The 8 Best Waffle Irons (Waffle Makers)

Looking for the best waffle irons? We’ve got you covered…

A freshly made, still warm, deliciously fluffy waffle is one of life’s little pleasures.

To whip up a batch of waffley goodness takes just a few simple ingredients and a waffle iron to cook them to perfection in next to no time.

As you know, our primary focus has always been bread, but we thought we’d take a little time out today to focus on our other passion: waffles.

We’ve compiled this guide to finding waffle iron recipes and the best waffle iron on the market so you can be fully equipped next time you’re craving.

Let’s take it away…

What Is a Waffle Iron?

A waffle iron is a countertop electrical appliance into which waffle batter is poured, heated, and cooked.

Made from metal with a nonstick coating to stop the waffle batter from sticking, the interior of a cast iron waffle maker is specially formed to mold waffles into the perfect shape as they cook.

Most waffle makers have a lid that presses down into the batter to ensure that the waffles are cooked evenly on both sides at the same time. Still, single surface waffle makers also cook the waffles on one side before they need to be flipped over to cook on the other side.

The nonstick surface of a waffle iron means that any remaining traces of waffle batter are easily cleaned.

This is done either by wiping the waffle maker with a damp cloth or, for models with removable inserts, simply popping them into the dishwasher for a thorough clean.

Other Things You Can Make in a Waffle Iron

And what’s more, there’s a whole world of things you can make in a waffle iron apart from waffles.

Waffle up some chocolate brownie mix and have brownies in only 3 minutes!

Cook up a healthy veggie-packed omelet (finely diced vegetables work best) or waffle some hash browns for extra crunch.

You can even waffle tangy quesadillas or gooey grilled cheese; the options are endless – experiment and have fun!

Check out this cool video for more ideas:

The Best Waffle Iron Reviews

Can’t wait to get waffling?

Here’s our comprehensive roundup of the 7 best waffle makers on the market…

Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker

This compact, sleek stainless steel waffle maker from Cuisinart features five different temperature settings to cook your waffles just the way you like them.

You’ll know when this waffle iron is up to temperature and ready to cook, thanks to the helpful indicator light, which also lets you know when your waffle is ready to eat.

Once your waffle batter is poured into the round nonstick cooking pan, the weighted lid ensures that pressure is maintained as your waffles cook to give even color and crispness.

The nonstick cooking plate can be easily cleaned by wiping it down with a damp cloth after use.

Designed to be stored upright, the WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker takes up very little space on the countertop or in the cupboard. We LOVE it.

Pros

• Browning function works well
• Cooks and colors evenly
• Reliable, tasty results
• Solid, well-made design
• Stylish
• Can make a waffle in less than 2 minutes
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Batter can drip out of the sides of the waffle iron if you overfill it
• Cooking pan is not removable

Breville The Smart 4 Slice Waffle Maker

One of the top-rated Belgian Waffle makers on the market, the Breville Smart 4 Slice Waffle Maker, is undoubtedly a top-quality appliance. It is very similar to the option listed below but has its own unique features that make it stand apart and still deserve a spot on our list of the best.

The sturdy stainless steel design uses a rectangular nonstick cast aluminum cooking pan. It features 12 different heat settings, a customizable browning function, and a ‘bit more’ button that serves to cook your waffles that little bit extra if you aren’t 100% happy with the results at the end of the cooking time.

This Breville Smart waffle maker automatically calculates the cooking time to suit the chosen waffle style (there are 5 different waffle styles available) and the color of the waffle.

LCD indicator lights let you know when the waffle maker is heated to the optimum temperature, and count down the cooking time, finishing with an audible alert to tell you that the cooking is complete.

Waffle making can be messy, so Breville has added a useful drip tray to catch any waffle batter that oozes out of the machine.

