Waffles are a breakfast staple enjoyed by many. Whether you prefer them with syrup, butter, or fruit, there’s no denying that a good waffle can make your morning. But making waffles can be a hassle, especially if you’re using a pan on the stovetop. This is where a waffle maker comes in.
A waffle maker is a small kitchen appliance that allows you to make waffles quickly and easily. It consists of two hinged metal plates that are heated and pressed together to cook the batter evenly. Most waffle makers have a non-stick surface, making it easy to remove the waffles once they’re done.
When looking for a waffle maker, there are a few things you should consider. The first is the size of the plates. If you’re cooking for a family, you’ll want a waffle maker with larger plates so you can make multiple waffles at once. If you’re cooking for just yourself or one other person, a smaller waffle maker will do.
Another thing to consider is the shape of the plates. Some waffle makers have round plates, while others have square or rectangular plates. The shape of the plates will determine the shape of your waffles, so choose one that suits your preference.
Lastly, you’ll want to consider the features of the waffle maker. Some waffle makers have adjustable temperature settings, allowing you to cook your waffles to your desired level of crispiness. Others have indicator lights that let you know when the waffle is done cooking.
We spent hours researching and testing various waffle makers to identify the ones that make the best waffles. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks and explain why we think they’re the best.
Best Waffle Makers
We’ve scoured the market to bring you the best waffle makers available today. Whether you’re a fan of classic Belgian waffles or prefer something a little more unique, we’ve got you covered. Our top picks are based on a combination of customer reviews, expert opinions, and our own hands-on testing. So, without further ado, here are the best waffle makers for your kitchen!
Cuisinart WAF-F30 Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
We highly recommend the Cuisinart WAF-F30 Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker for anyone looking to make delicious, restaurant-quality waffles at home.
Pros
Â
-
- Bakes a 1-inch thick Belgian waffle with deep pockets perfect for filling with toppings
-
- Browning control knob adjusts to 5-settings for custom cooking from light to dark
-
- Easy-to-handle rotary feature for even baking on top and bottom
Cons
Â
-
- May take up more counter space than other waffle makers
-
- Non-removable plates may make cleaning more difficult
-
- May require some trial and error to find the perfect cooking time and temperature for your preferences
We were impressed with the quality of waffles produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F30. The deep pockets and 1-inch thickness allowed us to fill our waffles with a variety of toppings, from fresh fruit to whipped cream. The browning control knob also made it easy to adjust the cooking time and temperature to our liking.
The easy-to-handle rotary feature ensured that our waffles were evenly cooked on both the top and bottom, resulting in perfectly crispy edges and a fluffy interior. The ready indicator light also prevented over- and under-cooking.
While the non-removable plates may make cleaning slightly more difficult, we found that wiping them down with a damp cloth was sufficient. The only downside is that the Cuisinart WAF-F30 may take up more counter space than other waffle makers due to its rotary feature.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cuisinart WAF-F30 Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker for anyone looking to make delicious, restaurant-quality waffles at home.
Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
If you’re looking for a reliable and efficient waffle maker, the Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker is an excellent choice.
Pros
Â
-
- Bakes 2 restaurant quality, 1-inch thick Belgian-style waffle
-
- 5-setting browning control for custom cooking from light to dark
-
- Easy-to-Handle rotary feature for even baking on top and bottom
Cons
Â
-
- Takes up a bit of counter space
-
- Can be a bit difficult to clean
-
- The audible alert can be a bit too loud
We were impressed with the quality of the waffles this machine produces. The 5-setting browning control allows for customization of the waffle’s color and texture, and the rotary feature ensures even cooking on both sides. The nonstick plates make it easy to remove the waffles once they’re done, and the deep pockets allow for a variety of toppings.
One downside to this waffle maker is that it takes up a bit of counter space. Additionally, it can be a bit difficult to clean the plates thoroughly. However, the quality of the waffles more than makes up for these minor inconveniences.
Overall, we highly recommend the Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker for anyone in the market for a high-quality waffle maker.
Krups Breakfast Set Waffle Maker
If you’re looking for a waffle maker that can produce four crispy and fluffy Belgian waffles at a time, the Krups Breakfast Set Waffle Maker is worth considering.
Pros
Â
-
- The steam release system ensures that waffles are light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
-
- The extra deep pockets can hold fresh berries, maple syrup, and other toppings.
-
- The removable, dishwasher safe die-cast plates with a nonstick coating make for effortless food release and quick cleanup.
Cons
Â
-
- The waffle maker takes a little while to cook the waffles.
-
- The beeping noise when the waffles are done can be a bit loud.
-
- The waffle maker is a bit heavy at 9.1 pounds.
We recently tried the Krups Breakfast Set Waffle Maker and were impressed with its performance. The waffles came out perfectly cooked with crispy edges and fluffy centers. The adjustable browning feature allowed us to customize the waffles to our liking, and the red and green indicator lights made it easy to know when the waffle maker was ready to use and when the waffles were done.
One of the standout features of this waffle maker is the steam release system, which ensures that the waffles are cooked to perfection without becoming soggy. The extra deep pockets are also a nice touch, as they allow you to add plenty of toppings to your waffles without making a mess.
Cleaning the Krups Breakfast Set Waffle Maker is a breeze thanks to the removable, dishwasher safe plates. We appreciated not having to spend a lot of time scrubbing the plates by hand.
Overall, we would recommend the Krups Breakfast Set Waffle Maker to anyone looking for a high-quality waffle maker that can produce four delicious Belgian waffles at a time.
Ninja NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use waffle maker, the Ninja NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker is a great choice.
