Top 5 Best Waffle Makers for 2022

With a quality waffle maker, you can skip the café and enjoy delicious waffles right from the comfort of home. In the past, waffle makers were very simple and straightforward, but current models have a lot more features, including digital displays, multiple browning levels and multi-functionality. Some even have pre-programmed settings that will allow you to make different types of waffles, such as Belgian, chocolate or classic buttermilk waffles among others.

We invested over 21 hours into researching and comparing 40 different waffle irons to create this buying guide, comparison chart and list of the five best models.

When it comes to choosing a waffle maker, the main factor to consider is the amount of features available. Ultimately, all waffle makers make waffles, but they come in different sizes with a wide array of features for convenience, easy cleaning and to make waffle making relatively foolproof.

Size

The size of a waffle maker can be an important consideration for those who have limited counter space or limited storage space. Many waffle makers are large and bulky, but there are those that come in a more compact size. It’s also important to consider how it will be stored. Models with locking lids can be stored upright to save space.

The vast majority of waffle makers only make four waffles at a time. They typically make one large waffle that can be cut into four sections. It’s possible to find large waffle makers that will make more than this or professional flip models that can make two whole waffles at the same time.

Shape

The shape of waffles might seem insignificant, but it may matter to some people. Most waffles make either round or square waffles, but there are also specialized models that make interesting shapes such as hearts or triangles.

Thickness

Another consideration is thickness. Shallow grid waffle makers will make relatively thin waffles while deeper grids will make thicker ones. Usually waffle makers will state the size and thickness of the waffles it can make. Thin waffles tend to have an all around crisper texture, while thicker ones may be very fluffy, but variables include the cooking temperature and batter.

Cooking Surface

Waffle maker cooking surfaces have long been known for being messy and hard to clean. However, most current models are nonstick and thus much easier to clean. Some models even come with removable plates that can be simply placed in a dishwasher for cleaning.

Indicator Lights and Sounds

Another problem with older style waffle makers was all the guesswork involved in figuring out when the waffles were done. Most current models have some type of indicator light or sound that alerts users when the grill is ready to cook on and when the waffles are done. Lights are fairly common, but for busy cooks, a sound may be an even better option.

Thermostats

Good waffle makers also have good thermostats that ensure consistent results. The best models have adjustable thermostats so the user can decide how hot they want the iron to get. Some people enjoy light, soft waffles, while others enjoy well-browned and crispy waffles. Another use for this feature is with different types of batter. Chocolate batters and boxed mixes often need different cooking temperatures.

Drip Catchers

Nonstick surfaces are a great feature of modern waffle irons, but they don’t typically prevent batter from dripping out if the waffle maker is overfilled. Fortunately, it’s possible to buy waffle makers with drip trays to catch the excess. Some makers also have moats surrounding the waffle grid to catch overflow and cook it. Another feature is when the model has an angled surface. This at least allows drips to end up on the counter and not all over the side of the waffle maker.

Controls

Many waffle makers still have analog buttons and knobs to operate it, but many newer models have started adding purely digital controls. In most cases, there’s a combination of digital and analog controls, with digital displays showing timers and settings.

Multi-functionality

Some waffle makers are designed to do more than just make waffles. There are a handful of multi-functional models available that come with flat plates that will allow you to make pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage. Another possibility is the multi-functional counter top grill that just happens to also make waffles. The George Foreman Evolve is a good example of this type of machine.