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Whether you like standard waffles that are thin and crispy or Belgian waffles that are thick and fluffy, you’ll enjoy ones that you make yourself because they are hot and fresh. You can make your own recipe for a great lunch on the weekend or use a boxed mix for a quick dinner of chicken and waffles. You can also make crispy hash browns and fun made sandwiches with a Best Waffle Makers.
Over the years, the experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested more than 45 waffle makers, including classic waffle makers, heart-shaped waffle makers, Belgian waffle makers, stuffed waffle makers, and even a waffle maker that also grills and griddles.
When checking, we look at how evenly the waffles brown and how well they are cooked, how moist they are, and how crisp they are. We also rate how easy it is to use, taking into account settings, surface temperature, and other things. Our suggestions are a mix of waffle makers we’ve tried and new models that are selling well and getting good reviews.
Best Waffle Makers Comparison Table
| Model | Shape | Capacity | Non-Stick Surface | Temperature Control | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker | Round | 4 | Yes | 7 Settings | Audible Alert, Locking Lid |
| Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker | Round | 4 | Yes | 5 Settings | Indicator Lights, Non-Slip Feet |
| Breville Smart 4-Slice Waffle Maker | Square | 4 | Yes | 12 Settings | LCD Display, Smart IQ Technology |
| Calphalon CKCLWF1 Intellicrisp Waffle Maker | Square | 4 | Yes | 5 Settings | Ceramic Surface, Countdown Timer |
| Krups GQ502 4 Slice Belgian | Square | 4 | Yes | 5 Settings | Removable Plates, Indicator Lights |
| Dash Mini Waffle Maker | Round | 1 | Yes | Fixed Temperature | Compact Size, Available in Multiple Colors |
| Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker | Square | 1 | Yes | 4 Settings | Flip Design, Countdown Timer |
All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | All-Clad |
| Model Number | 21000000000 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 6 x 1.5 inches |
| Weight | 4.7 pounds |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Round |
| Number of Waffles | 1 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 250°F to 450°F |
In our tests, the best waffle maker was the All-Clad Round Classic Waffle Maker because it worked well and was easy to use. When both a boxed mix and batter made from scratch were used, it got the highest marks for doneness, crispiness, tenderness, and uniformity.
With a smooth, comfortable knob and a big handle, it was also very easy to use. It also has red and green lights that light up and make sounds to let you know when your waffles are done. It has seven cooking settings that are clearly labeled and nonstick plates that make it easy to take waffles out and clean up. One thing to note is that the stainless steel body got hot during tests, just like many of the other traditional waffle makers we tried.
The Good
- Made with high-quality materials that are strong and last a long time.
- The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove food and clean up.
- The temperature can be changed so that every waffle is perfect.
- There are lights to make it easy to use.
- Large handles make it easy to transport and store
- The waffles have the traditional shape of a round circle.
The Bad
- Compared to some other waffle makers, it’s pricey.
- Makes only one waffle at a time.
- No way to turn it off by itself
Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Model Number | WMR-CA |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 7.88 x 9.69 x 3.31 inches |
| Weight | 2.9 pounds |
| Wattage | 800 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Round |
| Number of Waffles | 1 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 350°F to 400°F |
The Cuisinart Round Classic Best Waffle Makers has a simple design and made great waffles from both a box and from scratch when we tested it. It also comes with a user guide with five waffle recipes. The waffle maker has a sliding button that lets you choose from five browning settings.
Red and green lights let you know when it’s ready to cook and when your waffle is done. It doesn’t make a sound when it’s ready, though, so you should stay close by while it’s cooking to make sure your waffles don’t get too done. As with most of the other waffle makers we tried, the outside gets hot, but the handle stays cool to the touch. The waffle maker is not very big, and it can be stored standing up.
The Good
- The design is small and light so it’s easy to store and move.
- The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove food and clean up.
- The temperature can be changed so that every waffle is perfect.
- There are lights to make it easy to use.
- The waffles have the traditional shape of a round circle.
- Affordable price point
The Bad
- Makes only one waffle at a time.
- Not as high a temperature range as some other models
- No way to turn it off by itself
Breville Smart 4-Slice Waffle Maker
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Breville |
| Model Number | BWM640XL |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 12.2 x 5.6 inches |
| Weight | 14.5 pounds |
| Wattage | 1800 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Square |
| Number of Waffles | 4 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 310°F to 480°F |
The Breville 4-Slice Smart Waffle Pro is Best Waffle Makers made out of stainless steel and has deep-cast aluminum cooking plates that make waffles that are thicker and more flavorful. The maker spreads heat evenly, has two dials to choose between four different kinds of batter, and has 12 shade sets to give you the best control over how brown you want your pancakes to be. It also has a button for baking waffles for a little longer without having to start the cooking process over.
We suggest putting at least half a cup of batter into each grid. But if you add more than that, there’s no punishment because the “no-mess moat” around the cooking grids keeps the batter from spilling out. Even though it took about 30 seconds to spread evenly over the rest of the grid, the browning was always the same.
The Good
- Large enough to make up to four waffles at once, and the temperature can be changed so that every waffle is perfect.
- The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove food and clean up.
- Waffles are ready when a timer goes off and a beep sounds.
The Bad
- Compared to some other waffle makers, it’s pricey.
- A design that is heavy and bulky might not work in all kitchens.
