The Best Waffle Makers

Fluffy on the inside, crispy and golden on the outside, nothing beats a fresh, homemade waffle for breakfast or brunch. There’s no need to wait in line at your local diner or breakfast spot or to settle for a box of frozen waffles. All you need is a waffle maker to prepare a special breakfast or brunch at home.

Not all waffles are the same and not all waffle makers are created equally. Some produce thin and crispy traditional waffles while others make tall and fluffy Belgian waffles. Some machines perform double duty and will help you whip up pancakes, paninis and other grilled sandwiches. Most waffle makers run on electricity but a few are designed for use over the stove. We reviewed dozens of waffle makers to identify the best of the best. Whether you’re looking for traditional or Belgian waffles, want to make a waffle for one or for a crowd, there’s a machine out there that will do the trick.

Best Waffle Maker Overall
All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker
Prepare round, perfectly browned crispy waffles with the All-Clad Classic Waffle Maker.

After careful consideration, we’ve chosen the All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker as our top-pick waffle maker. The waffle maker has an advanced heating system that produces waffles with a crispy exterior and fluffy, creamy interior. LED lights let you know when the waffle maker is ready to go and a “beep” helps you avoid overcooking your waffle.

The 5 Top-Rated Waffle Makers

Editor's PicksBrandRating
Best OverallAll-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker 4.3
Best Belgian Waffle MakerCuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker
4.7
Best Budget BuyHamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker4.2
Best Rotating Waffle MakerBLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker4.5
Best Waffle Maker/Sandwich Maker ComboT-fal EZ Clean Easy to Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker 4.2

*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change.

Best Waffle Maker Overall: All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker

The All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker is proof that you don’t have to sacrifice form for function. The stainless steel waffle maker is beautiful to behold as well as easy-to-use. If you’re looking for a machine that will quickly produce fluffy yet crispy, traditional waffles, this is the one to pick.

There’s no need to hover over the All-Clad waffle maker, wondering if the machine is hot enough or if your waffles are ready. It will happily let you know when it’s ready for some waffle batter. The waffle maker has a beeper that sounds when it’s fully preheated. It also has a “Ready to Cook” LED light. After you’ve poured in the batter and closed the lid, the machine will beep to let you know that the waffle’s cooked. The LED light will switch to “Ready to Eat” at the same time.

If you dread the idea of cleaning your waffle maker, don’t worry. The All-Clad waffle maker has a non-stick coating, so your waffles won’t cling to its surface. The non-stick coating also makes clean-up a snap.

All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker Key Features:

  • Ready-to-Cook and Ready-to-Eat Indicator Lights
  • Audible beep when machine is preheated and when waffle is cooked
  • Non-stick coating
  • Compact size
  • Can be stored vertically
  • 7 heating levels
  • Advanced heating technology to cook waffles evenly

Best Belgian Waffle Maker: Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker

Best Belgian Waffle Maker
Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker
Skip the diner and make fluffy, tall Belgian waffles at home with the Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker.

Although the crispiness of traditional waffles has its appeal, sometimes you want something a little more elegant and fluffy. If you love the texture of a Belgian waffle, there’s no need to head to your local brunch spot. You can make your own at home with the Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker. As an added benefit, the machine makes two waffles at once, perfect for whipping up a romantic breakfast or brunch on Valentine’s Day or any time you’re looking to impress.

The Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker has six browning settings, so you can prepare lightly toasted waffles all the way up to deeply browned waffles. It has LED lights and audible beeps that let you know when your waffles are ready-to-go. It’s also got a non-stick coating, so you don’t have to spend the afternoon after your romantic breakfast scrubbing your waffle maker clean.

Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker Key Features:

  • Makes two 1-inch thick Belgian waffles at a time
  • Rotary feature helps waffles cook evenly
  • Audible beep and LED indicator lights let you know when waffles are ready
  • 6 heating/browning levels
  • Non-stick coating

Best Budget Waffle Maker: Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker

Best Budget Waffle Maker
Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker
There’s no need to break the bank to enjoy delicious homemade waffles thanks to the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker.