To clean the Breville Smart 4 Slice Waffle Maker, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Audible alert is helpful
• Cooks waffles consistently well
• Versatile
• Lots of cooking options
• Can be stored upright
• Easy to clean
• Beautiful
• Well-made and durable

Cons

• A little expensive
• Slightly bulky and heavy

Breville BWM604BSSUSC The Smart Waffle

Another fantastic waffle iron from top brand Breville, the Smart Waffle features innovative thermal heating plates to disperse heat evenly throughout the machine to create perfectly cooked waffles every time.

Like the Breville Smart 4-Slice Waffle Maker above, this waffle maker has 12 different browning settings to give your waffles just the right color, and the rectangular cast aluminum cooking pan is covered with a nonstick coating.

Once you have selected your choice of settings, the cooking time is automatically calculated, and a drip tray around the outside of the cooking plate catches any messy drips.

An indicator light glows green to tell you when your waffles have finished cooking.

Pros

• Drip tray is very effective
• Easy to use and clean
• Gives great results, cooks evenly, every time
• Sturdy construction
• Effective nonstick surface
• Lots of cooking options and versatility
• Makes large waffles so good for families

Cons

• Expensive
• Cooking pan is not removable for cleaning

Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

Designed to flip 180 degrees to ensure even waffle batter distribution for even better waffles, the Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker can also be flipped up into a vertical position for convenient storage.

The digital timer counts down the cooking time and beeps to tell you when the waffles are ready.

Intended for thick, Belgian style waffles, the round cooking pan is coated with ceramic nonstick coating, which conducts heat excellently, and is easy to clean with a damp cloth.

Pros

• Waffles are cooked evenly on both sides
• Excellent price
• Clever rotating design
• Easy to clean
• Convenient digital timer
• Sturdy and durable construction
• Small footprint

Cons

• No adjustable temperature settings
• Waffles can occasionally stick

Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker

Ideally priced for those on a tight budget, the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker has all the features you need to make flawless waffles.

A simple temperature dial allows you to adjust the heat level when cooking your waffles.

This waffle maker benefits from useful indicators which light up when the machine is heated to the desired temperature and ready to use.

The circular cooking pan features a nonstick coating, as do the handles, which are designed to stay cool, so you won’t burn your hands.

Pros

• Low price
• Small footprint and lightweight
• Solid stainless steel construction
• Simple to use
• Easy to clean

Cons

• Only has basic features
• Some users report unevenly cooked waffles

All-Clad 99010GT Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker

Smart and elegantly designed, the All-Clad 99010GT Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker makes a stylish addition to any kitchen, as well as making fantastic waffles.

This is due to the choice of 7 different browning levels, an inventive heating plate that distributes heat evenly, and a clever system to release steam that prevents condensation buildup, ensuring that the outside of the waffles stays crisp as they bake.

The square cooking pan is nonstick for easy cleaning, and in a wise move, the designers at All-Clad have made the drip tray on this model removable to make cleanup even simpler.

This waffle iron also features indicator lights that signify when to pour your batter and an audible signal when your waffles have finished cooking.

Pros

• Compact size – can be stored vertically to save space
• Robust and attractive design
• Intuitive to use
• Cooks evenly and consistently well
• Easy to clean
• Removable drip tray
• Lots of versatility and cooking options

Cons

• Expensive

Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker uses a flipping action to ensure you achieve a thick, fluffy Belgian style waffle. The flipping action makes sure your waffles stay nice and crispy on the outside and deliciously fluffy on the inside.

This waffle iron features nonstick removable plates, making it easy to use and clean. There will be no sticking, and it will require no scraping when you are done. The grids can be removed when you are done cooking quickly and easily. In addition to the easy-to-clean grids and drip tray, you will find that the drip tray is also removable and dishwasher safe.

For those who like to control the color of their waffles, the Hamilton Beach waffle maker has an adjustable browning control that lets you decide if you want your waffles to be lighter or darker.

