Verdict definitions
- passes — In normal use, food or brewing water contacts metal and/or glass only, or medical/food-grade silicone seals that are clearly disclosed. No plastic reservoir/window in the water path. No PTFE/PFA/ceramic-nonstick cooking surface required for the primary function.
- partial — Passes if you skip a coated accessory, or plastic remains on lids/tampers/seals while the main vessel is metal/glass.
- fails — Plastic touches water/food in normal use, or the primary cooking surface is fluoropolymer / nonstick coated (including many “PFAS-free ceramic” pans when that pan is the point of the product).
Mainstream brand rule
Every category must include major brands (GE, Cuisinart, Breville, KitchenAid, Hamilton Beach, Ninja, Cosori, OXO, Zojirushi, etc.) and quote their disclosures — not only niche “non-toxic” brands. This exists because a first air-fryer search once missed an obvious GE model.
What we will not invent
- No guessed alloys, coatings, or star ratings.
- If a seal material is unnamed, we say so.
- Prices show a checked date (2026-10-31). Re-check before buying.
Limitations
Prop 65 warnings flag possible exposure, not a measured dose. “BPA-free” plastic still fails our plastic-free rule. Chromed or nickel-plated steel is metal plating, not PTFE — we note plating when known and let you decide.