Waffle irons on sale: The Best Waffle Makers (2023), Tested and Reviewed

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8 Best Waffle Makers & Belgian Waffle Irons of 2023

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1

Best Overall Waffle Maker

All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker

1

Best Overall Waffle Maker

All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker

$150 at Amazon$165 at Walmart$110 at Sur la Table

Credit: All-Clad

Pros
  • Crispy and consistent results
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Somewhat bulky

In our tests, All-Clad’s Round Classic Waffle Maker came out on top for performance and ease of use. It scored top marks across the board for doneness, crispiness, tenderness and consistency when boxed mix and from-scratch batter were used. It also was very easy to use with the turn of a smooth, ergonomic knob and a large handle. It also offers red and green indicator lights that corresponded with audio alerts to let you know when your waffles are done. It features seven clearly-labeled browning settings and has nonstick plates for ease of waffle removal and cleanup. One thing to note is that, like many of the other traditional waffle makers we tested, the stainless steel body got hot during testing.

If you prefer Belgian waffles, the Round Classic Waffle Maker is comparable to All-Clad’s Belgian Waffle Maker, which also performed very well in our tests.

Dimensions 11.8” x 8.5” x 4.5”
Weight 5.5 lbs.
Material Stainless steel
Shade settings 7

2

Best Value Waffle Maker

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker

2

Best Value Waffle Maker

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker

$30 at Amazon$30 at Walmart

Credit: Cuisinart

Pros
  • Great value
  • Makes crisp waffles
  • Slim design
Cons
  • No audio doneness indicator

The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker offers a straightforward design that made great boxed and fresh waffles in our test, and it comes with a user guide that includes five waffle recipes. The waffle maker features five browning settings that are controlled with a sliding lever; red and green indicator lights help you know when it’s ready to cook and when your waffle is done. It does not have a ready sound indicator, however, so we recommend staying nearby during cooking to ensure your waffles don’t overcook. While the exterior gets hot — as do most of the other waffle makers we tested — the handle stays cool to the touch. The waffle maker has a relatively slim design and can be stood up for storage.

Dimensions 7.88″ x 9.69″ x 3.31″
Weight 3.85 lbs.
Material Stainless Steel
Shade settings 5

3

Best Double Belgian Waffle Maker

Cuisinart Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

3

Best Double Belgian Waffle Maker

Cuisinart Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

$120 at Amazon$120 at Macy’s

Credit: Cuisinart

Pros
  • Makes two waffles at once
  • Consistent results
Cons
  • Bulky for storage

The Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker is a must for families or entertaining. It can make two waffles at a time, which reduces the amount of cook time to feed a crowd. It features a ready indicator light and variable shade settings. In our test, boxed waffles came out tender and consistent, and waffles made from scratch were also crisp. This model features nonstick plates and offers a large drip area that’s easy to clean. Its rotating design is reminiscent of waffle makers you’d find in professional kitchens; they’re known to disperse batter evenly. We like that the oversized handle stays cool during the cooking process.

Dimensions 10.63″ x 16.5″ x 10.25″
Weight 13 lbs
Material Stainless Steel
Shade settings 6

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4

Most Versatile Waffle Maker

Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Square

4

Most Versatile Waffle Maker

Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Square

Now 17% Off

$315 at Amazon

Credit: Breville

Pros
  • Makes a wide variety of waffle types
  • Highly customizable
Cons
  • Big to store

Breville’s Smart Waffle Pro is one of the brand’s most popular waffle makers. Depending on the style you buy, it can make two or four waffles (shown here) at a time. In our tests, the two-square scored one of the highest overall scores. According to our testers, “it excelled at baking waffles from scratch and from a mix, receiving near perfect scores for browning, tenderness and consistency.”

The waffle maker has deep, 1-inch pockets and a moat around the plates to collect any excess waffle mix. It features four pre-sets for Belgian, classic, chocolate and buttermilk waffle recipes. From there, you can also choose one of 12 different shade settings, and even add “a bit more” time at the touch of a button if the waffle isn’t cooked to your exact desired preference. One especially unique feature is the waffle maker’s ability to adjust the cooking time based on the temperature of the plates.

Dimensions 8.82″ x 15.75″ x 18.5″
Weight 15.25 lbs.
Material Aluminum and stainless steel
Shade settings Nuanced dial from light to dark (plus 5 waffle variety settings)

5

Best Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker

Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

5

Best Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker

Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

$60 at Amazon

Credit: Presto

Pros
  • Fun design that stores easily
  • Includes timer
Cons
  • No pre-set settings

According to our testers, the Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker is dependant for well-browned, tender and crispy Belgian waffles. It includes ready indicator lights as well as a countdown timer — a unique feature that sets it apart from most waffle makers on the market. The recommended cook time is 4 minutes, but you can adjust it to achieve the perfect waffle for you. The Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker has nonstick plates that wipe down easily after use. Its flip design allows for even better dispersal without a spatula and encourages more even cooking; plus, it can be stored vertically, which requires less room than many of its Belgian-style competitors.

