Waffles are believed by many to be the ultimate indulgence. Whether you love them golden and fluffy or crispy beyond belief, finding the perfect waffle maker is key to mastering this breakfast favorite.
With so many of these kitchen appliances on the market, it can be overwhelming to find the one that fits your needs.
We’ve rounded up the top waffle makers of 2024 for your consideration — but first, let’s talk about what to look for before you buy:
- Type of Waffles: Do you like making thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles or thinner classic waffles? This will determine the necessary depth of the waffle grid on your chosen machine.
- Capacity: How many waffles do you need to make in one go to tackle hungry stomachs?
- Browning Settings: Adjustable settings let you customize how crispy or soft your waffles turn out.
- Special Features: Flip designs for even cooking, nonstick plates for easy cleanup, indicator lights — all these extras enhance your waffle-making experience.
- Ease of Cleaning: Some waffle makers have removable plates that you can put in the dishwasher. This makes cleanup significantly easier.
- Storage: If you have limited counter space, a waffle maker that stands upright will take up less room in your cabinets.
Ready to find your waffle soulmate? Check out the 11 top-rated waffle makers that we scoured from Amazon. These gadgets are sure to transform your waffle-making endeavors in 2024.
Best For Family Brunch Masters: Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Nonstick cooking plates, indicator lights, six browning settings, makes both waffles and pancakes, extra-deep pockets
If you’re the type who loves hosting big weekend brunches, this Cuisinart waffle maker is the perfect kitchen companion. It tackles classic Belgian waffles with those satisfyingly deep pockets and even lets you switch over to pancakes for the picky eaters in your life.
Pros
All-clad in brushed stainless steel, durability stands out from the outset. More than that, this model shines when it comes to user-friendliness. The nonstick plates make releasing your cooked waffles a breeze and cleanup super simple.
You won’t be guessing if your waffles are ready either — the handy indicator lights take care of that, and the adjustable browning controls let you make each waffle as golden-brown and crispy as you like.
Cons
While it’s loved for its versatility, this waffle maker is a bit bulkier than some of the more compact options out there. If your kitchen counter space is limited, you might want to consider measuring up before you buy.
Best For Family-Sized Waffle Feasts: Krups Stainless Steel Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Four-slice capacity, adjustable browning, nonstick dishwasher-safe plates, stainless steel design
If you love feeding a crowd, the Krups Stainless Steel Waffle Maker’s got your back. This waffle workhorse lets you churn out four thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles in one go. With multiple browning settings and a handy “ready” light, it’s super easy to dial in the precise waffle of your dreams.
Pros
This waffle maker is seriously heavy-duty. The stainless steel construction feels strong and reliable, meaning it won’t budge on the counter even with thick batter. The nonstick plates let the waffles slide right off when they’re done, and since they’re dishwasher-safe, cleanup is a total breeze.
Cons
It’s a bit on the bulky side, so it’ll take up a decent chunk of counter space. If you’ve got a small kitchen, this might not be the most practical option.
Best For Busy Families and Waffle Fans: Hamilton Beach 26201 Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Double waffle capacity, flip design, removable nonstick plates, indicator lights
If you need a lot of waffles in a hurry, the Hamilton Beach 26201 is here to serve. This clever round waffle maker cooks two thick, restaurant-style Belgian waffles at the same time. The unique flipping design helps ensure they’re perfectly cooked on both sides, giving you that ideal crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Pros
This model excels in ease of use. Since you can make two waffles at once, feeding the whole family is a much faster process. The removable plates mean cleanup is a snap in the dishwasher, and the indicator lights take the guesswork out of knowing when it’s time to pour the batter.
Cons
This model might not get quite hot enough for that ultra-golden, super-crispy finish. And if you love the extra crunch, you might want a waffle maker with more customizable heat settings.
Best For the Serious Belgian Waffle Lover: Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Rotating flip design, extra-deep nonstick grid, vertical storage, 1100 watts
If thick, fluffy Belgian waffles are your jam, the Presto 03510 is here to impress. Its unique rotating design ensures even batter distribution, meaning each bite is the perfect balance of crispy and tender. The extra-deep waffle grid creates those heavenly nooks and crannies to catch all that maple syrup.
Pros
This waffle maker is seriously nonstick, making for frustration-free waffle removal and minimal cleanup. The space-saving vertical storage is also a huge plus — perfect for smaller kitchens where counter space is at a premium.
Cons
The included timer is more for decoration than function, as it’s not connected to the waffle maker’s cooking process. You’ll need to use a separate kitchen timer or keep a close eye on the steam to know when your waffles are finished.
Best For the Waffle-Obsessed Multitasker: Bella Classic Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Rotating design, nonstick plates, dishwasher-safe drip tray, multiple browning settings, compact storage
This waffle maker is for people who aren’t afraid to think outside the batter bowl. The rotating design means perfectly even waffles every time, and those nonstick plates let you go wild — pancakes, hashbrowns, even grilled cheese.
Pros
Bella’s classic waffle maker is budget-friendly without sacrificing the features you need for great waffles. The adjustable browning settings mean you get that perfect crispiness, and cleanup is a snap, thanks to the dishwasher-safe drip tray. What’s more, the compact design means it won’t hog your whole countertop.
