Finding and buying a quality waffle maker gives you years of mornings enjoying tasty waffles before work or heading out for a fun day off. Today, there are hundreds of options available; ranging from cast iron stove top models to a pizzelle press that take the work out of cooking breakfast.
For those looking for a non-Belgium, thin waffle maker that will last, I’ve put together a list of the best makes and models that make the grade. These machines cook even waffles, are durable, and are known for their quality and excellence.
Black+Decker Waffle Maker and Griddle
Taking the top spot for its, three-in-one functions as a waffle maker, indoor grill, and griddle; the Black+Decker G48TD hits all the right marks for a relaxing breakfast. The jack of all trades appliance makes traditional square waffles, fries eggs and bacon, grills sandwiches, and a temperature control that gives you the freedom to decide how brown you want your waffles.
A Jack of All Trades in the Kitchen
The versatile griddle’s top and bottom plates are reversible; featuring a smooth surface on one side for grilling, and four molds on the other for waffles. This is the best thin waffle maker available, delivering light, fluffy squares that rival your favorite dinner or breakfast spot.
The key to the G48TD’s performance is the flexibility it offers morning cooks. The griddle is great for pancakes, bacon, sausage, and eggs. With a quick flip of the plates, hot waffles are ready within minutes to complete a full breakfast.
The temperature controls take the durable appliance to another level, giving it an edge over other brands. You control the heat, and aren’t dependent on the man factor’s settings for the right crispiness and texture of your waffles. This feature works well at high altitude, allowing for the small adjustments needed because of variations in recipes or cooking times. It also lets you experiment with different cooking times depending on the food; avoiding burning and scorching of delicate mixes.
Aside from breakfast food, the grill cooks steaks and burgers just right, makes grilled cheese and Paninis with the right amount of punch, and has run off channels that take the grease away from the food. The entire unit is easy to clean, made with non-stick materials that stand up to wear and tear.
One common complaint about the G48TD is that the plates fall out of synch with use. The machine uses thin clips to hold the plates, and they lose their effectiveness with time. This makes the plates fall out of whack, and can be a hassle if they aren’t replaced.
The Final Say
For those whose idea of breakfast is a full spread; including light, fluffy waffles cooked with just the right amount of heat; this is your best bet. The Black+Decker’s versatility makes it easy to cook a great breakfast for the whole family making side dishes of eggs, bacon, and sausage without going through the trouble of washing multiple pans and griddles. Buy the Black+Decker G48TD on Amazon.
First Runner Up- Cuisinart Pizzelle Press
The WM-PZ2 from Cuisinart is the first runner up in the line for the best non Belgium waffle maker. It designed to cook the Italian breakfast delicacy; putting tasty, sweet, round waffles on the table for the whole family to enjoy.
Made from stainless steel, the Pizzelle Press has five different settings for browning, and usually finishes cooking with 60 seconds of being switched on. The iron plates have two different patterns, adding to the traditional design of a snowflake found throughout Italy.
Pizzelle are cooked differently depending on the chef, and although the Cuisinart’s settings do an ample job at regulating the different temperatures; some find that a manual control would be better. Despite this drawback, the machine keeps even heat and cooks crisp waffles well. Buy the Cuisinart Pizzelle Press on Amazon.
Second Runner Up- Chef’s Choice WafflePro Express
Amazon.com – unavailable currently
Taking the second spot in the list of runners up is the WafflePro Express from Chef’s choice. The easy-to-use machine produces heart-shaped, thin waffles in a jiffy. Settings take the work out of cooking waffles; programmed for crispy, and soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The Chef Choice model is on the list as it cooks evenly and consistently, producing fluffy waffles cooked to the right texture depending on your preference.
A common complaint is that the WafflePro is bulky; not the best choice for small spaces. It’s also difficult to clean as the heart shaped design has hard to reach spots that require extra scrubbing. Despite the inconvenience, the model pleases the most persnickety of waffle fans. Buy the WafflePro Express on Amazon.
Alternative for Chef’s Choice:
George Foreman GRP4842R Evolve Grill
Third Runner Up- Cuisinart Round Waffle Maker
Edging in for the last spot on the list of runners up, the round classic waffle maker from Cuisinart makes the cut for it’s on the spot ability to make golden, fluffy, round waffles that please the whole crew.
Features include a browning adjustment; allowing for light to dark brown waffles. It’s also very easy to use, an indicator light lets you know when it’s heated, and the non-stick surface of the plates makes for no hassle cleaning. Another reason for being on this list is the machines small size; stored without taking up a ton of space.
Designed as a budget option, many complain that the WMR-CA wears out too soon, siting defects with the handles falling off or the plates being offset after years of use. In spite of these defects, the model handles the heat well and puts fluffy waffles on the table. Buy Cuisinart’s round waffle maker on Amazon.
The Last Bite
For the waffle and breakfast connoisseur, the Black+Decker Thin Waffle Maker and Griddle gives you the most options for your buck. The sleek machine’s versatility makes it my top pick; easily switching between the smooth grill and waffle press within minutes. The added luxury of being able to make minuet adjustments kicks the G48TD to the top of the list, putting great food on the table without worry.
