Best Waffle Makers

If you want to see the Best Waffle Maker, then you’ll LOVE this (updated) guide. We personally tested over 27 waffle makers to review the top ones below. You can filter through the list to find the best one for you.

Best Waffle Makers

1. Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker

This waffle maker is small but it truly gets the job done. It’s capable of making fluffy, thick waffles if you’ve got the right batter. It presses up to four Belgian-style waffles at a time. The waffles are deep enough to hold your favorite toppings such as berries or nuts.

Right off the bat, this waffle maker makes a good impression because it’s made of stainless steel, which helps it look handsome and also resists most rust and wear.

It heats up quickly and takes just a few short minutes to create your waffle.

If this is your first waffle maker, the quick speed is pretty handy if you’re craving breakfast any time of night. It’s also a pretty portable waffle maker, just a little over 3lbs. This makes it great to take on family vacations or other outings.

How quickly does this waffle maker create its magic? Pretty quickly, but only once it’s preheated. You can choose temperatures from minimum to maximum, depending on how you like your waffles. (Check the recipe you’re making to see what temperature and timing are preferred.)

Once the waffle maker has hit its perfect temperature, it has an indicator light that turns on when it has reached the right temperature. Once this happens, only touch the handles or dial, and keep it away from paper towels or any plastic.

It’s best not to move it while it’s making your waffles so the batter stays even. Unfortunately, these machines can get pretty hot, and this model is no exception.

As far as cleanup, the inside of the waffle maker is Teflon-coated, making it stick-proof when it comes to the formation of your waffles. This also makes it easy to clean, and you should use only soap and water with a sponge to do so. Teflon is always easy to clean but you can damage it with abrasive sponges, so try to stick to these cleaning methods.

2. CuisineArt 300 Belgian Waffle

CuisineArt sets the standard when it comes to indoor specialty cooking, and this waffle maker is a solid choice if you value versatility. There’s a plate you can switch to if you want pancakes, instead. As far as size, you can cook four waffles at a time.

The controls are easy to use and go up to the number five, which is the hottest and crispest. At this temperature, you’ll find that your waffles come out slightly brown and crispy.

Before you cook, you should always use a bit of cooking spray, even though the waffle maker itself is non-stick. This will make sure that no matter how long you cook, nothing gets stuck to the grill.

When breakfast is over cleanup will be a breeze. The nonstick plates make it super-easy to wipe and clean, but you can pull the plates out and pop them in the dishwasher to make sure they’re truly sanitized before your next use.

One exciting feature of this particular model that stands out is the fact that it has a slight tilt to it, which allows any extra batter to run off and out of the waffle maker, and possibly save you from the mess. (Use a plate or bowl to catch it.)

If you buy this model, it’s important to know if also gets very hot. Don’t let young kids or pets around it, and don’t place it near paper or flammables. When your waffles or pancakes are done, the model will beep loudly.

3. Presto FlipSide Belgian Ceramic Nonstick Waffle Maker

This waffle maker has some very basic features that make it the perfect go-to when cooking breakfast or brunch. It’s pretty instinctive to use, and the waffles come out pretty tasty.

It’s not big on aesthetics, but it’s a perfectly good waffle maker that gets the job done. Instead of a four-person waffle maker, this one is good for one or two. It can fit on your countertop and it’s durable enough for everyday use. This could be the best waffle maker you’ve owned.

You get to flip the waffles with this model, so the color and the cooking time is really up to you. It’s not the kind of waffle maker you can walk away from, however. Waffles need the flip to cook just perfectly.

The Presto is a just bit more utilitarian than some of the other waffle makers featured here, but its utility is what makes it useful. (You plug it in, it beeps when it’s heated up, and you pour the batter in.) No frills, no complications. Then you are set to do the work.

Presto has a three-foot power cord, which means you can even take it outside for a morning brunch. It’s portable enough to take on vacation.

This waffle maker doesn’t have removable trays. It’s just got one, and the biggest downside to this product is that it can be messy. Because it’s a waffle maker, it has divots that are difficult to clean. If things get stuck, try gently using a plastic brush with soap and water.

The ceramic exterior keeps this waffle maker from getting too hot on the outside and some people have actually had it heat up a small kitchen. So just be aware that it can make a room hot and stuff.

The waffles come out great due to the different cooking features, despite the fact that they require involvement.

