Air Fryer Review
TUESDAY REVIEW
Air fryers & Non-stick coatings.
There are two main causes of concern for nonstock coatings on appliances and cookware, PFOA’s (perfluorooctanoic acid) and overheating. (Teflon is just a brand name) PFOA is a chemical used in the creation of Teflon. PFOA can be carcinogenic and is linked to a number of adverse health and environmental concerns. Studies indicate that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental concerns, liver and kidney, and immunological effects in laboratory animals. Both chemicals have caused tumors in animal studies. The most consistent findings from human epidemiology studies are increased cholesterol levels among exposed populations, with more limited findings related to low infant birth weights, effects on the immune system, cancer for PFOA, and thyroid hormone disruption for PFOS.
In 2004, the EPA filed complaints against the maker of Teflon (DuPont). Due to this, the company phased out Teflon (C8) in 2013. However, other non-Teflon branded (often low-cost items) are likely to still contain PFOA. PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals, which-include PFOA and PFOS, have been widely used to make products more stain resistant and waterproof. According to the ACCC, there is a wide range of products supplied in Australia that still include related chemicals, including non-stick cookware appliances.
Another issue is heat. Non-stick cookware isn’t designed to operate beyond a certain temperature. At high temps, the coating begins to breakdown & release toxic fumes. It can also break down and leach into your food (“once a non-stick pan is scratched you should throw it out”. Non-stick is not designed for high heat. Higher temperatures will damage the coating over time and high heat can also cause the release of harmful toxins.
At temperatures above (200°C), Teflon coatings on nonstick cookware/appliances including air fryers start to break down, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Teflon releases at least 6 toxic gases, including two carcinogens, two global pollutants, and MFA (Methyl fluoroacetate), a chemical lethal to humans at low doses.
The average cooking temp for air fryers is 200°
When looking for an air fryer-you want to avoid NON-STICK cookware/appliances coated with Teflon and other non-stick surfaces can exceed temperatures at which the coating breaks apart and emits toxic particles and gases linked to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of pet bird deaths and an unknown number of human illnesses each year, according to tests commissioned by Environmental Working Group (EWG).
The Teflon coating does make it easier to remove grease residue or burnt food from the air fryer’s components. Without the Teflon coat/non stick coat, the baskets would be much harder to clean-however, there are better alternatives for those who want to avoid non-stick.
The solution:Air Fryers without Teflon/ non-stick coatings –
Top Recommendations
Air Fryers with Stainless Mesh
Air Fryer Ovens with Stainless Steel
Air Fryers with Stainless Steel Baskets
Air Fryers with Copper Baskets
Air Fryers with Ceramic Coating
Air Fryers with Glass Bowls
A couple of brands I have found: fryer ovens seem to have fewer non-stick and more wire racks. Fryer ovens seem to have fewer non-stick and more wire racks.Some may have wire racks to put in the bottom drawer but the lining of the drawers are typically plastic or non-stick which I would avoid.
@kmartaus 11L 3-in-1 Air Fryer Oven – Black $129- comes with a non stick tray for dehydrating. I wouldn’t use it.
@kogandotcom Kogan 12L Rotary Air Fryer $79.99
@kogandotcom Healthy Choice Black 15L Intelligent Air Fryer Oven $132.10
@uncle_buffalo Stainless Steel Smart Air Fryer 2.0 – Pro Chef Plus$359
@russellhobbs_anz Russell Hobbs RHTOV25
Air Fry Crisp ‘N Bake Toaster Oven, Silver $118.90
