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The 15 Best Waffle Makers, All Guaranteed to Make Breakfast Your Favorite Meal of The Day

Top-rated picks, starting at $10

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best waffle makers editors picks

You know how they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, you’re about to start swearing by that statement. Seriously. A quality waffle maker isn't just the secret to a Leslie Knopes-caliber brunch; they’re surprisingly versatile cooktops (you haven’t lived until you’ve tried ultra-crispy hash browns or quesadillas made in one). Some styles even come with interchangeable plates for you to switch out when you want to cook up bacon, eggs or even your go-to breakfast sandwich.

So, what’s the best waffle maker out there? First, we’ll review the top factors to consider before clicking “add to cart,” then share our 15 favorite finds, based on their cost, reliability, versatility and how much counter space they’ll eat up.

31 Waffle Maker Recipes to Up Your Brunch Game


The Top 5 Waffle Makers at a Glance

1

Best Overall Waffle Maker

Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker

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2

Most Budget-Friendly Waffle Maker

Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine

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3

Best for Disney Fans

Disney Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker

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4

Best Flip Waffle Maker

Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker

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5

Best Smart Waffle Maker

Breville Smart Waffle Pro

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How We Chose the Best Waffle Makers

We researched the top-reviewed brands on the market and tested several models firsthand, as well as sought tried-and-true editor recommendations, to come up with our top picks. In doing so, we focused on a few key considerations:

  • Waffle type: Are you into thin, crisper waffles, or extra-thick, pillowy ones? We've got options for both (and everything in between, including fun character shapes).
  • Machine size: We wanted to include compact options for people with limited space and ones that allow you to create restaurant-worthy, dinner-plate-sized creations.
  • Usage: The number of people you’re feeding breakfast to will also determine which waffle maker you should buy. Solo eaters or anyone dining with one other person will find that a single waffle maker will do the trick. For families of three or more, though, a two- to four-square waffle maker will likely fit your needs better—unless you’re super patient (and don’t mind keeping your waffles warm in the oven as you finish up batch after batch).
  • Quality and durability: Do reviewers complain about messes and leaks? Pieces breaking after a few uses? We focused on pieces that could last for the long haul.

The Best Waffle Makers for Every Kind of Cook

Best Overall Waffle Maker

1. Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • compact
  • moat to catch excess batter
  • 7 shade settings for doneness
  • affordable

What We Don't Like:

  • hand wash
  • can't make multiple waffles at once (not great for a crowd)

When it comes to waffle makers, this one checks off all the boxes: It doesn’t take long to heat up, it’s quick and easy to use, and the cleanup is almost effortless. It comes prepared with an anti-overflow moat so batter doesn't ooze out, a measuring cup so your waffles are precisely the same size, and indicator lights that’ll inform you when your waffle has reached its desired doneness. Last but not least, it’s compact, so you won’t have to worry about it taking up too much space in your cabinet or pantry. Oh, and that price point? *Chef's kiss*

Most Budget-Friendly Waffle Maker

2. Dash Mini Waffle Maker Machine

What We Like:

  • Great for mini waffles (4" size)
  • Compact size
  • Affordable

What We Don't Like:

  • Not great for a crowd

Dash

Should you prefer mini waffles, do not sleep on this Dash waffle maker. Beyond taking up little more than a salad plate’s space, it’s available in 20 colors, each imprinting a different design on your breakfast. (While this red one makes waffles in the shape of a heart, you can find everything from classic circles to more ornate designs like bunnies, skulls and pumpkins.)

"If you only make waffles once in a while, this is the perfect gadget to have on hand, as it costs less than breakfast at McDonald's and takes up less space than a pair of oven mitts," says VP of editorial Candace Davison. "It's beyond easy to use—pour, close and wait until golden—but be warned: All of the shapes are so fun you may find yourself collecting waffle makers like Stanley tumblers."

Most Reliable Waffle Maker

3. Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • Great for thick waffles with deep pockets for catching syrup
  • Easy to use
  • Affordable

What We Don't Like:

  • It can be a little slow to heat up

Cuisinart

If you don’t need a lot of bells and whistles—just a reliable, affordable machine—check out this stainless steel Cuisinart number. It Includes browning control (with five settings to boot), a regulating thermostat, nonstick baking plates and a recipe book, so you’ll be ready for a hot breakfast in no time.