4. Black & Decker G48TD

This waffle maker model does more than just create waffles. It comes with removable trays that can cook up your Paninis or grilled cheese for you. You can also fry some eggs or create waffles, of course. It can function as an indoor waffle maker, grill, and griddle. The best thing about this model is that it heats up fast.

The 8×8” cooking surface has room for four servings, and the grill is the right size for a family or your three best friends. When you’re not cooking waffles, you can also open it up like a book and grill up to 8 servings, such as a burger and enough asparagus for you and your family. In terms of waffle makers, this particular model is a decent size but still light enough to be portable.

Although it’s nice that this model is utilitarian, this also makes for some glitches when cooking the perfect meal. Although the removable nonstick grill plates are sturdy, they’re not safe to put in the dishwasher. It’s best to clean them by soaking them in warm water and wiping them clean with a sponge.

Treat this model well, and it’s sure to last you many years.

The waffles come out light and crispy, reminiscent of the breakfasts at the roadside diner.

5. Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker

First of all, unlike many of the other waffle makers, this is a classic type of waffle, NOT a Belgian waffle maker.

The Cuisinart waffle maker is a bit different because it lends the cook a lot more control than many of the other models we’ve looked at.

For one thing, it has a browning control adjustment; you can choose the color of your waffle from light (think “Eggo”) to deep golden brown. In order to get the thickness just right, you also get the added pleasure of a weighted lid that makes sure that the waffle sits firm, not allowed to rise as it cooks between the plates.

Cuisinart recommends setting #3 for golden brown waffles, but there are crisper settings at 4 and 5 as well. It’s recommended that you use a cup of batter or less when you’re making the waffles.

Despite these extra controls, it has a standard indicator light like the rest of them, letting you know when the waffle maker is ready for you to pour the batter in. It then indicates when your waffles have browned to the level you require. The weighted lids help create a crisper waffle, so don’t brown too much on your first try or you might be disappointed.

While it has rubber feet to prevent the counter from getting scratched, the exterior of this machine can get very hot, so make sure children and pets don’t have access to it while it cooks.

This is also a more portable waffle maker at 3.9 lbs, making it a great item for special occasions. The appliance itself locks closed and can be stored vertically when not in use.

Overall, this is one of the best waffle makers if you like traditional waffles. Waffle maker reviews from people who like Belgian waffles may have a different opinion on this.

6. Proctor Silex Belgian Waffle Maker

This is a good choice for making waffles if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use waffle maker. It’s a good size to use and then put away. Like other waffle makers, it’s non-stick.

Although it’s stainless steel, it is not really meant to be a countertop item. It’s just a plain ole waffle iron to make an occasional set of Belgian waffles. It can make four at a time for you and your friends or family. There aren’t really any settings to adjust or other bells and whistles. Because it’s a basic waffle maker, it doesn’t have any plates to remove, making it kind of a pain for regular use.

This model heats up quickly but works better with oil.

The plates are non-stick, but the oil (or butter, if you so choose) will help create a crisper shell when it’s toasted. It preheats pretty quickly and then a green light comes on. You will need to keep an eye on it because you’ll only know it’s done when it starts and then stops steaming.

Pro tip: If you’re looking to make waffles a little crispier, make sure you use a good cooking spray, such as avocado oil. (Yes, it tastes just fine on waffles! And once it’s cooked, there really is very little aftertaste.)

7. Hamilton Beach Belgian Removable Waffle Maker

Made with removable plates, this waffle maker is a unique style and because of this, it requires your full attention while cooking.

You, as the chef, use the contraption to flip the waffles at your leisure. The company calls it an “ultra flip design.” It’s more of a machine that can flip your waffles like a pancake.

You can flip the waffles yourself rather easily with just a flick of the wrist. However, it’s important to know that the handles get extremely hot, and anyone who uses them needs to wear an oven mitt. This is a drawback because it looks like something your kids would love to help with. Teens will like it, and college kids, too, but everyone should be using oven mitts to handle the hot parts.

The plates themselves are meant to create brown, fluffy Belgian waffles and the machine itself gives you a lot of control. If you want to flip it, you can flip it. You can cook it longer to make it crisper and browner or just a few minutes for golden waffles.

When you turn it on, the waffle maker will preheat and then it’s time to pour the batter and lock the waffles in place. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on how you like your waffles.

