Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
180-degree flipping design
Digital display
Vertical position locking mechanism
Ceramic nonstick cooking surface
Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
Two 1-inch deep waffle-making components
6 levels of browning control
Nonstick cooking surface
Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker
Premium-quality stainless steel housing
Adjustable temperature controls
8-inch nonstick cooking surface
Safe-to-touch handle
Waffles are delicious, they make the perfect breakfast, or a great snack at any time of day. They can be personalized with any number of toppings or eaten just as they are. However, shop brought, readymade waffles just don’t live up to the smell, taste and texture of freshly cooked waffles. Home waffle makers mean that you can enjoy fresh waffles in no time at all and can discover new combinations and toppings, all in the comfort of your own home. If you are considering adding a waffle maker to your kitchen, then we have you covered. Check out our list of the best waffle makers currently available.
The Best Waffle Maker
1
Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
The Presto 03510 creates professional-style 7-inch diameter Belgian waffles with no mess and no fuss. The waffles are created in four easy to cut sections, making them great for sharing or splitting for easy storage and eating later on.
The waffle makers rotating design ensures perfectly formed and cooked waffles every time. The batter is evenly distributed across the plates, meaning that the waffles are lighter and fluffier, as well as being less likely to stick. The brushed stainless steel exterior makes the waffle maker a classic addition to any kitchen, while its locking vertical position means it is space-saving and easy to store. The display is easy to read and is complete with a countdown timer.
Creates 7-inch diameter, easy to cut waffles
Dual function base
Digital display
Rotates for even cooking
- BrandPresto
- Model03510
- Weight6 lbs
The non-stick plates make for easy cleaning and reduce the risk of waffles breaking as they are removed
The rotating design ensures even cooking of the waffles and a light and fluffy finished item
Storage space is reduced by the vertical locking mechanism
The digital timer requires a battery that will need to be changed over time
2
Hamilton Beach 4-Piece Belgian Style Waffle Maker
If thick, fluffy waffles are your idea of the perfect breakfast then the Hamilton Beach is the machine for you. It creates 4 waffles in around 5 minutes, and the non-stick surface means that your waffles come out in one piece, leaving no batter behind. The indicator light panel lets you know when to add the batter, ensuring that the machine is at the perfect temperature every time. The classic black and stainless steel designed machine can be stored upright and takes up little cupboard or worktop space.
Non-stick waffle grids
Makes 4 waffles
Power and temperature lights
Upright storage
- BrandHamilton Beach
- Model26020
- Weight7.15 lbs
Makes 4 crispy and fluffy waffles in less than 5 minutes
The non-stick surface is easy to clean, and removable plates
Can be stored upright to save space
Easy to use
Does not include a rotating feature which can affect the consistency of the waffles
No display or count down timer
3
Black Decker Flip Waffle Maker WM1404S
This Black+Decker model uses a rotate and cook system, which ensures evenly cooked and perfect waffles every time. The 7-inch, non-stick waffle plates are easy to clean and can be used to create grilled sandwiches, hash browns, and cinnamon rolls, as well as perfectly cooked waffles. This multi-purpose waffle maker has a cool-touch locking handle to prevent dripping during cooking.
Non-stick waffle grids
Easy lock handle
Rotate and cook system
Create 7-inch round waffles
Indicator and power lights
- BrandBlack+Decker
- ModelWM1404S
- Weight12.79 lbs
The rotate and cook system ensures perfect consistency and even cooking throughout
Easy locking handle guarantees your batter stays in the grids
Multi-purpose, can be used to produce a range of tasty treats
Bulkier than many other options
No display
4
Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Iron
If you are specific about the exact color and texture of your waffle, then the Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker, with its 5-setting browning control is just what you need. The classic design harks back to traditional waffle makers, but with all the modern additions needed for perfect, round waffles, every time. The waffle iron has non-stick baking plates, and a regulating thermostat.
