Do you like chicken and gravy, Vermont maple syrup, a pat of butter, fruit, or cream What’s your favorite waffle topping? We’re not so preoccupied with add-ons as we are with the quality of our batter cakes.
Most kids and adults can agree that waffles are some of the most delicious breakfast foods. Once you have a fresh-pressed batter cake, it is nearly impossible to enjoy the frozen alternatives.
Of course, with all kitchen appliances, things can go wrong when you attempt to use a waffle maker at home. Batter drips, incomplete rounds, and smoke-filled kitchens are just a few that come to mind. Still, we’re willing to on record saying that homemade waffles are worth every minute of your time.
That’s why we set out to find the top Belgian waffle makers. Now, let’s stick a fork into the winners!
Best Belgian Waffle Makers
1. Dash Mini Maker
This small waffle maker doubles as a panini press and hashbrown grill. It has a fun red exterior and a piping-hot ground grid. The compact kitchen appliance works well in small homes and apartments. Its versatile cooking surface eliminates the need for additional appliances.
The Dash Mini has a nonstick surface that cooks and browns batter in a matter of minutes. This small yet mighty waffle maker will permanently change your breakfast routine. It even comes with a recipe book, should you want to get creative.
Pros
- Weighs less than a pound
- Attractive red exterior
- Versatile
- 350 watts
- Perfect for singles
Cons
- Not ideal for large families
2. Oster Belgian Waffle Maker
This inexpensive Oster appliance creates centerfold-worthy round waffles. The press produces deep pockets that are capable of holding a generous amount of liquid toppings. What’s more, its 8-inch plate is covered in a reliable nonstick coating.
You can even adjust the heat settings to control the color and crispness of your breakfast creations. These settings also come in handy when you want to test out different batter recipes.
The appliance has a lovely brushed stainless steel finish and a safe-to-touch heat-resistant handle. Its cord is 27.5 inches long, making for flexible counter placement. Ready-to-cook and power indicator lights help you make the most of your morning.
Pros
- 1,080 watts of power
- Lengthy cord
- Stainless steel housing
- Heat-resistant handle
- Heat control dial
Cons
- Teflon is easily scratched
3. Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker
We are excited to name the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker the Belgian waffle maker. This stainless steel appliance makes crispy, fluffy round breakfast treats. The device’s nonstick cook surface is divided into bite-sized quarters. The hot press creates dozens of nooks and crannies.
Unlike run-of-the-mill waffle makers, this hot plate has five browning settings. Setting three makes perfectly golden waffles! Waffle batter never sticks to the nonstick cook plate. Plus, ready-to-bake/ready-to-eat indicator lights make for an error-free breakfast routine. The weighted lid also manages to stay down as waffles puff up below it. Meanwhile, rubber feet keep the feet of the device firmly in place.
If you only eat waffles on special occasions, you’ll appreciate the Cuisine Arts integrated cord wrap and slim profile. It’s easy to find a place for this little kitchen appliance. Of course, you won’t feel bad about leaving this brushed stainless steel on your counter.
Pros
- 3-year extended warranty
- Brushed stainless steel exterior
- Five browning settings
- Compact with built-in cord storage
- Weighted top and latch
Cons
- You can only make one waffle at a time
4. Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
The Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Maker Waffle Iron is one of the top waffle makers. It has a sleek stainless steel exterior, double waffle grids, and an ergonomic handle. You can plate two waffles at once. You get full control over the color of your baked goods. More importantly, these 1-inch waffles have some of the syrup-holding pockets we’ve seen.
Pros
- Nonstick grids for easy removal
- Preheat and ready-to-cook indicator lights
- Browning selector
- Sleek stainless steel exterior
Cons
- No flipping mechanism
5. Hamilton Beach Two-Slice Nonstick Belgian Waffle Maker
This impressive kitchen appliance creates side-by-side rectangular waffles. These are the types of breakfast treats with grooves that can hold an entire bottle of maple syrup. The machine’s heated grids create 1.1-by-4.07–by-4.92-inch batter cakes. Two words: crowd-pleaser.
