Non-Toxic Toaster Oven: 6 Safe and Easy Options
You want your food to be quick, convenient, but most importantly—safe. Non toxic toaster ovens come in many shapes and sizes, and some offer a range of versatile cooking methods for roasting, toasting, and even baking. As with most culinary gadgets, there are nonstick, metal, and plastic elements that can leach harmful chemicals into your food and home. Here are some functional, stylish, non-toxic choices for all your countertop cooking needs.
What is a Non-Toxic Toaster Oven, Exactly?
A non toxic toaster oven is a miniature oven that can be used to cook everything from fish and meat to garlic bread and potatoes. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that saves you the trouble of heating a full-size oven. They work magic for leftovers, too, so you enjoy last night’s pizza without that rubbery, microwaved feel.
Of course, like with anything that comes in contact with your food, you should be mindful of harmful chemicals that can be used in the manufacturing process. These can include:
- PFAS: These are the harmful “forever chemicals” present in non-stick coatings. They earned their name because they never break down in your body or the environment.
- Flame retardants: These are sometimes added to the plastic elements and cables in heat appliances. The primary concern is negative neurodevelopmental effects on young children, as they can leach out of appliances and end up on surfaces in your house.
- Non-stick ceramic coatings: These can contain various metals, and it can be hard to know exactly which ones. Some also contain PFAS.
- Aluminum: Trays and other cooking surfaces can be made with uncoated aluminum, which may leach into foods.
- Prop 65 chemicals: These are carcinogenic chemicals like BPA, phthalates, arsenic, and formaldehyde that can be found in some household appliances.
Non-Toxic Air Fryer vs. Non-Toxic Toaster Oven
While they serve a similar purpose, there is a difference in the way toaster ovens and air fryers heat your food. Air fryers use hot air, much like a convection oven. Toaster ovens use radiant heat via elements like heated coils, similar to a traditional oven. Air fryers are preferred for evenly crisping and browning things like tater tots and wings, while toasted ovens are better for heating foods that are laid flat. Some kitchen gadgets can do both, offering multiple cooking options in one convenient appliance.
Top 6 Non-Toxic Toaster Ovens: How We Chose
To find the best non-toxic toaster ovens, we looked at a few key factors:
- PFAS —do they contain nonstick elements with forever chemicals?
- Materials — Is it made with non-toxic materials, like stainless steel? Are the surfaces that come in contact with food made with safe metals and coatings?
- Prop 65 — Does it carry this warning? Spoiler alert: none of these do!
- Certifications — are there any notable, verified sustainability or safety claims?
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Our Place Wonder Oven
| Material | Stainless steel, chromed steel, aluminum with toxin-free nonstick coating |
| Capacity | 12 L; Cook up to 4.5 lb. chicken |
| Price at Publishing | $175.00 |
This is a multi-use appliance with more functions than you can count on one hand. Our Place’s non toxic 6-in-1 toaster oven is small but mighty. Don’t let the size deceive you; it’s roomy enough for multilevel cooking and can fit up to a 4.5 lb. chicken.
Highlights
One of the many available functions is steam infusion. This is the secret to keeping moisture locked in while crisping the outside of your favorite goodies. Our Place also offers a 100-day trial, along with free shipping and returns.
Things to Consider
Some consumers complain that the dials can be hard to read, especially on the lighter-colored models.
2. Cuisinart Stainless Steel Air Fryer Toaster Oven
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | Air fry up to 3 lb., bake up to 4 lb. chicken or 12” pizza |
| Price at Publishing | $179.99 sale price (regularly $229.99) |
If you’re looking to do some roasting without the racket of whirling fans, this supremely quiet and convenient non toxic air fryer toaster oven is your new sous-chef. It includes multiple accessories for different cooking needs, like an oven rack, baking sheet, and air fryer basket for easy crisping.
Highlights
This toaster oven has 7 different settings, as well as a built-in 60-minute timer and an automatic shut-off feature.
Things to Consider
Because of the slightly smaller interior dimensions, it may run hot or heat food quicker than expected! Take care to avoid a smoky kitchen.
3. Oster Digital Air Fryer Toaster Oven with RapidCrisp
| Material | Stainless steel, PFAS- and toxin-free ceramic nonstick |
| Capacity | Fits 4 slices of bread and up to 9” pizza |
| Price at Publishing | $193.00 |
Skip the dials and upgrade to a digital touch display with this stainless steel toaster oven. The extra-large interior fan means crispier air-fried goods are ready faster, and with 12 functions to choose from, you may need to add some pages to your recipe book.
Highlights
Designate your own pre-sets for quick, easy cooking with the touch of a button. The air fryer basket, racks, and baking sheet are also dishwasher safe.
Things to Consider
It’s on the pricier side, and while all the functions and perks may be worth it for some, consider how much use you’ll get out of it before buying.
4. GreenPan Bistro 9-in-1 Air Fry Oven
| Material | Stainless steel, PFAS- and toxin-free ceramic nonstick |
| Capacity | Air fry up to 4 lbs.; fits baking pan, 6 slices of bread, up to 13” pizza |
| Price at Publishing | $199.99 |
This ultra-powerful PFAS-free toaster oven is built for some serious kitchen work. It comes with an air fryer basket, baking tray, stainless steel rack, and a crumb tray. The cool-touch handles even stay cool while it cooks.