When it comes to waffle makers, more expensive doesn’t always mean better. You can spend upwards of $200 or $300 on a waffle maker and still find yourself with waffles that stick to the surface or that cook unevenly. A better option, especially if you’re strapped for cash, is to choose a budget-pick, such as the Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker. The waffle maker produces fluffy, 1-inch thick Belgian waffles and has a bargain price under $30.

The waffle maker makes two waffles at a time (there’s also an option to upgrade to a four-slice version if you’ll be prepping breakfast for a crowd). A non-stick coating helps the waffles release easily and simplifies the clean-up process. The machine’s low price tag means it does sacrifice a few bells and whistles. Although there are LED indicator lights to let you know when your waffles are ready, the Hamilton Beach model doesn’t make noise.

Hamilton Beach 2-Slice Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker Key Features:

  • Non-stick surface
  • Indicator lights tell you when the machine is preheated and when waffles are cooked
  • Compact design
  • Can be stored vertically

Best Rotating Waffle Maker: BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker

Best Rotating Waffle Maker
BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker
The BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker makes sure that your Belgian waffles are perfectly cooked.

What’s the secret to the perfect waffle? A high enough temperature, even heat, and, some would say, flipping the waffle. The BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker makes it easy to produce perfect Belgian waffles at home. The machine heats quickly and evenly and has a heat-proof handle so you can rotate your waffle halfway through cooking.

The waffle maker has a ready light that switches on when the machine is hot enough to cook and when your waffles are cooked through. A tray that you place underneath the waffle maker catches any excess batter and makes clean-up a breeze. The non-stick coating also helps the waffles to release with ease and speeds up the cleaning process.

BLACK+DECKER Flip Waffle Maker Key Features:

  • Rotating waffle maker for even cooking
  • Ready indicator lights tell you when the machine is preheated and when waffles are cooked
  • Stay-cool handle
  • Handle lock reduces drips
  • Non-stick coating
  • Drip tray to catch batter and crumbs

Best Waffle Maker/Sandwich Maker Combo: T-Fal EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker

Best Waffle Maker/Sandwich Maker Combo
T-fal EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker
Love the idea of a waffle maker, but don’t want a uni-tasker? The T-Fal EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker makes waffles and grilled sandwiches.

The T-Fal EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker is a multi-purpose machine that will take you from breakfast to lunch and back again. It has interchangeable plates that you can switch out when you want to make waffles or when you want to make grilled “pocket” style sandwiches. The removable plates pop in and out of the top and bottom of the machine.

The waffle maker plates feature deep pockets and will produce Belgian-style, square waffles. The sandwich maker plates will produce two square sandwiches with triangular, stuffed pockets. Each plate is non-stick, so that food releases easily.  Compared to other waffle makers, which don’t have removable plates, the T-Fal machine is super easy to clean. The removable plates are dishwasher safe, so all you need to do is remove them and add them to the dishwasher when it’s time to clean up.

Thanks to its compact size and cord storage system, the T-Fal Sandwich and Waffle Maker is easy to store. You can stand it upright and slide it into a cabinet or drawer.

T-Fal EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker Key Features:

  • Removable waffle and sandwich making plates.
  • Indicator lights tell you when the machine is preheated and when waffles/sandwiches are cooked
  • Removable plates are non-stick
  • Removable plates are dishwasher safe
  • Compact size
  • Can be stored vertically

Who Should Buy a Waffle Maker

If waffles are your go-to order whenever you have breakfast or brunch out, then buying a waffle maker can make sense for you. Depending on the type of waffle maker you choose, the machine will pay for itself after just a few breakfasts-in-bed or at home (compared to going out). A waffle maker is also a great option for people with children who want to start making breakfast a more special meal.

Does it make sense to buy a waffle maker when you can just pick up a box of waffles from the freezer section at your local supermarket? Definitely. If you often find yourself stocking up on freezer waffles, getting a machine that will produce fresh and homemade is a good call. Just-made waffles are miles and away better than the frozen variety. Plus, when you make your own waffles at home, you cut down on packaging waste.

