Black and Decker Belgian Flip Waffle Maker: Available for $40 or less, this folding waffle maker is nearly identical to the Hamilton Beach model mentioned above, but it doesn’t include a doneness knob or removable, dishwasher-safe plates, and the drip tray isn’t as large (or as effective). I’d rather spend a little extra for the superior Hamilton Beach model, but this one is reasonable if you just want a decent flip-up waffle maker for under $50. I will note that the nonstick surface didn’t hold up all that well as my testing progressed, even when I reapplied vegetable oil to keep it seasoned.
Breville BWM520XL Round waffle maker: The Breville waffle maker was by far the most expensive I tested and it feels like one with sturdy, high-quality construction. The design is far from perfect, which keeps me from recommending it as an upgrade choice. For example, while the overflow moat does a good job of catching excess batter, it gets just as hot as the stovetop inside it and there’s nothing to stop you from burning your fingers on it. Despite the nonstick interior, the hollow design of the interior, which bakes a thin, crispy waffle, kind of like a pan pizza, makes it too difficult to remove your waffle once it’s done.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Round classic waffle maker: The cheap Cuisinart waffle maker is a popular choice, with strong review averages at several major retailers. It did well in my tests of cooking satisfying waffles about half an inch thick, but with shallow nooks and crannies and no drip tray or overflow moat, your batter pouring skills will have to be very precise. Too much, and you’ll overflow and create a mess. Too little, and you’ll end up with an oddly shaped waffle with thin burnt spots that stick to the iron. There isn’t much wiggle room between these two outcomes and that’s too picky for my taste.
Oster Belgian waffle maker: A shipping delay prevented me from testing the Oster waffle maker alongside the others, but with decent review averages on Amazon and Walmart and a low price tag of $20-$25, it might make sense as a budget pick. I have since received the one I purchased and have been using it to test out a few waffle maker hacks. It is similar in design to the Cuisinart, but thicker and less prone to overflowing when you pour the batter into it.
I’d rather spend a little more for a flip-up waffle maker — or one with removable, dishwasher-safe plates — but if you’re just looking for something that lets you make reasonable, enjoyable waffles for just about as little cash as possible, it’s tough to find a better option than this.
Presto Stuffler filled waffle maker: A new model, the Presto Stuffler, includes a special, round tong that clamps around the side of the waffle as it cooks, creating an ultra-deep waffle maker that you can use to make ultra-thick, stuffed waffles. Now, I love a niche kitchen gadget as much as anyone, but it’s worth noting that you really don’t need a new waffle iron to make new waffles. There are plenty of fun waffle hacks you can do with just about any waffle maker.
I wanted to give the Stuffler a fair chance, so I picked one up and tested three recipes from Presto: a waffle filled with cherry pie filling, a stuffed pizza waffle, and a waffle filled with spicy chicken. You can check out my Twitter thread for the full account of how it all went down, but the short version is that I wasn’t impressed.
I liked the Stuffler’s small, flip-over design and the fact that you can store it upright, vertically, like the Presto FlipSide, but I wasn’t a fan of those tongs, which always seemed to leak the batter out the back (and no part of the Stuffler is dishwasher safe). What’s worse is that the hollow handle design can direct hot steam towards your hands. As for the waffles, I found that I needed a huge amount of batter to make one that completely came together around what I put in it. As a result, I found each waffle far too filling for my taste, and far less satisfying than any of the regular waffle hacks I’ve already tested. It currently retails for $50, and there are probably worse things to waste money on in the kitchen, but I say save the stuffed waffles for IHOP.
