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Do you love waffles but often struggle to make them correctly? Getting your waffles perfect is not just about the batter - you also need a good quality waffle iron or waffle maker to bake them the right way. Whether you love a classic waffle, a deeper Belgian style, or like to switch it up with fun shapes, getting your research done before purchasing can give you the best waffle experience.
To ease your search, we've handpicked the 10 best waffle makers and chosen the Classic Round Waffle Maker by Cuisinart as our favorite due to it being easy to use and easy to clean. We've also put together a buying guide reviewed by a professional chef so you can pick out the best one on your own as well!
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Buying a waffle maker can be a good investment. The material it's made from, the features that it has, and the number of waffles it can make can all be important factors to consider. Read on to learn about the basic things you need to know before you own one.
Stainless or cast steel, ceramic, and non-stick coatings are commonly used as plate materials. Their grids can have fun shapes such as hearts and cartoon characters.
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make waffles, then electric waffle makers are a good choice. Once you've mastered the controls, all you need to do is pour in the batter and the machine will do all of the work for you.
A low-quality waffle maker might not cook the waffles evenly. The waffles might only get cooked in the middle and not on the edges. However, the higher-quality models can assure even cooking of the waffles as well as other impressive features.
Some are equipped with browning controls that allow you to choose exactly how golden and crispy you want the waffles to be. Some waffle makers will also give a ready alert or chime once the waffles are done cooking. This saves you from having to lift the lid to check the waffle, and ensures they are cooked perfectly each time.
Remember to heat up the machine properly before you add the batter. If it's added when the appliance is cool, the waffles will not be cooked well. Many waffle makers come with indicator lights that light up when the appliance is ready to be used, taking the guesswork out of preheating your plates.
You can't escape it, making waffles is messy. The batter will stick to, and sometimes dry on, the machine. This can make it difficult to wash, especially with the rest of the machine in the way of the plate. However, this process becomes much easier when the machine offers a removable plate.
The easiest type of waffle makers to clean is one with removable plates. If your waffle maker has removable plates, all you need to do is remove them after use and use soapy water to wash them. Once air-dried, store them in a safe place or put them back in the waffle maker.
This might be a good option if you plan on using this machine very frequently, or if you often don't have a lot of time for clean-up. This feature is very convenient and saves time in the kitchen.
Waffle makers with a flip feature can be turned over by using a handle. This ensures that both the top and bottom of the waffle get evenly cooked and browned. By flipping, you also reduce the chances of the batter oozing out or spilling from the sides and creating a mess.
The flip feature on waffle makers also helps them cook faster! By flipping the maker over after you've poured the batter in, it flows to the bottom. This allows for more direct contact between the heat and the batter, cooking it more thoroughly and faster.
Waffle makers that offer a flip feature are great for professional-looking waffles. Their ability to cook through waffles evenly and brown to perfection offers the opportunity for those perfect morning waffles you've been craving.
A waffle iron doesn't need any electricity, and is used directly over a stovetop. If you want waffles over a campfire, then a waffle iron is for you. As waffle irons are completely manual, they give you more control over how the waffle is cooked.
However, these do require more work on the cook's part as they must know when the waffles are ready on their own. Because of this, they are harder to use. These are better for more experienced chefs. They also may not work properly on all types of stovetops and are best for gas, grills, or an open fire.
Waffle makers are available in a variety of materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and cast iron. You might want to go with something that's less prone to sticking to make your waffle-making experience hassle-free.
Electric waffle makers are made of materials that conduct heat easily. Stainless steel and aluminum are mainly used to create the plates of these appliances. They are easy to use, and usually have a non-stick coating to ensure that the waffles easily come off the device.
Cast iron, on the other hand, is the best material for even heat distribution. It's also naturally nonstick and known for its durability, so this is a good option if you want a long-term use waffle maker.
Most waffle makers are equipped to make one waffle at a time. Others make an extra-large waffle that can be easily split. Some options also make several individual waffles in one go. You should choose a model based on how many people you will be making waffles for at a time, and how efficient you want to be.
For a family of five or six, a product that can only make one or two waffles at a time may not be as efficient as one with a larger capacity. If you have hungry guests waiting for their breakfast, they may not be patient enough to wait for the constant reheating and cooking needed to serve them all.
Before you buy a waffle maker, make sure you have enough room to store it. Small electric waffle makers can sit in one corner of the kitchen, as can those that are vertical. However, if you have a multi-slice one, it can take up a significant amount of space on a countertop or inside a cabinet.
Vertical waffle makers are designed to take up less space in your kitchen. The batter is poured onto the appliance while in a vertical position, and they have a guide line so you always pour in the right amount of batter. This is important, as an inadequate amount of batter can result in uneven waffles.
Waffle makers come in either classic or Belgian-style thickness. The best choice for you depends on whether you prefer your waffles to be thin or thick.
If you prefer thin waffles, you should look for a classic maker with shallower pockets. The pockets in these makers aren't very deep and it's more common for them to cook multiple waffles at a time. Additionally, you can find classic waffle makers that can bake waffles in different shapes and sizes.
Belgian waffles are thicker than classic style waffles and are usually circular in shape. They have deeper pockets and if cooked correctly, they should be crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. You can even mix in other ingredients into your Belgian waffle batter!
Most waffle makers are generally available in round or square shapes. These are great because they are classic and usually offer the greatest surface area.
However, there are other waffle makers as well that can add a little flair to your dish or impress a fussy eater. They can make your waffles a little more fun and entertain people of all ages!
