If you desire flawlessly cooked side dishes such as rice and quinoa, a necessary appliance to have is a rice cooker. Typically, these cookers are equipped with a non-stick feature that ensures exceptional outcomes consistently. However, it raises the question of what material this non-stick attribute comprises and whether the convenience of using a rice cooker has any adverse effects on your well-being.
Is Teflon present in rice cookers? Yes, it is. The majority of rice cookers come with an inner pot composed of aluminum and covered with a non-stick Teflon coating to prevent the rice from sticking. Nevertheless, there have been worries about the potential impact of Teflon on human well-being.
This article provides an in-depth examination of rice cookers that feature non-stick Teflon coatings and their potential impact on your well-being. Additionally, it presents several safer options to Teflon-coated rice cookers currently available in the market, enabling you to make an informed decision while purchasing the most suitable rice cooker.
Do Rice Cookers Have Teflon? Is it Dangerous?
The majority of rice cookers available for purchase come equipped with a Teflon non-stick coating, which serves the purpose of preventing the rice from adhering to the pot and is responsible for ensuring consistent and satisfactory outcomes when using rice cookers.
Despite the Teflon coating, many individuals steer clear of rice cookers. Research indicates that Teflon can discharge hazardous substances into food, potentially leading to negative health consequences. Nevertheless, this does not occur automatically with every use of a cooking device coated in Teflon.
Teflon can emit dangerous substances when it is scratched or heated beyond 500° F. Fortunately, with rice cookers, you don’t have to be concerned about overheating since they prepare rice at the boiling point of water (212 °F).
When utilizing rice cookers coated with Teflon, it is important to avoid scratching the surface as this can result in the transfer of aluminum from metallic utensils into both the pot and food.
When aluminum deposits accumulate in the body, they can be found in the liver, kidneys, brain, lungs, and thyroid. According to Alzheimerâs News Today , extremely high levels of aluminum have been detected in the brains of those with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
However, PTFE is another hazardous chemical that is released by Teflon’s non-stick coating, in addition to aluminum.
Previously, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was utilized to produce PTFE, but due to its association with thyroid disorders, testicular cancer, and liver disease, it was substituted with GenX. Nevertheless, this substitution did not resolve the issue as it is assumed that GenX is equally hazardous.
Do Rice Cookers have Teflon? This is a question that has been asked by many people. The answer is yes, some rice cookers do contain Teflon. According to the Center for Environment and Water, Research Institute (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28913736), certain models of rice cookers are made with Teflon-coated surfaces.
It can be inferred from the results that Teflon is harmful and should not be used.
Safe Alternatives to Non-Stick Teflon-Coated Rice Cookers
While studies indicate that Teflon can pose a health risk only when it is scratched or overheated, it is advisable to exercise caution and take necessary measures to ensure maximum safety.
Considering that preventing sickness and disease is simpler than discovering a remedy, what other options are available for rice cookers that do not have a Teflon non-stick coating?
Opting for stainless steel or clay cooking pots is a viable solution to steer clear of Teflon altogether. However, some may contend that stainless steel is also a reactive substance and should be avoided. This claim holds some truth as stainless steel has the potential to discharge iron, chromium, and nickel into food.
Using a stainless steel pot to cook rice is safe because rice is not acidic and does not require long cooking times, which are the conditions that can cause Teflon coating to break down and release harmful chemicals.
Rice cookers that are made of clay can be a great substitute for those coated with Teflon. The advantage of using a clay pot is that it can be utilized to cook various kinds of food while preserving their flavor and nutritional content. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that not all clay pots are safe for cooking since some may contain hazardous amounts of lead.
Healthy Cookware advises consumers to buy clay cookware only from trustworthy manufacturers and to always look for the label that says “safe for food use.” They also suggest choosing items that are marked as “lead-free.”
Here are a few examples of rice cookers that are safe to use and do not have a Teflon coating.
Aroma Housewares ARC-757SG Simply Stainless
The primary feature of the Aroma ARC-757SG Simply Stainless is its stainless steel inner pot, which means thereâs no Teflon. The pot is removable and easy to clean. You can either soak it in warm water before manually cleaning it or clean it in a dishwasher.
If you have a large family, this rice cooker is a great option as it can prepare up to 7 cups of uncooked rice, resulting in 14 cups of cooked rice. Additionally, it is user-friendly with a single switch that manages both cooking and warming functions, while the automatic warm feature maintains the temperature of the rice after cooking.
One disadvantage of this rice cooker is that it does not come with a steaming tray, but it is possible to purchase one separately.
VitaClay 2-in-1 Rice Cooker
Another excellent option is the VitaClay 2-in-1 Rice Cooker. This rice cooker features an unglazed clay cooking bowl, so you can rest assured that there is no Teflon. The rice cooker is made completely of Zisha clay.
The control panel of the VitaClay rice cooker includes options for cooking brown rice, white rice, stew, or soup, along with a timer that can postpone cooking time for up to 12 hours and a warm/off button.
Although this rice cooker is not the most long-lasting, it can be easily broken if dropped or exposed to extreme temperature changes since it is entirely constructed from clay.
As long as you store and use the rice cooker correctly, there should be no issues with it.
Tatung – TAC-11KN(UL) Stainless Steel Rice Cooker
Another viable and safe option is the Tatung â TAC-11KN(UL) Stainless Steel Rice Cooker. This rice cooker doesnât have Teflon or other harmful non-stick coatings. The cooker features an automatic warm function and comes with a steam plate, rice spatula, measuring cup, and inner pot lid.
Furthermore, the rice cooker has four different cooking options including steam, braise, stew, and rice. It has a capacity to cook 11 cups of uncooked rice that yields 22 cups of cooked rice. Additionally, its distinctive and elegant appearance will undoubtedly make it a standout addition to your kitchen.
Donât Compromise Your Health!
It is true that the majority of rice cookers are equipped with a Teflon coating, which can pose health risks.
Despite manufacturers’ claims that Teflon-coated rice cookers are safe to use as long as the coating is not scratched, it is advisable not to believe in this marketing strategy.
Despite being used and cleaned with care, Teflon can still cause scratches and release hazardous chemicals into your food as the rice cooker ages. It is advisable to opt for a secure substitute that does not require constant concern every time you cook.
Although using alternative products may not yield perfect food results, it is a worthwhile sacrifice to avoid exposing yourself and your loved ones to hazardous chemicals, especially if you are concerned about whether rice cookers contain Teflon.
Take into account our recommended products and select the appropriate one. Ensure to evaluate all the accessible choices to make a wise decision for yourself and your cooking requirements.
You can also check this video about “Do Rice Cookers Have Teflon?”
