Waffles are great addition to any meal. The possibilities that come with waffles are endless. They can be a main dish or a dessert, topped with fresh fruit or syrup, garnished with ice cream or any kind of cream you like.
However, for a great waffle, one must have the perfect waffle maker. The things to consider while purchasing a waffle maker are its ability to cook evenly, indicate the readiness of the waffle and it should come equipped with various settings for different tastes.
Below are ten great waffles that would suit any taste bud from adults to kids to families as whole.
01. Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
This Presto waffle maker is made with stainless steel on the outside and a non-stick interior. The non-stick element makes it easy to clean after use with a damp cloth. It has a timer that beeps and a light that goes on when the waffles are ready and also when the waffle maker is hot enough for use. It also has the option of flipping it over to ensure an even well-made waffle that is fluffy and moist on the inside. The Presto 03510 can also be stored in a standing position and therefore space-saving- a good feature for those with smaller kitchens.
02. Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
This waffle maker is a sister option to the 03510. It has non stick plates that ensure an easy clean up. It can also rotate, giving a ‘flip’ ability to ensure uniform batter spread. The display signals are digital- something that isn’t in most waffle maker and it comes equipped with a timer to let you know when the waffle is ready. It is stainless steel but has plastic casing on the handle. It has been said that the quality of the plastic is inferior compared to the steel. Reviews are mixed with this presto, when it works, it works very well but is usually short lived.
03. Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker
This is a classic waffle maker with non stick iron, equipped with 5 settings that determine the degree of browning. It has a red light to signify that it is heating up and a green light that indicates it is ready for use, or the waffle itself is cooked. This waffle maker also ensures that the lid stays on as the batter rises, by its weighted back. A recipe book is included with the purchase and contains the perfect batter recipe for this Cuisinart. Some buyers have mentioned that the plastic smell takes a tad longer to be eliminated after the first use. It is also easy to store as it stands upright.
04. Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker -79
The Conair WMK600 is also known as the Waring Pro WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker. As it’s name suggests, it allows you to make two different waffles at the same time. For families with different tastes, this is the waffle maker for you. The handles allow you to turn the waffle maker with arrows that indicate the direction in which to turn after pouring the first waffle batter. Each waffle side has lights that indicate when the waffle maker is ready for use and beeps when the waffle is ready. It also comes equipped with six browning levels on each side to suit everyones taste buds.
05. Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Waffle Maker & Indoor
The Black and Decker G48TD 3 in 1 is the ultimate kitchen helper. Not only does it make waffles, it can make pancakes, bacon and even eggs- from a waffle maker to a grill. For less than $40, you can move this appliance form the kitchen to your camping trips. The waffle wells are slightly shallow than it’s counterparts and therefore may offer a thinner classic waffle. It is easy to clean due to its non stich feature and has plastic handles that are cool even when the waffle maker is on. The rest of this appliance is stainless steel and therefore one must exercise extra caution when handling it. The waffles are also square shaped for those who love their round waffles.
06. Proctor Silex 26070 Belgian Waffle Baker
The Proctor Silex is an easy to clean waffle maker with non-stick waffle plates. It has indicator lights and a timer that makes a beep. It has been noted that the beep is quite faint and one may still need to be close by to hear it in time. The plates have deep wells indicating that the waffles will be fluffy. There is no weighted handle to hold the lid down as the batter rises and therefore the waffle might open while cooking. This waffle maker can be stored upright and save counter space.
07. Hamilton Beach 26030 Belgian Waffle Maker
For under $40, this waffle is well equipped for the experienced waffle maker. It has settings for browning levels, lights that show the appliance is ready for use or that the waffle if fully cooked. It is easy to flip ensuring an even waffle. There is a drip tray for any batter spill – which is easy to clean and a handle that collapses for easy storage- it is however bulkier than its counterparts. A treat with this Hamilton is that the plates are removable and, for the cherry on top, dishwasher safe. One can be sure of the cleanliness of this waffle maker after every use.
08. Hamilton Beach 26020 Belgian Style Waffle Baker
This waffle maker is the earlier version of the 26020 and is about $10 cheaper. It is non-stick and cleans easily with a damp cloth after every use. It has removal drip trays that collect excess batter and lights that show when the waffle is ready. This version, however, doesn’t have removable waffle trays like its replacement version but it still makes a very tasty waffle.
09. Dash Mini Waffle Maker
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker makes cute little waffles for less than $20. Great for kids or little appetizers for a party or if you need that extra motivation to stick to a low calorie diet. It also carries non-stick plates and is equipped with lights letting you know when the waffle maker is hot enough. It isn’t as sophisticated in features like its counterparts, but it gets the job done. A great addition is the recipe book included with your purchase.
10. Oster CKSTWFBF21 1-1/2-Inch Thick Belgian Flip Waffle Maker
This Belgian waffle maker is also non-stick, and as the name suggests, made of stainless steel. It also has non-stick handles that do not get hot during use and lights that come on when the waffles are ready. This Oster allows you to control the temperature for your perfect waffle- whether you like them fluffy or crispy. It also comes with removable drip trays that collect spilling batter and can also be stored in a standing position for the space conscious individuals. For under $30 this waffle maker could be yours.
Conclusion
It is clear that there a standard features that waffles should have. The plates should be non-stick to allow for an easy lift when ready. The lid of the waffle need to remain down as the waffle batter rise- this ensure for a more uniformly made waffle and reduces the even of a steam burn. Indicator lights should be standard but a loud timed beep would be an awesome addition.
The 3 in 1 Black and Decker would be a great addition to any kitchen with its multi purpose capabilities. The Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker is my favourite as it is somewhat compact, can make two waffles at the same time with different settings – browning and texture.
However, there is something for everyone. Have fun shopping!