For other kitchen appliances you may be looking for, don’t miss The Best Air Fryers and The Best Hand Mixers.

Best Waffle Maker Overall
All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker
Prepare round, perfectly browned crispy waffles with the All-Clad Classic Waffle Maker.

Important Features to Consider

A good waffle maker should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a waffle maker for fresh, homemade waffles:

  • Heating options. People have different tastes and preferences when it comes to waffles. Some like theirs well-done while others prefer theirs to be lightly golden. Ideally, the waffle maker will have multiple heating settings, so that you can adjust the temperature and cooking duration to best meet your needs.
  • Indicators. Who wants to hover over their waffle maker, trying to guess when it’s ready to cook or when the waffles are done? Not you. At the very least, a waffle maker should have a light that switches on to let you know when it’s fully heated and to let you know when the waffles are cooked. Even better are waffle makers that make some sort of noise, such as a beep, to let you know when the waffles are ready or when the device is heated up. That way, you can work on other kitchen or breakfast-prep tasks at the same time.
  • Type of waffles it makes. Some machines make thin, traditional waffles while others are designed to produce thicker, fluffier Belgian waffles. Choose the waffle style that you like best.
  • Ease of cleaning. Non-stick plates are a must-have, as they allow the waffle to release from the surface easily. A non-stick coating not only keeps your waffles intact, but it also helps you avoid having to scrub the plates after each use. Although most waffle makers don’t have removable or dishwasher safe plates, the ones that do are particularly helpful when it comes to post-breakfast clean-up.
  • Even cooking. You don’t want waffles that are overly browned in one spot and barely cooked in another. Even cooking, or the option of rotating or flipping the waffles to help ensure evening heating, is often a must-have feature.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a waffle maker and how does it work?

A waffle maker is a device that prepares waffles, a type of cake made from batter. Waffles are made by pouring the batter onto a mold that has raised areas across it. A second mold or plate is then lowered on top of the batter and the first plate. The second plate spreads the batter out, that so that it stretches across the surface, filling in the raised and lowered areas of the plates.

The two plates are heated up, so that the batter between them cooks, producing a crispy exterior and a smooth, creamy interior. Although many modern waffle makers are powered by electricity, there are models that are heated over a stove top. Traditional waffle makers, or waffle irons, were heated over a fire.

What is the difference between a Belgian waffle maker and a waffle maker?

The big difference between a Belgian waffle maker and a traditional or standard waffle maker is the size of the waffles the machine produces. Belgian waffles are bigger than standard waffles. They also tend to have deeper pockets compared to standard waffles, which means they have more space for syrup and other toppings. Although you can use standard waffle batter with a Belgian waffle maker, traditionally, Belgian waffles were typically made from a yeasted batter.

Another notable difference between a standard waffle maker and a Belgian waffle maker is how long they take to cook the waffles. Since Belgian waffles are bigger and thicker than standard ones, it often takes a Belgian waffle maker longer to make a waffle.

Do you flip waffles?

Some types of breakfast foods need to be flipped to be fully cooked. You have to flip pancakes, over-easy eggs, and omelets. Although you don’t have to flip waffles, some argue that rotating the waffle iron halfway through cooking produces a waffle that’s more evenly cooked.

Using a waffle maker that flips or rotates the waffles has a few additional benefits. When you pour the batter into the waffle maker, then close the lid and flip it over, you’re allowing the batter to spread across the plate’s surface more fully. You’re more likely to end up with a waffle that is perfectly round or square, compared to one that doesn’t fill in the entire cooking area.

Should you let waffle batter rest?

It’s a busy morning and you want to get your waffles on the table sooner, rather than later. Even if time is tight, it’s a good idea to let your waffle batter rest. Letting the batter sit, even for just 10 minutes or so, after mixing it, can give you waffles that have a fluffier, lighter texture.

