How To Choose The Best Waffle Maker For Homemade Waffles

The Best Waffle Maker For Homemade Waffles


The popularity of waffles as a breakfast option continues to increase. Not only are they a deliciously easy start to the day, they are also amazing as an afternoon snack or a dessert after a filling restaurant meal.

What if you could buy the best waffle maker and enjoy homemade waffles made fresh whenever you fancied some? My idea for writing this article is to help you find the right waffle maker for you. By combing through the dozens of waffle iron reviews available in the marketplace today, I have successfully reduced down the list to ten or so waffle makers worth your time.

In this article, you should expect to learn about what criteria to consider when selecting a waffle maker. Next, I have highlighted the top rated waffle maker brands and include their most popular models according to other buyers. There are two main types of waffle makers, the classic waffle maker, and the Belgian or Brussels waffle iron which I touch on in the article.

Finally, I have created a short buying guide to help you select the single waffle maker that meets all your personal requirements, whether that’s browning control or the waffle shape.


The Different Types of Waffle Makers

Waffles have been around since the early 18th Century in something resembling their current form. However, historically, they have been around for much longer than that. Time has seen the waffle evolve to what it is now. Although there are dozens of varieties in Belgium and Europe where the waffle originates, two types remain most popular today, the Belgian waffle and Classic American-style waffle. Belgian waffles are originally square in shape, made with yeasted batter and has deep pockets which accommodate a variety of toppings. The yeast gives them a crispy outer and a fluffy and soft inner.

On the other hand, American waffles are thinner in size and a little flat because they often don’t contain yeast. Classic waffles are also quicker to make, come in a variety of shapes and usually smaller in size. Most of the waffle maker reviews below are of Belgian type due to their popularity with other buyers.


Best Waffle Iron Brands

A number of kitchen appliance manufacturers produce and sell waffle makers. The waffle irons come in different designs and styles. The top waffle makers are popular with buyers due to the different features which ensure you get the best waffles possible.

Of all the waffle maker brands on the market today, the leading brands are the following:

  • Oster
  • Cuisinart
  • Black & Decker
  • Hamilton Beach
  • Presto

Consequently, you will find that the recommended top 10 waffle irons are made by the leading brands listed above.


Overview of The 5 Best Waffle Makers

Heating efficiency, quick baking, consistently delicious results and price are some of the critical factors homeowners look for when shopping for a waffle maker. According to consumers, these same features and benefits are what they want in a top rated waffle maker.

Looking at waffle iron reviews is a great way of trimming down the hundreds of waffle maker options. It is the quickest way to arrive at the most trusted and loved waffle maker brands and models.

The following are the best waffle irons based on intensive research and customer reviews. I have scoured hundreds of some of the best waffle maker reviews to bring this list to you.

Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker Stainless Steel


Claiming the top spot in the Best Waffle Maker for 2017 stakes wasn’t a walk in the park for the Oster CKSTWF2000. Buyers find this product satisfying for a number of very good reasons. It’s sleek aesthetics and ergonomic design is just the first two that come to mind.

The brushed stainless steel finish is durable and hard wearing meaning you will enjoy your investment for a very long time.

It’s thick, deep and non-stick plates make waffle removal and cleaning quick and effortless.

The crowning glory for the Oster CKSTWF2000 is its adjustable temperature controls. Many buyers say they chose it for the ability to control how their waffle tastes. Simply turn the browning control knob for light or golden brown waffles.

Retailing at under $20 this waffle maker represents amazing value, too. Easy to store because of its compact design, you can also leave it out because it brings such character to your kitchen.

BLACK+DECKER WMB500 Belgian Waffle Maker Stainless Steel


The runner-up in the best-rated waffle irons race is none other than the Black+Decker WMB500 Belgian waffle maker. It is equipped with extra deep grids for those deep pockets ideal for filling with syrup and other toppings.

The large, round 7-inch waffles are pre-cut into four sections, convenient for sharing and easy to remove from the non-stick baking surface.

According to a review from one buyer, it makes killer waffles and is a dream to clean, it requires no setup or assembly and is essentially maintenance-free.

From cool-touch handles to the indicator lamp which lights up when the waffles are done, the waffle iron has features which make using it convenient and intuitive.

A vertical storage base ensures you can easily minimize the space needed to store the waffle maker when not in use because it folds into a smaller profile.

Again, when it comes to pricing, this is great for all budgets at under $20. Whether you use this every day or just occasionally, it will pay for itself almost immediately.

Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker


The bronze medal goes to the Cuisinart WMR-CA classic waffle maker but there is very little splitting the three top waffle makers.

Just like the other two, it makes round waffles pre-cut into four quarters. The only difference is that this is a more traditional style waffle iron, making thinner waffles with shallower pockets.

The waffle maker is provided with five settings for browning control ranging from golden to dark. Indicator lights also alert you when the waffle iron is heated up and when the waffles are ready to eat.

The shiny stainless body makes it a beautiful addition to any kitchen. Its rubber feet ensure it does not slip on the work surfaces and its vertical storage base makes it compact to store.

At a slightly higher price of just under $30, this is one of the very few classic waffle makers available on the market as most manufacturers are now producing for the growing Belgian waffle market. If you love making waffle sandwiches then this is the best waffle maker for you.

Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker with Ceramic Nonstick Finish in Black


A bit pricier at $40, the Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian waffle maker makes it into the top 5 best-rated waffle irons because of its innovative features. Just like the top 3 waffle makers, the plates are non-removable, non-stick and deep. The waffle maker also turns out round, ready-to-cut waffles at around 7 inches in diameter.

However, this is where the similarities end because Presto has gone and shaken up the waffle iron industry. The common problem with other waffle irons is often the uneven cooking. With the flip mechanism introduced in this product, you can flip the waffle 180 degrees which evenly spreads the waffle mix across the plates.

A countdown timer and digital display mean you can carry out other tasks in the kitchen while your waffle cooks. A beep alerts you when the waffle is cooked, accompanied by an indicator light turning green.

Upright storage, easy to clean plates and a stainless steel exterior with black edging makes this a styling part of any kitchen.

Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates


When the budget is not an issue then the Hamilton Beach 26030 Flip Belgian waffle iron, retailing at nearly $40 could be a better deal. With the additional benefit of removable and dishwasher-safe non-stick plates on top of the flip functionality, you’ve got yourself a near-perfect waffle maker.

The waffle maker has a long heat-proof handle with a locking mechanism to secure the waffle maker after you flip it.

A browning control dial regulates how brown your waffles get, as well as having indicator lights to tell you when baking is finished.

The Hamilton Beach 26030 waffle iron also has a drip tray to catch any waffle batter spills helping to keep your work surfaces clean and tidy.

Advanced thermostatic control technology ensures the heat distribution is evenly distributed. This results in consistently evenly baked waffles over and over again. See a video of the Hamilton Beach 26030 Flip Belgian waffle maker in action below.


More Top Rated Waffle Irons (list 6-10)

In addition to the waffle iron reviews above, you will find the rest of the top 10 rated waffle makers in 2017 in the list below. Just click on the link to find out more information about the waffle iron.

Hamilton Beach 26009 Belgian Waffle Maker

Hamilton Beach 26020 4-Piece Belgian Waffle Maker

Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker in Stainless Steel

Oster CKSTWFBF10MR-ECO DuraCeramic Flip Waffle Maker in Candy Apple Red

BLACK+DECKER WM1404S Belgian Flip Waffle Maker with Non Stick Extra Deep Waffle Grids plus Foldable Handle

Buying Guide – Top Criteria for Selecting a Home Waffle Iron

Waffle irons vary widely in the features they possess and the quality of the waffle they make. Everyone has their own expectations and opinions as to what makes a waffle maker great. Personal tastes and preferences mean the demands on a waffle maker differs between individuals.

Therefore, a waffle maker should be able to deliver waffles to cater to the tastes of the wide population. A waffle maker should be able to meet most, if not all of the following criteria:


Style of Waffle Maker

Are you looking for a traditional or classic waffle maker or you fancy the popular thick and deep-pocketed Belgian waffle iron? This should be the starting point of your search and once you make a decision, go ahead and look at the rest of the selection criteria.

Browning control

Whether you like your waffles golden brown and crispy there’s no doubt a member of your family who likes theirs slightly browner. Having an adjustable browning setting will easily help you make waffles just how like everyone likes them.


Ready Indication

How do you tell when the waffles are done? Do you prefer to go by a set of indicator lights or an audible alarm is your preference? While most waffle makers have indicator lights, other have both.

Ease of Cleaning and Maintenance

A waffle cleaner shouldn’t be a pain to clean, period. In most cases, all you need to do is to wait for the plates to cool down before taking a damp cloth and wiping cooked batter of the plates. The more complex the plate assembly, the hard it is to clean. Therefore, the easier to clean the better.

Non-Stick Plates

Almost all waffle makers come with non-stick cooking surfaces as standard. The only difference is that some are ceramic and others have a Teflon coating. As an additional benefit, some are removable for even easier cleaning.


Appearance

Aesthetics play an important role in the decision process for all kitchen appliances, waffle makers included. The brushed stainless steel or polished chrome finish will look different in different kitchen settings. Select the style and look that will fit in with your existing decor.

Storage

Finally, storage space is at a premium in many kitchens and so a waffle iron that’s compact will save on space. Consider this when you choose from among the best waffle makers featured in this article.

Price, the length of warranty and other factors are also important to take into consideration when shopping for a waffle iron. Hopefully, this article points you in the direction of finally finding the perfect waffle maker for your home.


Conclusion

Although far from being a kitchen essential, a waffle maker does make life a little bit easier. Imagine making a batch of waffles and freezing them, ready for that morning when you just want a quick breakfast on the go.

Or, maybe you love eating waffles when you go out but you now want that freshly-baked waffle taste from the comfort of your own kitchen. Investing in a waffle maker, certainly, makes this happen.

You are now armed with the knowledge you need to pick one of the best-rated waffle makers which waffle iron is best for you, whether it’s price or waffle style that’s most important to you.

The Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker is the undisputed winner and makes an excellent choice, with its compact size, adjustable, temperature controlled and thick non-stick plates.

We certainly hope you have found reading this article useful and if you go ahead and order yourself a waffle iron, please feel free to share your experiences with us. We’d love to hear how you get on.