Best Non-Toxic Waffle Makers (2026): Cast Iron & Ceramic
Waffles are a weekend favorite for a lot of families, and most electric waffle makers have traditional nonstick plates that are hard to clean without scratching. There are 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.
FAQ
Are there waffle makers without Teflon?
Yes. Cast iron waffle irons have no coating at all. Electric makers with ceramic plates are sold as PTFE- and PFAS-free, though the coating wears out faster than traditional nonstick, usually in a few years.
How do I keep waffles from sticking to 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. Batters with a little extra fat release more easily.
How do I make ceramic waffle plates last?
No cooking spray, since it leaves a sticky film, no metal tools, and wipe the plates with a damp cloth once they've cooled.
