Has anyone done any research to see if the plastic releases any chemicals while being cooked?
1463500
It is my understanding that the plastic used does not release chemicals if they are supplied by a named supplier. But, what do we really know..............
1463501
Here's a great link with info on the research that has been done and alternatives to vacuum sealed bags. http://nomnompaleo.com/post/12463202060/cooking-sous-vide-plastic-safety
1463502
The plastic needs to be food grade. When talking about vacuum sealed bags, that isn't hard to verify or achieve since the major brands all have food grade plastic available for their machines. The trick lies in using "ziploc" type bags when you are using broth or other liquid which can't be vs'd without freezing or simply don't have sealer at all. I don't have the concerns about leeching plastic but there are websites out there that have done research and hunted down solutiions. No links, sorry.
1463503
Since the tub is stainless steel - I assume you are referring to the plastic bags containing the food items - this depends on your bags - buy food safe bags - such as Food Saver or Ziplock brands and you will not have chemicals leach off into your food.
335970
Not that I am aware of. I have been using this item for years with no problems. Maybe the smell is from the plastic.
179047
Mine had a plastic grill but it never smelled.. I would check the elements and make sure nothing is setting on them and that is why you get a smell.
972709
My pleasure! My daughter-in-law loves her pyrex sets especially since she read some chemicals can leach onto left-over foods stored in plastic containers in the refrigerator. Also, we always know they are clean and there is no residue from different foods. Have a good day!!
1480801
Yes there is. There is actually plenty of plastic on it. I don't notice that it is an issue however, I don't feel the plastic getting warm while it is on the burner.
1105770
I am not a chemist but it seems to me if aluminum were coming from the base metal of the cookware then the non-stick coating should show some sign of damage, wear, loosening, or some other evidence of it. To date mine shows none of this.
2129666
We have never noticed a plastic taste on our food even from the first day using it. We have had a problem getting the broccoli smell off of the steamer once we cooked broccoli in it even washed in the dishwasher but not really an issue.
535918
NO! I put the top container in the microwave to heat up some pasta - on 1/2 power for 1 minute and it seared the plastic. It's still useable, but deformed a little. Don't microwave these things.
2116516
Hmm. Great question. Nope. There is no information as to toxicity on the label. As this plastic seems to be infinitely remold-able I doubt that there is any out-gassing happening. The product is not soluble in the human body. The only danger I can see would be of choking/blockage so I would not want to swallow a hot/warm glob of this product. Children need to be supervised when using ThermoMorph due to the high temperature needed to mold the product.
966226
I believe they are referring to the plastic lid. There is growing concern about heating and storing food in plastic. Chemicals leach into the food and are carcinogenic. If you just leave the lid open when heating water, the steam will escape and not drip back into the pot, thus eliminating the majority of possible contamination. It won't effect the heating process or pose any steam-burn if the unit is set away from skin contact. And thanks for the heads up about the warning - i'll start leaving the lid open on mine now!!
1415131
I have not tried it with hot foods, but I would guess that it does not since it's plastic.
1575553
I don't know of any, but I don't think I'd microwave anything contained in plastic.
637597
Yes. I was underwhelmed by the actual taste. It would be fun to play "tea party". I am leery of having anything plastic heated then drinking what ever chemicals may have leached into the water. I am not saying this is happening, I am just very careful about plastic in general. For example, if I buy a tv dinner (which is rare), I remove the food from plastic and cook in a conventional oven.
1990873
No, but I do just to make sure it doesn't overcook. It cooks faster than you expect. But you can check visually.
2198642
I have noticed browning at the bottom of mine, as well, although I have had it for several months now and use it regularly. I first noticed it after food I was making still smelled like the broccoli and I wasn't making broccoli. I checked the reservoir and noticed burnt-looking brownish residue. I tried to clean it using a bottle brush with the sponge-tip; it helped but did not get it all off. I have watched very carefully and have not noticed any impact on the food (no discoloration, flakes, or change in taste). I am VERY PLEASED with the Freshfoods Cook-n-Blend Baby Food Maker!!
194356
I regularly heat sealed food in a pot of water and sometimes the water boils though I try to keep it from doing so. The plastic will eventually leak but I have not experienced diluted contents.
1221456
The external bottom of the pot is plastic but no plastic inside. There is a rubber ring seal inside around the metal heating part. I will upload some photos later.