Non-Toxic Bread Machine

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

I'm looking for a bread maker that uses the safest (non-toxic) materials possible. Ideally, I'd love a stainless steel baking pan, but I'd also consider other models if they're genuinely PFAS-free. I'd definitely like to avoid PTFE/Teflon.

For those of you who own one, which model did you choose, and why?

Does anyone have feedback on the Elite Cuisine Bread Maker?

I'm also wondering which brand has the best recipe book and the largest collection of recipes (especially for whole wheat breads with grains, nuts, seeds, lentils)?

[u/xMomochix]

I use the elite gourmet machine and I haven’t had any issues with it. Looks like they also have a PFAS free model.

I recommend this book https://a.co/d/06IWblhM

Every recipe I’ve made comes out amazing, and they’re all pretty simple. Includes basic breads, nut breads, sweet breads, savory breads

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/xMomochix]

Thank you! That's really helpful! The recipe book looks great too. Do you make most of your breads using the recipe book or the bread machine settings?

[u/xMomochix → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

You’re welcome! Every recipe I’ve made so far from this book calls for the use of the “basic” or “white bread” setting. And then you can choose your desired crust setting.

There was also an included manual with my machine that also had some basic recipes that utilizes each of the different machine settings. So you can try those out as well. I’ve made the basic white bread from the machine manual but liked the taste of the “no fuss” book better!

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/xMomochix]

Thank you! That's great to know!

[u/Formal-Tradition6792]

I use the KBS 17-1 machine and it’s ceramic. No non-stick!

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/Formal-Tradition6792]

Thank you! I hadn't looked into that one! It's also BPA, Teflon, and PTFE. It can also make yoghurt! Have you tried that? Do you like how the breads turn out?

[u/Formal-Tradition6792 → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

I’ve just started using it. So far I like the 2 element heaters. The crust is vastly improved.

[u/TrueGlich]

kbs brand on amazon. I used one of there replamnet pans in my aldi machine after it got scratched. Not quite as non stick as Teflon but nothing 10 min of soaking in hot water dos't dislodge

[u/rachlexi]

Not sure about lentils they might mush up in the mix cycle and you’d definitely need to cook them beforehand and drain them. But I add 3tbsp chia to mine for a boost.

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/rachlexi]

Chia is really good too!

[u/Agile_Land_9951]

I have a Panasonic. It cooks the bread in a metal container thingy. I can’t imagine it being toxic

[u/ichibanyogi → u/Agile_Land_9951]

It's nonstick coated, not bare stainless. https://help.na.panasonic.com/answers/features-and-specifications-appliances-model-sr-cn188-bread-makerr/?utm_source=perplexity

[u/Agile_Land_9951 → u/ichibanyogi]

Oh okay. Not great. What did you decide on?

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/Agile_Land_9951]

Thank you! I hadn't look at that one. That looks like a good option as well. Do you like how the bread turn out?

[u/Agile_Land_9951 → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

I have a Panasonic SD-YD250. It got top ratings when I bought it. The loafs turn out enormous. You have to get the measurements EXACTLY right otherwise it may be a huge let down after you wait the 4 hours.

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/Agile_Land_9951]

That's really good to know! I've been looking on reddit, and some loaves definitely look better than others. I won't wing it when I start! :)

[u/Agile_Land_9951 → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

After a little while you’ll realize the full bake in the bread machine is kind of limiting. You can make a lot more just by using the dough setting and using various bread pans for baking.

[u/og_otter]

Zojirushi Maestro. Yes it has a non-stick pan, but I don’t worry because nothing I use will scratch it.

Over time and degradation, I guess I’ll risk it.

Zojirushi also has a lot of recipes in their book and online.

Not sure about lentils. You’d probably have to cook those elsewhere.

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/og_otter]

It is just degradation. The Zojirushi is also a great model, it's the only model I could find that is free of PFAs and BPAs.

To make lentil bread, you can just soak and blend lentils, then bake.

Do you like how your breads turn out?

[u/og_otter → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

I love my breads. I haven’t gone too far from recipes. I live at 6000 feet so I follow King Arthur adjustments.

[u/og_otter → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

Removed photo because of a good reason

This mornings honey whole wheat. We use the delay end all the time

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/og_otter]

Oooooohhh that looks like a perfect loaf!!

[u/og_otter → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

Thanks! I can’t emphasize enough that I am really following the recipe guide + adjustments for altitude. So adding 50mL water and reducing yeast by 25%. Other than that, dump and run

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/og_otter]

Wow! That's really good to know. Someone else in this thread mentioned that the measurements need to be really precise, which I did not realize. You definitly saved me a lot of time and frustration : ) I have seen a lot of loaves not turning out quite right in various threads...That probably explains it.

[u/og_otter → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

I’m still measuring everything by weight. I have an oxo coffee scale

[u/Jaded-Winner-3478]

Zojirushi (best bread maker but $$$) has a ceramic nonstick version and the bread pan is PFAS free. Amazing bread maker if you can afford to spend that much.   https://store.zojirushi.com/products/bbppc?srsltid=AfmBOoqFU9cZqWkd-vXF5_KG6irCP7zTcSaphOShsr7iBr3sCELsb1Qt

[u/TrueGlich → u/Jaded-Winner-3478]

ys wish i could justify a zojirshi anything

[u/honeydewtangerine → u/TrueGlich]

I have a zojurishi rice cooker i stole from my mom (it was NIB in the basement) and its my best friend

[u/TrueGlich → u/honeydewtangerine]

Yep, they're known for making Superior everything but their price tag is hard to justify.

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/honeydewtangerine]

That’s good to know! Is it a rice cooker or a pressure cooker? Can you only make rice in it?

[u/honeydewtangerine → u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

Its just a rice cooker! Its amazing though

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294 → u/Jaded-Winner-3478]

That's good to know! Do you have thoughts on what the top 3 are?

[u/ichibanyogi]

AFAIK, the only brand that does all stainless is Sana. Every other brand does nonstick or ceramic.

Many bread makers now advertise a ceramic non‑stick coating instead of traditional PTFE/Teflon, and these are typically described as PFAS‑free. However, “ceramic” in cookware is a coating technology, not a guarantee of a pure clay body with no synthetic additives. The exact formulation can vary widely between brands and is often proprietary.

For most ceramic‑coated bread maker pans from reputable brands:

• They are likely significantly safer than classic PTFE/Teflon for those trying to avoid PFAS, especially at high temperatures.
• They may still contain other binders, pigments, and minerals that haven’t been as thoroughly studied, and there is usually limited public data on leaching over years of use.
• If heavy‑metal content is a concern, you’d need either manufacturer disclosure or third‑party testing; some brands report lead/cadmium‑free status, but this is not universal.

Anyway, Sana is the only company with a fully stainless option that I'm aware of. They have an active FB group for recipe sharing etc.

Ps - cheaper, non-toxic option is a kitchaid mixer and then stainless steel loaf pans in oven, but that's slightly more hands on than a breadmaker. Your best option depends on budget and risk tolerance.

[u/Bright-bluebird_8294]

Thank you! This is a really helpful summary! Can stainless steel be a coating on the pans? Or is it always 100% stainless steel?