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A waffle is one of the best food items that almost everyone likes to have in their breakfast. Even though there are many types of this food item, Belgian waffles are the most popular choice of people. It’s pretty fun when you cut through the crispy outside only to find a fluffy and soft interior in these waffles. Besides, you can pair them with several toppings and syrups of your choice, starting with chocolate syrup to fresh berries. However, buying waffles every morning from a nearby café is not entirely feasible, which is why we have selected some of the leading waffle makers in 2023 that you can have at your home. Using them, you can cook some delicious waffles having different textures and a mind-blowing taste. It is also super easy to use a waffle maker because all you have to do is pour the batter, flip it over, and wait for the indicator to blink.
Buyer’s Guide for Finding a Waffle Maker
When it comes to choosing a waffle maker, there is no room for compromise on the quality. If you choose the wrong model, you will have to struggle a lot in adding texture and deliciousness to the waffles. There are several types of waffle makers, and they usually come with a lot of features which is why getting baffled is expected. Hence, we have prepared a complete buying guide to help you get out of such situations. In this below section, we have discussed some features and types of waffle makers and highlighted a few factors that you should consider to get your hands on the best appliance.
What Are the Various Types of Waffle Makers?
There are different waffle makers that you can get from the market. Below, we have talked about the most common ones that will be perfect for your home.
- A traditional waffle maker usually has only one cooking plate with medium-sized pockets. It will produce tin-sized waffles that are ideal for a light breakfast meal.
- In a flipping waffle maker, there will be two plates to cook two waffles simultaneously. All you have to do is flip the plates so that the batter is distributed appropriately.
- Certain waffle makers have a non-stick ceramic plate. They can heat up quickly and produce crispy waffles in no time.
What Are the Key Features of a Waffle Maker?
Size and thickness
Different waffle makers come in different sizes ranging between 8 to 9 inches. So, you need to select a size based on the number of people who will eat the waffle. For example, a 7.25 inches waffle maker is best suited for one serving, while the 9 inches appliance will let you prepare this delicious dessert for two to three people. Besides considering the size, you also need to understand that the thickness of the waffles also varies. Usually, most models can make 1-inch thick waffles.
Pocket depth
Some waffle makers can make smaller pockets in the waffles, while others produce food with deep pockets. If you love to eat this item with several toppings, we recommend going for a model that can create deeper pockets.
Flip
You may not have the flip feature in simple waffle makers because they have only one steel plate. Therefore, you can prepare one waffle at a time. The flip or rotary feature is available in appliances that can prepare two waffles simultaneously. All you need to do is pour the batter on both sides and then flip it over by 180-degree to distribute the batter evenly.
Browning levels
An important feature to keep in mind while choosing a waffle maker is its browning level. You can find a control knob on the appliance that will help you adjust the browning or crispiness of the waffle with ease. This ensures you get dark brown waffles with the crispest skin or a soft, medium brown waffle as per your taste. Besides, the number of browning settings differs from one product to another. If you find six setting levels in one waffle maker, another may come with nine levels.
Non-stick
The plates in a waffle maker are usually non-stick. This will allow you to pour the batter without greasing the surface with oil or butter. Moreover, your waffles won’t stick to the plate and will slide out quickly once you finish cooking. Another significant advantage of the non-stick plates is that they are easy to clean since no food bits will be stuck on the surface.
Feet
If your chosen waffle maker is heavy or if the plates can be flipped, it’s better to go for a product that is reinforced with anti-slip feet. This will help you cook the waffles quickly without worrying about the unexpected and sudden movement of the appliance from its place. Thus, the chances of accidents or spills on the countertop will reduce significantly.
Drip tray
When you pour the batter and flip the maker, some of it can come outside and drip down directly on the countertop surface. Therefore, it will create a mess that you need to clear every time you cook waffles. That’s why you should look for a waffle maker with a drip tray as it is will prevent the excess batter from accumulating on the countertop.
Indicator and alarm
In some waffle makers, you can find LED indicator lights that signify when the preheating is completed or the batter has cooked to perfection. Therefore, you will be able to cook the best waffles with no raw inside or burnt exterior. Besides, there can also be alarm sounds that will beep once the waffles are cooked and ready to take out.
How Can You Get a Waffle Maker Within an Affordable Budget?
The usual price of a waffle maker varies from $17.88 to $119.95 depending on the type you have chosen, the number of plates, and several other factors. If you want to set a budget for buying the best waffle, the following tips will help you.
- If you have a low budget and no room for extending it by a few bucks, you should settle with a classic waffle maker.
- If you want the double waffle makers, you should be ready to spend at least $100.
- Also, the price will change according to the browning settling levels available in the waffle maker. For instance, a model with three levels will cost less than a product with nine settings.
How To Cook the Best Waffle Using a Waffle Maker?
For cooking in the best waffle maker, you can follow these below-mentioned tips.
- Ensure that the batter has the right consistency, which is neither too runny nor too thick.
- Once you prepare the batter, put the waffle maker in preheat mode.
