Waffles are a popular food originating in Central Europe and are now a large trend worldwide. To make the best waffles, you’ll need the right equipment, and that’s where the best waffle makers come in. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best waffle makers that are both affordable and reliable, so you can enjoy delicious waffles whenever you want!
Note: There are no affiliate links inside this article.
Criteria for Selection
When choosing a waffle maker, there are several important factors to consider. First and foremost, price is an essential factor. All of the waffle makers on this list are affordable and won’t break the bank.
Reliability is also a key consideration. You want a waffle maker that is easy to use and produces consistently great results. The waffle makers on this list are all known for their reliability and performance.
Ease of use is another important factor to consider. The waffle makers on this list are all simple to use and clean, making them perfect for experienced and novice bakers.
One important criterion to consider when selecting the best waffle makers is price. Waffle makers can range in price from under $20 to over $100, so choosing one that fits your budget is essential. While higher-priced waffle makers may have additional features, such as adjustable temperature control or a titanium-infused non-stick surface, it’s important to note that these features are unnecessary for making great waffles. Additionally, a higher price does not always guarantee better performance or durability. So, when choosing a waffle maker, it’s crucial to find a balance between price and features and select the one that best fits your needs and budget.
Finally, durability is an important consideration. You want a waffle maker that will last for years and withstand frequent use. All the waffle makers on this list are made from high-quality materials and built to last.
Top 7 Best Waffle Makers
The Dash No-Drip Belgian Waffle Maker is an affordable and reliable option for anyone who loves waffles. It features a compact design that is easy to store, making it a great choice for small kitchens. The non-stick cooking surface ensures that your waffles won’t stick, while the drip tray keeps your kitchen counters clean.
Pros: Affordable, compact design, non-stick cooking surface, drip tray
Cons: Small cooking surface
Price: $39.99
The Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to make large, fluffy waffles at home. It features a double waffle maker that allows you to make two waffles at once, making it perfect for families or those who like to entertain guests. The non-stick cooking surface ensures that your waffles won’t stick, while the adjustable temperature control allows you to cook your waffles to your desired level of crispiness.
Pros: Large cooking surface, adjustable temperature control, the non-stick cooking surface
Cons: Higher price point
Price: $119.99
The BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker is affordable and reliable for anyone who loves waffles. It features a flip design that ensures even cooking and helps to prevent sticking, while the non-stick cooking surface makes cleaning up a breeze. The compact design is easy to store, making it an excellent choice for small kitchens.
Pros: Affordable, compact design, non-stick cooking surface, flip design
Cons: Small cooking surface
Price: $59.99
The All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker is a high-end option for anyone who wants the best waffles. It features a large cooking surface that allows you to make big, fluffy waffles, while the non-stick cooking surface ensures that your waffles won’t stick. The adjustable temperature control allows you to cook your waffles to your desired level of crispiness, while the brushed stainless steel finish gives the waffle maker a sleek, modern look.
Pros: Large cooking surface, adjustable temperature control, non-stick cooking surface, brushed stainless steel finish.
Cons: Higher price point
Price: $199.99
The Proctor Silex Belgian Style Waffle Maker is affordable and reliable for anyone who loves waffles. It features a compact design that is easy to store, while the non-stick cooking surface ensures that your waffles won’t stick. The ready indicator light lets you know when the waffle maker is hot and ready to use, while the easy-to-clean design makes cleaning up a breeze.
Pros: Affordable, compact design, non-stick cooking surface, ready indicator light, easy-to-clean design
Cons: Small cooking surface
Price: $45
The Hamilton Beach Belgian Style Waffle Maker is a great choice for anyone who loves waffles. It features a large cooking surface that allows you to make big, fluffy waffles, while the non-stick cooking surface ensures that your waffles won’t stick. The ready indicator light lets you know when the waffle maker is hot and ready to use, while the easy-to-clean design makes cleaning up a breeze.
Pros: Large cooking surface, non-stick cooking surface, ready indicator light, easy-to-clean design
Cons: None!
Price: $64.99
The Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker is a high-end option for anyone who wants the best waffles. It features a large cooking surface that allows you to make big, fluffy waffles, while the titanium-infused DuraCeramic non-stick cooking surface ensures that your waffles won’t stick. The adjustable temperature control allows you to cook your waffles to your desired level of crispiness, while the easy-to-clean design makes cleaning up a breeze.
Pros: Large cooking surface, adjustable temperature control, titanium-infused DuraCeramic non-stick cooking surface, easy-to-clean design
Cons: Higher price point
Price: $300
Customer Reviews:
“5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent waffle maker at a great price.”
Oster Titanium Infused DuraCeramic Belgian Waffle Maker
“I bought it at a super deal from Amazon, about $335.
And the truth is that it is made of excellent materials, easy to use following instructions, and easy to clean. And it doesn’t take up as much space as one might think. Clean
it with a hot water cloth at the grill’s start. After drying it, you can already connect it.