Pros
Â
-
- The unique vertical design ensures even heat distribution and consistent results every time.
-
- With five different shade settings, you can get the perfect texture for your waffles, from soft and fluffy to crispy and delicious.
-
- The roomy, nonstick interior can accommodate 1-inch Belgian waffles, making it perfect for feeding the whole family.
Cons
Â
-
- The waffle maker is a bit on the heavy side, weighing in at 6.74 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around your kitchen.
-
- While the waffle maker comes with a precision-pour cup to make it easy to measure and pour batter, some users may find it difficult to pour the batter precisely enough to avoid overflow.
-
- Although the waffle maker is easy to clean, some users have reported that the nonstick coating may wear off over time.
We were impressed with the Ninja NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker’s performance. The vertical design ensures that heat is distributed evenly, resulting in perfectly cooked waffles every time. The five different shade settings make it easy to customize the texture of your waffles to your liking, and the precision-pour cup makes it easy to measure and pour batter without making a mess.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the nonstick interior, and the audible and visual alerts ensure that you never overcook your waffles. The included chef-curated recipe guide is a nice touch, providing inspiration for new and exciting waffle creations.
Overall, we would definitely recommend the Ninja NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use waffle maker.
Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates, Brushed Stainless Square Waffle Maker
If you’re looking for a versatile waffle maker that can also make pancakes, the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 is a great choice.
Pros
Â
-
- The adjustable browning control allows you to customize the cook temperature to your preference, resulting in perfectly cooked waffles every time.
-
- The non-stick coated waffle grids make for easy release of waffles and effortless cleaning.
-
- The red and green “ready to bake/ready to eat” indicator lights make it easy to know when your waffles are ready.
Cons
Â
-
- The waffle pockets are not as deep as some other models, resulting in thinner waffles.
-
- The machine takes up quite a bit of counter space, and may not be suitable for smaller kitchens.
-
- The instruction manual could be more detailed and user-friendly.
We found the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 to be a solid choice for a waffle maker with the added bonus of being able to make pancakes. The adjustable browning control is a great feature, and we appreciated the non-stick coating for easy cleaning. However, the waffle pockets are not as deep as some other models, resulting in thinner waffles. Additionally, the machine takes up quite a bit of counter space, so it may not be suitable for smaller kitchens. Overall, we would recommend this product for those looking for a versatile waffle maker.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying a waffle maker, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some key features to look for:
Type of Waffle Maker
There are two main types of waffle makers: standard and Belgian. Standard waffle makers produce thin, crispy waffles, while Belgian waffle makers produce thicker, fluffier waffles with deeper pockets. Consider which type of waffle you prefer before making your purchase.
Size and Capacity
Waffle makers come in a range of sizes, from small, single-serve models to large, family-sized machines. Consider the size of your household and how many waffles you want to make at once before choosing a waffle maker.
Temperature Control
Temperature control is an important feature to consider, as it allows you to adjust the heat to achieve your desired level of crispiness. Look for a waffle maker with adjustable temperature settings to ensure you can make waffles to your liking.
Non-Stick Surface
A non-stick surface is essential for easy waffle removal and cleaning. Look for a waffle maker with a non-stick surface to prevent your waffles from sticking and to make cleaning up a breeze.
Indicator Lights
Indicator lights are a helpful feature that let you know when your waffle is ready to be cooked or when it’s finished cooking. Look for a waffle maker with indicator lights to ensure you don’t overcook or undercook your waffles.
Durability
A waffle maker is an investment, so you want to choose a product that will last. Look for a waffle maker made from durable materials and with a solid construction to ensure it can withstand regular use.
By considering these key features, you can choose the best waffle maker for your needs and enjoy delicious homemade waffles whenever you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we choose the best waffle maker for our needs?
When choosing a waffle maker, consider the type of waffles you want to make, the size of the appliance, and your budget. Think about whether you prefer Belgian or classic waffles, and whether you want a model with removable plates for easy cleaning. Look for a waffle maker with adjustable temperature settings and a non-stick surface. Reading customer reviews can also help you choose the right waffle maker for your needs.
What features should we look for in a Belgian waffle maker?
If you prefer Belgian waffles, look for a waffle maker with deep pockets to create the signature fluffy texture. A model with adjustable temperature settings is also important, as Belgian waffles require a higher temperature than classic waffles. Additionally, consider a waffle maker with a flip or rotating feature to ensure even cooking.
Can you recommend a waffle maker with removable plates for easy cleaning?
Yes, many waffle makers come with removable plates for easy cleaning. Some popular models with this feature include the Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker and the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker. Removable plates can make cleaning up after making waffles much easier.
What are the benefits of using a rotating waffle maker?
A rotating waffle maker can help ensure even cooking and a more consistent texture. The rotating feature helps distribute the batter evenly, resulting in waffles with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Additionally, rotating waffle makers can make it easier to remove the waffles from the appliance.
How does a mini waffle maker differ from a classic waffle maker?
A mini waffle maker is designed to make smaller, bite-sized waffles. These appliances are often more compact than classic waffle makers and can be a good choice for those with limited counter space. However, mini waffle makers may not be as versatile as larger models, as they are typically only designed for making mini waffles.
Are there any differences in using waffle mix versus pancake mix?
Yes, there are differences in using waffle mix versus pancake mix. Waffle mix typically contains more sugar and fat than pancake mix, which helps create the crispy exterior and fluffy interior that waffles are known for. Additionally, waffle batter is often thicker than pancake batter. While pancake mix can be used to make waffles, the resulting texture may not be as desirable as using a dedicated waffle mix.
