Tower T17190 Vortx 11L Dual Layer Air Fryer
Wait for Tower to reveal nonstick coating type and PFAS status.
This air fryer has a nonstick-coated dual-layer basket, but Tower won't say whether it's Teflon-type coating, Teflon-family coating, or PFAS-free. No third-party testing available.
The safe swap
Electrolux
Electrolux hot Air boiler EAF7B
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; coating type not specified
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 emission (thermal decomposition)
If the nonstick coating is Teflon-type coating-based and users exceed safe temperature thresholds or operate with blocked ventilation, polymer fume fever (acute inhalation injury) is a documented risk. Tower has not disclosed coating type, so risk cannot be ruled out.
Coating degradation and particle ingestion
Nonstick coatings naturally flake or peel with repeated heating and mechanical stress. Fine particles may enter food if the basket is damaged. Regular inspection and replacement of severely worn baskets minimizes this risk.
Aluminum leaching (substrate exposure)
If the basket is aluminum and the nonstick coating wears through, direct contact between acidic or salty food and bare aluminum can increase leaching of the metal. This is a slow process but cumulative with frequent use.
Bacterial biofilm in crevices if inadequately cleaned
The dual-layer basket design may trap moisture and food debris in gaps, creating conditions for bacterial growth if not thoroughly dried after each wash. This is a general hygiene issue, not chemical, but relevant to food safety.
What’s reassuring
VOC off-gassing from plastic components
Air fryer housing and handle materials are not documented for formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds. No recalls or complaints on record for this model, but first-use odor is common in new plastic-housed appliances.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Tower T17190 uses a nonstick-coated cooking basket, but the manufacturer has not publicly specified whether the coating is Teflon-type coating (Teflon-type), ceramic, or a proprietary blend. This matters because Teflon-type coating can emit fumes if overheated above 500F, and without chemistry disclosure, you cannot verify safe temperature ceilings. The basket itself is typically aluminum or steel underneath, and nonstick coatings degrade with use, potentially releasing particles or exposing substrate metal to food contact over time.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tower (a UK-based small appliance brand) maintains minimal public transparency on nonstick chemistry for its cookware and air fryer lines. No independent safety certifications (such as GREENGUARD or third-party coating audits) are documented for this model. The brand has not issued statements addressing PFAS concerns or coating composition, which is notable given that nonstick disclosure is now standard practice among premium competitors.
How it compares in its category
Most 11-liter air fryers in this price tier use standard Teflon-type coating or proprietary nonstick coatings with similar disclosure gaps. Some competitors (Cosori, Instant, Ninja) have published coating materials; others do not. Tower's silence is neither exceptional nor reassuring. Ceramic-coated or uncoated stainless-steel basket alternatives exist but are less common at this capacity level.
If you buy it
Never exceed 400F for extended periods; air fryer baskets are not designed for prolonged high-temperature exposure the way stovetop cookware is. Inspect the basket before each use for visible wear, peeling, or scratching; replace if coating degrades noticeably. Hand-wash only; avoid abrasive scouring and high-heat dishwashers, which accelerate coating breakdown. Ensure kitchen ventilation during use, especially if the basket smells unusual or food residues burn; this is a sign of potential thermal stress on the coating.
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.