The Best Belgian Waffle Maker
Our Top Pick for 2019: Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
Amazon
Having a quality waffle maker can be the key to enjoying a delicious, restaurant-style breakfast in the comfort of your own home. Today’s waffle makers will perfectly bake a Belgian waffle that you can then cover with your favorite syrup, fruits, and other sweet ingredients. You will find ones with built-in timers and removable plates that are easy to clean as well as your traditional basic models. Use the following information on what to look for and which ones are the top picks to help you find the perfect waffle maker for your home.
Let’s Have a Quick Look of Our Top 4 Picks:
#1. Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
The Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker allows you to make two perfectly golden Belgian waffles at the same time. You’ll be able to cut your time in half when it comes to making breakfast for the family. Each of the deep pocket waffles will be done to your own preferred degree of brownness, and its ability to rotate means your waffles will be evenly done on each side. You will be able to achieve an ideal crunch no matter how you top them.
This waffle maker provides pockets that are one inch deep which leaves plenty of room for the syrup or any other delicious toppings. The thermostat/browning feature makes it easy to create a variety of waffles, and the special touches such as the LED Ready to Bake and Heat-Up lights make this device simple to operate. Three beeps will signal you that your waffles are done.
The Conair WMK600 is built to the electrical standards of North America, and it uses 1400 watts. It has an attractive stainless steel finish with black accents. The control knob and switch are found at the base of the model. It measures 15.5 by 9.8 by 9.3 inches, and it has a weight of nine pounds. It is manufactured by Conair under the Waring Brand in China. A manufacturer’s one year warranty is included.
The control knob on the lower left of the base allows you to create everything from a soft, pancake consistency waffle to a crisp and crunchy one. If you only want to make one single waffle, this maker can do that as well. Directions for making only one waffle at a time are detailed in the instruction manual. To make two waffles you will simply fill one side, rotate it, and fill the other side. You will take out the first waffle when the machine beeps. Wait until it beeps a second time for the other waffle to be done. The heat-up process takes roughly five minutes. You can plan on another four to five minutes for the cooking time. This will vary depending on the level of brownness you desire.
Online reviews speak highly of this waffle maker. They describe it as making perfect waffles, easy to use, and easy to clean. The waffles come out crispy on the outside while remaining light and fluffy on the inside. Some people found it to be a bit tricky to fill at first, but once they determined exactly how much batter to use, they thoroughly enjoyed this appliance. Many love the fact that it times itself. There are no worries over forgetting to set a timer which can result in burnt waffles and a large mess to clean up.
This waffle maker is ideal for couples. Being able to fix two waffles at one time allows them to eat together. It is also great for larger families that may otherwise skip waffles due to the amount of time needed to prepare enough for everyone. Those who have reviewed this product also liked the size. It is large, but it is not intimidating to use. It includes a non-skid under carriage that serves double duty. It keeps the appliance from moving about while in use, and it provides a space where the cord can be hidden when not in use.
Overall, home cooks are very impressed with the quality of this piece. Those who have used one for several years have no complaints. The hinges hold up nicely, and it remains looking terrific over time. Some people had a problem with the batter sticking. This was easily solved by adding just a bit more oil to their recipe.
#2. Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle Maker
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
Versatility has placed the Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle Maker in our silver spot. This handy kitchen appliance comes with a set of four slice plates for Belgian waffles as well as a four slot pancake plate. Each of the removable plates is coated with a BPA free, DuraCeramic non-stick surface, and they can be easily cleaned by placing them in the dishwasher. Six temperature control settings allow you to prepare each waffle to perfection.
The indicator lights on this model alert you as to when the surface is ready to bake, and an Eat Indicator light works in conjunction with an audible alert to notify you when the product is finished. Your purchase of the Cuisinart WAF-300 includes a recipe book and tongs for removing your finished foods. The design of this waffle maker lets you store it upright which will save space whether you place it in a cupboard or leave it out on the counter where you can quickly reach it.
The Cuisinart waffle maker has a beautiful brushed stainless steel shell that looks nice in any home kitchen. It measures 9.7 by 12.2 by 6.3 inches, and it weighs 8.2 pounds. It is manufactured by the Cuisinart Company in China. It will take approximately four minutes to heat up, and it will need an additional four minutes for the cook time. This can vary depending on the setting being used.
