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Does your mouth water at the sight of light, fluffy, and sugary waffles? If so, you can enjoy bite-sized versions at home with a mini waffle maker. It is a small appliance and heats up instantly to convert your batter into a delicious treat. A mini waffle maker comes with a non-stick surface that speeds up the process of preparing waffles and makes it convenient to clean and maintain the appliance. Using it is also a breeze. All you need to do is plug the appliance inside a socket, wait for it to heat up, and once the light goes off, you can start whipping your favorite waffles one by one. Thus, there is no need to visit cafes in your vicinity and spend large amounts for a small portion when you can have as many waffles as you like at home. Now let’s check out some of the finest mini waffle makers and discover some insights on how to choose the right one.
Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Mini Waffle Maker
Though all mini waffle makers look similar, small differences in features and enhancements set them apart. Hence, you need to go through the in-depth details to understand which model is ideal for picking. This task might be a little complicated.
What Are the Different Types of Mini Waffle Makers?
A mini waffle maker available in the market comes in various sizes and also differs in features. Below, we have listed the two common types you can come across.
Makes one mini waffle
Most mini waffle makers are designed to make one waffle at a time having a size of 3 to 5 inches. The upside to this is that they heat up instantly, and hence it’s easier to continue preparing as many mini waffles as you like.
Makes more than one mini waffle
A few mini waffle makers allow you to make 2 or more waffles at one time. They have a 5-inch cooking surface width. This makes it easy to prepare more waffles in less time, allowing you to serve yummy desserts to a large group of people.
What Factors Should You Look For in Mini Waffle Makers?
Material
The most important factor to look for in a mini waffle maker is its surface material. Usually, it is made of a non-stick PFOA-free surface which makes it easy to prepare waffles and clean the appliance. PFOA or Perfluorooctanoic acid is an industrial surfactant that is not eco-friendly and is harmful to the body upon consumption. Hence, you should always ensure that your mini waffle maker is devoid of this material.
Design
Some mini waffles are equipped with an anti-overflow channel that ensures that the batter does not drop out of the appliance upon closing the lid. This creates a mess-free experience, keeping the appliance clean and easy to wipe after cooking.
Safety with cooling handles/lid
Another essential factor to note is the safety handle or lid in a mini waffle maker. This is used to open and close the appliance without burning your hands. Your mini waffle maker can consist of cooling handles or a lid made of plastic to make it heatproof and safe to use while cooking.
Heating time
You can also check the heating time of the mini waffle maker you choose. Most of them heat up instantly, taking anywhere between 3 to 5 minutes to warm up before the light indicator goes off. Some of the newer models available in the market also have a heating time of 1-3 minutes. So, make a choice based on your usage and requirements.
Weight & size
The weight and size of a mini waffle maker are salient features that should be kept in mind while making a purchase. Most of them are lightweight, weighing anywhere between 1-2 pounds. Additionally, they have a compact structure which makes it easy to store them in small spaces like the kitchen, dorms, and RVs or carry them along for picnics, vacations, or even college.
Light indicator
A mini waffle maker consists of a light indicator to let you know if the device is heated enough to pour the batter and start cooking. This ensures that your waffles are cooked to perfection without leaving any raw edges. So, always buy a mini waffle maker that is equipped with a light indicator that goes off as soon as the appliance is ready to whip up your favorite desserts.
What Should Be the Cost of the Best Mini Waffle Maker?
A good mini waffle maker should be pocket-friendly and offer a satisfying user experience. To help you make the most of your hard-earned dollars, we have conducted meticulous research and found that an ideal waffle maker costs anywhere between $9-$32. However, the final price might decrease or increase based on factors such as heat-proofing, cooling bars, design, and more.
What Tips Should You Follow While Using Mini Waffle Makers?
- Always clean the surface of the mini waffle maker with a dry cloth before plugging in the appliance.
- While it heats up, use a cooking brush to gently grease it before pouring the waffle batter.
- Wait for the light indicator to go off before preparing mini waffles.
- Use a cloth to open or close the lid if your mini waffle maker does not have cooling or plastic handles.
- Clean the mini waffle maker with a damp cloth after using it. Ensure that the appliance has completely cooled off before cleaning it.
What Are the Benefits of Mini Waffle Makers?
- Create bite-sized versions of whole waffles with a mini waffle maker.
- This appliance is lightweight and compact, making it a perfect fit for any corner of the house.
- Mini waffle makers can also be carried for traveling purposes.
- They have a non-stick surface and sport a light indicator to make cleaning easier and alert when to start cooking, respectively.
- Some mini waffle makers also come with a manufacturer guarantee of 6 months to 1 year.
- They can also be used to prepare other food items, including stroopwafels, hash browns, mini pizza waffles, etc.
What Are the Elite Mini Waffle Makers?