Weighted lid
Non-marking rubber feet
Closing latch for upright storage
- BrandCuisinart
- ModelWMR-CA
- Weight3.86 lbs
The weighted lid ensures that it does not rise as the waffles cook
Easy to clean and maintain
The lid latch means that the unit can be stored vertically, reducing the space it takes up
No display or countdown timer, reliant on just the light indicators to know when the waffles are ready
No rotate and cook system, which can mean flatter or unevenly cooked waffles
5
Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker
The Oster CKSTWF2000 feature adjustable temperature controls that allow you to choose between crispy, and light and fluffy waffles. It is ideal for those who like to experiment with different types of batter. The power and ready to cook lights ensure perfect results every time. The 8-inch plates create large circular waffles that are easy to cut and share, while the non-stick plates are easy to remove and clean. Encased in a stainless steel housing, the waffle maker is durable and long wearing, making it perfect for those who cook waffles regularly.
Adjustable temperature controls
Stainless steel housing
Non-stick waffle plates
Cool-touch handles
8-inch baking plate
- BrandOster
- ModelCKSTWF2000
- Weight2.9 lbs
Good value for money, its durability means it will stand the test of even the busiest home kitchen
The adjustable temperature controls ensure perfectly browned waffles every time
Non-stick plates are easy to remove and clean and prevent waffles from sticking and breaking apart
Temperature control is achieved through a dial, so perfection may take a few tries.
6
T-fal SW6100 EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker
If you are looking for one kitchen item that can create the perfect breakfast, lunch or snack then this is it. The T-fal SW6100 comes with interchangeable waffle and sandwich plates. It can create either 2 square-shaped Belgian waffles, or two individual pocket sandwiches with the fillings of your choice – the combinations are only limited by your imagination and what fits between two slices of bread. The combined waffle and sandwich maker comes with non-stick plates that are dishwasher safe.
Interchangeable waffle and sandwich plates
Non-stick plates
Vertical storage
- BrandT-fal
- ModelSW6100
- Weight4.5 lbs
The interchangeable waffle and sandwich plates allow you to make grilled pocket sandwiches with a range of fillings, as well as delicious waffles
The plates are easy to swap and clean
There are no temperature controls, so you cannot change the cooking temperature
This waffle maker is at the higher end of the price bracket
7
Cuisinart Double Belgian Style Waffle Maker
When it comes to waffle makers quantity is just as important as the quality, and this is where this Cuisinart’s model comes into its own. The double-sided waffle maker allows you to make 2, 1-inch thick waffles at the same time. Each waffle is cooked to perfection thanks to the 6-setting browning control knob, while the non-stick plates ensure that the waffles come out easily and leave no batter behind.
Two waffle grids that can be used simultaneously
Food ready audio beep signal
Rotary cooking system
- BrandCuisinart
- ModelWAF-F20
- Weight13 lbs
The ability to cook two waffles at once cuts down on cooking and waiting time
The 6-setting controls ensure the waffles are cooked to your specific preference every time
Rotary system
Expensive compared to other brands
8
Hamilton Beach Belgian Flip Waffle Maker
The Hamilton Beach Waffle Maker is quick and easy to use. It produces perfect waffles in less than 8 minutes. The flip and cook system ensures that your waffles are evenly cooked, and light and fluffy every time. The waffle grids are specifically designed to have deep pockets so that they can hold complex batter mixes.
The waffle maker comes with advanced heating technology to ensure that your waffle reaches the right level of crispiness and golden color to suit you. The non-stick grids and drip tray help to make the cooking experience easy and mess-free.
Flip and cook system
Folding handle
Advanced heating technology
Drip tray
Non-stick, easy to clean removable plates
- BrandHamilton Beach
- Model26030
- Weight6.76 lbs
It can manage thicker and more complex batters than many other models
There is no digital display or countdown
Best Waffle Makers Buying Guide & FAQ
While creating waffles that you and your family will love is easy, choosing your own waffle maker can seem a little challenging. There are so many different features, styles and prices to consider. So, before you start enjoying fresh waffles smothered in syrup and butter, or your own favorite topping, you need to know how to buy the right waffle maker from the many that are on offer. Read on for tips on buying the best waffle maker for your needs.