Dimensions 11.25″ x 11.75″ x 4″
Weight 4.94 lbs.
Material Stainless steel
Shade settings None

6

Best Waffle Maker with Removable Plates

Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

6

Best Waffle Maker with Removable Plates

Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

$59 at Amazon

Credit: Hamilton Beach

Pros
  • Straight-forward design
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Bulky to store

When we tested a previous model of this waffle maker, it churned out crisp and consistent Belgian waffles. Now, a similar model with detachable plates is available, which makes cleanup even easier than before. The plates click off and are dishwasher safe, as is the included drip tray. It features nonstick plates, ready indicator lights and three recommended browning settings.

Dimensions 9.44″ x 15.13″ x 8.5″
Weight 5 lbs.
Material Stainless steel
Shade settings 3

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7

Best Stuffed Waffle Maker

PowerXL Wafflizer 7″ Family Sized Stuffed Waffle Maker

7

Best Stuffed Waffle Maker

PowerXL Wafflizer 7″ Family Sized Stuffed Waffle Maker

$80 at Amazon

Pros
  • Makes thick, stuffed waffles
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • The 7-inch model uses a lot of batter at once

This waffle maker impressed our analysts, helping it win one of our 2021 Kitchen Gear Awards. It produced the biggest, fluffiest waffles we’ve ever seen. We used Nutella to “stuff” the waffles in our tests and found that it dispersed from the center of the waffle into every quadrant. The interior of the resulting waffles was warm and tender, while the exterior was crisp and held its shape. Compared with the other stuffed waffle makers we tested, this one was the easiest to use: It didn’t require oiling the plates or any extra parts. The 7-inch model uses a lot of batter, but we found it produced a waffle that’s perfect for sharing. A 5-inch model is also available if you want to make smaller portions. It stands upwards for storage.

Dimensions 12.5″ x 8.5″ x 4.7″
Weight 4 lbs.
Material Metal
Shade settings None

8

Best Mini Waffle Maker

DASH Mini Waffle Maker

8

Best Mini Waffle Maker

DASH Mini Waffle Maker

$20 at Amazon

Credit: dash

Pros
  • Small, single-person serving
  • Cute designs
Cons
  • Time consuming to make large batches

With more than 170,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this little waffle maker from Dash is a hot seller. It makes mini, 4-inch waffles — the perfect size for a light breakfast or dessert. The waffle maker operates by simply plugging it in to turn it on and features a ready light to let you know when it’s preheated. It comes with an illustrated owner’s manual, which includes several recipes.

The Dash Mini Waffle Maker comes in 10 colors and comes in models that make round waffles, heart-shaped waffles (shown here) as well as fun designs like skulls and pumpkins. Reviewers love that the waffles fit in the toaster for reheating and extra crisping, which is great if you like meal prepping. Cook the waffles until they become a light, golden color, cool them, then freeze so you always have a bunch on hand. We also liked the brand’s full-size Belgian waffle maker, which produced perfectly cooked waffles in our tests.

Dimensions 5″ x 6.4″ x 2.8″
Weight 1.3 lbs.
Material Metal
Shade settings None

How we test waffle makers

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Hearst

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we’ve cooked more than 430 batches of waffles to test more than 45 classic and Belgian waffle makers over the past 10 years. For each, we prepare waffles using both a boxed pancake and waffle mix as well as a homemade recipe. We evaluate the cooked waffles on browning, doneness, tenderness, moistness and consistency.

We score the waffle makers on how easy they are to operate, how many heat settings they feature, “doneness” indicators (like lights and sounds), surface temperature and the quality of the operating manuals. Our top performers cooked evenly-colored waffles that were crisp on the outside and moist and tender on the inside.

How to choose a waffle maker

First, consider the differences between Belgian waffle makers and classic waffle makers:

✔️ Belgian waffle makers typically have round plates versus square, but what really sets them apart are the thick, fluffy waffles they produce. Belgian waffles are soft with a slightly crisp exterior. They also have large, deep pockets that trap even more butter or syrup per bite. They can be made on a rotating waffle maker, which allows the batter to distribute evenly, but some newer models may have deeper plates that don’t require flipping. The more advanced ones have moats around the edges to help prevent batter spillage.

✔️ Classic waffle makers have thinner plates than Belgian waffle makers and yield thinner waffles that are crispier throughout. The main difference between a regular, classic waffle and a Belgian waffle is that classic waffles don’t have that thick, fluffy interior. The plates also create more pockets per square inch that are smaller and more shallow. More pockets lend more crunch because there are more crispy edges per bite.

Next, consider these factors, no matter which style of waffle you prefer:

✔️ Size: Waffle makers can generally make one, two or four waffles at a time. Consider the size of the group you are regularly feeding as well as how much counter or storage space you have to spare.

