The plates also create more pockets per square inch that are smaller and more shallow. The main difference between a regular, classic waffle and a Belgian waffle is that classic waffles don't have that thick, fluffy interior. ✔️ Classic waffle makers have thinner plates than Belgian waffle makers and yield thinner waffles that are crispier throughout. The more advanced ones have moats around the edges to help prevent batter spillage. They can be made on a rotating waffle maker, which allows the batter to distribute evenly, but some newer models may have deeper plates that don’t require flipping. They also have large, deep pockets that trap even more butter or syrup per bite. Belgian waffles are soft with a slightly crisp exterior. ✔️ Belgian waffle makers typically have round plates versus square, but what really sets them apart are the thick, fluffy waffles they produce. Our top picks:įirst, consider the differences between Belgian waffle makers and classic waffle makers: Our recommendations include a combination of waffle makers we’ve tested and new best-selling units that are well-reviewed. We also score the ease of use, including settings, surface temperature and more. When testing, we assess the evenness of the browning and evaluate how well-cooked, moist and crisp the resulting waffles are. Over the years, the pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab have tested more than 45 waffle makers including classic waffle makers, heart-shaped waffle makers, Belgian waffle makers and stuffed waffle makers - and even a waffle maker that also grills and griddles. Waffle makers can also be great for making crispy hash browns and fun pressed sandwiches! You can whip up your own recipe for an awesome weekend brunch or use a boxed mix for a quick chicken and waffles dinner. Whether you like thin and crispy classic waffles or thick and fluffy Belgian waffles, you'll appreciate hot and fresh ones you make yourself.

We also added a recommendation for a full-size Dash waffle maker. For example, you can buy a mini waffle maker that creates Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles.We updated this guide in October 2022 to ensure that all of our picks - tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab - were in stock and correctly priced. Simplemost Mediaįinally, determine whether you want a basic waffle shape, or one that resembles a character that your children are familiar with. Some models go a step further and have lights that let you know when the unit is preheated, when it’s cooking and when the food is ready for removal. You’ll be relying on that indicator light to let you know when the popular breakfast item is done and ready for consumption. You can’t open the waffle maker to check if the waffles are fully cooked. Does it have a cool-touch handle, non-skid rubber feet to protect your counter surface or a latching or locking handle?Īn indicator light is also a must. Look to see if the mini waffle maker has any safety features. Waffles can be very difficult to get out without this coating. Larger families, however, will want to go with a model that makes four waffles at once.Ĭheck that the waffle maker’s plates have a nonstick coating. If you have one or two children in the home, you may be okay with a waffle maker that cooks a single waffle. Simplemost Mediaĭetermine how many mini waffles the machine is able to produce.

If you have children at home, you may wish to go with a mini waffle maker to create smaller waffles that are easier for little mouths to eat. For example, you can use a waffle iron to make grilled cheese, hashbrowns, quesadillas and even pizza.

While waffle makers are mainly designed to produce delicious waffles for breakfast, they can actually be used to cook a host of other foods as well.

Dash waffle maker leopard