Waffles made with the Hamilton Beach Waffle Maker are super tasty and easy to make. This kitchen appliance’s cooking times are also incredibly fast and accurate. Pull this appliance out when you need to cook for a crowd. The onboard ready-to-cook indicator light will help you keep the batter flowing until everyone is fed.
As a bonus, the lid locks in place for easy upright storage.
6. Black + Decker Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
This flip waffle maker makes restaurant meals look like a sham. It creates one perfectly browned waffle after another. The single 7-inch waffle plate makes four delicious waffles at once. The waffles just come out looking like wedges. It has a reliable nonstick coating, enabling home chefs to eliminate oils and butter.
An onboard indicator light lets you know when you can pour on batter. Plus, the cool-touch handle locks in place to eliminate messy batter drips. Finally, the waffle maker’s 360-degree flipping mechanism generates evenly browned waffles with crispy indents.
Pros
- 7-inch round cut into wedges
- Durable nonstick coating
- Rotate and cook system
- Handle lock prevents drips
Cons
- No heat or browning controls
7. Bella Nonstick Belgian Waffle Maker
The Bella may only make one waffle at a time, but it is still one of the great multi-waffle makers on the market. That’s because this kitchen appliance creates four large waffle wedges at once. These wedges make one colossal waffle. The appliance also has nine precise browning settings, should you want a perfectly golden brown tray for your maple syrup.
The machinery is also top-notch. It has a cool-touch handle that engages a user-friendly flipping mechanism. A removable nonstick trip tray makes for easier post-meal cleanup. This machine will help you win brunch.
Pros
- Removable drip tray
- Nine precise browning settings
- Flipping mechanism
- Large, round, quartered waffle
- Attractive polished stainless steel casing
Cons
- Inferior construction
8. Krups Belgian Waffle Maker
A waffle maker with removable plates will revolutionize your morning routine. No one wants to spend their afternoon wiping up remnants of batter and grease. The Krups lets you produce four expertly crafted square Belgian waffles at once. Its steam-release system ensures that your morning goodies are always crispy on the outside and fluffy in the center. Naturally, Krups waffles also have extra-deep pockets for pools of maple syrup, berries, and whipped cream.
This machine also makes cleanup quick and easy. It has two removable die-cast plates with nonstick coatings. It has a sleek stainless steel finish with black plastic details. There’s even a dial that lets you produce a variety of toasted delicacies.
Pros
- Produces four square-shaped Belgian waffles at once
- Steam release system
- Five adjustable browning settings
- Die-cast plates for easier releases
- Beeps when ready
- Folds up for easy storage
Cons
- Pricey
9. Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker with Nonstick Removable Plates
Hamilton Beach has brought us the most low-maintenance nonstick waffle maker. A flipping mechanism ensures that all waffles are evenly browned with fluffy centers. Removable nonstick plates make for an easier and more sanitary cleanup. The trays are even dishwasher safe. Hamilton Beach gets the modern home cook!
While the raised flipping mechanism doesn’t make this the easiest waffle maker to store, the device looks great on a kitchen counter. You can easily set up a kid-friendly make-your-own waffle workshop. Just be sure to offer a good topping bar.
Pros
- Removable nonstick grids and drip tray
- Flipping mechanism
- Crispy, fluffy, golden-brown waffles
- Thick waffles with deep grids
Cons
- Bulky
- Only cooks one waffle at a time
10. Waring WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
The Waring Belgian waffle iron makes two extra deep (1-inch) Belgian waffles at once. It has a nonstick press with a traditional square grid that is divided into quarters. The flipping mechanism allows you to flip the double-decker press while ensuring that your waffles are browned evenly.
The waffle maker also has ready-to-cook indicator lights and various audio signals for when your waffles are ready. It’s missing a removable flip tray, but the smooth stainless base is easy to wipe down. Who needs diners?