✔️ Settings: Some lower-priced models simply plug in, heat to a default temperature and have an indicator for when the waffle is done. The simplest models require you to use a separate timer. Our favorite waffle makers had variable shade settings that made consistently good, evenly colored waffles.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Nicole Papantoniou runs the Good Housekeeping Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab where she oversees all content and testing related to cooking products. She has been testing and developing cooking tools, gadgets, gear and appliances since 2014. She’s covered the full gamut of breakfast-related kitchen gear including waffle makers, coffee makers, nonstick pans and toaster ovens.

Nicole Papantoniou

Kitchen Appliances & Innovation Lab Director

Nicole (she/her) is the director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, where she has overseen content and testing related to kitchen and cooking appliances, tools and gear since 2019. She’s an experienced product tester and recipe creator, trained in classic culinary arts and culinary nutrition. She has worked in test kitchens for small kitchen appliance brands and national magazines, including Family Circle and Ladies’ Home Journal.

The 8 Best Waffle Makers of 2023

Make your morning routine tastier with homemade waffles

By

Carrie Honaker

Carrie Honaker

Carrie Honaker is a freelance writer specializing in food, wine, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Bon Appetit, Wine Enthusiast, Allrecipes, and more.

Learn about Simply Recipes’
Editorial Process

Updated June 27, 2023

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Simply Recipes / Chloe Jeong

Waffles are a breakfast staple and often the indulgent treat to look forward to during a hotel stay—they have become ubiquitous on continental breakfast bars. From thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles to thinner, crispier American-style, there is a waffle for every palate. With a waffle maker, you can have homemade warm, golden waffles stippled with butter and drenched in real maple syrup every day of the week in minutes. 

There are a few considerations to take into account, like real estate on your kitchen counter, how many waffles you will make at a time, ease of clean-up, and the biggest decision: thick or thin, round or square waffles. To help you choose, we put a few of our top choices to the test. We sent them home to put them through their paces. That included testing how fast they warmed up, how brown our waffles were when cooked on medium, and how well the machines cleaned up after.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Breville Smart 4-Slice Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best Budget:

Cuisinart Classic Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best for Belgian Waffles:

Cuisinart Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best Mini:

Dash Mini Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best Rotating:

Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best for Crispy Waffles:

All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best with Removable Plates:

Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker at Amazon

Best No Mess:

Chefman Anti-Overflow Waffle Maker at Amazon

Way Fair

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What We Love: Five easy-to-use presets, Waffle IQ technology, heats up quickly

What We Don’t Love: Pricey

The Breville Smart 4-Slice Waffle Maker has all the bells and whistles. Yes, the price is steep, but the consistency, capacity, and speed make it worth it, especially if you’re feeding a hungry family in the morning. With five different cooking presets (Belgian, classic, chocolate, custom, or buttermilk waffles), 12 browning settings, and “Waffle IQ” technology that calculates cooking time based on your desired waffle style and level of crispiness, it would be hard to not make perfect waffles. And, if they are not quite right, the ingenious “A Bit More” button allows you to keep cooking your waffles without restarting the process.

This model is a sturdy beast, as our Editor-in-Chief Emma Christensen can attest; it takes up quite a bit of counter space. But, if you are looking for a machine to make multiple waffles at once with ease, this is it. There are built-in readiness indicators to walk you through the process. The display flashes “heating” as it warms up, a gentle alarm signals when it is ready, and the display lights up orange. Pour your batter in, and watch as a timer counts down to let you know when your four square waffles are done. And don’t worry if you walk away; a loud beep will go off every 30 seconds until you remove your waffles.

Of course, we had to see for ourselves if this lived up to Emma’s hype. Even though this is larger than most machines, it took less than five minutes to heat up. Waffles turned out perfectly golden when set to medium, and the design was easy to understand. During testing, there was a bit of a learning curve for the right amount of batter to put in, but that’s an issue with all waffle makers (the first one’s always the test). Even if you end up with some spillage, all you have to do is wipe it down once fully cooled.

Editorial Director Taysha Murtaugh gives this waffle maker high praise: “To me, the perfect waffle is golden in color, slightly crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside. This waffle maker exceeded my expectations, allowing me to quickly turn out a big batch of beautiful waffles that are extra thick thanks to the deep cooking plates.”

The Breville Smart 4-Slice makes perfect golden waffles, but it is also intuitively designed with a built-in overflow moat to keep counters clear of excess batter, a locking lid to aid in storage, and a gorgeous low-profile stainless steel exterior.

Price at time of publish: $220

Dimensions: 12.25 x 12.25 x 5.75 inches | Weight: 14.5 pounds | Material: Stainless steel with nonstick cast aluminum grids | Shade Settings: 12

Amazon

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What We Love: Heats up quickly, five browning settings, cord wraps around bottom of unit for easy storage, easy to clean

What We Don’t Love: Uneven browning, less crispy

This Cuisinart waffle maker is the classic workhorse of 0.5-inch thick, American-style waffles. It is compact, easy to clean, and produces consistent waffles quickly. The five browning settings give some control over doneness, and the weighted lid provides enough pressure to ensure even cooking on both sides, without the added step of flipping them.

