Waring · Toaster Ovens
Waring 4 Slice Crumb Tray
Lower PFAS concern, stainless steel crumb tray with no known nonstick or water-resistant coating.
A crumb tray is a simple stainless steel catchment pan with no coating, nonstick treatment, or water-resistant finish typically applied. No public evidence of PFAS use in this product category or brand. Waring makes no PFAS claims but the material itself, bare stainless steel, poses minimal PFAS risk.
Shop Waring on Amazon →Material
Stainless steel tray
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Uncoated safe material
Bare, uncoated material (cast iron, stainless, carbon steel, or glass) with no surface treatment to contain PFAS.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Waring 4-slice crumb tray is constructed from stainless steel, a food-contact material with established chemical stability and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel does not require polymeric coatings, nonstick finishes, or water-repellent treatments that would introduce hazardous organic chemicals. The material undergoes minimal degradation under normal toaster oven temperatures (typically below 450F for crumb trays, away from direct heating elements) and does not leach heavy metals or other contaminants into food under standard use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Waring is a commercial food-service equipment manufacturer with a long operational history. The brand does not publicly disclose detailed material certifications or chemical testing results for individual crumb tray components; however, as a commercial kitchen supplier, products typically meet FDA food-contact material standards and NSF/ANSI 51 certification for food service. No significant recalls or chemical contamination incidents are on record for Waring crumb trays.
How it compares in its category
Stainless steel crumb trays are the industry standard for commercial and residential toaster ovens because they avoid the coating-related hazards seen in some cheaper alternatives (enamel-coated or ceramic-coated trays, which can chip and release glazes containing lead or cadmium). Compared to aluminum crumb trays, stainless steel is less prone to leaching at elevated temperatures. This product positions at the safer end of the crumb tray spectrum.
If you buy it
Wash the tray regularly with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly to prevent mineral buildup or mold in crevices. Do not use abrasive scouring pads that could scratch the steel; soft sponges are sufficient. Stainless steel is durable and unlikely to require replacement unless dented or bent. Avoid prolonged contact with acidic foods (lemon, vinegar) if standing liquid, as extended exposure can cause minor surface corrosion, though this does not pose a health risk.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Nickel leaching from stainless steel
Stainless steel contains 8-12% nickel; trace amounts can leach into food under acidic conditions or with prolonged contact. For a crumb tray (which collects dry debris and is not a prolonged food contact surface), leaching risk is minimal, but individuals with severe nickel sensitivity should be aware.
Coating degradation (if enamel present)
The Waring 4-slice crumb tray is reported as uncoated stainless steel with no enamel, ceramic, or nonstick surface; therefore, coating flaking and lead/cadmium release are not applicable to this model.
Bacterial or mold growth in crevices
Any crumb tray, including stainless steel, can harbor bacterial or mold growth if not cleaned regularly or left damp. This is a maintenance issue, not a material toxicity issue; routine washing mitigates risk entirely.
Aluminum leaching
This product is stainless steel, not aluminum, so aluminum leaching is not a concern.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 82% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Toaster Ovens
Sage
Caraway Ceramic Baking Sheet
Ceramic non-stick coating (proprietary formulation)
Lower-concern option; ceramic coating claims PFOA/Teflon-type coating-free, but third-party verification absent.
⚠Risky category by default
Sage
Caraway Home Ceramic Baking Sheet Duo
Ceramic non-stick coating
Lower-concern choice; ceramic non-stick is PFAS-free by design, but unverified third-party testing limits full certainty.
⚠Risky category by default
Miele
Miele Tray
Stainless steel or ceramic (unspecified variant without nonstick coating)
Lower concern, plain cookware tray with no nonstick coating signals minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More toaster ovens grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.