Pros
- Nonstick coating for easier releases
- Double deep waffles
- Indicator lights
- Their audio tones beep when waffles are ready
- Browning control knob
- Rotating mechanism
Cons
- Pricey
- No removable drip tray
Factors to Consider
Size and Shape
Do you prefer Ego-like square grids or thick, fluffy wedges? How do you feel about thin rounds? Waffles come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You have your choice of square, round, and shaped presses. Don’t even get us started on thickness and indent size.
Controls and Mechanisms
Browning dials allow home cooks to dial in their ideal waffle shade. Some like them golden brown, while others prefer barely toasted waffles. It always pays to have options. Waffles are usually cook-to-order treats.
Some waffles also have flipping mechanisms. These devices enable you to turn and cook your waffles. They usually have lock-down lids, which are key in the prevention of batter drips.
Sophisticated waffle makers sometimes have steam-release systems. These mechanisms help to create the fluffiest waffles on the planet. Yet, they also tend to be more expensive.
Single or Double
Do you often cook for a crowd? That single-round maker you were eyeing might not cut it. Opt for a waffle maker that can produce multiple waffles at once.
Aesthetics
Stainless steel appliances are in high demand. Still, colorful plastic models add a bit of pizzazz to Sunday brunch routines. Choose something that compliments your kitchen aesthetic.
Storage
Don’t want to keep your waffle maker on display? Ensure that your waffle maker has a power cord that winds up easily. Thin, lightweight prototypes that can be stored in the upright position are better for residential kitchens.
Cleaning
Waffle makers tend to come with varying cleaning challenges. Most modern models have nonstick cook plates. These machines are great for cooks who are trying to avoid oils and butter. These coatings, which tend to be made of die-cast, Teflon, or porcelain, also prevent food from sticking to a machine.
Some waffle makers even boast removal plates. Most of these plates can be placed in a dishwasher. Others must be wiped down with a moist kitchen rag. You may also need to use a small brush (these are sometimes included with waffle makers) to remove stuck-on food particles. Removable drip trays also make cleanup easier.
FAQ
What are browning dials?Do you know the browning on your toaster? Browning settings on waffle makers are essentially the same. You can adjust the color of your waffles from lightly toasted to dark brown. The results may vary from one batter to another.
Is it easy to clean an electric waffle maker?There are certain dos and don'ts when it comes to cleaning electric waffle makers. You cannot use scouring pads or abrasive cleaners on nonstick coatings. You cannot stick appliances in the sink to soak. You can only use water and soap to wipe down locked-down cook plates. As long as your nonstick coating and lid lock is working as intended, cleanup should be pretty painless.
What do I do if my waffles aren't delicious?We vetted all the waffle makers on our list. If your waffles aren't as crispy or squishy as you desire, a new waffle batter recipe may be the answer to your problem. In addition, always pay close attention to your waffle maker's indicator lights. Pull your waffles as soon as they are ready.
"Why does my waffle iron always leak?Waffle makers demand varying amounts of batter. For the most part, you do not want to overfill your waffle iron. Fill a heated grid to ¾ of its capacity. Check the manual when in doubt!
Do you have to clean a waffle maker?Don't let your waffle maker's nonstick coating fool you into thinking it doesn't need to be cleaned. We recommend that users wipe down their waffle makers as soon as they have cooled. Use a paper towel or kitchen rag to remove crumbs and oils from the cook plates. Then, wipe the entire machine, and, when applicable, pop any removable trays into your dishwasher.
Summary
We took pleasure in testing out every Belgian waffle maker on our list. However, there’s little doubt that the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is our reigning winner.
If you are looking to enjoy crispy rounds by the dozen, you can’t go wrong with this traditional stainless steel appliance.
Of course, we also included picks for square rid, wedge, and double waffle fans. Do you have a favorite waffle topping? Let us know in the comment section below.
