5 best waffle makers, according to experts
Experts explain what to look for in a waffle iron and recommend their favorite waffle makers.
Contreras uses this specific waffle iron at home with her family, and she loves that “you can make two [waffles] at a time” with it. “It also flips [and] creates round, Belgian-style waffles,” she noted. “Bonus: This beeps when it’s ready to cook.”
If you aren’t looking to spend too much money on a waffle iron, Contreras said that this is a “simple and affordable” option worth considering. “I love the lights on the top and that you can adjust the temperature,” she said.
For those impartial to square-shaped waffles, Contreras recommended this waffle iron from Cuisinart that bakes four waffles at a time. “It has a light to let you know when it’s ready,” she noted. “You can adjust the temperature and it has non-stick grates.”
If you’re short on space or have little ones who don’t finish their larger waffles, Contreras recommended this mini waffle maker, which is just 3.5 inches tall. According to the brand, the waffle iron heats up in 1 to 3 minutes and the light indicator turns off when it’s at the right temperature for cooking. It has a non-stick surface and makes 5-inch waffles.
All waffle makers serve the same basic purpose, but they aren’t all created equal. Below, experts highlighted some things to pay attention to during the shopping process.
Waffle makers can be round, square or even character-shaped. They can also be designed to make a different number of waffles, ranging from just one to as many as four at a time. There is no one ideal size or shape, however — as Shumski noted, this comes down to “personal preference.”
“It’s tricky because you’re probably going to own one waffle iron and that implicates a certain degree of commitment to a single size or shape. But don’t overthink it,” he advised. “Go for what appeals to you.” Contreras also said to keep in mind how much storage space you have as well as how many people you’ll be cooking for.
The experts we spoke to agreed that the most important thing to look for in a waffle maker is a non-stick coating, which makes the appliance easier to clean. However, Shumski warned that though “most waffle irons are going to have non-stick coatings, not all non-stick coatings are alike.” Some of the cheaper waffle makers, he said, “may disappoint in terms of the quality of the non-stick coating.”
Shumski also noted that it’s convenient to have a waffle maker with removable plates. “It’s not crucial, but it can help with clean-up if you’re doing some more adventurous waffling,” he noted. Some machines, like the All-Clad Stainless Steel Waffle Maker, even have removable plates that are dishwasher-safe.
If you have a large family or just prefer to get things done quickly, a double-sided waffle maker can be a good option. “I love my double-sided waffle iron for myself and my family,” Contreras said. This type of waffle maker cooks two waffles simultaneously, allowing you to essentially cut your cooking time in half.
Waffle irons are relatively simple to care for: If the one you buy isn’t dishwasher-safe, you can most likely clean it with some soap and water. However, according to Contreras, there are other things you can do to avoid major messes and keep your iron in good shape:
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