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.
Updated August 22, 2025: The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Waffle Maker was actually a top-list contender in the previous year. However, it’s since been discontinued.
Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker
First up, the Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker PRO. The first thing that caught my eye when I unboxed it (you can see that video here) was the completely unique vertical design – I'd honestly never seen anything like it. At $80, I wasn't expecting something this innovative.
The big promise of this waffle maker is its revolutionary vertical heating system that pours batter from the top instead of the traditional clamshell approach. And I have to say, it delivered on that promise beautifully in my kitchen. The batter flows down into the cooking chamber, and the vertical design really does provide more even heat distribution than I expected.
I was particularly impressed with the NeverStick coating – cleanup was genuinely effortless, with batter residue wiping away like magic. Plus, the 5 browning settings gave me excellent control over my preferred level of doneness. The audible beep when it's ready is a nice touch too.
Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker BW1001
The waffles that came out had remarkably even golden coloring on both sides and a pleasant texture that struck a good balance between crispy and fluffy. My only real complaint? The top funnel gets dangerously hot – I actually burned my hand because I instinctively grabbed it like you would a traditional waffle maker handle. They really need better warning labels up there.
But honestly, once you adjust to the vertical design, this thing is a solid performer that brings something genuinely different to the waffle game.
Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker
Next, I put the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 through its paces, and wow – this is what I call a serious piece of kitchen equipment. When I first lifted it out of the box, the premium brushed stainless steel construction immediately told me this wasn't messing around. At $120, it better not be!
The standout feature here is the versatility – it comes with interchangeable waffle, pancake, and panini plates. Essentially, you're getting three appliances in one, which helps justify that higher price point. The waffle plates have these incredibly deep 1-inch pockets that create restaurant-style Belgian waffles that are just gorgeous to look at.
What really impressed me was the power behind this thing. The 1250-watt heating system is no joke – it heats up fast and maintains consistent temperature throughout the cooking process. The 6-setting browning control is well-calibrated too; each setting produces noticeably different results.
Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker
When I tested it with my homemade batter, the results were outstanding – beautiful golden color, excellent texture, and flavors that really developed well thanks to that high-heat cooking. With store-bought mix, it was still good but showed the batter needed a bit more time to fully cook through those deep pockets.
The safety performance blew me away – despite all that power, the surface temperatures stayed remarkably cool. I could actually touch the exterior without any concern, which is rare for such a powerful unit.
My only gripes? It's heavy (great for stability, not so great for storage), and those deep waffle pockets require more thorough cleaning than shallow models. But if you're serious about breakfast and want professional-grade results, this Cuisinart is absolutely worth the investment. It's built like a tank and performs like one too.
Hamilton Beach 26031
Next, I took the Hamilton Beach 26031 for a spin (literally). This, like the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1, is a flip-style model. But despite being half the price of the Cuisinart 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 Cuisinart 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.
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 a good waffle maker right now, the Ninja BW1001 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 want to see other options outside of these waffle makers? Feel free to take a look at Shouldit’s list of the best waffle makers – we’ve tested them ourselves in a lab, so you can trust us on our choice. 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.