When the batter has a chance to sit, the gluten in the flour relaxes, giving the cooked waffles a thinner and more delicate texture. Letting the batter rest for a bit after mixing it up also gives the flour a chance to absorb more of the liquid. As a result, the batter becomes thicker. A thicker batter means a thinner and lighter waffle. If you’re pressed for time in the morning, you can always prep the batter the night before and give it a full eight or so hours to rest in the refrigerator.

Other Waffle Makers We Reviewed

Best Waffle Maker Overall
All-Clad Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker
Prepare round, perfectly browned crispy waffles with the All-Clad Classic Waffle Maker.

We looked at 20 other waffle makers. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best waffle makers list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still great for making waffles at home. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.

Traditional Waffle Makers

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker

Cuisinart classic round waffle marker

The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker has few bells and whistles but will produce traditional, thin and crispy waffles quickly and easily.

Key Features:

  • Indicator light lets you know when the waffle maker is heated and waffles are cooked
  • 5 browning/heating levels
  • Non-stick surface

Cost: $30

Dash Mini Maker

dash mini maker

Make a waffle for one with the Dash Mini Maker. It makes one, 4-inch diameter waffle at a time.

Key Features:

  • Non-stick coating
  • Tiny size
  • Indicator light lets you know when the waffle maker is preheated
  • Available in a rainbow of colors

Cost: $10

Belgian Waffle Makers

All-Clad Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker

all clad belgian waffle maker 

The All-Clad Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker is the Belgian waffle version of our top-pick waffle maker. It’s available in two sizes, to make either two or four waffles at once.

Key Features:

  • Non-stick coating
  • Indicator lights to let you know when it’s preheated and when waffles are cooked
  • Beeps when waffles are cooked or machine is heated
  • 7 browning/heating levels
  • Compact size

Cost: $100

BELLA Classic Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker

The BELLA Classic Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker produces evenly cooked waffles. Plus, it has a budget-friendly price.

Key Features:

  • Several non-stick coating options available
  • Indicator light lets you know when waffles are ready
  • Drip tray catches batter
  • Long handle
  • Compact size

Cost: $30

BLACK+DECKER Rotating Waffle Maker

The BLACK+DECKER Rotating Waffle Maker produces two extra-thick Belgian waffles at a time, all for an affordable price.

Key Features:

  • Rotating/flip feature ensures evenly cooked waffles
  • Cooks two waffles at once
  • Drip tray catches batter
  • Non-stick coating
  • Cool-touch, locking handle

Cost: $30

Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker

calaphon waffle maker

The Calphalon waffle maker has ceramic-coated plates that heat quickly and evening and are more durable than those with a typical non-stick coating.

Key Features:

  • Countdown timer
  • LCD Display
  • 5 browning/heating levels
  • Non-stick ceramic coating

Cost: $130

Chef’sChoice WafflePro

The Chef’s Choice WafflePro has a top plate that “floats,” so that you end up with waffles that are evenly sized and cooked.

Key Features:

  • Non-stick coating
  • Two cooking modes
  • Audible beep to let you know when waffles are ready
  • Indicator light

Cost: $80

Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker

chefman anti-overflow belgian waffle maker

Cut down on clean-up time with a waffle maker that’s designed to catch, and cook, any excess batter.

Key Features:

  • 7 browning/heating levels
  • Overflow channel catches batter drips
  • Indicator light lets you know when the waffle is ready

Cost: $30

Chefman Perfect Pour Belgian Waffle Maker

The Chefman Perfect Pour Waffle Maker aims to reduce batter mess through innovative design. Instead of opening the waffle maker to pour in the batter, you pour it into a spout on the top of the machine. The waffle plates are at an angle (described as a “volcano”), so that the batter easily flows down them. A seal keeps the batter inside of the device until the waffle is fully cooked.

Key Features:

  • Pour spout to contain batter and reduce spills
  • Non-stick coating
  • Indicator light lets you know when waffles are ready

Cost: $29

Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker

The Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker is similar to our top-pick Belgian waffle maker, except it only cooks one waffle at a time.