Pros

• Flip to achieve thick and fluffy waffles
• Removable parts are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup
• Adjustable browning control so you can have the waffles you want every time
• Power on and ready to cook lights take out any guesswork

Cons

• The back edge of the plate doesn’t seem to get as hot as the rest of the plate
• Each waffle takes some time, so it might not be a good option to feed a family

Dash Mini Waffle Maker

This Dash Mini Waffle Maker may be the ideal solution if you are short on storage and counter space. It is a small waffle iron, coming in at only four inches, but they do offer various colors and design options, including a red heart, bunny, pineapple, and so much more. With all the design options, you can make waffles with a festive and seasonal design everyone will love, or you can stick with the more traditional waffle look.

The four-inch cooking surface has a nonstick coating. Simply plug the waffle maker in, and you are ready to go. In heats in just minutes and provides consistent results every time.

Since the surface is nonstick, cleanup is a breeze. Its small and compact size also makes it easy to store. You can place it out of view in a cabinet or drawer, making it the best option for a dorm, small apartment, or even a camper.

The handle lifts easily, keeping your fingers safe from burns, and the non-slip feet on the bottom of your Dash Mini waffle maker ensure the appliance stays in place and is safe to use. The pre-heating indicator light lets you know when you are ready to cook.

Pros

• Small, compact size for easy storage
• Nonstick surface for easy cleanup
• Comes in a variety of different design options
• Incredibly easy to use
• Comes with a recipe guide to get you started

Cons

• It is on the smaller side
• Plates are not removable

Waffle Iron Recipes

So, what kind of tasty treats can you make with a waffle iron?

The good news is that there are a ton of seriously scrumptious waffle iron recipes available for free on the internet. Here are three of our favorites…

Gluten Free Buckwheat Waffles

• (Full recipe available from Cookie and Kate)

This simple, 100 percent buckwheat flour recipe uses wholesome whole grains, cinnamon, coconut oil, and buttermilk to produce light and crisp waffles that are super fluffy on the inside with a rich nutty flavor – plus they’re gluten free!

Pumpkin Waffles

• (Full recipe available from Martha Stewart)

These tasty waffles are even better than pumpkin pie. Try these fragrant, tender waffles with ginger, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree for breakfast or brunch – and not just at Thanksgiving. Top them with maple syrup and toasted pumpkin seeds.

Savory Cornmeal and Chive Waffles

• (Full recipe available from Joy the Baker)

Waffles don’t have to be sweet. Crunchy cornmeal is teamed up with aromatic chives and parsley to create a savory waffle to tantalize your taste buds. Top them with piquant fresh tomato salsa and a poached egg for a delicious and satisfying brunch.

How to Find the Best Waffle Maker

Here are a few things you want to keep in mind as you narrow down your choices for the best waffle maker. Remember, there are lots of different ways you can make waffles, but our reviews focus on American and Belgian waffle varieties.

Belgian vs American Style Waffles

A Belgian style waffle is characterized by its light and fluffy texture and its deep pockets, ideal for holding all that delicious syrup. An American waffle, on the other hand, is a crispy and thin waffle. When looking for the best waffle irons, keep this in mind. Which style of waffle do you prefer?

The Size

Waffle irons come in different shapes and sizes, so if you are a single person making waffles for one person, then a small waffle iron will do the trick. However, if you are trying to feed a family during the morning rush before work and school, you may want to consider something on the larger side to cut down the time it takes to make your waffles.

The Settings

Next, consider the settings the waffle iron features. A simple and more basic waffle maker is more of a pour and go and doesn’t really allow you to control any settings. Other more advanced waffle irons allow you to choose the level of browning you want to achieve and have multiple settings to choose from, good for everyone’s preferences.

Easy Cleanup

Easy cleanup is also something to consider whenever shopping for new kitchen appliances. Removable plates and nonstick coatings go a long way when it comes to convenience. No scrubbing or scraping is required. When the plates are not removable, it may take a bit more time and elbow grease to get your waffle iron clean.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many affordable options to choose from when searching for the best waffle irons. To narrow down your choices even further, decide on the waffle style you want, how big you need the waffle iron to be, and then set your budget. Before you know it, you will be sitting in front of a plate of delicious waffles covered in syrup and all your favorite toppings!

See More – How to Make Sourdough Waffles

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Which do you think is the best waffle iron?