Do you like having crispy and delicious waffles for breakfast or lunch? If yes, then there’s nothing like homemade waffles! We bet you already knew that, but you may not know what waffle maker to get. We have researched and reviewed the best ones below.
Waffle maker buying guide
When deciding what waffle maker to buy, consider the product type and the features that best suit your specific use and preferences. This buying guide will help you choose the best waffle maker for your needs, so you can enjoy making delicious waffles whenever and wherever you want.
What is a waffle maker, and how does it work?
A waffle maker is an excellent way to cook waffles quickly while ensuring they are cooked perfectly. The vast majority of waffle makers include a variety of cooking plates for different types of batter as well as a stainless steel finish, making this small appliance a desirable addition to your kitchen.
Waffle making is a relatively simple operation involving a waffle plate, which essentially acts as a grill to cook the batter on. A waffle maker manually regulates the cooking process and the outcome, producing quality waffles. It seals the batter as it cooks, creating a crispy texture on the waffle while serving it hot and fresh.
Types of waffle makers
Waffle makers come in various styles, and knowing your options will allow you to select your ideal waffle maker with greater confidence.
Commercial waffle maker
The commercial waffle maker also called a classic waffle iron, is a sizable professional device used in large restaurant kitchens to prepare crepes, sandwich waffles, cinnamon rolls, and other pastries.
It's super easy to use. All you have to do is pour all of the ingredients into the waffle plates, close the lid, and let it cook with a green light indicator. Its removable plates are also straightforward to clean and can work continuously for long periods.
Belgian waffle maker
The Belgian-style waffle maker is ideal for home kitchens. It is the quickest waffle maker for producing the waffles you want, and they turn out evenly cooked with a slightly crunchier texture than waffles made with other machines.
Since Belgian waffles are typically larger and thicker than traditional waffles, size should be considered when buying its maker. They may also be available in various models, such as electric, stovetop, ceramic, and home models, each of which produces a distinct and delicious Belgian flavor.
Flip waffle maker
The flip waffle maker produces thick, heavy, and flat waffles. It is a traditional waffle maker that continuously flips the ingredients while cooking and can hold batter for more than one waffle. Although they may spill from the sides and overflow, they are effortless to clean.
If you own a restaurant and require a large waffle maker, this professional flip model is an excellent option because it can produce large golden-brown waffles at once.
Electric waffle iron
The electric waffle iron cooks waffles while heating, flips them, and bakes them in the oven. It consists of two rectangular, hinged metal plates that are heated and squeezed together to cook the batter inside, giving the finished product a crisp, lattice texture.
The nonstick surfaces of electric waffle irons are typically easy to clean and can be used to make a variety of waffles. If you want an excellent waffle iron that makes your breakfast with the push of a button, get an electric waffle iron.
Things to consider when buying your waffle maker
The following features are critical to consider when selecting the best waffle maker for you.
Single vs. double waffle maker
There are single and double models of waffle makers, each with unique features to satisfy your preferences. A single waffle maker makes one waffle at a time and about 25 to 35 per hour, making it ideal for use at home or in small restaurants.
Double waffle makers use dual single waffle irons placed side-by-side to make 40 to 60 waffles hourly, making them suitable for commercial and large restaurants.
Cooking time
The waffle maker you choose significantly impacts the cooking process. Different waffle makers have different cooking rates due to varying heating plates. As a result, you should choose which type to buy based on your cooking style and the types of waffles you usually make. The fastest products make waffles in 3-4 minutes.
Browning control
It is best to choose waffle makers with adjustable cooking settings so you can customize the cooking temperature to your preferences. In essence, your waffle maker should have a browning control feature that allows you to select the level of browning you want for your waffles.
Cooking plate design
This is another vital feature to consider before purchasing your waffle maker. Your waffle maker's cooking plate design determines how easy it is to clean and how many waffles you can make in a few minutes.
Furthermore, each model has its distinct features that provide exceptional value. Non-stick plates, for instance, are cleaner and easier to use, while removable grids are simple to maintain and store.
Ready indicator
With this feature, you can cool your prepared batter without worrying about the appliance burning by receiving a green light alert when your waffles are finished cooking. Many products also have indicators to tell you when the device is heated and ready to cook.
Warranty
It is always a good idea to ensure that you have adequate warranty coverage for damage or problems while using your waffle maker.
Waffle maker cleaning guide
Waffle makers are typically easy to clean, but some models have a reputation for being difficult to maintain. Before purchasing your waffle maker, read this guide on effectively cleaning waffle makers.
-
Unplug from the power outlet and make sure your waffle maker has completely cooled before you begin cleaning to avoid injuring yourself or damaging the appliance.
-
Remove any waffle residue stuck in small gaps of the cooking plate with a cotton bud or a pick.
-
Clean the exterior of the waffle maker with a damp cloth to remove any residual oil.
-
Dry the interior and exterior of your waffle iron thoroughly before storing it.
-
Some models include detachable plates you can clean in the dishwasher or with paper towels.
-
To make maintenance simple and neat, you can find other specific cleaning instructions in your waffle maker's instruction manual.