Waffles are the ultimate breakfast treat, making any morning feel special! Plus, with Daniel Shumski’s clever “Will it Waffle?” cookbook, whipping up a delicious batch of waffley goodness doesn’t have to be complicated. Clean-up is super easy too – now that’s something worth celebrating!
In creating our waffle-making guide, we explored the best of both the American and Belgian worlds! We tested three recipes – one traditional ‘American style for a thin & crispy classic Eggo taste, plus two variations to get that signature fluffy Belgian texture. The yeasted batter recipe is a must-try if you’re a true believer in Belgium’s mouth-watering offerings, but if it isn’t your jam (or you don’t have enough time), then opt for the baking powder + egg whites combo instead – be sure not forget those deep wells and thick walls!
Overflowing with waffle knowledge, I sought advice from three experts in the field: Shumski and two entrepreneurs of iconic eateries – Mountain Waffle Co. and The Waffle Window (Portland). After an epic mission that involved a whopping 40+ batches cooked on six different makers, four top-notch options were identified to guarantee freshly made golden brown goodies!
Learn about the best waffle makers in 2023
Best waffle maker overall: With the Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker, you can effortlessly whip up golden-brown and fluffy waffles in a jiffy! It’s super easy to use – perfect for busy mornings when time is of the essence!
Best Belgian waffle maker: Enjoy feeling like a top chef using the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker. With it, you can easily create warm and comfortable golden-brown waffles that are just right each time!
Best miniature waffle maker: The Dash Mini Waffle Maker! This shiny kitchen friend is only 4 inches long, and you must plug it in for a quick and convenient breakfast of golden brown personal waffles.
Best double waffle maker: If you’re looking to make delicious waffles for a crowd, the All-Clad 4-Slice Waffle Maker is sure to please! This fantastic kitchen appliance produces restaurant-quality thick and crispy waffles with ease. Its removable plates also allow for an easy clean-up – just pop them in your dishwasher when done!
Best waffle maker overall
How’d you like to have restaurant-style waffles at home? The Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker is the answer! Its compact design makes it so user friendly, and creating light and fluffy golden brown breakfast treats has never been easier.
Craving perfect American-style waffles? The Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker is here to save the day! In my tests, it cooked each one just right – no matter how high or lowed the heat setting. It even produced a crunchy exterior that stayed crisp longer than other machines. So say goodbye to soggy mornings and hello to delicious homemade breakfasts with this dependable waffle maker!
Cuisinart Classic Waffle Maker
- The classic round waffle maker lets you make restaurant-quality waffles in your kitchen.
- It has a professional quality design, five settings for customizable cooking temperatures, nonstick grids that release effortlessly, and indicator lights that tell you when it’s time to bake and eat.
- The waffle maker also has a three year limited warranty.
Pros
- The waffles come out consistently golden brown with an even waffle crust.
- They are easy to store.
Cons
- Cons: light Indicator is not always accurate
Best Belgian waffle maker
With the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker, you can whip up delicious waffles like a professional chef! Just flip it open to reveal perfectly cooked golden brown treats that are sure to put a smile on your face.
Please take my word for it. The Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker is a real MVP! It produced outrageously fluffy and airy waffles — beating out all other makers in our test — and they cooked through on every heat setting. In addition to traditional Belgian-style recipes, I could get perfectly golden American-styled ones without dealing with soggy batter crisping up from undercooked centers. If you’re looking for guaranteed deliciousness time after time, this one’s your go-to kitchen pal.
Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker
- Durathon’s Removable Grid Belgian Waffle Maker produces restaurant-quality waffles.
- The nonstick ceramic grids are four times more durable than traditional varieties.
- Cleanup is a breeze – remove the grids and drip tray after it cools down, then put them into your dishwasher.
- Use the adjustable browning control for baking perfect golden-browned goodies every time!
Pros
- Thick and fluffy waffles
- Fully cooked waffles on every setting with every recipe
Cons
- Cons: It Takes a lot of space
Best miniature waffle maker
Forget ordinary breakfasts – the excellent Dash Waffle Maker is here to give you a delicious start to your day! Its compact size will fit in any kitchen and whip up golden brown waffles that are perfect for personal snacking.
I was thrilled with the Dash Mini Waffle Maker – it cooked every waffle perfectly and evenly, leaving them golden brown! Even though there are no heat settings, after testing, I found that the temperature is on point for a medium level of heat. Since these waffles are smaller than usual, makers require less time to cook through.
You won’t find a mini-waffle quite like the Dash 4″! It’s slightly smaller than store-bought frozen waffles yet still provides delicious homemade flavor. Whether you’re preparing for breakfast or brunch, this little treat can be easily prepped ahead and is just as tasty and served warm from the toaster!
DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
- The More Than Waffles mini waffle maker is a great way to start your day with delicious waffles.
- This compact 4″ nonstick cooking surface fits even the smallest kitchens and has dual surfaces for easy cleanup.
- Its sleek design will upgrade any countertop, making it an ideal wedding/housewarming gift.
Pros
- Pros: Consistent browning and texture, comes in multiple colors
Cons
- One heat setting
- Indicator light unreliable
Best double waffle maker
Are you tired of making waffles one at a time? Impress your friends and family with the All-Clad 4-Slice Waffle Maker! Enjoy thick, crispy breakfast treats while keeping cleanup simple; removable plates mean easy dishwasher cleanup.
Enjoy crispy, golden-brown waffles time after time with the All-Clad 4-Slice Waffle Maker – it’s got one of the most prominent cooking surfaces around! Quickly check on your deliciousness with a cheerful green light and sound that let you know when preheating is complete and once they’re ready to devour.
It has thin ridges between its squares to give you a deliciously crispy treat. Yet still, preserve that signature deep and tall profile of a classic Belgian waffle without compromising any flavor or texture.
All-Clad 4-Square Digital Gourmet Waffle Maker
- The appliance provides 6 adjustable levels of toasting shade.
- It is made with PFOA-free nonstick material.
- The plates are removable and dishwasher-safe.
- It has extra deep pockets.
Pros
- The double batch capacity means you can make waffles for a crowd.
- Even browning means that your waffles will be perfectly cooked every time.
- The crisp setting ensures that your waffles will be crispy and delicious.
Cons
- The machine is heavy and bulky, making it difficult to move around.
Other waffle makers we tested
What else we recommend:
- Breville No-Mess Classic Round Waffle Maker ensures that any extra batter is caught before it makes a mess on your counter. These fluffy and evenly cooked beauties satisfy even the most devout breakfast lovers.
- Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker whips up delicious, fluffy waffles. But if you’re looking for a thicker four-star feast of waffles goodness, then Hamilton Beach is your best bet! Unfortunately, at its lowest setting, it won’t entirely give American-style breakfast fans the full flavor they crave – but still offers a tempting treat nonetheless.
- Holstein Housewares Mini Waffle Maker gave a good performance but unfortunately couldn’t match up to our top pick, the Dash. That said, it still comes with impressive features and could be just what you’re looking for!
What we don’t recommend:
Hamilton Beach 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker: This kitchen essential has a pre-set heat that guarantees golden brown waffles every time. The grid’s thicker ridges between squares create delicious, fluffy bites – perfect for toasting or cooling down. Enjoy your favorite breakfasts in style today!
Oster Belgian Waffle Maker: Whether you’re in the market for fluffy American-style waffles or light and airy Belgian ones, Oster’s Belgian Waffle Maker can handle it all. Although users noticed uneven browning on their creations, they also reported that these tasty treats could quickly be released from the plates with no issue. This is one to consider for a delicious breakfast at an affordable price – American style, of course!
All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker is a better option if you’re looking for an all-inclusive waffle maker. It may have succeeded with a specialty recipe, but when it came to the standard batter, the results were far too pale and undercooked – even on its lightest heat setting. Save yourself some money by going elsewhere; better-performing products are out there!
Our waffle maker testing methodology
We put three recipes to the test in our quest for waffle greatness: King Arthur’s classic buttermilk, Melissa Clark’s take on Belgian-American fusion, and traditional yeasted Belgians from none other than KABC! The experiments were a success – let the tastings begin!
Waffle tests: We decided to put them head-to-head in a waffle trial to settle the debate between Belgian and American styles. We prepared all kinds of waffles on three different machines with adjustable temperatures – ensuring that no one side got an advantage! The results were compared across makers for ultimate accuracy – so you know who takes home the crown for best breakfast food.
Belgian-style waffles: On a mission to find the perfect waffle, we explored two classic recipes: Traditional Belgian and Americanized Belgian. We tested each recipe with various machines until finding those that cooked evenly while preserving the light yet fluffy texture beloved by all! In other words, lots of deliciousness in every bite.
American-style waffles: Indulge in the crunch and texture of classic American-style waffles! A little crispier than their Belgian counterparts, these snacks are great for whipping up with a few simple ingredients. No need to get fancy; leave out those whipped egg whites – chemical-raising agents should do the trick!
Ease of use: Waffle makers can become an essential part of your kitchen if you’re a passionate cook. We explored every nook and cranny to ensure that storage is stress-free – cords have their wraps for easy packing away, and other more delicate dishes like cake pans won’t be crushed in the process!
We were amazed by the incredible power of our waffle makers; not only did they heat up in a flash, but they also cooled down rapidly after being switched off. We remind you that it is essential to ensure your irons are clean and cool before safely storing them away!
Waffle maker FAQs
Can I use the pancake batter in waffle maker?
Put your pancake batter in a waffle maker and enjoy the best of both worlds! Unlike traditional pancakes or waffles, your treatment will have an irresistibly crisp exterior and delightfully fluffy interior. So go ahead, get creative with breakfast – try it today for something new to please everyone around the table.
Should I Replace Waffle Maker?
Does it feel like your beloved waffle maker isn’t as reliable anymore? If you’re finding that the nonstick coating is wearing and frayed wires are worrying, it’s time to treat yourself to a new one. Keep an eye out for any flakes on the plates or smoke coming off even after cleaning — these can be signs of needing a replacement!
How to I choose the right waffle maker?
Consider the type of deliciousness that makes your mouth water– Belgian or American-style. Which waffle maker is best for you? What is more info on those two types and when they’re interchangeable? We have all the scoop! Next, reflect on how often you make breakfast treats so you can decide whether it’s worth sacrificing counter space or storage – if morning madness means frequent use, allow yourself some extra room to enjoy fluffier bliss.
American-style waffles in a Belgian waffle maker?
In the case of Belgian versus American waffles, you can’t have your cake and eat it too: each style requires its type of maker. But don’t worry – they may look different at first glance, but both make delicious treats! That difference? Deep-pocketed Belgium waffle makers offer larger grids than thinner, American versions, perfect for creating fluffy breakfast favorites that are sure to satisfy any appetite.
We tested our waffle makers – Belgian models were made to cook American-style waffles but needed to get there on a low-heat setting. Our results show that no matter what type of appliance you use for different styles of batter – “low” and “high” are keys here! Although we could still make them work at higher settings, they weren’t as puffy and fluffy as their original counterparts! On the flip side, making Belgian style with an American maker flattened them into something more familiar.
Making pizzelles waffle maker?
Who would have thought the trusty waffle maker could create such tantalizingly tasty treats? Sadly, no matter how hard you try, pizzelles are not one of them. For those special occasions when you need a unique thin and airy texture plus the classic shape – invest in an authentic pizzelle press!
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