We sent this home for testing with one of our small apartment dwellers. While this machine is compact, it proved to be mighty when it comes to making waffles on the fly. The nonstick plates heat up quickly, clocking in at 1.5 minutes tops. When set to medium, the waffles came out fully cooked with light browning after only a minute or two. Our tester found the waffle maker easy to use and easy to clean. Although the tester had to make each 7-inch waffle individually, a batch was finished in just 15 minutes.

Since this is on the small side, you can tell where the heating coil is with heat radiating from the center and some uneven browning. Another downside is that waffles are not crispy, even when placed on a rack to avoid steaming each other. They come out fairly cleanly though, with no bits left behind during any of our tests. Once cooled, any spillage is easy enough to wipe down with a damp cloth.

Stability is not an issue with this model—the rubber feet keep it from slipping around while baking. Dual indicator lights will let you know when it’s time for the batter and when the waffles are done. Another great feature of the Cuisinart Classic, though, is how the cord wraps around the bottom of the unit for neat storage.

Price at time of publish: $55

Dimensions: 7.9 x 9.7 x 3.3 inches | Weight: 5 pounds | Material: Brushed stainless steel with nonstick plates | Shade Settings: 5

Amazon

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What We Love: Can make two waffles at once; oversized handle makes it easy to open, close, and flip; nonstick plates for easy cleanup

What We Don’t Love: Bulky shape makes it harder to store

It cannot be denied that flip models provide even distribution of batter ensuring uniformity in waffle size. The Cuisinart Double Belgian goes one step further with its two-waffles-at-a-time capacity. No waiting for the first one to finish to start the next one. And the deep-pocketed grids produce fluffy, golden, 1-inch-thick waffles.

The six-setting browning knob allows some personalization with your waffle-making, and the oversized handle makes for easy flipping. Red and green indicator lights and audible beeps alert you to machine readiness and waffle doneness. It also comes with a measuring cup to ensure the correct amount of batter every time. It is bulky, but the wide base provides extra stability, and nonstick plates make for easy food release and cleanup.

Price at time of publish: $120

Dimensions: 8.4 x 15.1 x 19.8 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Material: Stainless steel with nonstick plates | Shade Settings: 6

Related: The Best Toasters

Amazon

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What We Love: Fun colors and shapes, space-saving design, easy to use

What We Don’t Love: No shade settings

Getting your kids involved in the kitchen has never been easier or more fun than with the Dash Mini. This waffle maker is also a great option if you are tight on space, living the van life, or equipping a dorm room. At a compact 1.3 pounds with a 4-inch cooking surface, it makes waffles that even fit in a toaster for reheating—hello, breakfast prep. And this easy-to-use waffle maker comes in various fun shapes and colors. One small drawback: There is no way to adjust shade settings with this waffle maker.

“The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is budget-friendly and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen, which is important for those with limited kitchen space seeking to make healthy meals from scratch on a budget,” says Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Seattle.

The design is straightforward with an indicator light when it is ready for the batter and nonstick plates that wipe clean. It also has non-slip feet to keep it secure on the counter. The Dash Mini comes with an illustrated owner’s manual and access to a recipe database to show you all the magical ways you can use your waffle maker even beyond waffles—think paninis, chaffles, and potato latkes.

Price at time of publish: $13

Dimensions: 5 x 6.4 x 2.8 inches | Weight: 1.3 pounds | Material: Nonstick cooking surface | Shade Settings: N/A

Related: The Best Panini Presses

Amazon

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What We Love: Digital countdown timer, flip design, non-stick ceramic grill plates

What We Don’t Love: Flip design takes up a bit more space

This model is unique in design—it flips side-to-side instead of rotating. The flip design allows the batter to distribute evenly, making uniform 1-inch thick, 7-inch round waffles. It does take a little more real estate on the counter when unhinged, but it can be locked and stored vertically when cooled.

Another feature of the Presto Flipside is the digital countdown timer. The manufacturer recommends four minutes of cook time, but this can be adjusted based on personal preference. Cleanup is a breeze as well. The grill plates are coated with nonstick ceramic, so a quick wipe-down post-cool yields pristine results. It’s a great tool for making fried chicken and waffles at home—the waffles are evenly cooked, and it is super easy to clean. It also makes an attractive addition to your counter with its stainless steel exterior.

Price at time of publish: $60

Dimensions: 11.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Weight: 4.94 pounds | Material: Stainless steel with nonstick ceramic cooking plates | Shade Settings: N/A

Related: The Best Toaster Ovens

Amazon

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What We Love: Seven browning levels, steam-release system for crispy waffles, beeps when ready to cook and when finished, nonstick plates are easy to clean

What We Don’t Love: The plates are not removable

If 6. 5-inch round, 0.5-inch thick, American-style waffles are what you are looking for, the All-Clad Waffle Maker yields evenly-cooked, crispy, four-sectioned breakfast staples. This option has seven browning levels to control crispiness, and the steam-release system keeps moisture at bay, so your waffles are crispy on the outside and light and fluffy on the inside.

