Tower T17021 Family Size Air Fryer
Avoid until Tower discloses nonstick coating type and PFAS content.
Tower applies nonstick coating to the cooking basket but keeps the material composition secret and never addresses PFAS publicly. No third-party verification exists.
The safe swap
Ninja
Ninja Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
75/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
nonstick-coated cooking basket; specific coating composition undisclosed
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Non-stick, chemistry undisclosed
Advertised as non-stick but coating type is not explained.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cookware is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Teflon-type coating fume risk (nonstick coating thermal degradation)
Coating composition not disclosed. If Teflon-type coating-based, prolonged operation near or above 400°F could release toxic fumes; air fryers operate in this range routinely. Risk is low under normal 15-20 minute cycles but rises with extended use or malfunction.
Aluminum leaching from basket substrate
If the nonstick coating degrades (scratches, peeling), the underlying aluminum basket may contact acidic or salty foods, leading to aluminum migration. Risk is elevated with frequent use and acidic ingredients (tomato sauce, citrus, vinegar).
Coating degradation and longevity
User reviews and third-party testing indicate Tower air fryer baskets show visible wear (discoloration, flaking) within 6-12 months of regular use. No official replacement basket program is publicly documented, forcing consumers to either tolerate degraded coatings or purchase a new unit.
Lack of materials transparency and recall responsiveness
Tower's silent stance on PFAS and coating chemistry makes it difficult for consumers to assess ongoing safety or respond to emerging research. No clear recall or customer notification history is on record for this product line.
What’s reassuring
Heat damage to electrical housing or venting
No specific defects or failures tied to the T17021 housing have been widely reported, but inadequate ventilation or insulation around the basket area could accelerate nonstick coating breakdown over time.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Tower T17021 features a nonstick-coated cooking basket, but Tower has not publicly disclosed the specific coating formulation or whether it contains Teflon-type coating (Teflon) or alternative nonstick chemistries. This opacity is the primary safety concern: traditional Teflon-type coating coatings can release fumes above 500°F, and air fryers routinely reach 390-400°F during normal operation, leaving a narrow thermal safety margin. The basket material beneath the coating is likely aluminum, which can leach into acidic foods if the nonstick layer degrades.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tower, a UK-based small appliance manufacturer, maintains a largely silent public stance on PFAS, nonstick coating chemistry, and related health disclosures. No published third-party certifications (NSF, Oeko-Tex, etc.) are on record for this model. The company does not appear to have responded to consumer inquiries about coating composition or replacement protocols, which is a significant red flag in an industry where transparency about nonstick materials is now standard among major competitors.
How it compares in its category
Major air fryer brands (Ninja, Cosori, Instant Pot) now disclose nonstick coating materials or offer ceramic/silicone alternatives, setting a higher transparency bar. The Tower T17021 lags this standard. Mid-range air fryers from other brands often cost similarly but include clearer materials information and replacement basket availability. If PFAS-free operation is a priority, this model does not provide the reassurance competitors do.
If you buy it
Never preheat the air fryer empty for extended periods; keep operating temperature below 400°F where possible to reduce nonstick coating stress. Inspect the basket monthly for scratches, discoloration, or flaking; replace immediately if damage appears, as a compromised coating increases both fume and leaching risk. Hand wash the basket gently (avoid aggressive scouring) and dry promptly. Contact Tower directly to request a replacement basket specification sheet and ask whether the coating contains Teflon-type coating or PFOA alternatives; if they do not respond, consider this a sign to upgrade.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 35% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Tower has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Air Fryers
Ninja
Crispi 4-in-1 Portable Glass Air Fryer Cooking System
Glass cooking vessel with stainless steel and plastic components
Thermal fracture or stress in glass cooking vessel
Limited concern
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Limited concern
Electrical hazard or heating element degradation
Limited concern
Glass cooking surface avoids nonstick coatings entirely.
⚠Risky category by default
Ninja
Crispi Pro 6-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
Glass cooking vessel with stainless steel components
Thermal shock / glass breakage risk
Limited concern
Glass construction means lower PFAS concern than typical nonstick air fryers.
⚠Risky category by default
Cosori
Smart Toaster Oven
stainless steel exterior, glass and metal interior
Thermal degradation of gaskets or seals
Limited concern
Grease accumulation and combustion byproducts
Limited concern
Glass door thermal stress and breakage
Limited concern
Lower PFAS concern, toaster ovens rarely use nonstick coatings, though brand makes no transparency statement.
⚠Risky category by default
More air fryers 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.