- Open the appliance and pour your batter at the center as the indicator light blinks.
- After this, close the lid and flip over the plates if there is a rotating feature. Flipping will help in distributing the batter evenly.
- Wait for a few minutes and let the appliance do its magic.
- Once the waffles are cooked, a light will indicate or a sound will beep. Immediately take out the waffles before they get burned.
The Best Waffle Maker You Can Buy
Oster Waffle Maker
– Best Overall
If you are looking for an affordable Belgian waffle maker, this will be the ideal choice for you. It has a round shape with a deep pocket that will allow you to add toppings and syrups of your choice, like berries, fresh fruits, nuts, and so on. Its plate is about 8 inches wide and is non-stick, which is why your waffle batter won’t stick to the surface, and you can clean the appliance easily. There is a temperature control feature in this waffle maker which you can adjust the heat for different types of browning levels and batters. Besides, its housing is made from stainless steel which has added excellent durability and sturdiness. This waffle maker has a safe-to-use handle that will offer a firm and strong grip without burning your hand.
Pros
- The indicator light helps to identify when the power is on or when the appliance is heated enough to start making waffles
- Helps in cooking the perfect waffle with an adjustable temperature feature
Cons
- The waffle size is a little smaller than expected
BELLA Waffle Maker
– Best Design
This waffle maker will help you prepare 1-inch thick waffles having different colors and crispness, owing to the nine different browning settings. You can even rotate the maker by flipping it with the cool-touch handle to cook the waffles evenly. It comes with anti-slip feet so that it won’t move from its place, along with a drip tray that won’t allow the batter to make a mess on your kitchen countertop. As it has non-stick plates, the waffles won’t stick to them, and you can clean them effortlessly. Besides, the plates have an auto-lock feature so that the appliance doesn’t open up accidentally while flipping. It also comes with three non-stick coating options- traditional coating, ceramic coating, and copper titanium coating. On top of everything, this kitchen appliance will help cook four waffles in only ten minutes.
Pros
- Helps in preparing four crispy waffles with fluffy insides
- Ensures even cooking on all sides with its 180-degree rotary feature
Cons
- Pockets are not as deep as one would like to have to prepare Belgian waffles
BLACK+DECKER Waffle Maker
– Best Performance
If you are looking for a waffle maker known for its excellent performance, you’ve found the right one. This product has non-stick cooking plates with a size of about 7.25 inches. Therefore, you can clean them easily and won’t have to deal with missed portions of your waffle. It is reinforced with a cool-touch extended handle that won’t burn your hand when you open the waffle maker easily. It also features indicator lights that will let you know when the preheating is completed, and you can pour the batter inside.
Pros
- Can be stored easily in your kitchen due to its vertical construction
- Helps in making the waffles quickly within a couple of minutes
Cons
- Not ideal for multiple servings as the waffle size will be 7.25 inches
DASH Waffle Maker
– Most Versatile
This waffle maker is not only used for making fluffy waffles but also allows you to prepare pizzas, hash browns, and cookies, which is why it’s pretty versatile. It is reinforced with pocket sides so that the excess batter doesn’t drop on your kitchen countertop while flipping it. Therefore, you won’t have to clean any mess while cooking your favorite waffles. It has non-stick plates on both sides that will slide out cooked waffles quickly. You also won’t have to struggle much in cleaning because the batter doesn’t stick to the non-stick plates. Since it features anti-slip feet, it doesn’t move from one place by any means. On top of everything, you can cook four portions with this waffle maker so that everyone in your family can enjoy the delicious dishes.
Pros
- Non-stick plates of this waffle are easy to clean
- Ensures that waffles are cooked evenly for better texture
Cons
- No setting option for browning is included in the waffle maker
Cuisinart Waffle Maker
– Best Value For Money
This waffle maker allows you to cook two Belgian waffles at the same time each having one inch of thickness with deep pockets. WIth the six-settings browning control knob, you can prepare waffles with desired crispiness on the outside. This appliance has non-stick plates that ensure you don’t have to apply grease, as the batter won’t stick to the waffle plates. It’s also much easier to clean these plates once cooking is done. Besides, it has two LED indicator lights for each waffle plate and three beep sounds that alert you about the cooking status. It also features a 180-degree rotary mechanism so that both the top and bottom waffles are cooked evenly to perfection.
Pros
- Cleaning is super easy due to non-stick plates
- Generates an adequate amount of heat for even cooking of the waffles
Cons
- Comes with a high price that can be a bit problematic for some users
People Also Asked
Q: Can I use any batter with the waffle maker?
A: Yes, you can use any batter with a waffle maker because its plates are non-stick and won’t cause the waffles to stick to the surface.
Q: Are waffle makers battery operated?
A: No, the waffle makers are not battery-operated. Each product comes with a cord that you need to connect to the electric outlet.
Q: Should I use a scrubber to clean the plates in a waffle maker?
A: No, it would be best not to use a scrubber to clean the waffle maker’s plates. You can remove the remnants of the food using a soft washcloth soaked with lukewarm water.