This model walks you through the waffle-making experience. There is an audible beep when the waffle maker is ready for the batter and another when it is finished cooking, and just to be sure, there are red and green indicator lights that come on with each alarm. The waffle maker’s stainless steel body offers an elegant look for your kitchen counter. The nonstick plates make clean-up simple, but we just wish the plates were removable for a more thorough cleaning.

Price at time of publish: $149

Dimensions: 8.66 x 11.81 x 4.33 inches | Weight: 5.7 pounds | Material: Stainless steel with nonstick cooking plates | Shade Settings: 7

Amazon

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What We Love: Flip design, removable cooking plates, extra-large drip tray

What We Don’t Love: Takes a while to heat up

The most important feature of this Hamilton Beach Waffle Maker is removable grill plates. It is a game-changer when it comes to cleaning. They are dishwasher-safe and pop in and out with a simple press of a button. And of the cleaning superpowers of this model, there is an extra-large drip tray to catch errant batter. 

Not only do you get stress-free clean-up, but it has an adjustable browning control dial to personalize your waffle-making experience. There are indicator lights to remind you when the machine is on and to let you know when it is ready for the batter. This model does take longer than others to heat up. The deep pockets on the grill plates produce thick, golden Belgian-style waffles with ease. And the ergonomically designed handle facilitates flipping with the flick of a wrist. 

Price at time of publish: $60

Dimensions: 14.9 x 9.9 x 9.1 inches | Weight: 5.41 pounds | Material: Stainless steel with nonstick removable cooking plates | Shade Settings: 3

Related: The Best Mixing Bowls

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What We Love: Seven heat settings, channel around the plates to catch excess batter, can be stored horizontally or vertically to save space

What We Don’t Love: Small size, so you’ll need to make several waffles if you’re cooking for a crowd

The small but mighty waffle maker from Chefman makes 6-inch waffles and has seven adjustable shade settings. The indicator light on the top tells you when the waffle maker is ready to go, and the included measuring cup means there is no guesswork about how much batter to use.

The nonstick plates are easy to clean, and one of the best features of this waffle maker is the anti-overflow channel around the outside edge. It catches any drips and messes, which saves time on cleanup. The waffle maker is designed to be stored horizontally or vertically to save space. This waffle maker has a stainless steel exterior and comes in four colors, including bright red. Because the waffles are small in size, you’ll need to make several batches if you’re making breakfast for a crowd.

Price at time of publish: $35

Dimensions: 8 x 10 x 4 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Material: Stainless steel with nonstick removable cooking plates | Shade Settings: 7

Final Verdict

If you want to take the guesswork out of waffle making but also keep your counters mess-free, we recommend the Breville Smart 4-Slice with its overflow moat and “Waffle IQ” technology. If you want a compact, portable waffle maker that offers a variety of shapes and colors, choose the Dash Mini.

What Are the Other Options?

Cuisinart WAF-V100 Vertical Waffle Maker (view at Amazon): Our former best overall pick, Cuisinart WAF-V100 Vertical Waffle Maker, didn’t stand up to the at-home tests. Though it worked well when it came to browning waffles, and everyone enjoyed theirs, our tester found that the batter needed to be thin in order to pour correctly into the spout. You couldn’t easily determine how much batter needed to be placed into the waffle iron, and some tests came out with pour-spout-shaped edges. The outside also got too hot, causing a safety concern, especially when little ones are around. Ultimately, after testing, we decided to remove it from our list.

What to Look for in a Waffle Maker

Belgian-Style vs. American-Style Waffle Makers

If you prefer light and fluffy waffles with deep pockets perfect for syrup and butter, a Belgian waffle maker is right up your alley. Or perhaps you prefer thin, crispy waffles, in which case, go for an American-style waffle maker. Belgian waffles tend to produce larger, rectangular waffles while American-style waffles are more likely to be round and smaller. Because of this, Belgian waffle makers might be larger and require more storage space.

Size

Do you prefer round, rectangular, or maybe heart-shaped waffles? Do you want large Belgian waffles or something smaller for batches of frozen waffles? Will you be leaving your waffle maker out on the counter to use for weekend breakfast, or do you need to easily store it away in the cupboard? These are all considerations to account for.

“When choosing the best waffle maker for you, two important considerations are size and nonstick materials,” says Fernando. “As a registered dietitian, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker appeals to me because the miniature size allows you to make smaller waffles. This can help with controlling your portion sizes when eating waffles, which are a more indulgent food. Indulging is part of a balanced lifestyle so long as it is done in moderation. Smaller waffles are also convenient for a grab-and-go breakfast or as a snack option when paired with fruit and nut butter.”

Settings

Making a waffle seems straightforward: Mix the batter, pour it onto the waffle maker, close the lid, and wait for your perfectly browned waffles to cook. While this is the case with simpler waffle makers, some have more settings than others to accommodate a variety of preferences.

