The best waffle makers you can buy
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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 waffle maker for families big or small is the Krups Belgian Waffle Maker because it makes four perfect golden waffles every time.
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.
Updated on 08/24/2017 by Malarie Gokey: Added the Krups Belgian Waffle Maker as our top pick to honor National Waffle Day.
Although the Krups Belgian Waffle Maker is our top pick, for the reasons laid out in the slides below, you should also consider the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker in Stainless Steel, the All Clad 99011GT Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker 2-Square, the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker, the Chef's Choice Pro Express Waffle Maker, and the Black & Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Waffle Maker.
The best waffle maker overall
Why you'll love it: The Krups Belgian Waffle Maker makes four perfect, thick, golden waffles, and it's very easy to clean.
Krups makes excellent small appliances for very affordable prices, and its Belgian Waffle Maker is another great bargain. The waffle maker produces four perfect golden waffles every time, and you can choose just how golden and crispy you want them with the five adjustable temperature settings.
The non-stick, die-cast plates are removable for easy cleaning and they're dishwasher safe, so you don't even have to hand wash them. Red and green indicator lights tell you when the machine is hot and ready for your waffle batter, and the machine beeps politely when your waffles are ready.
The machine itself is very sturdy since it's made of stainless steel. The cord wraps up easily and you can store the machine vertically if you don't have room to leave it sitting on your kitchen counter. It's great that you can store it standing up because it is larger than some of the other waffle makers in our guide.
If you have a family, it's a great waffle maker to have because it makes up to four waffles at a time. You can also choose to make just one or two waffles without any problems.
I tested the Krups waffle maker and loved it. Years ago, I bought an industrial-style rotating Krups waffle maker to make Liege waffles, because I had seen a similar model at my favorite food truck, Wafles & Dinges. I compared the two, and the simpler Krups machine worked just as well — I just had slightly less control over the temperature.
The Krups Belgian Waffle Maker is the best waffle maker you can buy to make any kind of waffle at home, whether you want a Belgian-style masterpiece or a true Liege waffle. — Malarie Gokey
Pros: Makes four perfect waffles, thick waffles, removable plates for easy cleaning, five temperature settings, affordable, easy to store
Cons: None
Buy the KRUPS GQ502D Adjustable Temperature Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates on Amazon for $49.88
Buy the KRUPS GQ502D Adjustable Temperature Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates from Walmart for $49.88
The best round waffle maker
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
Buy the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker, Stainless Steel at Amazon for $17.01 (originally $23.99)
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
Buy the All Clad 99011GT Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker 2-Square on Amazon for $179.95 (originally $199.99)
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