They can take the shape of cartoon characters or animals, but also shapes like hearts, waffle sticks, and waffle pops. Some machines are even made to specifically make waffle bowls. Various entertainment franchises such as Marvel and Disney have shaped waffle makers, and these can make for great gifts for fans.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker|WMR-CA | $29.95 Low Mid | Best for Ease of Use | ||
2 | DASH Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker | $12.99 Low | Best Mini Waffle Maker in a Variety of Designs | ||
3 | Cuisinart Single Belgian Waffle Maker|WAF-F10 | $59.95 Mid | Best for Cooking With Control | ||
4 | Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker|26031 | $62.99 Mid | Best for Easy Cleanup | ||
5 | All-Clad Mini Waffle Maker Machine|WD700162 | $149.95 High | Best for Crispy Waffles | ||
6 | DASH Stovetop Belgian Waffle Iron | $49.95 Mid | Best for Families | ||
7 | Cuisinart Classic Mickey Waffle Maker | $119.95 High Mid | Best for Saving Time | ||
8 | Presto Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker|03500 | $39.99 Mid | Best for Making Waffle Bowls | ||
9 | Cuisinart Silver Waffle Maker|WAF-V100 | $59.95 Mid | Best for Saving Space | ||
10 | Marvel Captain America Waffle Maker|MVA-278 | $27.99 Low Mid | Perfect Gift for Superhero Fans |
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This waffle maker is perfect if you’re a beginning cook. It makes one big waffle at a time in under five minutes and offers two different indicator lights to let you know when it’s hot enough and when it’s done. It also has five settings for browning control, so you can cook your waffle to your preferred degree.
Although some customers had concerns about the maker’s durability, saying it began chipping or breaking after regular use, they agree it is otherwise great for easy waffle-making. They say that it is functional and doesn’t take long to heat up or cook the waffles. They also like that it’s lightweight and easy to store.
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With this waffle maker, you can choose one that matches your style. They offer solid colors in modern and 50s kitchen shades, and patterns like rainbows, cosmos and hearts. It's easy to use, warming up within minutes of being plugged in. The indicator light will alert you when the four-inch waffle is done cooking.
Although some reviewers struggled to cook the waffle thoroughly without control over the settings, they agree it is convenient and easy to use. They say that the size makes perfect portions for individuals.
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This waffle maker is great if you want to have increased control over how your waffles are cooked. This maker’s flip feature makes it cook more evenly and quicker, while its six browning control settings allow you to cook your breakfast to perfection.
Some customers mentioned that the indicator light is sometimes inconsistent. However, reviewers say they love how many different settings there are. They mention this maker can be used on a regular basis, too.
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This flipping waffle maker's plates have a ceramic coating, which doesn't use the chemicals PTFE or PFOA. This maker comes with removable plates, and you can easily flip it to make waffles that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
There are a few reports that the non-stick coating doesn't last or that it cooks unevenly. It's easy to clean, however, due to the removable plates. Many reviewers say it cooks their waffles to perfection and it's easy to use.
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This waffle maker can make your waffle as crispy as you need. With seven browning levels, you can decide how well you want it cooked. Its unique steam-release system also helps to make the waffle more crispy outside. It has an audible alert when it's done cooking, so you won't miss it even if you're not watching.
Although some customers found that the stand is unstable, they agree that it can cook waffles to perfection, and love how durable it is. They also mention that this product is lightweight, making it easier to move around the kitchen or even travel with.
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If you’re looking for a way to make breakfast fun and easy for the family, this is a great waffle maker for you. It makes four mini waffles at a time, so you won’t have to worry about everyone waiting around while you make individual waffles. It also makes waffle sticks and balls!
Reviewers warn that these waffles aren’t always cooked evenly. However, they say that it’s easy to use, and they like that they can make so many at a time. Customers also say that it works well to make keto bread and chaffles, too.
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This waffle maker splits your cooking time in half by cooking two waffles at a time. The flip feature ensures it cooks even faster and spreads the batter evenly for a thorough cook. It beeps when it's done, as well as having indicator lights.
Although some reviewers mentioned that theirs broke quickly, others said that this waffle maker is perfect for saving time and for larger families. They also say that it's easy to use and that the flip feature makes better-quality waffles than other makers.
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This waffle maker bakes waffles in the shape of a small bowl. The four-inch cups can be filled with an assortment of toppings for a fun breakfast or dessert. It has a signal light that will tell you when the unit is preheated and ready to go.
There are comments from reviewers that this unit is difficult to clean. Some also report the waffle bowls sticking. However, they say that the bowls are easy and quick to make. They love the different options waffle bowls offer and it's a big hit with kids.
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Vertical waffle makers save space and are great for making waffles without wasting any dripping batter. This one comes with a batter pour spout, which you can easily use to pour the batter to the fill line without any drips.
Reviewers state that if your batter is too thick, it can be difficult for the mix to flow through the spout and fill the maker evenly, resulting in unevenly cooked waffles. However, they also say it's easy to clean and they like that it doesn't take up much space.
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Create a waffle worthy of a superhero with this Captain America-themed waffle maker. One of the plates features a regular waffle design, but the other is shaped like Captain America's famous shield. The waffle maker has nonstick plates, lights to indicate when it's on and ready, and makes seven-inch large waffles.
A few reviewers report that this waffle maker didn't last for too long, but even those say that it made great waffles while it did. The vast majority say that the shield design comes out perfectly each time and the waffles cook quickly. Many reviewers bought this as a gift and say the giftee loved it!
Waffles don't have to be just for a special breakfast on weekends. With the right stuff, you can make them easily for any meal of the day!
If you want to look at more options before making your final choice, check out Amazon's best-selling waffle makers.
No. 1: Cuisinart|Classic Round Waffle Maker|WMR-CA
No. 2: DASH|Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
No. 3: Cuisinart|Single Belgian Waffle Maker|WAF-F10
No. 4: Hamilton Beach|Belgian Waffle Maker|26031
No. 5: All-Clad|Mini Waffle Maker Machine|WD700162
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
Home goods
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