TOP 10 Best Waffle Makers 2025

Buying Guide

There is no denying that waffles are among the most universally loved snacks in the world. After all, there is even a Waffle Day, celebrated on the 25th of March. The roots of this divine dish can be traced back to ancient Greece, where waffle predecessors called obelios were baked between flat metal plates. The first waffle irons appeared around the 1200s and had to be used over the hearth fire. Despite the complex preparing process, in the Middle Ages, these treats were already known and loved throughout Europe.

While our fondness of waffles has remained unchanged, baking them has become convenient and simple. Indeed, it takes just a few minutes to whisk the batter and then some more to fry it. Still, with more control over the process given to the machines, it must be said that not all of them perform equally well. Cheap, poorly made iron can result in waffles that are burned, soggy or unevenly cooked. It can also be a nightmare to clean it afterwards. Therefore, we decided to find out what distinguishes a good waffle maker and what clearly indicates a bad one. Read on to become a waffle connoisseur.

Waffle Typology

The first thing you should know is that there are hundreds of traditional waffle recipes. In this article, we will look only at some of the most popular varieties. It is not only the recipe that marks certain types of waffles; the shape and depth of the iron are essential as well. Before you buy one, you should be well aware of what waffles are mostly enjoyed in your household. An alternative is to get a multipurpose waffle maker  that can be accommodated not only to various waffle types but other snacks as well. While professional chefs point out that dedicated single-use devices typically deliver better results than a Jack of all trades, it cannot be denied that multipurpose appliances are very convenient for home use and save plenty of space.

The Belgian waffles, sometimes also called gaufres, are probably the most popular waffle variety in the world. However, there are actually more than a dozen of different waffle types consumed in Belgium – these would deserve a separate article. What we know and love as a Belgian waffle is a simplified variation of Brussels waffle. Typically leavened by yeast, these treats are thicker than other waffle types (even up to 3,5 cm), and they have large deep pockets, perfect for hiding toppings. They are very sweet and rectangular or squarish in shape, the standard sizes are 11 x 11 cm or 10 x 15 cm.

Meanwhile, in the Nordic countries, thinner and heart-shaped waffles dominate the scene. Often called Scandinavian waffles, these usually are 16 to 17 cm wide and consist of 4 to 5 hearts that can be served separately or eaten all as one. Scandinavian waffles are most often leavened by baking powder and eaten with sweet toppings such as berry jam; however, some savoury varieties are known

In Italy, light and crisp waffles called gofri are known, as well as the traditional waffle cookies pizzelles. The latter are characterised by their intricate snowflake pattern and flavoured with anise or vanilla.

Wafers are fragile, crisp waffle biscuits that are typically used to sandwich ice cream or other fillings in between. They are also often used in chocolate bars to give an extra crunch. In some countries, for example, the Czech Republic or Slovakia, beautifully designed wafers can be served on their own.

Stroopwafels are the traditional Dutch treats. These round, thin waffles are halved while still warm, filled with syrup and then glued together again.

Bricelets are thin and crispy waffles from Switzerland. They are round and decorated with various patterns. Typically, bricelets are sweet, but there is also a savoury variety flavoured with caraway seeds.

What to Look For in a Waffle Maker

Now that you know what type of waffle iron you want to buy let’s learn about their specifications. While these devices are not sophisticated, some aspects are crucial to know beforehand. This will help to avoid disappointment and another hardly used kitchen appliance grieving in the cupboard.

Crunching Numbers

With how many waffle lovers do you live? This is an important question because the average iron will manage only one waffle every few minutes. With thicker varieties, you can wait even five or seven minutes. Surely, if the consumption rate significantly exceeds the production, this can result in waffle shortage induced frustration. Therefore, models that make not one but two or even four waffles at a time are common. These are more convenient for large families or people that often have guests. However, waffles taste best while fresh and warm; thus, overproduction is not desirable. There is no need to get a massive iron for small households – more waffles at a time also mean more surfaces to clean and less free space in the kitchen.

Power

Another lifehack to avoid waffle-shortages is to check how many watts does the iron have before you buy. While some other factors come in play, more watts generally mean shorter cooking times. Potent waffle makers should have at least 1000 W power; this will suffice for the device to heat up and bake reasonably fast.

Temperature control

Fast heating does not help much if the temperature does not get distributed evenly. Have you ever tasted waffles with dark, dry sides and undercooked middle? Or maybe waffles that had burned centre and pale, limp corners? If the answer is yes, then you understand the importance of the matter. The only way to know before you buy is to check independent reviews and tests. Therefore, even browning was one of the most important criteria we evaluated when searching for our top 5 waffle irons.

More advanced cooks will also appreciate the option to regulate the temperature for finetuning their recipes. The optimal range for frying waffles lies between 180 and 200 °C. While cheaper models often have only one temperature setting, the high-end irons will allow adjusting the heat.

The Perfect Bite

Another feature appreciated by foodies is the option to adjust the doneness or browning. Some people enjoy their waffles dark and crispy; others prefer lighter and softer treats. Browning largely depends on two factors – the baking temperature and time. While you can practice and develop your own scale, many modern waffle irons take the guesswork away and feature programmes that adjust the baking depending on how thoroughly cooked waffles you need.

