Let’s delve into the world of low-tox slow cookers available in Australia. Just like our previous blog posts focused on low-tox cookware and rice cookers, it’s essential to be aware of the materials used in slow-cookers to ensure they align with a low-tox lifestyle.

🧪 Why Consider Low-Tox Slow Cookers?

Traditional slow-cookers often use ceramic inserts, which can sometimes contain lead or cadmium in their glazes. Over time, especially with wear and tear, these substances can leach into food. Additionally, some slow-cookers have non-stick coatings that may contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are chemicals of concern due to their persistence in the environment and potential health effects.

🔍 What to Look for in a Low-Tox Slow Cooker

When selecting a low-tox slow cooker, consider the following:

  • Insert Material: Opt for stainless steel or certified lead-free ceramic inserts.

  • Coating: Avoid non-stick coatings that may contain PFAS.

  • Certifications: Look for products that are certified free from harmful substances.

With that in mind, let’s take a deeper dive into the harmful substances that can be found in slow-cookers:

1. Lead in Ceramic Glazes

What it is: A toxic heavy metal sometimes found in the glaze of ceramic or stoneware inserts.
Why it’s toxic: Lead is a neurotoxin that builds up in the body and can cause developmental delays, behavioural issues, and fertility problems. It’s especially dangerous for kids and pregnant women.
What to look for: In Australia, slow-cookers aren’t legally required to be labelled “lead-free” – so it’s up to us to dig deeper. Look for brands that clearly state their ceramic inserts are lead-free or food-safe tested. If it’s not on the packaging or website, we wouldn’t risk it.

2. Cadmium in Coloured or Decorative Glazes

What it is: A heavy metal used in brightly coloured ceramic glazes (especially reds, yellows, and oranges).
Why it’s toxic: Cadmium can leach into food during cooking, particularly in acidic meals like tomato-based stews. It’s a known carcinogen and can also affect the kidneys and bones.
What to look for: Choose plain or light-coloured ceramic inserts, or go for unglazed options. Skip heavily patterned or brightly coloured bowls, especially if there’s no safety info provided.

3. Teflon or Non-Stick Coatings (PTFE/PFOA)

What it is: A synthetic coating sometimes used in modern slow-cookers or multi-cookers for easy cleaning.
Why it’s toxic: These coatings can break down over time and with heat, releasing fumes and possibly contaminating food with microplastics. Older coatings may contain PFOA, which has been phased out in many countries but may still show up in some budget models.
What to look for: Look for uncoated ceramic or stainless steel inserts. Brands won’t always use the word “Teflon,” so check for terms like “non-stick coated” or “easy-release surface” – that’s your red flag.

4. Aluminium Inserts

What it is: Some slow-cooker bowls or cores are made of aluminium for fast heating.
Why it’s toxic: Aluminium is reactive and can leach into food, especially when cooking acidic dishes like curries or tomato sauces. It’s been linked to neurological issues and is best avoided in cookware that comes in direct contact with food.
What to look for: Avoid bare aluminium. If there’s an aluminium core, make sure it’s fully encased in stainless steel or ceramic.

5. BPA and Other Endocrine Disruptors in Plastic Components

What it is: Chemicals found in lids, steam vents, handles, or measuring cups that come with your cooker.
Why it’s toxic: BPA (and its cousins BPS and BPF) can leach into food or steam, especially when heated. These are hormone disruptors linked to infertility, behavioural issues in kids, and certain cancers.
What to look for: Look for brands that state “BPA-free” on the packaging. If plastic is involved (like in the lid), make sure it’s not directly contacting food or steam. Choose models with glass lids and food-safe silicone seals when possible.

6. PVC in Cords and Seals

What it is: A plastic polymer used in electrical cords, gaskets, or flexible seals.
Why it’s toxic: When heated, PVC can release dioxins – extremely toxic compounds linked to hormone disruption, immune issues, and cancer.
What to look for: Choose slow-cookers with food-grade silicone seals and check if cords and seals are PVC-free (some brands will note this in their specs). This info isn’t always advertised, so when in doubt, reach out to the brand directly or go with trusted low-tox brands.

7. Mystery Metals in Cheap or Off-Brand Units

What it is: Low-cost ceramic or “stainless steel” bowls from manufacturers with poor quality control.
Why it’s toxic: Some of these bowls or glazes may contain unknown fillers or heavy metals like lead, cadmium, or nickel that aren’t disclosed, and they can leach into food during long cook times.
What to look for: Buy from trusted brands available through reputable Australian retailers. If you’re ordering online (especially from Amazon or eBay), avoid unfamiliar or unbranded products unless third-party safety testing is clearly listed.

