Which waffle maker is best?
Breakfast, lunch or dinner, a waffle always seems to hit the spot. If you’re looking to indulge outside of your favorite waffle joint’s hours of operation, you’ll benefit from buying a waffle maker.
Waffle makers make it easy to whip up these fluffy, crispy delights in no time. They’re one of the most user-friendly small kitchen appliances around, not to mention they’re affordable. So, if you’re looking to invest in one for your home, consider a top choice like the Cuisinart Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker. It makes Belgian-style waffles with deep pockets to hold plenty of butter and syrup.
What to know before you buy a waffle maker
Types of waffles
More often than not, you’ll find waffle makers fall into three categories based on the types of waffles they make:
Belgian waffle makers create waffles with large, deep pockets that catch butter and syrup. These waffles are usually on the thicker side, too.
Regular waffle makers create waffles with much smaller pockets. They’re often thinner than Belgian waffles and are sometimes used as sandwich bread or burger buns.
Novelty waffle makers create waffles in fun shapes, like rocket ships or cartoon characters. These waffles usually come out as thin as most regular waffles.
Waffle yield
Waffle yield refers to how many waffles you’ll get from a single batch. Personal waffle makers, for example, make one waffle at a time. On the other hand, deluxe waffle makers produce one large waffle with separation lines so you can pull it apart into smaller waffles.
What to look for in a quality waffle maker
Cooking plates
Most modern waffle makers are equipped with nonstick cooking plates. These make it easy to retrieve waffles, and they’re easy to clean up after each use. It’s essential only to clean these nonstick plates and others, with nonabrasive sponges and products to avoid damaging their coatings.
Indicator lights
Several waffle makers are equipped with indicator lights that let you know when the device is preheated or whether your waffle is done. Some models have a single light that turns off and on, whereas others display multicolor lights. More expensive waffle makers accompany these lights with a beeping or buzzing sound.
Crispness settings
Some waffle aficionados are partial to specific crispness levels, in which case it’s a good idea to invest in waffle makers with this feature. These models have adjustable dials that offer anywhere from three to 10 crispness levels. As expected, crispness settings are considered a premium feature, so these waffle makers arrive at the top of the price range.
Safety features
It’s common for waffle makers to have a few safety features, though it’s not standard across all models. Here’s what you can expect to find:
Cool-to-touch lids or handles to prevent burned fingers when retrieving waffles.
Automatic shut-off turns off the waffle maker when it has been idle for a designated amount of time.
Locking lid mechanisms may prevent little hands from getting into waffle makers while they’re in use.
How much you can expect to spend on a waffle maker
Simple waffle makers without any specialty features cost $30 or less. If you’d like a better-quality waffle maker with unique features, be prepared to spend closer to $50. High-end waffle makers from premium kitchen brands run as high as $100.
Waffle maker FAQ
Do waffle makers have removable plates?
A. Unfortunately, it’s rare to find a waffle maker with removable plates. According to many consumers, the fact that plates are built into these devices introduces unique cleaning challenges. For example, you can’t immerse the device for cleaning – so you’ll need to wipe and dry it with sponges or towels.
How long does it take to make a waffle?
A. It depends on the device, though most take anywhere from five to eight minutes to make a single waffle. Waffle makers with crispness levels or unique temperature settings may take slightly less or more time to cook.
Is it worth buying a waffle maker?
A. While it’s a single-use appliance, waffles are surprisingly versatile foods. Besides being a breakfast delicacy, many people make specialty waffles for snacks. High-protein waffles are popular among meal preppers, while those made with fresh fruit are ideal for snacking. In so many words, a waffle maker is often more useful than expected.
What’s the best waffle maker to buy?
Top waffle maker
Cuisinart Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker
What you need to know: This uniquely designed Belgian waffle maker is known for making restaurant-quality waffles.
What you’ll love: It heats up quickly and evenly. It also has a locking handle and light/sound indicators to help you know when the waffles are done. It includes a portion cup to ensure you have the perfect amount of batter every time. The unique design also makes it easy to store.
What you should consider: Batter can sometimes get stuck in the vertical spout.
Top waffle maker for the money
Hamilton Beach Family Belgian-Style Waffle Maker
What you need to know: Given its four-waffle yield, this waffle maker is ideal for large-batch cooking and meal prepping.
What you’ll love: It has a small footprint and easy, upright storage. It cooks waffles in as little as 5 minutes, which is faster than most. The plates create pronounced lines, making it easy to separate the waffles once they are cooked.
What you should consider: There are no temperature controls or custom settings.
Worth checking out
What you need to know: This affordable waffle maker is lightweight and portable, making it popular for apartment, dorm and RV living.
What you’ll love: it cooks a single round waffle with deep pockets in around 4 minutes. A cool-to-touch handle means no more burned fingers. It’s easy to clean around the nonstick plates.
What you should consider: The waffles are small, and it may take a while to make several waffles.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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