This is our official list of the best waffle makers on the market today. Scroll further down for full details on each product.
5 Highest Reviewed Waffle Makers to Consider
While most would argue it’s a nonessential, waffle makers are one of those kitchen appliances that can’t be substituted with anything else. The first waffles and waffle makers date back to the 14th century in the Netherlands and Belgium. In 1869, the first stove top waffle iron was invented and the western European griddle bread became popular all over the world.
France, Belgium, Germany, America, Hong Kong, Thailand, and many other countries have created their own take on the waffle, some savory with hot dogs or potatoes and some sweet with every topping imaginable, but all unique. Ever ingenious, Americans have not only embraced the waffle as a breakfast staple, but have also come up with several other uses of the kitchen appliance.
There are waffle maker recipes for everything from cornbread to omelets to eggplant Parmesan to chocolate chip cookies. Waffle makers also come in several different sizes, shapes, and optional additional features. Flipping is a key feature in nicer waffle iron models. This allows the batter to completely fill the plates, creates lightness and fluffiness, and improves browning on both sides. When looking for the best waffle maker, below are five to consider.
1.) Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
The Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker has the flip feature and nonstick plates for ease and quick clean up. Like the Waring, the Cuisinart includes indicator light for when the waffle iron is ready to cook and finished cooking, with the six-setting knob to control browning.
Arrows indicate which direction to turn the waffle iron when flipping to help to prevent turning the waffle maker in the wrong direction, therefore damaging the machine. While it does have plastic hinges like the other models, reviewers state they are very durable.
In addition, the entire unit (apart from the handle and hinges), is made of stainless steel which also makes the Cuisinart much sturdier. The one major con is the stainless steel base makes the machine much heavier than the other options.
PROS
- Dual cooking nonstick plates (cooks two at once)
- Light indicator to signal when waffle iron is ready to cook and finished
- Entire unit is stainless steel
- 6 setting adjustable temperature / browning control knob
CONS
- Very heavy (15 Ib)
2.) Presto 03510 FlipSide
The Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker packs a lot of punch in a small package. This appliance features the brushed stainless steel, nonstick plates, and light indicator of the previous models, and will cook one deep grid Belgian waffle at a time.
What makes this waffle maker unique is the design. Instead of being set on a raised base, the plates actually rest on the counter and flips in an arc rotation. This unique design allows it to take up significantly less space.
With an additional lock feature, it can be stored vertically. In addition, the Presto includes a built in timer that beeps when the waffle is finished. One negative is that the low price seems to mean short life. Many reviewers complain of this waffle maker lasting less than a year before needing to be replaced.
PROS
- Unique design that takes up less space
- Can be easily stored
- Nonstick plates
- Countdown Timer
CONS
- Some users have expressed it to have a short lifespan
3.) Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
For a lower price point, the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker will create one thick round fluffy waffle in four to five minutes. Like the other two, it has the nonstick plates and indicator lights to signal when the power is on and when the waffle maker is heated.
The Hamilton includes the adjustable temperature / browning control knob and a brushed stainless steel finish on the top. However, this waffle maker features removable plates and a drip plate that are dishwasher safe.
The design also includes a long handle that stays cool to the touch and folds down to make the appliance easier to store. Unlike the other three waffle makers, this one only only cooks one at a time. Many reviewers also complain that it either takes too long, never gets hot enough, or never gets crispy.
PROS
- Nonstick plates
- Adjustable temperature / browning control knob
- Cool touch handle that folds
- Removable dishwasher safe grids and drip tray
CONS
- Unreliable temperature
4.) Waring WMK600 Waffle Maker
The Waring double belgian waffle maker flips for fluffy and crispy waffles, has nonstick plates with extra deep grids, and can cook two waffles at once. Not only is there an indicator light to show heating up and ready to cook, but also an audio beep tone to signal when the machine is ready to use and when the waffle is done.
The Waring also comes with a temperature / browning control knob that allows the user to adjust the crispiness. While the base is plastic, the top part of the waffle iron is brushed stainless steel. It also comes with a cup to help measure the exact amount of batter needed to fill the plates.
Many reviewers complain that the plastic hinge in the back can break (especially if accidentally turned the wrong way) and render the device useless. The extra features are worth the few extra dollars.
PROS
- Dual cooking nonstick plates (cooks two at once)
- Extra deep grids
- Light indicator and audio beep indicator
- Adjustable temperature / browning control knob
CONS
- Plastic parts may break if dropped
5.) BLACK+DECKER WMD200B
The Black and Decker waffle maker includes the dual cooking plate feature; it can cook two waffles at the same time. It also has a cool touch handle that locks to prevent the iron from opening. The deep grids also allow more room for extra toppings, especially convenient for those who want to use their waffle maker for recipes other than waffles.
Clean up is quick if directions are followed (light coating of oil before using), but the plates are not removable. There is an indicator light that signals when the waffle maker is hot enough but not when the waffles are finished cooking. The price tag also makes this a decent waffle maker for a decent price.
PROS
- Dual cooking plates (cooks two at once)
- Non-stick plates
- Cool touch handles
- Handle has a lock feature
CONS
- Plastic
- No indicator light to signal when waffles are done
Wrapping Up
There’s several great waffle makers to choose from with a variety of price points and features. Cook time, durability, price, and light/audio indicators are the main determining factors when deciding the best waffle maker to purchase.