Waffles have become a beloved breakfast staple for many, offering a crispy, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. Whether you prefer them sweet with syrup and fruit or savoury with toppings like cheese and eggs, a good waffle maker can elevate your home-cooked meals. With so many models available, choosing the right one is essential. In 2024, the best waffle makers combine quality, ease of use, and versatility. Here’s a closer look at some of the top options on the market.
Why Invest in a Good Waffle Maker?
A reliable waffle maker is the key to consistently making perfect waffles. While pre-made waffles can be convenient, homemade versions offer a richer taste and texture. Investing in a high-quality waffle maker gives you more control over the cooking process, from the level of crispness to the thickness of the waffles. It also allows you to experiment with different flavours and recipes, from traditional Belgian waffles to innovative twists like chocolate chip or vegan waffles.
Best Overall: Breville Smart Waffle Maker
For those seeking a combination of performance, quality, and features, the Breville Smart Waffle Maker stands out as a top contender in 2024. This waffle maker offers the perfect balance of ease and precision, with an adjustable browning control and a temperature sensor that ensures consistent results. Whether you prefer light, golden waffles or darker, crispier ones, the Breville Smart Waffle Maker lets you customise your waffles.
It also features a deep non-stick cooking surface, which allows you to make thick, fluffy waffles. The machine has a well-designed drip tray that catches excess batter, keeping your kitchen mess-free. The compact, sleek design fits well on most countertops, making it an excellent choice for those with limited space.
Best for Thick Waffles: Cuisinart WAF-200
If you prefer thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles, the Cuisinart WAF-200 should be on your radar. This model’s deep waffle plates create waffles with a substantial rise and a perfectly crispy outside. Six adjustable browning settings allow you to easily control the level of crispness, ensuring that every waffle comes out just right.
The Cuisinart WAF-200 is also known for its durable construction and user-friendly design. It features a cool-touch handle for easy opening and closing, and the non-stick plates ensure effortless waffle removal and easy cleanup. The waffle maker’s compact size means it won’t take up much storage space, and its simple operation makes it ideal for both beginners and seasoned waffle lovers.
Best for Multiple Waffles: Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker is an excellent choice for families or anyone who loves serving multiple waffles. It allows you to make one large Belgian waffle at a time, but it has a clever flip feature that ensures even cooking on both sides. By flipping the waffle maker 180 degrees during cooking, the batter spreads evenly and creates waffles with a perfect texture.
This waffle maker also features adjustable browning control, allowing you to achieve the perfect crispiness. The non-stick plates are easy to clean, and the sleek design fits well in any kitchen. Although it only makes one waffle at a time, the flip feature allows for quick cooking, meaning you can make several waffles in less time.
Best Compact Option: Dash Mini Waffle Maker
Only some people have room for a large waffle maker, especially in small kitchens. The Dash Mini Waffle Maker offers a compact solution without compromising on quality. Despite its small size, this waffle maker delivers impressive results, turning out crisp, golden waffles in just a few minutes.
Ideal for single servings or smaller households, the Dash Mini Waffle Maker is also an excellent option for those who want to try new flavours. You can experiment with different batters and toppings without wasting ingredients. Its portability makes it an excellent choice for college students, travellers, or anyone who wants to enjoy waffles without taking up too much space.
Best High-Tech Waffle Maker: Tefal Home Waffle Maker
The Tefal Home Waffle Maker is an innovative option for those who love technology and convenience. This model has many smart features, including an automatic batter dispensing system that ensures perfect portion control. It also offers multiple temperature settings for greater flexibility.
The machine has a digital display showing your waffles’ progress, so you know exactly when they’re ready. It also includes an audible beep, indicating when the waffles are cooked to your desired level. With a sleek design and easy-to-use interface, this waffle maker is perfect for those who value precision and efficiency.
Best for Customization: All-Clad 99011GT
If you’re looking for a premium waffle maker that delivers professional-level results, the All-Clad 99011GT is the one to consider. This high-end model offers ultimate control over your waffles, with seven browning settings and the ability to make four waffles simultaneously. The heavy-duty stainless steel construction ensures durability, and the non-stick coating makes cleanup easy.
One of the standout features of the All-Clad 99011GT is its ability to make waffles in a variety of styles, from classic Belgian to thinner, crispier waffles. With its user-friendly interface and top-notch performance, this waffle maker is ideal for anyone who wants to experiment with different waffle types and batters.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Waffle Maker
Before purchasing a waffle maker, there are a few factors to consider:
- Size and Capacity: Consider how many waffles you typically need to make. If you have a large family or often host guests, a waffle maker that can produce multiple waffles at once might be ideal.
- Adjustable Browning Settings: Customise the crispness of your waffles with a waffle maker that offers adjustable browning controls.
- Non-stick Plates: Choose a waffle maker with non-stick plates for easy removal and effortless cleaning.
- Ease of Storage: Consider how much space you have in your kitchen. Some waffle makers are compact and easy to store, while others are bulkier.
