Is there such a thing as the perfect breakfast? If there is, surely it must involve warm waffles doused in syrup and butter, devoured, if not in bed, then at least in the comfort of your own home.
There’s something truly special about making waffles at home. Not only can you eat them at your ideal temperature when and where you like, but with the right maker, they also come out golden and crisped, cooked to cake-like, fluffy perfection with every bite.
The Best Waffle Makers
What to Consider
The perfect waffle maker is going to depend a lot on how you like to cook, how much space you have in your kitchen, and who you’re making the waffles for. Keep the following in mind and you’ll find the right one for you:
- Shape: Waffle makers come in all shapes and sizes, like round, square, and even fun shapes like dinosaurs that are perfect for kids.
- Size and Number: Waffle makers come in different sizes, making some perfect for solo cookers, while other models will be better for large families. Some also take up a lot more counter space than others, so keep the maker’s footprint in mind if you have a smaller kitchen. Our selections produce between one to five waffles.
- Safety: Some waffle makers come with heat indicator lights, while others just turn on automatically when you plug them in. Also, keep in mind that some have handles that tend to get hot — we make a note of those that do as well.
Waffles, one of our fave breakfast staples (along with a little fried chicken, aka a lunch and dinner must-have), can come out soggy and unevenly cooked with the wrong kind of iron. Read on to find the proper maker and ensure your big waffle breakfast never gets ruined.
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Best Flippable Design
Ceramic FlipSide Waffle Maker
amazon.com
$59.99
This Presto waffle maker cranks out extra-thick, golden waffles in minutes. This innovative maker makes flipping the waffle possible without having to do somersaults yourself!
The Presto FlipSide has a hinged design, which makes flipping the entire iron as easy as turning a page. It does require extra counter space to make the waffles, but the results — perfectly round, impeccably cooked, and extra thick — are worth it.
Lithium-ion batteries are required. Reviewers say this is the “best waffle iron ever,” with “perfect” results. More than 80% of more than 23,000 users on Amazon give this waffle maker five stars.
More: You Can Get a $9 Mini Pumpkin Waffle Maker on Amazon for a Festive Breakfast
Best Mini Waffles
Mini Waffle Maker
amazon.com
$12.99
This is Amazon’s number-one best-selling waffle iron, and it’s easy to see why. If you’re making waffles for one or have a small space, this is a fabulous option.
The Dash Mini Maker has an average of 4.7 stars from more than 210,000 reviewers who love its ability to cook up waffle perfection in just a few minutes.
This maker also works as a traveling waffle maker, and many use it to grill sandwiches as well, since the waffles are roughly 4 inches big.
One reviewer writes that “this silly little thing is perfect” and is “so simple” to use, but warns that the handle can get very hot, so be aware when making your waffles and avoid letting children use unsupervised.
More: Eggo’s New Dessert-Inspired Waffles Deliver Tiramisu and Strawberry Cheesecake Flavors
Best Double-Waffle Maker
Double Waffle Iron
amazon.com
$119.95
This waffle maker gives you complete control over the cooking process, with six settings and a three-beep alarm system that alerts you when it’s finished.
While spending north of $100 may feel excessive for a waffle iron, the more than 22,000 reviewers on Amazon think it’s worth it. With an average of 4.8 stars, this waffle maker creates two thick, perfectly cooked Belgian waffles at the same time.
The multi-setting browning control knob ensures each waffle is cooked to order. Reviewers say it makes a “darned fine waffle” and gets a “heavy workout” at their house, delivering “commercial-” grade results, at a fraction of the price.
Best with Removable Plates
Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
amazon.com
The Hamilton waffle maker provides incredible browning control, is PFOA- and PTFE-free, and is more durable than most nonsticks. This Belgian waffle maker gives you great control and results, with its easy flipping action and dishwasher-safe removable plates.
The waffles are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, thanks to the adjustable browning control and a ready-to-cook light. Neatnicks will love the removable plates, as well as the clean and modern setup.
Best Square Maker
4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker
amazon.com
$59.95
This Cuisinart is beautifully designed and is capable of cranking out four waffles at once. This Cuisinart four-slice Belgian waffle maker is reliable and high-performing, making deep-pocket waffles that hold butter, syrup, and more.
It features browning control and light indicators, making it safe enough for teens to cook with by themselves. Reviewers love the “perfectly crisp” exteriors and “tender” interiors this maker delivers. More than 80% of users on Amazon give this Cuisinart 5 stars.
Best Crispy Waffles
Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker
amazon.com
$149.95
For those who have an exact idea of what you want in a waffle, pull up a chair: If you’re craving waffles with a perfectly browned (but not burned!) exterior, this All-Clad nonstick waffle maker is the ticket.
The key is in All-Clad’s PFAO-free unique steam-release system, which ensures an even golden exterior and fluffy interior. There are seven browning levels so you can micromanage the hue.
The All-Clad also comes with a fantastic recipe book. One reviewer says they’ve “had this one for years now and I highly recommend it,” while another says it makes “the best waffles” they’ve ever had.
More: Mrs. Butterworth’s Is Making New Fruity Pebbles Pancake Mix and Syrup for the Best Breakfast
Best Vertical Maker
Vertical Waffle Maker
amazon.com
$59.00
And now for something different: a waffle maker that stands up. This may not look like a “normal” waffle maker, but the design allows you to pour batter into the maker without making a mess or making half of the waffle bigger than the other half.
The design saves on counter space, too. It also comes with five browning settings, giving you control over the crispiness. The maker produces consistent, evenly cooked waffles with the right ratio of crisp exterior and soft and fluffy interior.
Reviewers hail this “no mess” “quick and easy” maker, which delivers “excellent” results “without fail!”
More: The New Baby Yoda and Mickey Mouse Pancake Skillet Sets Are the Best $6 You’ll Spend Today
Best for Kids
Dinosaur Mini Waffle Maker
amazon.com
This waffle maker earns an average of 4.8 stars on Amazon from more than 2,200 reviewers, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular. Let’s be real: Waffles aren’t Brussels sprouts, and most parents don’t have to cajole their kids into eating the sweet treats.
But folks of all ages will get an extra surge of excitement when they see these cool dinosaurs land on their plates. Reviewers love the great results, but warn that there’s no off or on switch or heat indicator light, so parents should cook these dinos solo.
And this maker isn’t just for waffles — you can make mini-sandwiches and quesadillas, too!
More: The Best Electric and Stove Top Griddles for Whipping Up Sunday Breakfast
Best Waffle Bowls
Mini Waffle Bowl Maker
amazon.com
Who knew there was such a thing as a waffle bowl maker? The Dash Mini Waffle maker creates 4-inch bowl-shaped waffles for indulgent breakfasts and desserts — even taco bowls!
You can make classic waffles, tortilla melts, shredded veggie and egg bowls, and more with this innovative unit.
One reviewer writes that this makes “the perfect individual Keto waffle bowls.” Others also say this “little waffle bowl is great for my son who is allergic to wheat,” while another writes that they’re impressed with how “efficient and quickly this cooked!”
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