Key Features:

  • Rotary feature creates evenly cooked waffles
  • 6 browning/heating settings
  • Indicator lights let you know when the waffle maker is preheated and when waffles are ready
  • Drip tray catches batter and reduces mess

Cost: $43

Dash No-Drip Belgian Waffle Maker

The bigger cousin of the Dash Mini Maker, the No-Drip Belgian Waffle Maker prepares four waffles at a time. Channels on either side of the waffle maker catch batter and cook it, so that clean-up is a snap.

Key Features:

  • Channels to catch batter drips
  • Non-stick coating
  • Indicator light lets you know when waffle maker is ready to use
  • Available in a range of colors
  • Slim, compact design

Cost: $40

Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker

The Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker makes one round waffle that you can break into eight waffle sticks. It comes with a measuring cup and a channel to catch drips.

Key Features:

  • Channel around waffle maker catches any batter drips
  • Measuring cup that holds the amount of batter that will fit in the waffle maker
  • Non-stick coating
  • Indicator light lets you know when the waffle is ready

Cost: $44

Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

Hamilton Beach’s rotary Belgian waffle maker not only features a “flip” function that helps waffles cook more evenly, it also has removable, dishwasher-safe plates to make clean up super easy.

Key Features:

  • Ceramic non-stick coating
  • Removable, dishwasher-safe waffle plates
  • Rotary function helps to cook waffles evenly
  • Adjustable  heating/browning setting
  • Indicator light lets you know when the waffle maker is preheated

Cost: $50

Krups Belgian Waffle Maker

The Krups Belgian Waffle Maker is good for feeding a crowd, as it produces four thick waffles at a time. Clean-up after cooking is easy, as the waffle plates can go into the dishwasher.

Key Features:

  • Removable, dishwasher-safe waffle plates
  • 5 browning/heating settings
  • Indicator light lets you know when the waffle maker is preheated and when waffles are done
  • A beep lets you know when waffles are done
  • Non-stick coating

Cost: $50

Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker

The Presto FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker looks like a standard round waffle maker, but it has a trick up its sleeve. The waffle maker can be flipped from left to right to ensure even cooking.

Key Features:

  • Flips 180 degrees
  • Digital display and countdown timer
  • Ceramic non-stick coating

Cost: $40

Stovetop Waffle Makers

NordicWare Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron

nordicware aluminum waffle iron

You don’t need a special appliance to make waffles at home. The NordicWare cast aluminum waffle iron lets you make Belgian waffles on the stovetop.

Key Features:

  • Cast aluminum with non-stick coating
  • Works on gas or electric stoves
  • Makes four waffles at once

Cost: $40

Rome Old Fashioned Waffle Iron

rome old-fashioned waffle iron

The Rome Old Fashioned Waffle Iron works over a gas stove. It’s also perfect for camping trips, as it will work over a camping stove.

Key Features:

  • Makes a round waffle
  • Made of cast iron, which can be naturally seasoned
  • Works on gas stoves or camping stoves

Cost: $22

Multi-Tasker Waffle Makers

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Maker

black and decker 3-in-1 waffle maker

The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 is a combination waffle maker, griddle and sandwich maker. It comes with removable, non-stick plates (that aren’t dishwasher safe).

Key Features: 

  • Non-stick coating
  • Opens 180 degrees, so you can use both sides as a griddle
  • Three temperature settings: Low, Med, High

Cost: $73

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Morning Meal Station

black and decker 3-in-1 morning mealstation

The Morning Meal Station is the more compact multi-tasker waffle maker from BLACK+DECKER. Its interchangeable plates let you use it as a waffle maker, sandwich maker or grill.

Key Features:

  • Non-stick coating
  • Removable plates are dishwasher safe
  • Indicator light lets you know when the device is preheated
  • Compact design

Cost: $27

Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates

cuisinart belgian waffle maker with pancake plates

Should you have waffles or pancakes for breakfast? With the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with pancake plates, the answer can be both. The device includes four Belgian waffle plates and four flat pancake plates.

Key Features:

  • Non-stick coating
  • Indicator lights let you know when the waffle maker and waffles are ready
  • Audible beep when waffles are cooked
  • Waffle and pancake plates are dishwasher-safe

Cost: $73