Highlights
It features an easy-to-read LED display and PFAS-free nonstick surfaces for easy cleaning.
Things to Consider
It’s on the larger side, so check the dimensions before you buy and make sure you have counter space to spare.
5. BLACK+DECKER 8-Slice Extra Wide Convection Toaster Oven
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Capacity | Fits most standard 9”x13” oven pans and up to 12” pizza |
| Price at Publishing | $79.99 |
This non toxic toaster oven from Black+Decker comes with a toasting rack and has a dedicated toast timer. But it’s not just for bread—it can bake, broil, and keep your food warm. There are three different rack positions for better cooking control.
Highlights
The wide design is long enough to fit most standard baking trays, so there’s no need to buy extra accessories.
Things to Consider
The actual internal temperature is calibrated to be slightly lower than the displayed setting due to the powerful heating components.
6. Budget Find: GreenLife Air Fryer Toaster Oven
| Material | Stainless steel, PFAS- and toxin-free ceramic nonstick |
| Capacity | Fits 4 slices of bread and up to 9” pizza |
| Price at Publishing | $59.99 |
GreenLife’s affordable non toxic toaster oven is more than a money saver: it’s a space saver, too! The compact design makes it a convenient addition to your countertop lineup, and the auto shut-off feature means you can set it and forget it!
Highlights
The dials are straightforward and easy to read. The dual-heating technology means more quick, even cooking.
Things to Consider
The smaller dimensions mean stricter limits on what will fit inside.
How to Choose the Best Non-Toxic Toaster Oven for You
Explain what to look for when choosing a product. (100-150 words)
- Size: Counter space is valuable real estate. While a bigger toaster oven might be more functional, be realistic about how much space you can afford in your kitchen.
- Functionality: If it’s going to take up counter space, you’ll want to get the most use out of your new toy as possible. Consider what functions you’re most likely to use, plus any additional heating options that would be useful in your kitchen.
- Price: Toaster ovens and air fryers can run the gamut when it comes to price tags. Consider your budget and how often you’ll use it to find the one that’ll make your wallet—and your dinner guests—happy.
Luckily, non toxic toaster ovens come in many shapes, sizes, and styles. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to find your new favorite kitchen tool.
More Non-Toxic Kitchen Appliances to Consider
Looking for more non-toxic appliances to upgrade your kitchen? Check out some other culinary goods:
- PFOA- and PTFE-Free Air Fryer
- 5 Non-Toxic Slow Cooker Picks
- Non-Toxic Waffle Makers
- 5 Non-Toxic Blender Finds We Love
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How to clean your toaster oven?
The best way to clean your toaster oven may depend on the size, style, make, and materials. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for warnings and tips before you go after that grease.
Here are some simple steps that should get most toaster ovens sparkling:
You’ll need:
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Microfiber dish cloth
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Dish towels
Steps:
- Unplug your toaster oven (the most important step!)
- Remove any racks, baking pans, or baking sheets along with the crumb tray. Dump the crumbs and wipe the tray clean with a damp cloth or sponge.
- Wash the racks, pans, sheets, and crumb tray with dish soap. Let them soak for a while to loosen any especially stubborn grease.
- Combine vinegar, warm water, and a dash of dish soap to make your own degreaser. Aim for around 1/4 cup of vinegar for every 2 cups of water, with only a small squirt of soap (about 1/2 tsp).
- Use a damp sponge or cloth to spread your DIY cleaning solution inside your toaster oven while making sure to avoid the heating elements. Be sure to use a soft, non-abrasive sponge to avoid scuffs. If you need to apply some extra elbow grease, use a plastic scouring pad or apply some extra cleaning solution to the tough spots, and let them soak before scrubbing.
- Wipe the toaster oven clean, giving it a good pass with a clean, damp dishcloth to remove any residue. A dish towel can speed up the drying process, or you can leave your oven open to air dry.
- Once the moisture is no more, replace the racks, pans, sheets, crumb tray, and whatever other goodies you like to keep in there, and you’re good to go!
2. Can you use tin foil in a toaster oven?
If you want to avoid any chance of toxins in your food, it’s best to skip the tin or aluminum foil when cooking. Aluminum and tin foils come in handy for many kitchen tasks, but they aren’t the best option when it comes to heating food.
Putting foil in a toaster oven is more than a fire hazard—it can cause harmful metals to leach into your food. Tin foil, specifically, is sometimes manufactured with lead, which is the last thing we want on our dinner plates.
To avoid any risk of aluminum or other toxins seeping into your food, opt for parchment paper, silicone mats, or stainless steel baking trays. Storing heavily salted or acidic foods in foil can also cause leaching, so be sure to pack those leftovers safely.
3. Does a toaster oven save on energy usage?
If you regularly opt to use your toaster oven over a conventional electric oven, then the answer is definitely yes! According to ENERGY STAR, toaster ovens use between 1/2 to 1/3 less energy than conventional ovens when cooking small meals. The smaller compartment of a toaster oven means less space to heat, and that means less watts to bake, roast, and warm your favorite meals!
That doesn’t mean your ol’ reliable oven doesn’t still have its uses (we’ve yet to find a toaster oven that can fit a Thanksgiving turkey), but for smaller servings, toaster ovens are by far the most energy-efficient option.
Featured image via Our Place