If your slow-cooker is a hand-me-down from the early 2000s or is starting to chip, peel, or show wear inside the bowl, it might be time for an upgrade. With so many great low-tox options now on the market, you don’t have to compromise your health for convenience.

🇦🇺 Low-Tox Slow Cooker Options Available in Australia

Whilst it’s not easy to tick off all the boxes when it comes to finding a slow-cooker that’s free from everything we’ve listed above, here are some options that mostly (if not fully) meet the criteria for low-tox slow-cooking:

1. Baccarat The Smart Chef Multicooker 8L

  • Features: This all-in-one multicooker offers 17 preset functions, including slow cook, sauté, steam, pressure cook, and more. It features an extra-large 8L stainless steel cooking pot, suitable for serving 6-8 people.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: The stainless steel inner pot avoids the use of non-stick coatings, reducing the risk of exposure to PFAS.
  • Availability: Available at major Australian retailers, including House and Amazon Australia. Also available from our Amazon storefront here.

2. Thermomix

  • Features: The Thermomix TM6 offers a Slow Cook mode that cooks meals for up to 8 hours at temperatures between 37°C and 98°C, ideal for tenderising meats and enhancing flavours.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: The mixing bowl and knife are made of high-quality stainless steel, and all materials that come into contact with food are free from plasticisers, BPA, and BPS.
  • Availability: You can buy one through our link here.

3. GreenPan Elite 6L Slow Cooker

  • Features: PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating, stainless steel exterior, and a removable hard-anodised pot.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: GreenPan’s Thermolon™ Volt technology ensures the coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
  • Availability: Available through various Australian retailers or direct from their website. Also available from our Amazon storefront here.

4. GreenPan Bistro 3.7L Slow Cooker

  • Features: PFAS-free ceramic non-stick coating, stainless steel exterior, and a removable hard-anodised pot.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: GreenPan’s Thermolon™ Volt technology ensures the coating is free from PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium.
  • Availability: Available through various Australian retailers. Also available from our Amazon storefront here.

5. Breville The Fast Slow GO™

  • Features: This 6L multi-cooker includes 14 pre-set functions such as slow cook, pressure cook, sauté, steam, soup, stew, and risotto. It offers a 3-way safety system, hands-free steam release, and a simple LCD interface. The bowl is dishwasher safe, and the unit includes a stainless steel trivet.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: The cooking bowl is made from stainless steel, meaning no non-stick coatings or glazes that may contain PFAS, lead, or cadmium. Unlike many traditional slow cookers, there’s no ceramic insert to worry about, and the stainless steel build makes it a safer, more durable choice for long cook times.
  • Availability: Available from Breville’s official website, as well as major Australian retailers like Myer, The Good Guys, and JB Hi-Fi. Also available from our Amazon storefront here.

6. Instant Pot Duo Multicooker 8L

  • Features: This popular multi-use cooker offers 7 functions in one, including slow cook, pressure cook, steam, sauté, yoghurt, rice, and warm. It has a large 8L capacity, perfect for families or batch cooking, with 14 smart programs and a delay/start timer.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: The inner cooking pot is made from durable, food-grade stainless steel with no chemical coatings or glazes. That means no PFAS, no Teflon-style coatings, and no risk of leaching lead or cadmium. It’s also BPA-free and dishwasher safe.
  • Availability: Available via Amazon Australia, Kitchen Warehouse, and other major retailers. Often goes on sale — so keep an eye out! Also available from our Amazon storefront here.

7. Davis & Waddell Professional Steel 14-in-1 Multi Cooker

  • Features: This versatile multi-cooker offers 14 preset cooking functions, including slow cook, sauté, steam, pressure cook, stew, bake, and more. It has a spacious stainless steel 6L cooking pot and user-friendly digital controls with a delay start and keep warm function.
  • Why It’s Low-Tox: The cooking pot is made from high-quality stainless steel with no non-stick coatings or potentially harmful glazes. All food contact surfaces are free from PFAS, lead, cadmium, and BPA, making it a safe choice for long, slow cooking.
  • Availability: Available from major Australian retailers including Myer, and Kitchen Warehouse.

📝 Final Thoughts

Choosing a low-tox slow cooker is a step towards healthier cooking and living. By being mindful of the materials and coatings used in these appliances, you can reduce potential exposure to harmful substances. We don’t expect that you may be able to tick all the right boxes, but knowing what to look out for means you can make a more informed decision.

If you have any more questions or need further recommendations, feel free to ask!

Much love,
Tracey & Jo x