When the craving for crispy, fluffy waffles hits, nothing beats having a great waffle maker in your kitchen arsenal. As a waffle enthusiast always on the hunt for the perfect combination of golden color, crunchy exterior, and cloud-like interior, I jumped at the chance to put five of the most popular waffle makers to the test.
After whipping up countless batches of batter and taste-testing my way through stacks of waffles, I'm excited to share my experience with each one.
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Waffle Maker
First up, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Waffle Maker. The first thing that jumped out to me the most when I first unboxed it (you can see the video here) was the sleek stainless steel design. It’s to be expected – after all, I paid about $110 for it.
The big promise of this waffle maker is that it’s able to cook two Belgian-style waffles at once, a role that it performed commendably in my kitchen. After the batter is poured in, the baking chamber can be flipped to make it more even. And I loved the adjustable browning control for dialing in my ideal level of crispiness, plus the power button. Not many models out there come with the latter!
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Waffle Maker
All the final waffles that came out of the baking chamber had gorgeous coloring and a dreamy texture that made me reach for the syrup. The only downside was the size (of the waffle maker) - this is one hefty machine that demands some serious countertop real estate. But honestly, this waffle maker is worth making room for.
Hamilton Beach 26031
Next, I took the Hamilton Beach 26031 for a spin (literally). This, like the WAF-F20P1, is a flip-style model. But despite being half the price of the WAF-F20P1, there are a couple of things that make the Hamilton stand out.
For instance, the waffle maker comes with a pair of removable ceramic plates. After each cooking session, they can be taken off and cleaned in the sink. As such, it’s much handier than the WAF-F20P1, which I could only clean with a damp cloth.
When I tested it, the waffles were thick and fluffy, with just a hint of crunch. While I did spot a few burnt spots, the overall taste and texture hit the mark just right. The control panel is pretty basic with only a small browning control knob and a row of lights, but if you're looking for a solid performer without a ton of bells and whistles (or cost an arm and leg), the Hamilton Beach is a great pick.
BLACK+DECKER WMB500
Honestly, it’s pretty surprising that I managed to snag this model for $40. Even though the waffle maker doesn’t quite look like something that can be described as “expensive”, being a blacked-out, all-plastic piece of appliance. However, the WMB500 has the ability to cook two waffles at a time, thanks to its double-sided baking chamber. It’ll be excellent for feeding a hungry crowd or family on the cheap. As I said, it’s mostly made from plastic. Nevertheless, the build quality is sturdy, which is hugely appreciated at this price point.
Now, what of the waffles’ quality? They’re alright, if a bit inconsistent - I found the bottom tended to be slightly undercooked compared to the top. But with a little trial and error (and maybe a flip mid-cook), you’ll get better results than I did.
Oh, and there’s also a drip tray to keep countertops batter-free. This has helped a lot with post-cooking clean-ups.
BELLA 13991 Classic Waffle Maker
If you’re familiar with waffle lingos, don’t let the name fools you – the BELLA 13991 Classic Waffle Maker cooks Belgian-style waffles. If you prefer classic-style bites (Waffle House-esque waffles that are thinner and with tighter patterning), you’ll have to look elsewhere.
I got this waffle maker for about $40, which is about mid-range. The design looks awesome at first glance, but the using experience is anything but. I’m not sure if I simply got unlucky or not, but the model I got has a very loose lid. As in, if I lift the lid up all the way and let go, it’d slam back down. There’s been quite a few close calls while I was pouring batter because of this.
BELLA 13991 Classic Waffle Maker
While the using experience wasn’t as smooth as I had hoped, the BELLA 13991 wowed me with its waffles, boasting spot-on coloration and a delightfully crispy exterior that gave way to a fluffy interior. The flippable design was a breeze to use, and the nonstick coating made waffle retrieval and cleanup a snap. For the price and performance, the Bella is a Belgian waffle lover's dream. If the design or the using experience is important to you, though … maybe not.
Crownful Mini Waffle Maker
Finally, for those mornings when a full-size waffle feels like too much, or if you rarely eat waffles but still want the ability to make one just in case, the adorably petite Crownful Mini Waffle Maker can come to the rescue. This pint-sized, sub-$20 powerhouse turns out 4-inch waffles that are perfect for snacking or stacking
While the waffles may not win any beauty contests, they satisfy a waffle craving in a cute, compact package. The nonstick plates performed well, and the simple indicator light lets you know when it's time to pour the batter. Just don't expect any fancy features - this is a basic, plug-and-play kind of waffle maker. But for the size and price, it's a fun addition to any waffle lover's collection.
Overall Verdict
So what’s the takeaway here? If you want to get the best waffle maker for the money right now, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is hard to beat. Sure, it’s pricey, but judging by its construction, it’ll last you for a long time before you have to replace it. All the while, it’s sure to give you tasty waffles.
And if you don’t want to spend $100 or so on a waffle maker? The Hamilton Beach 26031 will be a nice alternative. I have a soft spot for this machine, being quite affordable while having a great balance between design, using experience, and waffle-making-ability.
Luna Regina
Writer, Author
- Sasha WilsonThanks for the review! I've been on the fence about investing in a waffle maker, so the breakdown is really useful. We were on the lookout for something that can make 2 at a time, so the Cuisinart was just right.