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Whether you prefer fat and fluffy Belgian waffles or favor thin and crispy traditional American-style ones, there are dozens of different waffle makers in every shape and size. The best overall waffle maker for the casual waffle fan is the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker in Stainless Steel.
When I was a kid, I was obsessed with Eggo waffles. I vaguely remember that when I was very young, my mother used to purchase square frozen waffles. But once our family was turned on to the round Eggo waffles, we never looked back. As soon as one popped out of the toaster, I would slather it in butter and maple syrup and then cut off the rounded edges and gobble it up.
Frozen waffles are delicious, but freshly made ones are even better. There are plenty of waffle recipes online, and once you've assembled the ingredients, you just need a waffle maker. There is a dizzying array of waffle makers out there, so we've researched to find the best ones you can buy. Before you buy one, the first thing you need to determine is what kind of waffles you’d like to make.
Belgian vs. American vs. Liege waffles
What’s the difference between Belgian Waffles and “regular” American-style waffles? According to Chowhound, Belgian waffles are bigger all around — in diameter and thickness — and also have deeper square pockets than their American counterparts. They are also traditionally made with yeast, which makes them light and fluffy. Regular waffles, on the other hand, are usually made with baking powder and are thinner and crunchier than Belgian waffles. Belgian waffles require a different kind of waffle maker.
Another kind of waffle that is gaining popularity in the US is a type of Belgian waffle called the Liege. Liege waffles are a centuries old street treat in Belgium, made from yeast-risen dough and Belgian pearl sugar. This gives the waffle its own natural sweetness — no toppings needed. They are softer, sweeter and doughier than other Belgian waffles. They're also much harder to make. Our picks are primarily for Belgian and American style waffles.
How to pick a waffle maker
So, now that you’ve decided what kind of waffles you’d like to cook up at home, it’s time to pick your waffle maker. Experts agree that the single most important factor when selecting a waffle maker is that it cooks your waffle evenly.
According to the Food Network and ConsumerSearch.com, a good waffle maker should also offer variable heat controls, stay cool to the touch, and alert you when the waffles are done. Some waffle makers come with special features like removable grids and most have non-stick coatings to make it easier to remove your waffles.
We've researched expert and buyer reviews to find the best waffle makers you can buy at any price point, whether you want Belgian waffles or stereotypical American ones.
The best waffle maker overall
Why you'll love it: The Oster Belgian Waffle Maker produces perfect golden waffles for a great low price.
If you like big, fat, fluffy waffles — and want to make them easily and affordably — you may have found your match. With an 8-inch round baking plate, the Oster Belgian Waffle Maker makes an oversized, round Belgian waffle. Adjustable temperature controls keep you in charge of how crispy and golden your waffles will be.
The waffle maker has non-stick cool-touch handles and two indicator lights, so you know what's going on with your waffle. The stainless steel waffle maker comes with a limited one-year warranty, and it's the best-selling waffle maker on Amazon.
There are more than 1,450 user reviews on Amazon, most of which are highly positive. Buyers love how easy it is to clean, its low price point, and the different waffle settings you can use.
“It's a good, small waffle maker that makes great waffles. The waffles don't stick and come out crispy and brown,” wrote Ginger Sager in July 2017, adding that she uses it when her grandchildren come to visit.
Of course, for a $20 waffle maker, you can't expect perfection. Negative reviewers note that the lid feels shaky and the unit doesn’t feel sturdy. A few people say that the unit doesn’t heat up enough for their liking.
Around the web, professional reviewers, including those at Your Best Digs and Best Products, point out that the simple Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker is a great bargain that's well worth the price.
Pros: Affordable, adjustable temperature, indicator light
Cons: Not as high-end as some alternatives, may be flimsy
The best waffle maker to splurge on
Why you'll love it: The All-Clad 2-Square Belgian Waffle Maker is a top-of-the-line appliance with all the bells and whistles to ensure you make perfect waffles every time.
Keep your whole family content with the All-Clad, 2-Square Belgian Waffle Maker. This high-end waffle maker produces two lovely thick waffles every time. You can also get one that makes four waffles. The waffles measure 4.5 inches wide by 1-inch thick, so these are nice big Belgian waffles.
The waffle maker has seven different browning settings to accommodate all tastes. Regardless of which setting you pick, the advanced heating technology ensures consistent cooking straight through the waffle. A special steam-release system prevents condensation from building up, too, thus ensuring that your waffle comes out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
There’s no guesswork here. LED indicator lights let you know when to pour your batter in and when your waffles are ready to eat. Don’t worry: If you’re not paying attention, the system beeps to let you know it's done.
With the nonstick cooking surface and a removable drip tray, cleanup is easy, too. When you are done, you can leave the gorgeous stainless steel unit on your counter or take advantage of the cord storage and the locking lid and turn it on its side for more compact storage. Like all All-Clad products, there is a limited lifetime warranty on this unit.
There are more than 170 user reviews on Amazon, and most are highly positive. “This is what I have been looking for,” wrote one verified purchaser in October 2016. “I make waffles weekly and even take my waffle maker on family vacations to the beach. I need a new one every few years and hesitated spending so much for this one. I am glad I did. The waffles are thick and fluffy inside.”
Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at Good Housekeeping and Best Reviews give the All-Clad, 2-Square Belgian Waffle Maker high marks.
Pros: Sturdy stainless steel construction, multiple browning options, special heating technology, LED indicator lights, easy to clean
Cons: Expensive, heavy
The best waffle maker for American-style waffles
Why you'll love it: The Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is an affordable appliance that makes thin, crispy, American waffles.
Bye-bye Belgian. If you’re one of those folks who prefer more traditional- style American waffles that are thin and crunchy with smaller pockets, then stand up and proudly proclaim your preference. The Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is the best waffle maker for the job.
This brushed stainless steel appliance has five browning setting and dual indicator lights that tell you when it’s time to bake the waffle and when it is ready to eat. The round nonstick cook plate, with four quarters, produces one large, round, traditional-style waffle. Rubber feet keep the unit from sliding around and the lid is weighted so it doesn't pop open.
Cleanup is simple. After grids have cooled, brush crumbs from the grooves, and absorb any excess cooking oil by wiping with a dry cloth or paper towel. You may clean the grids by wiping with a damp cloth. To clean exterior, wipe with a soft dry cloth. After you are done, wrap the cord under the bottom of the unit and then turn it on its side for compact storage. It comes with a three-year warranty, as well as a recipe book.
There are more than 3,250 user reviews on Amazon, and most are positive. “That sound you hear is the Angel choir when I finally sat down to golden crisp waffles. I had been craving them for months - not the thick Belgium ones, but the old-fashioned, round, thin crispy ones. Easy to use, makes delicious waffles. I used a setting between 3-4, and they came out perfect,” wrote one verified buyer in March 2017.
Across the web, professional reviewers, including those at The Sweethome, Your Best Digs, Best Reviews, and Best Products highly recommend the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker.
Pros: Affordable, heats up quickly, makes thin and crunchy traditional waffles, 5 browning settings, indicator lights, easy to clean and to store.
Cons: Somewhat flimsy
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