7 Best Waffle Makers

Chances are you like your waffles a particular way, even if you don’t realize it. Some people like classic waffles, which are thin and crispy, while others prefer Belgian, which are thick and fluffy. Each style is made in a different type of waffle maker, which is important to keep in mind when shopping for one a new one.

How to choose a waffle maker

First, consider the differences between Belgian and classic waffle makers:

Belgian waffle makers typically have round plates versus square, but what really sets them apart is the thick, fluffy waffles they produce. Belgian waffles are soft with a slightly crisp exterior. They also have large, deep pockets that trap even more butter or syrup per bite. They can be made on a rotating waffle maker, which allows the batter to distribute evenly, but newer models simply have deeper plates that don’t require flipping. The more advanced ones have moats around the edges to help prevent spillage.

Classic waffle makers have thinner plates than Belgian waffle makers, which yield thinner waffles that are more crispy throughout. The main difference between a regular, classic waffle and a Belgian waffle is that classic waffles don’t have that think, fluffy interior. The plates also create more pockets per square inch that are smaller and more shallow. More pockets means more crunch, too, because of more crispy edges per bite.

Next, consider these factors when shopping:

Size: Depending on size, different options can make one, two or four waffles at a time.

Cook time: Most waffle makers we tested have variable shade settings, but lower-priced models simply plug in and require you to use a separate timer. Our favorites had variable shade settings that made consistently good waffles and slim designs that could be stored easily.

• Best Overall Waffle Maker: All Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker

• Best Value Waffle Maker: Cuisinart Classic Round Waffle Maker

• Best Mini Waffle Maker on Amazon: Dash Mini Waffle Maker

• Best Double Belgian Waffle Maker: Cuisinart Double Round Belgian Waffle Maker

• Best Waffle Maker with Removable Plates: Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

• Best Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker: Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

• Most Versatile Waffle Maker: Breville Smart Waffle Pro

Why we love it :

• Crispy and consistent results

• Easy to use

Take Note :

• Pricey

In our tests, All-Clad’s Round Classic Waffle Maker came out on top for performance and ease of use. It scored top marks across the board for doneness, crispiness, tenderness and consistency when boxed mix and fresh batter were used. It also was very easy to use with the turn of a smooth, ergonomic knob and red and green indicator lights that corresponded with sound. The stainless steel waffle maker features seven clearly-labeled browning settings. Its plates are nonstick, and its handle is large and easy to operate. One thing to note is the body got hot during testing, like many of the other traditional waffle makers we tested.

If you prefer Belgian waffles, the Round Classic Waffle Maker is comparable to All-Clad’s Belgian Waffle Maker which also performed very well in our tests.

Why we love it :

• Great value

• Makes crisp waffles

• Slim design

Take Note :

• Basket coating chips over time

The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker offers a simple solution to making good waffles. It makes great boxed and fresh waffles, and comes with a user guide that includes five waffle recipes developed in the Cuisinart Test Kitchen. The waffle maker features five browning settings that are controlled with a sliding lever and red and green indicator lights. It does not have a ready sound indicator, however, so we recommend sticking close-by during cooking to ensure your waffles don’t overcook. While the exterior gets hot, like most of the other waffle makers we tested, the handle stays cool to touch. The waffle maker has a relatively slim design and can be stood up for storage.

Why we love it :

• Cute designs

• Small, single-person serving

Take Note :

• Time consuming to make large batches

This little waffle maker from Dash is a hot seller. With nearly 170,000 reviews on Amazon, it makes mini, 4-inch waffles – the perfect size for a light breakfast or dessert. The waffle maker operates by simply plugging it in to turn on, and features a ready light to let you know when it’s preheated. It comes with an illustrated owner’s manual, which includes several recipes.

The Dash Mini Waffle Maker comes in 10 colors and there’s even a heart-shaped version (pictured). Reviewers love that the waffles fit in the toaster, which is great if you like meal prepping. Cook the waffles until they become a light, golden color, cool, then freeze so you always have a bunch on hand.

Why we love it :

• Makes two waffles at once

• Consistent results

Take Note :

• Large

The Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker is a must for families or entertaining. It can make two waffles at a time so you don’t have to wait until one is cooked before starting the next. It features a ready indicator light and variable shade settings. In our test, boxed waffles came out tender and consistent, and waffles made from scratch were also crisp. The Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker features nonstick plates and offers a large drip area that’s easy to clean. Its rotating design is reminiscent of waffle makers you’d fine in professional kitchens; they’re known to disperse batter well and evenly. The one features an over-sized handle thats easy to use and also stays cool during the cooking process.

Why we love it :

• Straight-forward design

• Easy to clean

Take Note :

• Bulky to store

When we tested an older model of this waffle maker, it churned out crisp and consistent Belgian waffles. Now, a new, similar model with detachable plates is available, which makes cleanup even easier than before. The plates click off and are dishwasher safe, as is the included drip tray. It features nonstick plates, ready indicator lights and three recommended browning settings.

Why we love it :

• Fun design that stores easily

• Includes timer

Take Note :

• No pre-set settings

According to our testers, the Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker can be depended on for well-browned, tender and crispy Belgian waffles. In addition to ready indicator lights, it features a countdown timer, a unique feature that sets it apart from most waffle makers on the market. The recommended cook time is four minutes, but can be adjusted as desired to achieve the perfect waffle for your preference. The Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker has nonstick plates that wipe down easy after use. Its flip design allows for batter dispersal without a spatula and encourages more even cooking; plus, it can be stored vertically, which requires less room than most of its Belgian-style competitors.

Why we love it :

• Makes a wide variety of waffle types

• Highly customizable

Take Note :

• Big to store

Breville’s Smart Waffle Pro is one of their most popular waffle makers. Depending on the style you buy, it can make two or four waffles at a time. In our tests, the two-square scored one of the highest overall scores. According to our testers, “it excelled at baking waffles from scratch and from a mix, receiving near perfect scores for browning, tenderness and consistency.”

The waffle maker has deep, 1-inch pockets and a moat around the plates to collect any excess waffle mix. It features four pre-set settings for Belgian, classic, chocolate and buttermilk waffle recipes. From there, you can also choose one of 12 different shade settings, and even add a “a bit more” time if the waffle isn’t cooked to your exact desired preference. One especially unique feature is the waffle maker’s ability to adjust the cook time based on the temperature of the plates.