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
– Best Overall
Prepare delicious waffles and other delicacies for breakfast like hash browns, omelet pancakes, and stroopwafels with this easy-to-set-up mini waffle maker. It heats up in a few minutes and has a dual non-stick PFOA surface to help you cook with consistency. Thanks to its lightweight structure, it is ideal for making waffles at home or can be carried along for picnics, camps, college, and more. It is also compact and can be stored in small spaces. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an expert, use this mini waffle maker to whip up various desserts any time of the day.
Pros
- PFOA-free with a dual non-stick cooking surface that makes it easy to clean.
- Lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry and store
- Comes with a recipe book and recipe database access
Cons
- Not suitable for making larger or more than one waffle at a time
Nostalgia Mini Waffle Maker
– Runner Up
Creating on-the-go meals is easier than ever with this mini waffle maker that boasts a 5-inch surface to create whole, consistent waffles. It has a non-stick surface that can easily be wiped after use. It also comes with cooling handles to keep your hands safe while opening and closing the lids. Besides, it takes only 1-3 minutes to heat up. Thus, you won’t have to wait for a long time to start making your waffles. Since its compact and lightweight structure weighs only 1.25 pounds, you can fit this mini waffle maker in the kitchen, dorm, or any compact area.
Pros
- A non-stick cooking surface that is easy to use and clean
- Cooling handles make it safe to use the equipment on a busy day
- Weighs only 1.25 lbs, making it lightweight and compact to store anywhere
Cons
- Weight is more as compared to its counterparts
Burgess Brothers Mini Waffle Maker
– Honorable Mention
With this mini waffle maker, your dream of making waffles at home will come true as this is the only appliance that can help you prepare this kind of waffle. This appliance heats up instantly to give you 4 mini waffles of 3 inches at one go. It is lightweight, non-stick, and easy to clean with just a wipe. Its built-in light indicator can signal you to begin cooking. You can also be stress-free about the mess that can occur while making waffles because this appliance doesn’t require cooking sprays. Moreover, it is portable and can be utilized for camps, dorms, vacations, and more.
Pros
- Prepares 4 waffles at once, saving time and effort
- Outer housing won’t burn your hand because it does not get hot
- Compact design to store and carry anywhere
Cons
- Some people find it quite expensive
Oriental Elife Mini Waffle Maker
– Contender
Stir up waffles of different kinds, potato pancakes, biscuit pizzas, and more for breakfast with this mini waffle maker. It heats up quickly with 350 watts of power and has a green light indicator that alerts you to start cooking. It also comes with a double non-stick PFOA-free cooking surface that can cook evenly to offer consistent results. In fact, cleaning this mini waffle maker is also a breeze. Its lightweight structure weighing 1 pound and compact design also make it easy to store in compact spaces or carry around while traveling. What’s more, you can use it as the perfect gift for birthdays and weddings.
Pros
- PFOA-free non-stick cooking surface to make waffles easily and save cleaning time
- Plastic cover handles to make opening and closing the lid safe
- Lightweight and compact design for easy storage as well as transportation
Cons
- The heating time is quick but not specified
Holstein Housewares Mini Waffle Maker
– Another Option
Simplify your life in the kitchen with this 4-inch mini waffle maker. It is easy to use, lightweight, and portable. It has a dual non-stick surface that makes preparing waffles and cleaning the appliance easier. It heats up at an optimal temperature and boasts an indicator light that lets you know when to start cooking. It also has a mess-free, anti-overflow channel to keep your batter in place. It weighs only 1.1 pounds and has a compact design, making it easy to store in the kitchen or take to your dorm for road trips or vacations.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact enough to easily store and carry
- The mess-free, anti-overflow channel helps keep the waffle batter in place
- The package includes a user manual with easy instructions about the product
Cons
- Creates one waffle at a time
- Takes around 3-5 minutes to heat up
People Also Asked
Q: Do mini waffle makers have a dual non-stick surface?
A: Yes, mini-waffle makers have a dual non-stick PFOA-free surface that makes it easy to pour the batter and ensure consistency in the shape and size of the waffle.
Q: What is the wattage of a mini waffle maker?
A: Based on the brand you choose, the mini waffle maker will differ in wattage. However, you can be assured that the best model will not consume a lot of electricity and take a toll on your utility bill.
Q: How soon does a mini waffle maker heat up?
A: A mini waffle maker takes anywhere between 1-5 minutes to heat up. The newer models heat up instantly within 1-3 minutes, while the older ones might take up to 3-5 minutes. The light indicator on the mini waffle maker should go off as soon as it’s heated up enough to pour the batter and start cooking.
Q: Can I prepare waffles regularly?
A: With a mini waffle maker, you can prepare mini waffles any time of the day. They heat up instantly, and their non-stick and mess-proof design makes them easy to use and clean. You can also try your hand at preparing omelet cakes, hash browns, and more with a mini waffle maker.