Like toast, waffles turn golden brown when cooked. You may prefer your waffles to cook to a certain level of browning, and that’s where having multiple settings comes in handy. While not a necessity, this is a nice feature for people who like their waffles cooked to a certain degree and want more control over doneness and crispiness.

FAQs

Can you make waffle cones with a waffle maker?

Waffle cones usually require a special waffle cone maker. However, you can get creative in the kitchen and make waffle cones with a regular waffle maker. You’ll need waffle cone batter, a waffle maker, and a funnel. Pour a small amount of waffle cone batter onto the middle of the waffle maker and close the lid. When the waffle is done, lift it and place it around a funnel to form the cone shape. Let it cool on the funnel, and then slide it off when it’s done.

How do you clean a waffle maker’s plates?

Nonstick waffle maker plates are easy to clean and are often removable. Wash them with a bit of soapy water and use a sponge to remove any food particles stuck in the plates. Let them dry completely before putting them back into the machine. If the waffle plates aren’t removable, carefully clean them with a damp paper towel or kitchen towel.

Can you use pancake mix as waffle batter?

Pancake and waffle batter are similar but not the same. The main difference comes down to the amount of fat—waffles require more fat than pancakes. Waffles may also contain a higher amount of sugar. For best results, use waffle batter to make waffles. If you have homemade pancake batter on hand, you may be able to use it with some adjustments to the amount of oil, eggs, and sugar.

Should you use oil or butter before adding batter to a waffle maker?

Yes, even with nonstick waffle makers, it’s often a good idea to lightly brush the plates with vegetable or canola oil or a small amount of cooking spray before using. Melted butter is not recommended as it can cause the waffles to stick. Check the owner’s manual of your individual unit to be sure and to decide which product to use.

Why Trust Simply Recipes?

Carrie Honaker is a food writer who has enjoyed the pleasures of waffles at home. As a restaurateur and avid home cook, she appreciates the convenience of a machine that makes breakfast prep clean and stress-free. She loves her Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker for its even cooking and vertical storage option. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Bon Appetit, Allrecipes, and Wine Enthusiast.

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How to choose a waffle iron and enjoy crispy waffles every morning

Historians don’t know exactly where waffle irons were invented. Holland and Germany are fighting for the right to be called the birthplace of these devices. Even the ancient Greeks baked cakes between two red-hot metal plates.

In the 13th century, various illustrations began to be applied to iron plates: from family coats of arms to elaborate landscapes and a simple grid-like pattern characteristic of modern waffles.

There is a version that in 1789Thomas Jefferson brought a waffle iron with a long handle to the United States. In 1869, the first patented pan for cooking waffles on the stove appeared on sale in New York, and in 1918, electrical devices. In this article we will try to figure out how to choose a waffle iron, what they are and how they differ.

The principle of making waffles is simple:

  • a small amount of semi-liquid or viscous dough is placed on a flat corrugated base;
  • the dough is covered with the second flat half of the waffle iron, as a result of which it is stretched into a thin uniform layer;
  • the dough is baked until done. Depending on preference, waffles can be fried until light golden or dark brown.

How to choose a waffle iron?

From the point of view of the heating element, the types of waffle irons are classified as follows:

  1. The traditional appliance consists of two thick metal pancakes. For convenience, on the one hand, it is combined with a swivel loop or swivel mount, and on the other, it is equipped with a long handle. The device is heated on an open fire or stove, and during the cooking process it is turned over several times so that both sides warm up evenly. This principle of operation is demonstrated by the Waffle Cone Maker WOOPOWER model, which can be bought on Amazon for $22.
  2. Electric waffle irons are table-top appliances equipped with a built-in electric heating element controlled by a thermostat. Available with removable or non-removable build plates (Electric Ice Cream Cone Waffle Maker Machine TFCFL – $113).

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To figure out which waffle iron to choose, you need to estimate the number of eaters, budget and desired specifications. The following tips will be useful to those who have not fully figured out how to choose an electric waffle iron.

Number of waffles

The appliance can bake a certain number of waffles at a time. You can buy a mini device for one waffle, for example, Dash DMW001RD, Mini Waffle Maker ($10). But this option is unlikely to suit the hostess, who needs to feed a large family. On sale there are models designed for 4 or 6 waffles at the same time (KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker – $ 85).

Material

Pay attention to the material of the working surfaces and housing. It can be cast iron and stainless steel. Many electric models are encased in brightly colored plastic cases and feature cool handle grips (Brentwood Appliances Ts-1405bl Waffle Cone Maker – $40).

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Removable worktops

Removable panels are easy to clean and in some cases even dishwasher safe. Devices with removable panels often come with multiple work surfaces, such as a waffle iron, toaster overlay, or ribbed grill (OSTBA Sandwich Maker 3-in-1 Waffle Iron – $40).

Non-stick coating

Manufacturers offer a variety of non-stick coatings ranging from Teflon to ceramic. Any of them facilitates the removal of the finished product, but is sensitive to external mechanical damage (BELLA Classic Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker – $40).