Tips When Using a Waffle Maker
- Read your instruction manual
It sounds obvious, but in the excitement of the moment it can be tempting to whip up a batch of batter and heat up the waffle maker without checking out its finer points. Your instruction manual guides you some of the most important elements of creating the perfect waffle from the best thickness of batter to use, to whether you need to pre-spray the plates with cooking oil, and how best to clean up afterwards.
- Clean carefully and quickly
To keep your waffle maker in the best shape and ensure its longevity it should be cleaned as soon as possible after it has cooled. Check whether the plates are dishwasher safe and avoid using anything abrasive on them. Joint, hinges and handles are areas that you should pay specific attention to as these are areas where batter can become stuck.
- Always pre-heat your machine
Remember to pre-heat the waffle maker before adding your batter mixture. Not doing so can be the major cause of the batter sticking and your waffles being soggy or unevenly cooked. If your machine has an indicator light to let you know when it has reached the correct temperature, wait for this to come on or change color. If not follow the guidance in your manual as to how to tell when it is ready.
- Mix your batter well
Poorly mixed waffle batter can be lumpy and cause the waffles to cook unevenly, as well as affecting the consistency and taste of the final waffle.
- Adjusting heat or browning settings
If your waffle maker has adjustable settings for heat or browning it is a good idea to experiment with the lower settings first. This should avoid overcooked or burnt waffles. Make small changes in the settings until you find the one that is right for you.
- Avoid metal implements
If you need help removing your waffle from the maker, use plastic or rubber utensils. Metal can scratch and damage the non-stick coating, making it more difficult to get your waffles out in the future.
What to Consider When Looking for the Best Waffle Maker
- Non-stick plates
Non-stick plates are a necessity. Ceramic or Teflon coated plates not only produce better waffles but are easier and quicker to clean when you are finished.
- Thickness
Different waffle makers create waffles of different thicknesses. The thickness of your waffle is a personal choice, but thicker waffles tend to take longer to cook. The average thickness is around 1-inch.
- Capacity
How many waffles do you want to be able to make at once? Some are designed to create one large round waffle that can be split into 4 pieces, others create multiple square waffles. Some more expensive models allow you to create two large round waffles by having plates either side of a central plate. You simply fill and close one side, flip it over and repeat on the other side.
- Rotate and cook options
Numerous brands have now introduced a rotate and cook, or flip and cook system. You still pour the batter onto the base plate and shut the lid, but then instead of leaving it to cook, you first flip the waffle maker over. The idea behind this is that it helps create a fluffier waffle that is more evenly cooked and less likely to stick.
- Timers
There are a wide range of timers and indicators available. Some have light indicators that let you know when the waffle maker is ready to use, others also change color when the waffles are ready. Others use a digital display and countdown clock to give you a much clearer indication of when the waffles will be ready to eat.
- Heat control
Heat and browning controller give you better control over the finished product. If you want a crispier waffle you can set the temperature higher. You can also change the temperature to suit different types of batters and different ingredients. However, you should check with your manual before adding different items to a basic batter mix.
- Multi-purpose waffle makers
Many waffle makers can also be used to create everything from cinnamon rolls to pocket sandwiches. The more versatile the waffle maker the higher the cost generally. So, you need to consider exactly what you want to achieve with your waffle maker and whether the additional functions offer you value for money.
How do you Keep a Waffle Iron from Sticking?
Making sure your waffle iron reaches the correct temperature before you use it is key to ensuring that it doesn’t stick. It is also important to check whether you need to spray the plates with oil before adding your batter mix. Whether this is necessary depends on the type of non-stick plates that are being used.
Avoiding using metal or sharp objects to remove the waffles prevents damage to the plates that can lead to sticking. Batter consistency plays a part. If your batter does not contain enough oil or butter, then it can stick more easily.
Finally, proper cleaning is vital. Let the plates cool completely and then clean straight away. If they are not dishwasher safe, then use a damp soft cloth to clean and remove any residue. Ensure the plates are completely dry before storing your waffle iron.
Related Post: Best Ice Cream Makers
Sources:
- The History of the Belgian Waffle - Huffington Post
- How to Use a Waffle Iron - How Stuff Works