Most Versatile Waffle Maker

4. Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • multi-purpose
  • great for larger families
  • easy to clean

What We Don't Like:

  • plates can be tricky to lock in place/adjust

Black + Decker

Why settle for less when you can have more? Make waffles just one part of your breakfast of champions with this gadget by Black+Decker that does triple duty as a waffle maker, grill and griddle. Just flip the reversible cooking plates over and you can go from making four waffles at a time to frying up four servings of eggs, bacon, pancakes, sandwiches or whatever else your heart desires. Another A+ feature is that if you lay the top of the appliance flat, you can double your surface area for grilling up the goods.

Note: This style is ideal for making thinner, crisper waffles.

Best Waffle Stick Maker

5. Babycakes Waffle Stick Maker

What We Like:

  • Waffles have deep pockets for syrup + crisp edges
  • Affordable

What We Don't Like:

  • Not so easy to clean

babycakes

Excuse me, a waffle stick maker? Where was this my entire childhood? With this handy maker, you’ll get four waffle "fries" that are perfect for snacking, dipping, sharing, playing waffle Jenga, etc.  Because things in stick form are just more fun to eat.

Best for Disney Fans

6. Disney Mickey Mouse Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • Fun shape
  • Affordable

What We Don't Like:

  • Waffles are a bit more pancake-like

Disney Store

Help turn your table into the happiest place on Earth with this waffle maker that will cook adorable Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles. The plates are nonstick so it’s easy to make seconds, and thirds and more.

"If you're a Disney fan, this is the perfect waffle maker to bust out on the weekends. It's the easiest way to have a 'special' brunch with minimal effort (you don't even need to flip it), and your kids will go berserk," says executive managing editor Catrina Yohay. "The final product tends to lean more pancake than waffle but it always comes out with a thin, crispy coating and plenty of nooks and crannies to pile on the syrup. Plus, it's a scientific fact that everything tastes better shaped like Mickey."

Best for Large Families

7. Krups Belgian Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • Cooks 4 waffles at once
  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like:

  • Rubber feet can pop off easily, causing machine to slide on counter

krups

Nobody has time to sit around and cook up 10 waffles for their family in a one-waffle making machine. This easy-to-clean Krups waffle maker will make not one, not two, not three, but four Belgian waffles at a time so getting breakfast on the table won’t take all morning. Simply pour in the batter, adjust the browning level, wait for the timer to go off, serve (and repeat), then pop the removable plates into the dishwasher and be on your way. It doesn’t get easier than that.

Best Flip Waffle Maker

8. Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • High-quality
  • Waffles pop out cleanly and easily

What We Don't Like:

  • Not as durable long-term as other brands

presto

This Presto Belgian waffle maker will give you something to flip out about—in the best way. It’s simple enough for all and reviewers confirm that its nonstick plates are truly nonstick, allowing the waffle to release easily from the iron once fully cooked. Plus, the waffles cook evenly (which doesn’t always happen, as anyone who’s scraped gloppy batter bits from their machine can attest). And the device is easily stored, thanks to its compact size, ability to lock closed—so it can be stored upright—and light weight.

Best Smart Waffle Maker

9. Breville Smart Waffle Pro

What We Like:

  • Easy to use
  • Great for customizing waffles to your taste
  • Moat for preventing overflow/drips

What We Don't Like:

  • Pricey

Williams-Sonoma

Take “easy to use" to a whole new level with this foolproof smart waffle maker by Breville. Start by selecting your batter type on the LCD screen (Belgian, classic, chocolate, buttermilk, classic, or custom), then choose from one of 12 settings for baking and browning preferences. From there, let the smart technology take care of the rest as it self-adjusts the time and temperature based on your specifications, even tracking the batter’s moisture levels and more. To make this appliance even sweeter, it also has a nonstick moat to catch any batter that drips.