Acoustic signal and light indication

A handy function that tells you when the appliance has reached the optimum temperature. With this option, you don’t have to worry about the waffle burning. The device will signal that the dish is ready. If you want to purchase a model with this feature, check out the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker ($55).

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Browning control

For those who like slightly golden waffles and those who prefer a darker crispy crust, the “Browning Control” function allows you to set the degree of desired browning ( Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker – $30).

Easy to use and store

The waffle iron is a rather bulky tool. Some manufacturers equip appliances with a special locking mechanism so that the waffle iron does not open when placed on its side (Chef Buddy 82-MM1234 waffle cone maker – $35).

Types of waffle irons

The market offers thousands of models for different budgets.

If you order a waffle maker in an English online store, don’t be surprised if the search results offer you: Waffle Iron, Waffle Maker and other variations. They are synonyms, but:

  • The Waffle Iron category includes all types of waffle makers.
  • Waffle Maker – a narrower concept for devices with their own internal heating source – electric waffle irons.
  • Waffle cone maker – waffle cone maker for thin waffles.
  • Belgian Waffle Maker is a tip for those who don’t know how to choose a waffle maker for Belgian waffles.

Standard (classic) waffle irons

Devices that have come down to us in almost the same form as hundreds of years ago. Most often they are made of cast iron, aluminum or stainless steel. They do not have their own heating elements. For such waffle irons, you can use any heat source, take them with you on a picnic (Waffle Cone Maker – $26).

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Thin waffle irons

Makes thin waffles with a shallow texture. Depending on the model, they can be designed to cook one or more waffles in one go (MasterChef Waffle Cone and Bowl Maker – $45).

Belgian (Viennese waffle maker)

Features deeper notches for a crisp, distinctive honeycomb pattern (Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker – $50).

Rotary

Models designed to cook two portions at the same time. First, one part of the device is filled, then the lid closes, the waffle iron turns over, and you can fill the other half with dough (BELLA Classic Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker – $40).

Vertical

Compact and easy to use. They are equipped with a special measuring cup, with the help of which the hostess will pour exactly as much dough as necessary for baking waffles. Such devices take up less shelf space when not in use (Cuisinart WAF-V100 Waffle Iron – $50).

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Cone

These devices do not bake flat waffles, but in the form of a tartlet that can be filled with various fillings (Presto 03500 Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker – $46).

Multifunctional

Devices with several removable work plates for different purposes. They can be used not only as a waffle iron, but also as a grill or a regular frying pan. They can cook waffles, pancakes, sandwiches and scrambled eggs (George Foreman GRP4842P Multi-Plate Evolve Grill – $120).

Which waffles can be baked?

There are several versions of the origin of the name of this dish, but the word “waffel” (cell, honeycomb) from the Old Frankish language, which was spoken by people who lived in the territory of modern western Germany in the 4th-8th centuries, is considered the earliest.

There are hundreds of recipes for sweet and savory wafers made from unleavened and yeast dough, so it’s hard to figure out what the difference is and what waffle makers are. Almost every nation has a similar dish. Two options are considered the most popular:

  1. thin dry and crispy. Prepared on a lean dough – a mixture of milk, eggs, butter and flour. They are rarely used in their pure form. This is the basis for cakes and pastries, and even immediately after baking, while the product is soft, it is rolled into tubes or cones. It is from these waffles that ice cream cups are made. Historical records record the first presentation of waffle cones as edible ice cream utensils at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis;
  2. Belgian or Viennese – soft and fluffy delicious pastries. Traditionally, yeast dough is used for it, but there are also yeast-free recipes. Waffles prepared in this way are distinguished by a large amount of butter and sugar, which caramelizes and forms a thin crispy crust on the surface.

Which manufacturer to choose?

For many consumers, choosing a waffle iron is not an easy task. Check out the top brands. In the world of kitchen appliances, there are a number of reputable manufacturers that Ukrainian buyers might never have heard of.

  • Waring is a manufacturer of high quality waffle irons found in many restaurants, hotels and bars in North America.
  • Krups is a German manufacturer that is part of the French concern Group SEB.
  • Cuisinart is a brand owned by the American Conair Corporation. Offers models for four or six waffles at an affordable price. Such models are ideal for large families.
  • Hamilton Beach is an old established kitchen appliance brand. Founded by an American designer, retailer and distributor of home appliances and commercial restaurant equipment.
  • Oster is the #1 selling waffle iron brand on Amazon. The brand offers high-quality and inexpensive products that are sure to come in handy in your kitchen.

Where to buy the perfect waffle iron

Ukrainian chefs can order a variety of waffle iron models. Affordable cost allows you to have several different devices on the farm at once, for example, for making thin and Belgian waffles.

The best place to buy a waffle iron today is the internet. Even the most conservative shoppers will agree that no retail outlet can compare to a large online store in terms of the number of offers. International retailers such as American Amazon or Newegg, British George, German OTTO, Chinese Taobao or Polish Allegro offer a huge selection of kitchen appliances, provide information on each product and seller, and guarantee prompt customer support.

