian-style waffles at once in heavy cast iron. A good choice if you want thicker waffles without a coated electric maker. Worth knowing: It's heavy. Season it well before the first use.
- ROME Chuckwagon Cast Iron Waffle Iron (1028) For grill & campfire A long-handled cast iron iron built for the grill or campfire. Fun for camping weekends, and nothing on it can wear off.
Tips for cast iron: season it well before the first batch, preheat both sides for several minutes, brush on oil or melted butter before each waffle, and don't soak it. Recipes with a little extra fat in the batter release more easily.
Electric Belgian waffle makers with ceramic plates
Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker, PFAS-Free Ceramic Plates
An electric Belgian waffle maker with ceramic-coated plates sold as PFAS-free, browning control and indicator lights.
Why we picked these
- Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker, PFAS-Free Ceramic Plates Best electric value An electric Belgian waffle maker with ceramic-coated plates sold as PFAS-free, browning control and indicator lights. The easiest switch if you want plug-in convenience. Worth knowing: Ceramic coatings wear over time. Skip cooking spray and metal tools to make it last.
- Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker Best flip-style The rotating FlipSide design spreads the batter evenly for thick Belgian waffles, now with ceramic nonstick plates.
- Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker, Ceramic Plates Adjustable temperature Ceramic nonstick plates in a stainless body, with an adjustable temperature dial so you can go from soft to crisp.
- Oster Belgian Waffle Maker, Ceramic Nonstick Simple ceramic A basic Belgian waffle maker with ceramic nonstick plates from a long-time appliance brand.
Mini waffle makers
Illustrative photos, not the actual products. Tap a photo to see that pick on Amazon.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, 4-Inch Ceramic Nonstick
The famous 4-inch mini waffle maker, in a version with a ceramic nonstick surface.
Why we picked these
- Dash Mini Waffle Maker, 4-Inch Ceramic Nonstick Kid-size waffles The famous 4-inch mini waffle maker, in a version with a ceramic nonstick surface. Kid-size waffles and small enough for any cabinet. Worth knowing: Check that the listing you buy says ceramic. Dash sells versions with other coatings.
- bella Stack & Store Mini Waffle Maker, 4-Inch Ceramic Stackable mini A mini waffle maker with a ceramic cooking surface, designed to stack neatly for storage.
- AshGlen Double Mini Waffle Maker, Ceramic Two at a time Makes two 4-inch waffles at once on plates sold as PFAS-free ceramic, so breakfast for two kids is quicker.
- Amazon Basics Mini Belgian Waffle Maker, 8-Inch Ceramic Plate Budget pick An inexpensive waffle iron with a round ceramic nonstick plate and adjustable browning.
Make ceramic plates last: no cooking spray (it leaves a sticky film), no metal tools, and wipe the plates with a damp cloth once they've cooled.
Leftover waffles
Waffles freeze well. Cool them on a rack, freeze them flat, then store them in glass or a reusable bag and reheat in the toaster. Our toaster guide has stainless picks.
