Out of all the kitchen gadgets and what-have-yous in your cabinets, one of the most sought-after luxuries is, without a doubt, a waffle maker.
Much like your countertop juicer machines, waffle makers help elevate your first meal — you know, the most important meal of the day — to strawberry-topped, confectioner’s sugar-sifted heights.
Though you may not use them every day, as you would your coffee machine, waffle makers are perfect if you love indulgent breakfast food, and fancy making it at home for a dollop of convenience.
So, if you consider yourself a “waffle person,” read on to find the best waffle makers we rounded up, based on reviews and personal testing. Your breakfast game just got a whole lot better (and delicious, at that).
What we look for in waffle makers
While any model to whip up melt-in-your-mouth waffles is better than none, we kept a few considerations in mind when selecting the best products on the market:
- Shape: You would think that, upon finishing up your breakfast, all waffles would have that signature, hashtag-looking shape. However, some waffle makers are adept at creating thinner and crispier waffles (dubbed “American style”) that are Eggo and diner-style lookalikes. Others will create those fluffy, doughy, Belgian-style waffles. Even better, some come in unique shapes, like Mickey Mouse.
- Number of waffles created: Most countertop waffles can whip up about four or more per batch but some, mostly miniature makers, are known for creating one at a time. So, it’s important to keep the number of waffles your maker creates in mind based on your household’s size.
- Ease of use: With any small kitchen appliance you purchase, you don’t want to keep referencing the user manual (if you even read that, anyway). That said, we’re looking for models that are simple to use so you can spend less time cooking and more time eating waffles.
Best Waffle Makers
Oster Belgian Waffle Maker
With more than 40,000 rave reviews, the Oster Belgian Waffle Maker is scouting itself in the Amazon best-seller territory. Namely, this model creates large and round waffles with deep pockets that hold plenty of your favorite toppings and syrups.
What’s more, its 8″ nonstick plate makes for seamless and simple clean-up, while its adjustable temperature control helps you customize heat for different batters and finishes. For just $20 right now, it’s truly a steal.
DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
We’ve been using the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles for years now, and it’s the cutest kitchen invention to date. With a whopping 222,000 reviews (and counting), its versatility, precision and ease of use make it one of our favorites, too.
If its buffet of ready-to-order colors and shapes don’t already sell you, its compact size will, as it’s the ideal size to store in a cabinet without taking up too much space. Plus, it’s one of the best for one to two people.
Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker
With a design keen on anti-overflowing (because who wants batter dripping off the sides?), the Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker is a top-tier purchase for less than $50. Notably, it’s made with a wraparound channel to catch any excess batter to help prevent leaking.
Uniquely, you can choose from one of seven shade settings to render your waffles just how you fancy them. It’s clad with extra nonstick coating for the perfect flip and easy cleaning, too.
Disney Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker
You don’t have to be a kid to appreciate the Disney Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker. Making the perfect gift or treat to yourself, enjoy magically created waffles that are a treat to eat. It’s designed with an illuminated Mickey power light, too, so you’ll know when it’s in use (and for any children to also know it’s turned on a hot setting, for safety).
Hamilton Beach Belgian Mini Waffle Maker
For making two waffles at once in that fluffy consistency we all know and crave, consider purchasing the Hamilton Beach Belgian Mini Waffle Maker. Specifically, this efficient maker also doubles as a hash browns maker, giving you that two-in-one breakfast special that adds a dollop of versatility to this special buy.
Breville Smart Waffle Maker Pro
If you’re really serious about your waffle game, there’s none other than the Breville Smart Waffle Maker Pro. Though a splurge, you’ll appreciate its modern charm: its menu dial for four different batter types, 12 settings for customizing baking and browning settings, smart technology that automatically self-adjusts time and temperature based on your specifications and an integrated switch to start the countdown timer once the lid is closed.
In short, it’s the smart waffle maker you’ve always wanted.
Presto Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker
Just as delicious (but *way* more unique), the Presto Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker is one we’re adding to your radar. It helps create the most delectable and neatly packaged breakfast creations, like a fruit waffle bowl or egg scramble waffle bowl. How original!
BELLA Nonstick Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
Featuring a powerful 1000-watt hearting system, the BELLA Nonstick Rotating Waffle Maker is one of the best value models on this list, much ado to its ability to make up to four waffles in 10 minutes. If you prefer diner-style, thick waffles, this is the maker for you.
DASH Mini Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker
Not just for Valentine’s Day, the DASH Mini Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker is just $10 and one of the best thoughtful purchases to whip up breakfast for your loved one. It’s a sweet staple in your kitchen you won’t be able to resist.
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