One aspect that often gets overlooked regarding waffle texture is the moisture. A good iron must be able to steam off the extra water, or the waffles end up being soggy and limp. Most waffle irons will release steam through sides; some models will have strategically placed vents for optimal crispiness.

How Do I Know When It’s Ready?

Almost every waffle iron will have at least a light indicator signalling once it has heated up. More advanced devices will also feature sound and/or light indicators informing when the waffles are ready. Beeping waffle irons are especially convenient since you can do other things while the batter is baking without the risk of burning the meal.

Finally, there are models with displays and timers – these allow more control over the cooking process but typically cost more as well.

Non-Stick Surfaces

Once the waffles are cooked to perfection, the next challenge is getting them out. Luckily, pretty much all irons nowadays come with non-stick coating. However, the cheaper models typically don’t remain non-stick for long. Over time, extra oiling is often needed to remove the waffles in one piece, and cleaning becomes a hassle.

We only selected models that are known to be durable and maintain their non-stick properties for years. However, even the sturdiest coating can be damaged if not taken care of properly. You should never use metallic cooking utensils to remove the waffles; wooden chopsticks or silicone-coated tongs work perfectly. Abrasive cleaning tools are off the list as well. While some high-end models feature removable dishwasher-proof plates; we still recommend gentle handwash to prolong their lifespan.

Too Much of a Good Thing

Waffle making can lead to messy accidents. If you add more batter than the plate can contain, it will overflow, generously smearing the countertop and the iron itself. Therefore, we strongly recommend investing in a device that includes either a deep moat or a large drip tray. Basic models often have no moat at all or a shallow, miserable thing that puts up no resistance when the extra batter attacks.

Another solution is a measuring spoon or ladle included with some models. Containing the exact amount of dough needed, such tool helps a lot to prevent leaks. If your waffle iron does not come with one, you can simply experiment with the measuring cups and spoons you have at home. Some trial and error might be needed, but soon you will be able to scoop the perfect amount of batter every time.

Protection from Heat

Waffle irons should bake the batter but remain safe for our hands. While the surface of the device typically heats up, the handles must be well insulated. They can become warm but should not require wearing kitchen gloves. All the controls and knobs should be located far enough from heated surfaces too. Extra caution is needed when using waffle irons with moats that stick out from the housing. Since these are directly connected to the plates, they heat up to temperatures that are sufficient to cause burns. Finally, most models nowadays come with a rubbery base and a shortish cord to avoid somebody tripping and pulling the iron off the counter. If you want or need to use an extension cord, some additional caution is required to ensure safety.

Cleaning

While the ability to cook cannot be underestimated, the time and effort spent on cleaning a waffle maker matters even more. Too many devices end up in dark kitchen cabinets because nobody wants to go through the cleaning hassle afterwards. To be frank, all waffle makers do require some effort when it comes to maintenance. However, we picked only the models that the majority of users and experts found relatively easy to clean and we honestly listed the weak spots of each device in our reviews – so that you know what to expect.

Once the baking is done, always unplug the iron and wait for it to cool down. Afterwards, the plates should be carefully wiped with a damp, non-abrasive cloth or a paper towel. Nowadays, some models feature removable plates for easier cleaning. However, what matters more is how tightly sealed the device is – if there are spaces for the batter to get in, cleaning becomes difficult whether or not the plates can be removed. The housing is important too – while the exterior typically can be wiped with a cloth, some materials need more care than the others. For example, greasy fingerprints are way more noticeable on polished surfaces than the matt ones.

Finding the Space

After all the scrumptious waffles have been eaten, and the iron itself polished to perfection, the question remains where to put it. We recommend picking a model that can be stored not only horizontally but also vertically – this can save a lot of room in your cupboard. If you intend to store your device vertically, check if it has a locking handle or button that prevents it from opening. The cord should be removable or have included storage space. As mentioned before, match the size of your waffle maker to the number of mouths it will feed since the kitchen space is a precious commodity.

For What It’s Worth

The last but not the least criterion in picking the waffle iron is its price. Why we left it to the end? Well, we wanted to guide you through the range of specifications and explain why they matter. Based on this knowledge, the decision should become easier. If you enjoy multitasking, a clearly audible alarm becomes crucial. If you hate cleaning, a more expensive and better-designed model can be justified. A higher price-tag surely comes with more features, but not all of them will be essential for everyone. All five waffle makers in our list make great treats, the rest is up to your personal preferences and budget.

Getting Started

Before you get to baking for the first time, remember to carefully clean the plates with a damp cloth. Next, grease them and use the first few waffles for experimenting with the brownness and texture. Since the first bunch can obtain unpleasant smells, these should not be eaten. If you haven’t baked waffles before, it is a good idea to begin with the included starter recipes and venture into experiments from there.

We have arrived at the final paragraph of this article but, hopefully, a whole new chapter in your kitchen is just about to start. This guide was crafted to help you discover your dream waffle maker – one that continually delivers mouth-watering snacks, can be wiped in minutes and stored away easily. Once the new iron has been consecrated, let us know if it met your expectations!