Best for Making Thin, Crisp Waffles

10. Euro Cuisine Heart Shaped Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • Easy to use
  • Can be stored vertically
  • Creates crisp pancakes

What We Don't Like:

  • Temperature can be hard to control

euro cuisine

If you prefer your waffles thinner than the standard Belgian waffle, this waffle maker is ideal. Not only do the waffles come out crispier, but they also are heart-shaped (because how irresistible is that?!). There’s an adjustable temperature control, indicator lights, and the machine can be stored vertically in your cabinets, that is, if you ever want to put it away.

11. Animal Friends Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • easy to use
  • makes multiple designs

What We Don't Like:

  • Some say they're more "squishy" than crisp and toasted

cucinapro

Meet the fluffier, breakfast-appropriate version of animal crackers. You’ll have a zoo of a time with this mini waffle maker that creates seven animal-shaped waffles, including a cat, dog, panda and reindeer. One reviewer called them a "home run" with kids, adding that it's just as joy-inducing for parents (due to its foolproof design that "does what it says it will"). We're here for it.

Best Vertical Waffle Maker

12. Cuisinart Waffle Vertical Maker

What We Like:

  • Saves counter space
  • Easy clean-up
  • Simple to use

What We Don't Like:

  • Spout too small for most mix-ins, like berries

cuisinart

We all know kitchen counter space is valuable real estate, so maximize yours with a vertical waffle maker. Instead of trying to pour batter evenly across an entire plate, you use a pour spout to fill it. There's a fill line and an included measuring cup to make sure you don’t over-pour or under-pour your batter,  and the locking handle prevents any batter from escaping.

One reviewer, who said she gave up on making waffles long ago due to what a hassle it is to clean up afterward says, "no waffle batter leaking...no muss, no fuss, and the waffles were delicious!" (Another recommends greasing the grates before cooking to ensure each waffle pops out easily.)

Best for Time-Starved Cooks

13. Cruxgg TRNR Double-Rotation Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • cooks waffles quickly
  • can make 1 or 2 waffles at once
  • easy to remove waffles from machine

What We Don't Like:

  • some say it feels flimsy

cruxgg

Beyond being an aesthetically pleasing matte black and red waffle maker, the TRNR Double-Rotation Waffle Maker by Cruxgg cooks faster than you can even comprehend. By fast, we mean it claims to be able to “bake up to eight big Belgian waffles in just 10 minutes” with its pro-grade heating system, so if you’re cooking on a school day or hosting big brunches regularly, this is the one for you. Plus, these waffles are up to an inch thick and 7 inches in diameter, so you’re getting some pretty sizable sweets in no time.

Best Bubble Waffle Maker

14. Masterchef Cucinapro Electric Bubble Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • waffles have great texture
  • high quality
  • easy to use

What We Don't Like:

  • waffles tear easily when removed from maker
  • hard to clean

masterchef cucinapro

Swap out the classic waffles by opting for this bubble waffle maker (or egg waffler) and cook up a delicious breakfast that’ll give you a taste of the popular Hong Kong-style treat in less than 5 minutes. Plus, it comes with a free recipe guide with ideas for how to eat them. Might we suggest trying them covered in whipped cream, topped with fresh fruit or filled with ice cream?

Best Stuffed Waffle Maker

15. Presto 03512 Stuffler Stuffed Waffle Maker

What We Like:

  • built-in tongs
  • easy to clean
  • makes soft, fluffy waffles

What We Don't Like:

  • have to watch closely to make sure stuffed waffles cook all the way through

presto

Traditional waffles are delicious, yes, but you'll never settle for ordinary again with the Presto Stuffler, a stuffed Belgian waffle maker that will instantly up your breakfast or brunch game. Bake your favorite toppings—sweet or savory—inside for a delicious (and memorable) meal every time. PB&J waffles? Fried chicken and waffle sandwiches? Your options are endless.

Plus, there are built-in waffle tongs (!!) to help you remove your masterpiece.



purewow author

Freelance PureWow Editor


Christine Persaud headshot

Freelance Writer

Christine Persaud has been writing and editing since the early 2000s. With a passion and deep knowledge for cooking, fitness, fashion, TV entertainment and tech, she contributes to PureWow’s food, wellness, style and gift categories on topics that range from product recommendations to trends. Earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Psychology from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, her favorite way to unwind is to chill in her comfies with a glass of wine (always red!) and a great TV show. Follow her on Twitter @christineTechCA.

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