The waffle plates fit over the pancake plates. This appliance does not open flat when making pancakes. For this feature, you will be using the bottom plate only. All of the plates are removable and dishwasher safe. The cord is approximately 3.5 feet long, and it can be wrapped around the base for storage. There are four feet on the bottom of the appliance. The front legs have rubber tips to keep it from moving when in use. The handle will stay cool to your touch throughout the heating and cooking process.
Online reviews show just how much people enjoy using the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker. The plates create four separate waffles. This is an excellent feature for families. Many waffles can be finished at one time so that everyone can eat together. The interior base of this device tilts slightly. If you overfill it with batter, the batter will drop off the back side of it rather than baking onto the machine itself. This adds to how easy it is to keep the Cuisinart WAF-300 clean.
An added surprise for owners of this appliance is how well the pancake plate cooks eggs. There is a slight indention in the plate which is supposed to help control the size of the pancake, but it works just as nicely when making eggs for breakfast sandwiches and the like. It cooks everything quickly and evenly. One reviewer remarked on how she could fix 12 eggs for sandwiches within 11 minutes. Many people have had this model and have used it for several years without any issues. It holds up well, cooks quickly and evenly, and is easy to clean.
#3. Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
The flip design of the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker allows you to create golden brown waffles that are as fluffy as restaurant quality versions. You will be able to make your waffle as dark or light as you want quickly and easily. This appliance is designed to be used with thick batters as well as the more complex recipes. The deep pockets of the Belgian grid style create waffles that will hold plenty of syrup and toppings. When you are finished using it, the nonstick grids can be removed and placed in the dishwasher for easy clean-up.
With this appliance, you will be able to bake and flip gourmet waffles just like the ones served by the best chefs. The adjustable controls for browning allow you to make every waffle crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. All you have to do to use this waffle maker is preheat it. The Ready Light will alert you as to when it is time to add the batter. After pouring your preferred batter into the waffle maker, close it and give it a flip to lock it in place. In roughly five to eight minutes you will have perfectly made waffles. Flip the device back over to open it and remove the waffle.
The cool touch handle will stay cool throughout the cooking process. When you are finished, it folds so that you can easily store it without it taking up precious storage space in your cupboards or on the counter. The actual waffle maker comes in silver stainless steel while the base and handle are black. A removable drip tray is found on the bottom of it. This can also be removed for easy clean-up. Once the grids and drip tray are washed, the entire appliance can be put back together and stored until you need it again.
This Hamilton Beach waffle maker measures 10.5 by 16, by 9.2 inches, and it weighs 6.8 pounds. It is manufactured in China. The design of this particular appliance is ideal for the specialty waffles. If you love to get creative with the ingredients in your batter, this is waffle maker is for you. It easily handles fresh and dried fruits, chocolate, pecans, or walnuts within the batter. As long as the lid closes properly, you’ll be able to create special treats for the entire family.
Those who have left online reviews enjoy how this device helps them create light and tasty waffles. It makes very little mess, and the non-stick grids won’t require any seasoning before using it. It browns evenly regardless of the type of batter being used. Homemade recipes work just as nicely as the box mixes. Many people like that the drip tray catches any overflow. The batter can then be poured back into the bowl. There is very little waste with this product.
Although it is marketed as a Belgian waffle maker, the waffles this device will create are not as thick as some. If you are looking for extremely thick, cake-like waffles, this may not be the waffle maker for you. These waffles are by no means the thin and crispy American versions, but they do fall somewhere in the middle. This was not an issue for those leaving reviews online. In fact, some commented on how they had looked for a long time to find a waffle maker that would create ones with this thickness.
#4. Proctor Silex Belgian Waffle Baker
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*Price typically updated every 24 hours. Current price may be different.
The Proctor Silex 26070 Belgian Waffle Baker gives you a way to make light and fluffy waffles in your own home for a fraction of the cost of the more deluxe versions. It heats up quickly, and there is a Ready Light to let you know when it has reached the perfect temperature to pour in the batter. The non-stick plates eliminate the need for oils and butter.