This model also features removable, dishwasher-safe grids that come out clean with no fuss. Also, any spillage is caught by the plastic drip tray. You’ll need to empty and clean that tray after every use. Don’t use the “sanitize” setting when washing this product. This is one thing that the parts can’t survive in the dishwasher.

When not in use, the folding handle helps with storage and it stays locked tight, vertically, in place.

One final great quality: This waffle maker is able to cook many different types of batter, which makes it one of the best waffle makers for those who have special dietary needs.

8. Chef’s Choice 840B WafflePro Express Waffle Maker

This is a waffle maker for those who are really looking for a step up from the basic waffle maker. The waffles it makes are a little thinner and crispier than others on the market, and this model also gives a lot of versatility to the cooking levels. It can cook up to a half cup of pancake batter at a time.

It’s also one of the rare models that bake regular, traditional waffles rather than the Belgian ones that are all the rage. Traditional waffles are thinner, crisper, and tend to taste sweet and cookie-like once you‘ve crammed them with extras, such as jam, nuts, or chocolate chips.

You can choose yellow and crisp waffles or wait for the brownest and crispiest setting to complete. The settings are completely up to you, and it’s fun to experiment and see which one you like best. You can also cook up a bunch of different types for a bunch of fun guests. Don’t worry, you can pop them in the oven to keep them warm.

The settings for crispness are on a scale of 1 to 6. If you like your waffles a light brown, you can easily get that result in a few minutes. However, you can cook your waffles in as little as 90 seconds if you’re looking for a waffle maker that cooks faster than fast food.

No matter which setting you choose it seems that the waffles stay fluffy and cake-like on the inside. There’s something about this model that keeps them fluffy no matter what.

This waffle maker also has some thought put into the clean-up. It has a ridge that helps with batter run-off which makes it very easy to clean. The non-stick surface does exactly what it should, and you can easily clean the rest with a clean, wet rag and regular dish soap with water.

9. Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker

This is a waffle maker built for two or more, and it’s earned a reputation for being one of the best home waffle makers on the market for a family. It creates 1-inch, crispy waffles for two people at the same time.

The flipping action helps make sure the batter stays even, while the digital timer beeps loudly when your waffles are done, according to which browning you choose when you put them in. It’s recommended that you use one cup or less, but this is for each waffle. Waffles tend to cook longer when there are two of them, so when you choose a longer setting, be patient.

The waffle holes are deep and perfect for your syrups, fruits, sprinkles, or other goodies. The waffle itself comes out crisp on the outside, and soft and cookie-like on the inside. The cooking is almost always even and thick.

You can control the brownness of the waffle by using a knob with six settings, giving the user the ultimate control. LED lights and beeps will tell you when it’s time to cook, and when the food is ready to eat.

This is another waffle maker made with nonstick coating, wiping clean, and providing you with super-simple clean up until the next time. As long as you spray the grill before usage, you should have a very simple cleanup with a sponge and soapy water.

A lot of people who have purchased this model have added things like strawberries, cheese, and other small items to the pancake itself on the inside. This can make clean-up miserable and is not recommended.

Some people have reported that the hinge has broken, but don’t worry about this. There is a warranty that comes with this model, and you can get a replacement from the manufacturer if needed.

Waffle Maker Guides

When you’re scouring the internet for a new appliance, there are a lot of different things to consider. Of course, the price is a part of this, but even once you’ve found your price range, there are still dozens of models to choose from. How do you find the waffle maker that’s the best for you? What should you consider aside from budget?

This buyers’ guide is here to make it easier to navigate the retail world, both online and online, and help you choose the maker that fits your lifestyle best.

When you’re buying a waffle maker, you should first think about who you will be cooking for, how much you plan to cook regularly, and yes, even WHAT you will be cooking in your waffle maker. With these lifestyle choices in play, you can easily choose the right appliance to fit your needs.

Ask yourself the following questions before you start shopping for your new appliance.

What size are you looking for?

Some waffle makers are small and company – similar to the George Foreman model grills – while other makers are most definitely not meant to lug around on family vacations. Online listings show a visual representation of the product you’re buying, but you should also look at the weight. Consider the fact that if you don’t plan on using it more than once a week, you probably won’t have the counter space to keep it out when it’s not in use. Does your pantry have room for it? Or maybe an entryway closet? That will depend on how it folds up for storage. Pay special attention to online listings so you understand how much space it will take up.