Calphalon CKCLWF1 Intellicrisp Waffle Maker
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Calphalon |
| Model Number | CKCLWF1 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 11.5 x 9.6 x 5.6 inches |
| Weight | 6.4 pounds |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Belgian |
| Number of Waffles | 2 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 250°F to 420°F |
This Belgian Best Waffle Makers by Calphalon is all you need to make perfect square waffles. The sleek stainless steel device has a dial that lets you choose from five different levels of browning, an electric timer for precision, and a batter sensor to make sure everything cooks evenly. Also, the ceramic cooking dish gives off 20 percent more heat, making it possible to make two high-quality waffles at the same time.
During our tests, both the yeast and non-yeast cakes cooked evenly, so the insides were fluffy and the outsides were crisp. Just make sure not to pour more than half a cup of batter at a time, because we found that more than that can spill over onto the scale.
The Good
- Unique “Intellicrisp” technology makes sure that waffles are always perfectly crisp.
- The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove food and clean up.
- The temperature can be changed so that every waffle is perfect.
- There are lights to make it easy to use.
- Two waffles can be made at once.
The Bad
- Compared to some other waffle makers, it’s pricey.
- Some models are heavier than others.
Krups GQ502 4 Slice Belgian
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Krups |
| Model Number | GQ502D51 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dimensions | 12.6 x 6.7 x 16.5 inches |
| Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Wattage | 1200 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Belgian |
| Number of Waffles | 4 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 375°F to 400°F |
For families or people who love Belgian waffles, the Krups GQ502 4 Slice Belgian is a better budget choice than the Cuisinart or even the Chef’sChoice 840B because it can make four deep-pocketed waffles at once. It cooks waffles evenly, but it was one of the machines we tried that took the longest to finish (five to eight minutes).
But if you want to cook a lot of waffles at once and aren’t ready to buy the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4 Slice, we think that’s a fair trade-off. The Krups is also one of the few types we found with plates that can be taken off. This makes it much easier to clean.
The Good
- Large enough to make up to four waffles at once, and the temperature can be changed so that every waffle is perfect.
- The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove food and clean up.
- There are lights to make it easy to use.
- The design is sleek and modern, and the materials are high-quality.
- Affordable price point
The Bad
- Some models are heavier than others.
- Not as high a temperature range as some other models
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Dash |
| Model Number | DMW001RD |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 6 x 5 x 2.8 inches |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Wattage | 350 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Round |
| Number of Waffles | 1 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 350°F |
With the Dash Mini, getting your kids to help you cook has never been easier or more fun. This waffle maker is also a good choice if you don’t have much space, live in a van, or want to stock a college room. It weighs only 1 pound and has a 4-inch cooking area. It can make waffles that can be reheated in a toaster. Hello, breakfast preparation! And it comes in a lot of different sizes and colors that are fun.
“The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is affordable and doesn’t take up a lot of space in your kitchen,” says Imashi Fernando, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist in Seattle. “This is important for people with limited kitchen space who want to make healthy meals from scratch on a budget.”
The Good
- The design is small and light so it’s easy to store and move.
- The non-stick surface makes it easy to remove food and clean up.
- There are lights to make it easy to use.
- Affordable price point
- Just right for one serving or a small batch
The Bad
- Makes only one waffle at a time.
- The temperature range can’t be changed.
Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Presto |
| Model Number | 03510 |
| Material | Ceramic |
| Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 3 inches |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Wattage | 1100 watts |
| Non-stick Surface | Yes |
| Waffle Shape | Belgian |
| Number of Waffles | 1 |
| Indicator Lights | Yes |
| Temperature Range | 350°F to 400°F |
This type is different because it doesn’t turn, but instead flips from side to side. The flip design lets the batter spread out evenly, making round waffles that are all 7 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick. Unhinged, it takes up a little more space on the counter, but it can be locked and stood up when it’s cool. The Presto Flipside also has an automatic timer that counts down.
The maker suggests cooking for four minutes, but this can be changed to suit your tastes. It’s also easy to clean up. The grill plates are made of clay that doesn’t stick, so all you have to do is wipe them down when they’re cool. It’s a great tool for making chicken and waffles at home because it cooks the waffles evenly and is easy to clean. It also looks nice on your table because the outside is made of stainless steel.
The Good
- Ceramic’s non-stick surface makes it easy to take food off and clean up.
- The flip-style design makes sure that the waffles cook evenly and get crisp.
- The temperature can be changed so that every waffle is perfect.
- There are lights to make it easy to use.
- Small and easy to put away
The Bad
- Makes only one waffle at a time.
- Some models are heavier than others.
FAQs
Think about the waffle maker’s size, shape, and features before you buy it. Waffle makers come in different sizes, from small ones for one person to big ones for a family. Waffle makers also make waffles in different shapes. Some make round waffles, while others make square or rectangular waffles. Some features to think about are non-stick surfaces, temperature sets that can be changed, and plates that can be taken off for easy cleaning.
Regular waffles are thinner and don’t have as many holes as Belgian waffles. Belgian waffle makers are made to make waffles like these that are thicker, while normal waffle makers make waffles that are thinner and crispier. Most Belgian waffle makers have larger wells and take longer to cook than other waffle makers.
Wait until your waffle maker is totally cool, then use a damp cloth to wipe it down. Don’t use rough brushes or cleaners on the non-stick surface of the waffle maker, as this can damage it. If your waffle maker has replaceable plates, wash them in warm soapy water and let them dry completely before putting them back on. Some waffle makers have a drip tray that can be taken out and cleaned in the same way.