teflex/paraflexx sheets EXCALIBUR

[Rinda]

Hi! I've finally registered to be a part of this forum. I have visited often and lurked always, never posting.

Anyway, my husband and I are wanting to purchase an Excalibur Dehydrator very, very soon (like today or tomorrow). My question is about the teflex sheets that go with it. Are they good to use? My understanding is that it would be similar to the teflon coating on cookware. Is that correct? My husband can't believe that there would be no gassing off even at a low temperature. What information could you share with us to help us to be on the safe side with this?

I appreciate any and all help!

Thank you!

[tanishamarshall]

Great question, I'd like to know the answer to this as I didn't know I should be concerned with using the sheets.

[Revvell]

Yes, they are safe to use. My suggestion... contact Shauna Verkade at Excalibur. I'm sure she'll put your mind at ease.

Revvell

[shine72]

Yes, they are safe to use. My suggestion... contact Shauna Verkade at Excalibur. I'm sure she'll put your mind at ease.

Revvell

Not to hijack, BUT WELCOME BACK GIRLIE!:D

[Revvell]

Not to hijack, BUT WELCOME BACK GIRLIE!:D

Thankiss! Thankiss! :D How you feeling?

[shine72]

Tired, but okay. I hate taking meds though. Blech. You and I need to talk chica! I'm emailing you here in a sec.!:D

[Revvell]

Tired, but okay. I hate taking meds though. Blech. You and I need to talk chica! I'm emailing you here in a sec.!:D

....'k 'k....

[exurb]

They are in fact made from Teflon. They have a thicker coating as well. I won't get into my opinions on that.

Another excellent option is to get Silicone baking sheets and cut them to size. That's what I've done and I LOVE them! And no Teflon!

try this simple google: Teflon PFOA

Whether or not you believe they are safe to use, they are an environmental disaster, so if there's another option, I would recommend it.

I've had my blood tested for chemicals -- it is an eye opener!!! No more "stain resistant" "wrinkle resistant" clothing in our house either, as we seem to be absorbing that Teflon too, according to a CBC documentary.

[baltochef]

Exurb

Are you referring to the Matfer baking sheets, or something else..

Bruce

[exurb]

Bruce, I buy them at a professional bakers supply store - they are dark orange, sort of a brick color, basically look like rubber, shiny on one side. They don't have a brand on them, but if you have seen the Bake Flex line (cake pans, flans, madeleins, etc) made by Guery in France they are made from the same substance. They come in a large jelly roll size flat sheet and I cut them into shape. I'm unfamiliar with Matfer (I think Matfer might be like Silpat?), but the ones I use are not like the Silpat with fiberglass fibers in them and a border. Mine look like dark orange uniform rubber or silicone throughout, so you can cut them without having fibers to deal with.

For anyone who doesn't have access to a bakers supply,I've seen these at regular stores where they sell silicone baking pans, as a flat sheet for cookies, though they're smaller usually than the big ones you get at a bakers supply. Sometimes they're blue, look just like rubber.

I LOVE them because of their unsurpassed durability, among other reasons. I have been using them roughly for two years now, and baking with them before that, throwing them around in sinks of dishes etc., and they don't show a mark at all and their nonstick properties are perfect. They have more "body" to them and are nicer than Teflex all around. I wouldn't be without them, they're worth hunting down.

They also are great for people who have an american harvest round dehydrator, as you can cut them to shape.

[exurb]

like these

[baltochef]

Thanks exurb!!

I'll have to try to find a source online for those..I know exactly the material you are referring to..Have you ever noticed any taste added to your foods with these..

A recent test by Cook's Illustrated stated that some testers felt that a taste had been added to whatever food they were baking (can't remember what the test was for right now!!)..

Bruce

[exurb]

Have you ever noticed any taste added to your foods with these..

A recent test by Cook's Illustrated stated that some testers felt that a taste had been added to whatever food they were baking (can't remember what the test was for right now!!)..


No, Bruce, I have absolutely not noticed any additional taste whatsoever. I would suspect that was with high temperature cooking, and maybe with cheaper/different grades, like the light blue ones you see in other stores.

I don't think you would find that to be a problem especially when used under critical temperatures.

[spiralgirl]

Rinda,

Yes, my understanding is they are safe to use and Excalibur will definitely answer your questions. They are wonderful, I ordered mine direct from them and got the 9 tray with timer and absolutely love it. So glad I went with the model I did.

Alissa is coming out with one in December as well.

[baltochef]

exurb

I too, kinda thought it might have been some outgassing due to high temperature baking..I wanted your opinion before mentioning it..

Thanks for the response!!

Bruce