How many waffles does it make?

When looking at sizes for waffle makers, it’s important to note the size of the waffles that they make. Small makers usually make a smaller waffle, while the opposite is usually true when it comes to large, which will give you between 2 and four waffles. When considering the output, pay attention to how many the waffle maker can create. If it doesn’t outright list how many waffles you can get out of it, look at the grid itself.

What kind of waffles does it make? What thickness do you prefer?

A lot of people who love waffles don’t care about their shape, as long as they can place butter and syrup on them to make them even sweeter. However, it’s sometimes important to look at the shape. In fact, most of the new model waffle makers are Belgian waffle style. These waffles are thicker than traditional waffles.

If you don’t like that waffle style, there are a few makers that still make the traditional size and shape of waffles.

Waffle makers with deep grids are traditionally used for Belgian waffles, while those with a shallow grid can create the traditional look and feel of waffles that so many people remember from their childhoods.

Waffle makers with removable plates can give you more options with shapes. There are also some novelty makers out there that create heart-shaped waffles, etc. so you can create special waffles – kids love these things and they’re great for special occasions. (Break out the Xmas waffle maker soon, please?)

What is the grill surface like? Is it easy to clean?

The grill surface of a waffle maker can make or break a sale for most people. Check reviews to find out if it cleans up poorly or if waffles don’t cook all the way through because they lack an even temperature. If your maker has heat control, then it’s important to become familiar with the different settings. Some of these waffle makers have removable plates, but not all of the makers with removable plates have plates that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. Some waffle makers have removable plates that are paradoxically very difficult to remove. Read waffle maker reviews and take notes on the models you like best.

How long is the power cord? Is the unit portable?

Not all waffle makers are built the same. Some are made purely for countertop use, and you’ll find that the power strip is woefully short in order to force you to keep it on the kitchen counter. Two feet is a very short length of a power cord, but that’s what many countertop models offer. If you want to use your waffle maker on a table instead of the countertop, get a model with a larger cord or use an extension cord. (It’s safer to plug it into the wall, but this is always a possibility in a pinch.)

As far as portability, look at the size of the waffle maker, and examine the weight. Some of the bigger models weigh into the double digits when it comes to pounds, and are really not suitable for a beach vacation or other travels. Smaller, one-person waffle makers tend to skip the frill and make themselves highly portable. Choose something that’s less than 10 lbs, or even better, no more than 5 lbs.

What about clean up?

Cleaning up shouldn’t be hard to do, and for many waffle makers, the non-stick tray surface does exactly what it should, and waffles will come out crisp and clean. However, if you’re able to pop your plates into the dishwasher, it’s a great idea to help sanitize them once a week.

Many of the models in these waffle maker reviews also have drip trays to catch extra waffle batter. The drip trays are cleaned on the top shelf of your dishwasher, or you can clean them by soaking and washing them with a sponge and your sink dish soap.

Questions to Consider While Shopping

• Who do you plan on cooking waffles for, regularly? Yourself? Your family? Or is this for two people on a lazy Saturday morning?
• When will you be using the waffle maker? This means do you plan to use it for breakfast every day? If so, you’ll need a well-made, sturdy appliance that’s built for more utility. Do you plan to use it only on special occasions? You will need one that is large enough to cook multiple servings, but you should also find one that is easy to use.
• Where will you store it? Waffle makers take up space, whether you choose the cabinet, a shelf in the closet, or a counter space. Storage will probably depend on how often you plan to use it, too.
• Do you love or hate non-stick coatings? Many people want to avoid non-stick coatings due to a fear of health hazards associated with them. Cast-iron waffle makers are a bit heavier than those with non-stick coating. They are also more difficult to clean.
• How difficult or easy is it to clean? Does it have a drip tray?

Using Your Waffle Maker Creatively

Waffles are both an art and a science and once you’ve got a hang of the basics, you can use them to create an amazing variety of recipes. Creativity can help you learn which recipes work back. Try adding chocolate chips or cinnamon to your favorite waffle batter. Or, you can go another route, which changes your baking flour to whole wheat and other grains.

No matter what you end up cooking, knowing your waffle maker inside out will help you learn to create variations. Read the manual, follow directions, and once you’ve memorized the basics it’s time to chart out on your own.

Soon enough, you’ll be making waffles like a pro.