Once the Proctor Silex Waffle Baker is plugged in, a red power light turns on. This light will remain lit until the device is unplugged. A green light will alert you as to when it is preheated. You will see the steam after you pour in the batter and close the lid. When this steam slows, open it to check for doneness. Don’t worry if you get distracted. The light and the sound it makes will signal you that it is time to remove your waffle. The entire process should take five to eight minutes. This will depend on how golden brown you desire to have your waffle.
Make sure the waffle maker has time to completely cool when you are finished. Use a damp soapy cloth to gently wipe the grid clean. Rinse the cloth, and then re-wipe the grid once more. It can be stored upright in order to save space in your kitchen. It measures 5.5 by 9 by 12 inches and weighs 3.3 pounds. This means it is compact enough to leave on the counter without being in the way. It also takes up very little room in the cupboard or pantry.
Batter with extra ingredients such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, maple butter, dried fruit, and chocolate covered raisins can be used in the Proctor Silex Waffle Baker. Simply make sure these items are cut into smaller pieces, and you may want to spread the batter across the grid by hand to ensure even baking. Your waffles will have a diameter of approximately seven inches, and they will be one inch thick. This ample size makes one waffle more than enough for each person.
Online reviews state that the waffle baker by Proctor Silex helps them create waffles that are perfectly baked to a crisp outside while still having a fluffy and moist center. Most people say it is quite easy to clean even though you cannot remove the grid plates. They speak highly of how this model doesn’t have any nooks or crannies where extra batter that may seep out can get stuck. Most say they can wipe it out with a paper towel and it is ready to go.
Pre-purchase considerations
Waffle Style
Waffles can be made in two different styles. American waffles are thin and crispy. They also have shallow pockets. Belgian waffles are much thicker and will be fluffy inside. Their pockets are quite deep, and they will hold a lot of syrup. Most waffle makers are designed to make only one type of waffle. These are usually the best available ones on the market. Any that try to accomplish both styles usually end up being rated as mediocre.
Size and Shape
Once you know whether you want an American or Belgian waffle maker, you will have a variety of shapes to pick from. Both styles can be found in the traditional round or square design, but you will also find many fun shapes such as animals, hearts, pops, and sticks. You can even have them imprint an image of your favorite cartoon character on your finished waffle.
Extra Features
Most of today’s waffle makers come with a surface that is covered with a nonstick coating. Some models will include a special rotary feature that will flip your waffle maker over once you have filled it. This will ensure that you get even browning on both sides of the waffle. This feature is only found in the round shapes. Other models will include browning controls so that you have more control over how golden your finished waffle will be. There are even mess free waffle makers that catch any drips of batter before they land on your kitchen countertop. A multi-purpose waffle maker will come with interchangeable plates so that you can make sandwiches as well as waffles in them.
Volume
You will want to keep in mind that the yield and timing will vary from one model to the next with the numerous shapes and sizes available in waffle makers. The average waffle maker will hold a ½ cup or ¾ cup of batter to make one waffle. If you are going to be making sandwiches, quesadillas, pizza, or French toast in yours, choose one of the bigger versions.
Clean Up
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Allow the device to completely cool first. A damp cloth will quickly clean the outside, and a paper towel wrapped around a chopstick will easily soak up any grease from the grates. Pastry brushes work nicely at removing crumbs, and if your waffle maker has removable plates, they can be washed in soapy water before being left out to air dry.
Conclusion (Wrapping it up)
Those who are looking for a way to create plenty of Belgian waffles for the entire family will love the Conair WMK600 Double Waffle Maker. This one will bake two waffles at a time. Each one comes out thick with one inch deep pockets to hold all of the delicious toppings and syrup. The flip design ensures that every waffle will be evenly baked to perfection.
The Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle Maker and the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker each offer special features while remaining quite affordable. Each one is manufactured by reputable brands known for quality kitchen products, and they have removable plates for easy clean-up. If you are simply looking for a nice waffle maker to use on those occasional days when you’re in the mood for something tasty, the Proctor Silex Belgian Waffle Baker is for you. This basic design allows you to create evenly baked waffles without having to spend a small fortune for features you won’t necessarily need.