You can regulate the temperature from the start; I put it just beyond half. It
needs to be connected to the current, and it starts to warm up when the green focus turns on (the red one is always on when connected); at that time, you can pour the mixture. Pour it in a circular shape from the outside; try not to go over the mixture if you want it to spill.
It has to be calculated; I’ll put it almost until all the mounts on the grill are covered.
Close the lid and count for at least 4 minutes. I leave them between 4 and a half and 5 minutes to make them crispy. Smoke will come out of the waffler; it’s the air that’s evaporating. Do not open it before 4 minutes at least.
The truth is I highly recommend them; now I just need to improve the mix a little; -).”
“5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent choice for the kitchen.“
Hamilton Beach Belgian Style Waffle Maker
“Excellent product if you want to make waffles occasionally for breakfast.
Easy to use and quite portable.
The only disadvantage is that it does not have a time indicator (To know that the dough was already cooked). But despite that, you quickly realize when he is ready to retire.”
“First waffle iron I’ve ever bought, and I’m extremely happy with it.”
Proctor Silex Belgian Style Waffle Maker
“This was the first waffle iron I’ve ever bought, and I’m extremely happy with it. I’ve read other reviews complaining about how it doesn’t have a timer or other fancy gadget, but that is only a benefit for me. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not great with technology, but this waffle iron was so simple and easy. And I don’t mind setting my own timer—in fact, I prefer doing that as I’ve been greatly disappointed with automated equipment in the past.
Here are a few helpful tips:
1. Find a good waffle batter recipe. The best waffle iron in the world won’t help a bad batter.
2. Use cooking spray. I’ve never had a non-stick pan or gadget that didn’t still need cooking spray, so don’t be lazy. It takes all of two seconds to do.
3. Don’t overfill the iron. Other people complained about runovers from this model, but I found that only happened to me once when I overloaded it the first time. No more than 3/4 of a cup, depending on the size of the batter you make.
MOST IMPORTANTLY
4. Clean up. Most of the negative reviews I read for this model all had to do with how hard it was to clean. I assume most of them didn’t spray first, and that’s where most of the problem comes from. If you did use cooking spray, then all you have to do is wipe it down with a damp washcloth. If you want to get in the crevices well, take a couple of Q-tips, dip them in soapy water, and run them between the hard-to-reach parts. Then take some dry ones and wipe up any excess water and suds.
All in all, I love this little waffle iron and enjoy using it every weekend.”
“Weekly Use, Perfect Waffles”
“I make a double batch of NYT sourdough waffles 2x/a week. It’s a crazy amount of waffles, but with 5 adults & teens in the house, they last about half a week. I always avoided making waffles because cleaning the ridges was painful, and they cooked unevenly. The All-Clad was a game changer for me – I have the round waffle maker, too; I hadn’t realized the difference the machine could make! I alternate between the Belgian, which fits in the toaster, and the round, which makes great sandwiches because they are thinner. I hope they don’t stay working anytime soon, as the reviews mention because it will be a very sad day in my kitchen.”
“Great Quality”
BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker
“Very pleased with this waffle maker. The waffles came out perfectly from the first time I used it. Doesn’t stick, and the waffles are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Very easy to use and clean. I cooked them for the additional 2 minutes recommended by the manufacturer, and they were evenly browned and crisp. I’m happy with the purchase.”
“Product Design Flaw?”
Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
“I really liked this waffle maker after receiving it. I felt it was designed well, highly functional, and easy to use.
I make 2 waffles twice every weekend with this Cuisinart WAF-F20 and have been doing so for the last 10 months with great success. I really liked it.
Then, one weekend after clean-up, I looked at the rear support post, stared for a while, and asked myself, “What am I looking at?”
I was dumbfounded. The entire housing of this unit’s rear support post is made from cheap plastic. Plastic!
The center section, which has two sets of coils, one for the upper and one for the lower griddle portion, gets extremely hot and is within 1 inch of that rear post.
Cheap plastic and heat just don’t get along. Cheap plastic easily warps, swells, and weakens with heat. Now add to this the ever-so-slight “torque” applied every time you turn the unit on its pivot, and it hits the stop.
This heat on plastic, plus the torque, plus 10 months of use, and the entire rear support post-split wide open, exposing the gearing mechanism and the wiring (see the Michael Clark review and pictures).
With incredible frustration, I have been in contact with Conair numerous times for a warranty replacement, and nearly a month later, I still don’t have the replacement unit. Their customer service needs a regular kick in the pants to get moving.
So be aware, this unit requires you to use “kid gloves” when operating it. Don’t clean the unit until it is completely relaxed and the plastic has firmed back up, and resist applying torque when pivoting the unit, incredibly when hot.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the 7 waffle makers on this list are all affordable and reliable options that are perfect for anyone who loves bubble waffles. Whether you’re looking for a high-end or budget-friendly option, a bubble waffle maker on this list will meet your needs. So go ahead, and treat yourself to some delicious bubble waffles today!