Cons
While it’s certainly appealing for its price, it doesn’t seem to heat up quite as quickly as pricier models. If you’re making waffles for an army, you might find yourself waiting between batches.
Best For Anyone Who’s Ever Cleaned Waffle Batter Off The Floor: Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Mess-free design, 7 shade settings, nonstick surface, compact storage
If you’re a messy cook, this waffle maker could be a lifesaver. Its clever wrap-around moat catches excess batter, so you won’t have sticky drips ruining your countertops. And with seven different shade settings, you can ensure everything from dark and extra-crispy to soft and golden waffles.
Pros
This model really takes the stress out of waffle-making. The nonstick plates are a breeze to clean, and the clever design means you’ll never have another batter-related mishap. It stores vertically, too, so it won’t hog your precious kitchen real estate.
Cons
Although it’s designed to prevent overflows, you may experience some spillage here and there. If you tend to overfill, you might need to adjust your batter amount.
Best For Small Kitchens and Solo Waffle Lovers: Cuisinart Mini Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Vertical design, pour spout, nonstick plates, 5 browning settings, indicator lights
Got a tiny kitchen but a big appetite for waffles? This Cuisinart Mini is your space-saving solution. This clever vertical waffle maker takes up less counter space than traditional models, so you can tuck it away when not in use.
Pros
This little waffle maker excels in the convenience department. You get a pour spout that means no more messy ladles, and the indicator lights plus audible beeps take all the guesswork out of cooking times. With five browning settings, you can customize your waffles from fluffy-soft to golden-crisp.
Cons
Since you’re only making one waffle at a time, it’s not ideal if you’re feeding a crowd. The vertical design means you’ll need to make sure it’s on a stable surface to avoid tipping.
Best For Budget-Minded Waffle Lovers: Black + Decker Rotating Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Rotating design, nonstick grids, drip tray, classic Belgian-style waffles
For delicious, fluffy waffles that won’t break the bank, Black + Decker has you covered. Its rotating design helps create those perfectly even Belgian-style waffles, ensuring every bite is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Pros
This waffle maker wins big on value. It’s a reliable unit that produces great waffles without a hefty price tag. The nonstick grids make cleanup fairly painless, and the drip tray helps keep those inevitable batter drips contained for easy cleaning.
Cons
Slightly uneven heating is present here, which might mean your waffles cook a little faster in some spots than others. It’s also not the most feature-rich waffle maker, so if you need lots of bells and whistles, you might want to look at pricier models.
Best For the “More Is More” Waffle Fan: Elite Gourmet EWM460 Nonstick Rotating Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Rotating design, nonstick plates, compact storage, waffle recipe guide
Do you love thick, fluffy waffles? This Elite Gourmet model is your ticket to maximum waffle satisfaction. The rotating flip feature means your waffles get cooked perfectly on both sides, and the nonstick plates make cleanup a breeze.
Pros
This waffle maker is surprisingly compact, so it won’t take over your kitchen. It also comes with recipes for inspiration, so you can go beyond the basic buttermilk batter and experiment with sweet and savory waffle creations.
Cons
Some users might find the temperature control on this model to be a bit finicky, so achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior might take some practice. The nonstick coating may not be the most durable over time.
Best For Spreading Some Waffle Love: Euro Cuisine WM520 Heart-Shaped Iron Waffle Maker
Key Specs: Heart-shaped waffles, nonstick coating, adjustable temperature, compact size, recipe book
Want to make breakfast a little more adorable? This heart-shaped waffle maker transforms your standard waffle into something extra special. It’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or just letting someone know you care.
Pros
Euro Cuisine’s waffle iron earns points for both cuteness and convenience. The adjustable temperature means you can tailor your waffle’s crispiness, while the nonstick coating makes for mess-free cooking and cleanup. And with its compact size, you can easily store it away when not in use.
Cons
If you’re a fan of super-thick Belgian waffles, this one might not deliver the depth you’re looking for. It’s better suited for a thinner, crispier waffle experience.
Best For Multitasking in the Kitchen: Yedi Total Package 6-in-1 Digital Indoor Grill
Key Specs: Reversible grill/griddle/waffle plates, digital temperature control, 175-450 degree range, included egg rings and tongs
If you love having options, the Yedi 6-in-1 can handle all your breakfast cravings. It deftly switches between a grill, a griddle, and a waffle maker. Want pancakes and bacon? You’re covered. Craving a panini for lunch? Done and done. And those included waffle plates ensure high-quality waffles every time.
Pros
This thing is seriously versatile, so if you only want one countertop appliance, this could be the winner. The extra-wide temperature range lets you cook everything from delicate eggs to sizzling steaks with precision. It comes equipped with dishwasher-safe plates, which make cleanup a dream.
Cons
While it’s great at multitasking, it might not be the absolute best at any one function. If waffles are your main priority, a dedicated waffle maker could give you even more browning control and customization options.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re a lone waffle lover craving a quick fix or a family brunch maestro tackling a crowd, there’s a perfect waffle maker out there for you. Now, armed with all this waffle wisdom, you’re ready to invest in the appliance that will transform your breakfast game.
Sources:
