There is nothing quite like a homemade waffle—that perfect blend of crispy exterior and fluffy, tender interior. But getting it right means having the right equipment. I’ve been making waffles for decades (seriously, since I was a kid using one of those heavy 1980s irons!), and I know what separates a good maker from a great one.
- Key Takeaways: Our Waffle Maker Winners
- Waffle Maker Comparison Table
- Reviews of the Best Rated Waffle Makers
- Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
- Breville BWM640XL Smart Waffle Pro
- All-Clad WD700162 Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker
- Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
- Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker
- Conclusion: Which Waffle Maker Should You Buy?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Waffle Makers
We spent several weeks testing five of the most popular and best rated waffle maker models on the market, from sleek, pricey digital units to simple, dependable classics. Whether you want thick Belgian beauties or thin, diner-style rounds, we found the perfect iron for your morning routine.
Key Takeaways: Our Waffle Maker Winners
Short on time? Here’s the quick scoop on who won our top spots:
- Best Overall & Best for Families: The Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker is an absolute beast. It makes two perfect, thick waffles simultaneously, which is a lifesaver on busy Saturday mornings.
- Best Smart Features & Precision: If you demand total control, the Breville BWM640XL Smart Waffle Pro is worth the investment. It calculates cooking time automatically and offers specific crispness settings.
- Best Budget Pick: The Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker offers professional results (thick waffles, even browning) without breaking the bank.
Waffle Maker Comparison Table
| Model | Type | Waffles per Batch | Flip Function? | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart WAF-F20 | Double Belgian | 2 | No | $$ |
| Breville BWM640XL | Belgian | 1 | No (Smart Sensor) | $$$ |
| All-Clad WD700162 | Belgian | 1 | No (Deep Cavities) | $$$$ |
| Presto 03510 | Belgian | 1 | Yes | $ |
| Cuisinart WMR-CA | Classic/Round | 1 | No | $ |
Reviews of the Best Rated Waffle Makers
Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
This is the model I recommend most often for families or anyone who entertains regularly. The math is simple: if you can cook two waffles at once, you cut your waiting time in half. The WAF-F20 is essentially two waffle makers stacked back-to-back, allowing you to pour batter, flip the unit, and start the next waffle immediately.
The waffles themselves are true Belgian style—thick, deeply pocketed, and they come out uniformly golden brown. The nonstick coating is excellent, and cleanup is generally a breeze (as long as you don’t overpour your batter).
Pro Tip: When using a double maker like this, use a squeeze bottle for your batter. It minimizes mess and ensures you get the perfect amount in each reservoir without overflowing the sides.
Who It’s For:
Large families, frequent brunch hosts, or anyone who hates waiting in line for a fresh waffle.
- Pros: Makes two waffles simultaneously, excellent heat consistency, sturdy construction, adjustable browning control.
- Cons: Takes up significant counter space, flipping mechanism can feel a bit loose.
Breville BWM640XL Smart Waffle Pro
If you treat cooking like a science, you’ll adore the Breville Smart Waffle Pro. This is undeniably the most technologically advanced waffle maker we tested. It has a beautiful LCD display and specific settings for types of waffles (Belgian, Classic, Chocolate, Buttermilk), plus 12 different browning settings.
What really sets the Breville apart is the “Waffle IQ” feature. It automatically calculates cooking time to ensure consistent results, even if you’re pouring cold batter onto hot plates. Crucially, it has a moat around the edge that catches any overflow—a tiny detail that makes a huge difference when it comes to keeping your counters clean. I spilled batter on almost every other model, but the Breville caught every drop.
Who It’s For:
Tech-savvy cooks, perfectionists who need precise control over crispness, or people who hate cleaning up batter overflow.
- Pros: Overflow moat, specific batter type settings, automatic timer calculation (Waffle IQ), excellent nonstick surface.
- Cons: High price point, bulky storage footprint, only cooks one waffle at a time.
All-Clad WD700162 Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker
The All-Clad is the luxury choice. Its construction quality is immediately apparent; the stainless steel exterior is stunning and feels built to last generations. If aesthetics are important to you and you want a kitchen appliance that matches your high-end cookware, this is the one.
