Recently, I discovered that many kitchen appliances, more so cookware, are laced with toxins. That left me with queries if toaster ovens are toxic. They are not an exception as some of its brands even come with the California Prop 65 disclaimer.
The disclaimer lists over 800 chemicals known to cause cancer and other health complications in humans. All consumer products in California must pass this requirement. If there are traces of toxic substances on a product, the Prop 65 warning will appear on the label.
This warning is just for Californians. And so, as a non-resident, you may require more information before purchasing the appliance. Indeed, toaster ovens are toxic but, it is a great relief to know that not all of them are harmful. Some categories comprise unsafe elements such as Teflon, BPA, PFOA, PFAs, and many more.
Mostly, the above substances come as a coating that makes the toasters easy to clean and nonstick. Learn more about carcinogens in toasters, non-toxic ovens, and alternatives to toaster ovens.
Do Toaster Ovens Have Toxins That Cause Cancer?
It is a worry that toasters are among the most toxic appliances around. The reason is because of the toxic smoke they produce when food particles come into contact with hot coils. Also, some of the coating elements that manufacturers use are carcinogenic.
So, toaster ovens do not cause cancer unless they emit toxic smoke. Coatings such as PTFE and PFAs, which make the gadgets inside surface nonstick, can cause cancer. Such ovens carry a disclaimer, such as Prop 65.
If you do not live where this warning applies (California), read the manual well to fork out words like PTFE, Teflon, BPA, and PFAs. These are the most toxic coating elements in cookware. Fortunately, there are toaster ovens that have no traces of these chemicals. You will find them a bit pricey, but they are safe to use as they don’t have toxic components.
Carcinogens In Toasters
It’s no doubt that some kitchen appliances have carcinogens. They contain elements that cause cancer. That’s why the health bodies countrywide have an ongoing awareness of these toxins. Carcinogens in toasters are also in the public domain. The worry, for now, is if this gadget that delivers irresistible bread to our breakfast table can alter our well-being.
Indeed, some toasters have carcinogens/cancer-causing elements. The disease is a nightmare that requires thousands of dollars to treat a single patient. Many families are struggling with the scourge, so it is crucial to take precautions.
The major carcinogens in toasters include PTFE and PFAS. These two chemicals constitute the coating surface that makes the gadgets slippery. The perfect name is nonstick surface.
Nonstick appliances have stolen the hearts of many homeowners. Food doesn’t stick on hot surfaces, so you get intact meals without tears. Cleaning nonstick cookware is a breeze.
The only danger is when you do not know if the toaster has cancer toxins. But it doesn’t require you to pay for a course to learn about carcinogens in toasters and other appliances. It is easy to read this straightforward guide. It explains all the details. Read on to distinguish between toxic and non-toxic ovens.
Non-Toxic Toaster Ovens
Non-toxic toaster ovens do exist. The oven does not have PTFE, PFAS, or other toxic elements. Also, they pass various certifications to ensure that they are non-toxic. Example of a body that ensures the gadgets are free from harmful elements includes the Californian Proposition 65, FDA, OSHA, PAHO, and more.
If you shop wisely, you will get a non-toxic toaster oven. Doing so protects yourself and your loved ones against cancer toxins. Not only the toaster ovens but also other cookware in your home.
So, how do you spot a non-toxic toaster oven?
Easy!
The Specifications May Hint A Toxic Toaster Oven
Read the oven’s specifications to fish out words like PTFE, PFOA, BPA, and other toxic elements. If the toaster oven contains any of the above elements, drop it and continue with your search for a non-toxic toaster oven.
Beware Of Low-Priced Toasters With Toxins
Low-priced toaster ovens may mean low quality and unsafe components. Manufacturers find it cheaper to use PTFE and BPA as nonstick coatings. The reason is the chemicals are readily available and cheaper than porcelain and stainless-steel coatings. So, a low price should raise your antennae. Investigate further to determine if the company uses carcinogenic elements in coating the oven.
Go To Online Reviews For Toxin Alerts
Nowadays, shopping for appliances is smooth. All it takes is jumping into the internet and clicking on a few websites. There you get all the information and reviews. However, some guys may give dishonest reviews, but not all. Beware of a product whose reviews indicate the use of toxic coatings such as BPA, PFAS, PFOA, and Teflon (PTFE).
Inquire From The Horse’s Mouth If Products have Cancer Toxins!
The customer service desk has all the information about the toaster oven of your choice. Call them to determine the type of nonstick surface for that particular oven. You can also enquire if they have ceramic or stainless-steel toaster ovens.
What Is Better Than A Toaster Oven?
A toaster oven is specific to making bread. It transforms a bland piece of the loaf into something golden, crusty, and tasty. With a toaster oven, you can bake and reheat leftovers. It is a versatile appliance that can also cook frozen foods.
But you can stick to this appliance, especially if you want to explore more cooking methods. The fact that many toaster oven brands come with carcinogens is enough to scare you off this gadget. There are two alternatives to a toaster oven;
- Microwave Toaster oven
- Air fryer toaster oven
The above are combo appliances with several abilities. Both are oven-shaped but have distinct features. Have a look;
Microwave Toaster Oven
This gadget includes the features of a modern microwave and a toaster oven. It combines a convection oven (bake and roast functions), toaster (toast and bagel functions), and microwave (cook and reheat, preheat functions. All the above functions are on the oven’s control panel, so you will only need to select the most suitable one. Microwave toaster ovens are higher priced than a basic microwave or toaster.
A standard microwave toaster oven comes with the following features;
- Roast
- Defrost
- Auto-cook
- Toast
- Bagel
- Reheat
- Preheat
- Pizza
- Bake, etc.
The above functions depend on the model of your choice. There are some microwave toaster ovens with more or fewer functions than the above.
Air Fryer Toaster Oven
The air fryer is a hybrid oven that can cook in minutes. With an additional toaster function, the oven can perform many functions. Some have up to 13 different cooking functions. Here are the features
- Toasting
- Baking
- Air frying
- Pizza
- Dehydrating
- Bagel
- slow cook
- Broil
- Reheat
- Warm, etc.
Like the microwave toaster oven, the air fryer toaster oven depends on the model. Some come with fewer or more functions: the more functions, the higher the price. Also, the components will determine the cost. Remember to purchase a model free from toxic chemicals such as Teflon and PFAS.
Final Thoughts
Undoubtedly, this guide has cleared your fears about toaster oven toxicity. It is a fact that the ovens may have traces of cancer-causing elements, but not all manufacturers use such chemicals. There are many safe toaster ovens on the market. With a little research, you can take home a non-toxic gadget.
Also, you can choose a combo appliance so that you are safe on space and money. An air fryer toaster or microwave toaster oven is a great substitute. You have all the information on the features of these two ovens. Remember that each brand and model is unique. Shop wisely!