There are no physical boundaries for Ukrainian shoppers in search of the best waffle iron. You can compare prices in dozens of retail outlets around the world, order cool kitchen appliances on American, European or Chinese sites. With forward delivery from NP Shopping, you don’t have to worry about a particular store not cooperating with foreign buyers, not delivering goods to Ukraine, or doing it very slowly and expensively.

With NP Shopping, you can shop almost anywhere. Registered customers receive the address of the warehouse of Nova Poshta Global partners in the territory of the country in which the store operates. It must be specified as a delivery location when placing an order. When the goods are delivered to this address, they will be sent to our country, where the buyer will be able to pick them up from the courier, from the post office or from the New Post office.

Do not forget about the customs regulations that apply when importing goods from abroad. If the purchase price in the online store is more than €100, you will need to pay VAT in the amount of 20% on the amount exceeding the specified limit. When importing goods over €150, an additional 10% customs duty is charged on the excess amount.

P.S. The prices indicated in the article are current as of the beginning of May 2021.

Waffle irons in the kitchen: how to choose the best one, how to cook, recipes

Waffle iron – new or well-forgotten old?

The long-forgotten taste of homemade waffles is easy to revive by pulling out an old waffle iron from the bins or buying a new ultra-modern miracle of technology. Quite a bit of effort – and an appetizing slide of golden thin or thick wafers, tender or crispy, with or without filling, will delight the household. Not without reason, even the French king Philip the Handsome could taste a delicious, piping hot waffle on the street. Types and features of waffle makers

There are two types of waffle irons – for baking thick or thin waffles. Therefore, depending on which waffle recipe you will use in the waffle iron, you should also choose the type of device. To do this, when purchasing it, find out which waffles you will bake – then you will not be able to change their thickness. Now they mainly use electric waffle irons. Although earlier in the course there were mainly “hazelnuts” and thick waffle irons on contact heating.

Soviet waffle iron is an indispensable unit in the kitchen of our mothers and grandmothers. And now you can cook tender and crispy waffles on it, very fragile. A pack of margarine or butter, 4-5 eggs, a glass of sugar, flour and soda slaked with vinegar – that’s all you need to make waffles in it. Pour a little vegetable oil into the waffle dough so that it does not stick to the surfaces of the waffle iron. The device is well heated, the surfaces are oiled and a little dough is poured into the center, pressed, held for a minute or two, and the waffle is ready. You can roll it up while it’s hot, or just leave it like that. Of these 30-40 wafers, you get a good cake if you smear it with an oily cream.

The Viennese waffle iron has a special structure, its surfaces are characterized by deep cells and the waffles come out thick and crispy. To prepare it, it is better to purchase a metal waffle iron that has a non-stick coating on the surfaces. Attention should be paid to the presence of a thermostat or structure modifier so that both Viennese and Belgian waffles can be baked (respectively at a lower temperature and higher). Some electric waffle irons are equipped with a heating indicator, a timer, interchangeable trays for use as a grill and toaster.

When purchasing a waffle iron, pay attention to the type and quality of the non-stick coating. It should be smooth, free of bubbles and other surface defects. If the waffle maker is equipped with a control sensor, the hostess will know after giving a signal that the waffles are ready. Expensive models even have a rotary device that allows you to get the same thickness of the wafer.

Thin waffle maker is characterized by the fact that waffles are baked on surfaces with a ceramic coating, which closes in a “lock” way, clearly fixing the closure. Modern waffle irons for thin waffles allow you to twist the waffle into a cylinder or bag, so that you can then fill the waffles with stuffing. They are often found on sale. But in order to purchase a waffle iron for waffles in the form of hearts, squares or rectangles, the same nut mushrooms, you will have to search a lot. Thanks to the thermostat, you can independently choose the baking temperature (150-250C), making crispy or lighter waffles. What kind of waffles can I bake?

Belgian soft waffles are very airy and tender. They are made on a rich egg and yeast base with butter. Liege waffles are distinguished by the fact that sugar is added to the dough, which, during the caramelization process, acquires the properties of candies, so the waffles are hard and crispy. Brussels waffles are thick, golden and tender, very good with strawberries and bananas, chocolate and whipped cream. In fact, Brussels and Viennese waffles are very similar, the difference is only in the ingredients with which they are served.

Waffles are very easy and simple to prepare, and they are perfect on the table as a dessert with a sweet filling, ice cream or sauce, as well as for a second course with any pate or finely chopped salad.

The history of waffles dates back to ancient Greece, when they were baked from ordinary dough on hot stones. But already in the 14th century, not everyone could feast on exquisite waffles, but noble persons. Viennese waffles are characterized by a combination of softness, airiness and delicate taste, in comparison with crispy English or fluffy Belgian ones.

You can put any filling between the Viennese waffles, and you get a kind of sandwich or pie. Belgian waffles are similar to donuts and are served hot, with powdered sugar, berries in syrup, or ice cream. The essential ingredients of English waffles are potato flakes, butter and vegetables, thanks to which they turn out with a golden crisp.