Functionally, it performs beautifully, delivering four sections of deep-pocketed Belgian waffles. Its consistency in heat distribution is fantastic, resulting in perfectly uniform browning across the entire surface. While it doesn’t flip, the deep plates ensure your batter spreads evenly. My only real complaint is the price—you are definitely paying a premium for the brand and the build quality.
Who It’s For:
Serious cooks who value high-end construction and durability over extra features.
- Pros: Unbeatable construction and durability, beautiful stainless steel finish, great consistency and deep pockets.
- Cons: Very expensive, indicator lights are subtle and hard to see, requires careful seasoning of the nonstick surface.
Presto 03510 FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
The Presto FlipSide is the definition of value. This machine uses the professional-style flipping motion, which, frankly, is essential for getting that airy, fluffy interior and crispy outer shell you want from a Belgian waffle. The flipping action ensures the batter fully coats both sides of the plate and cooks evenly.
It’s compact, especially when stored vertically (a huge plus for small kitchens!), and the timer helps you keep track of your cooking cycle. Yes, it’s mostly plastic, and it doesn’t feel as indestructible as the All-Clad, but the quality of the resulting waffle is shockingly close to the high-end models, making this my top budget recommendation.
Who It’s For:
Budget-conscious buyers, apartment dwellers who need vertical storage, or anyone who wants the “pro flip” without the pro price.
- Pros: Excellent value, flipping mechanism produces perfect Belgian texture, compact vertical storage, built-in digital timer.
- Cons: Plastic build feels less durable, deep-clean needed if batter overflows.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker
Not everyone wants a thick, yeasty Belgian waffle. Sometimes, you just want that thin, crispy, five-section diner-style waffle—perfect for soaking up a lot of syrup or making a decadent ice cream sandwich. If that’s your jam, the Cuisinart WMR-CA is the way to go.
This is a no-frills, dependable workhorse. It heats up quickly, the browning settings are easy to manage, and it stores without fuss. It’s small enough to tuck into a cabinet easily, and it’s dirt cheap. While it’s basic, it delivers consistently good results for the classic waffle style. I personally keep one of these around just for making waffle cones or sandwiches.
Who It’s For:
Those who prefer thin, classic American waffles over thick Belgian ones, or buyers prioritizing price and compact storage.
- Pros: Extremely affordable, very fast heat-up time, compact size, delivers perfect classic-style waffles.
- Cons: Only makes classic (not Belgian) waffles, browning settings feel less distinct than on premium models.
Conclusion: Which Waffle Maker Should You Buy?
If you’re hosting a brunch party or feeding a hungry crew, the Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Maker (Index 0) is an indispensable tool. Cutting cooking time in half is a massive advantage that you’ll appreciate the very first time you use it.
However, if you prioritize precision and minimizing mess above all else, the Breville BWM640XL (Index 1) is the superior appliance. It feels like the Ferrari of waffle makers, giving you granular control over every aspect of the cooking process.
And remember, getting the best waffle isn’t just about the maker—it’s about the batter! Don’t skimp on butter, and make sure your batter is light and fluffy. Enjoy those perfect Sunday morning meals!
Frequently Asked Questions About Waffle Makers
What is the difference between a Belgian and a Classic waffle maker?
The main difference is the depth of the grid. Belgian waffle makers have deeper, larger grids, resulting in a thick waffle with deep pockets (perfect for holding syrup and toppings). Classic or American waffle makers produce thinner waffles with smaller, shallower grids, which tend to be crispier and denser.
Is the flipping function necessary?
For true Belgian waffles, a flipping function (like on the Presto or the double Cuisinart, which flips to access the second maker) really helps. Flipping ensures the batter is evenly distributed and fully rises against both plates, giving you that uniform fluffiness inside and crispness outside. If you are buying a budget model, I highly recommend finding one that flips.
How do I clean my waffle maker easily?
Never submerge your waffle maker in water! The easiest way to clean is immediately after use, once the unit is cooled but still warm. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the grids. For stubborn spots, pour a small amount of cooking oil on a paper towel, let it sit for a minute, and then gently scrub it with a soft brush or toothbrush. For baked-on residue, I often use a cleaning waffle—simply mix a flour/water paste, cook it until it’s stiff, and it pulls out crumbs and residue when you remove it.
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