Waffles are part of our staple breakfast and baking them requires a specific appliance: waffle makers. While you can always use a non-stick pan as an alternative to baking your batter, it won’t give you the same signature pockets that waffle makers can make. Plus, using waffle makers means less mess, fewer things to clean up, and faster preparation.
One of the best waffle makers currently ruling this category in the market is the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1. Compared to others, it has a base that elevates the waffle maker itself and allows it to be rotated. Also, both of its sides can simultaneously bake big circular waffles which makes it very ideal for big families.
Cuisinart also secured the next spot on our list with WAF-V100, a vertical waffle maker. While it looks exactly like the other model previously mentioned, it uses a spout where you can pour the batter while the unit is closed. With the position of the waffle maker, the batter automatically fills the pockets resulting in perfectly shaped waffles afterward.
The two models, however, might not fit everyone’s needs so we reviewed both of them together with 3 other models that had prevailed on our shortlist. Our SolidSmack Household Appliance and Tool Research Team tested how efficient each one was in baking waffles by taking note of whether they are capable of evenly browning the surface of the waffles or not. The reviewers also kept an eye on the features that could make things more convenient for users including temperature controls, On/Off switch, non-stick surface, removable plates, and more.
Best Waffle Makers Comparison & Rating
Waffle Makers | Features |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
1. Cuisinart WAF-F20P1
Brand | Cuisinart |
Number of Waffles | 2 |
Removable Plates | No |
Temperature Control | Yes |
If you have a big family to feed every morning, baking waffles using a small unit can be exhausting. Cuisinart has a good solution for that through WAF-F20P1, the best waffle maker for families. It employs a rotary feature, allowing you to bake waffles on both sides of the waffle maker. It flips 180 degrees by turning its handle while the entirety of the pan’s body is handled by the sturdy, stable base.
It also gives you sufficient options for controls. Unlike other waffle makers, it comes with a switch for turning it on and off and a dial for selecting the right brownness of your waffle. These features make WAF-F20P1 easy to use. Also, both sides have a non-stick coating, allowing the waffle to easily detach from the surface. Once it is ready to bake, there are green indicator lights on both sides that will turn on. After baking, the machine will also notify you through a 3-beep sound which is loud enough to be heard feet away.
With all these things, our team finds the model not just the best waffle maker in terms of features, but also the easiest to use. It passed our test in producing perfectly shaped waffles as the batter was well distributed along the surface, thanks to the flipping capability of its pan. Also, each number in its dial has a distinctive browning level and we love that even at the highest temperature, it didn’t burn anything.
2. Cuisinart WAF-V100
Brand | Cuisinart |
Number of Waffles | 1 |
Removable Plates | No |
Temperature Control | Yes |
The best waffle makers commonly come in horizontal designs and sometimes, it can be a challenge spreading the batter all over the baking area. If you always get the imperfect shape of waffles and want to experience something different, check out Cuisinart WAF-V100.
It is almost impossible for you to go wrong when you use this vertical waffle maker. Thanks to its unique and well-thought design, the gravity itself will do the job of spreading the batter from the bottom of the plate to the top. To prevent reaching the spout and overfilling the waffle maker, there is also an included measuring scoop for the right amount of batter you need.
3. Black+Decker WM2000SD
Brand | Black+Decker |
Number of Waffles | 2 |
Removable Plates | Yes |
Temperature Control | No |
Sometimes, we find it unnecessary to buy an appliance that can only serve a single purpose. Well, if you are one of those folks who refuse to buy a waffle maker due to that reason, we give you the Black+Decker WM2000SD.
4. Oster CKSTWF2000
Brand | Oster |
Number of Waffles | 1 |
Removable Plates | No |
Temperature Control | Yes |
There is always something about having a single huge waffle that makes it more enjoyable. And if you are a fan of plate-sized waffles, Oster CKSTWF2000 is your best waffle maker for that specific demand.
5. Dash DMSW002AQ
Brand | Dash |
Number of Waffles | 1 |
Removable Plates | No |
Temperature Control | No |
If your counter is short of space or if you are just living alone who think a big waffle maker is an overkill for you, have a look at Dash DMSW002AQ. The diameter of the waffle maker measures 4”, so you can prepare just the exact number of waffles you need. Even better, the set provides a separate griddle which means you can cook other items while waiting for your waffle to get baked. That being said, if you enjoy your dish with some eggs or burgers, this is the best waffle maker set to have. The griddle of course can handle other items you wish to cook including pancakes, bread buns, and even hash browns.
There are no switches in both the griddle and waffle maker, so using them is instant and fool-proof. They automatically heat up once you have plugged them into the outlet. The temperature is also properly distributed across the plates so you can be sure to have perfect mini-waffles each time. They also heat up pretty fast despite their size, so you can cook another batch easily.
Best Waffle Makers - Buyer's Guide
First, determine the size of the waffle maker that you want to have. If you have a big family, you probably need a bigger unit so you don’t have to bake waffles again and again. On the other hand, if you just need something for yourself, models like the Dash DMSW002AQ should be fine.
Storing conventional compact waffle makers is easy since they fold easily. However, if you want something like the Cuisinart models we tested, expect to allot some space on your counter or cabinet for them.
Temperature controls are not really necessary in waffle makers but it would be nice to have some. Having the option for temperature levels will allow you to select the right shade of waffle according to your preference.
Besides the temperature controls, there are also other factors that will determine your experience in using the waffle maker. This includes the non-stick plates, removable plates, On/Off switch, audible alerts, and more.
Best Waffle Makers - FAQs
It depends on the model of the waffle maker and whether there is a temperature control or not. Nonetheless, waffle makers commonly bake the mix for 4 to 6 minutes.
Most waffle makers have non-stick plates but you should still season them to assure the waffle will pop out easily.
You can use a blend of clean water and some drops of dishwashing liquid. Use a piece of clean cloth and dip it into the mixture and wipe the plates. For the pockets, you can use a sponge. After this, repeat the process by just using clean water.
