How to choose a waffle maker
When choosing a waffle maker, consider the following:
Are flip waffle makers better?
Some people claim that flip waffle makers produce a more evenly cooked waffle than other designs. We’ve featured two electric flip waffle makers in our list – the VonShef Waffle Maker with Rotary Iron and the American Originals Flip-Over Waffle Maker. You can also flip handheld stovetop irons like the Nordic Ware Original Stovetop Waffle Maker.
Experts say that rotating the waffle maker allows the batter to spread more evenly over the waffle plate, producing waffles that are crispy on the outside but fluffy in the middle compared to non-flip waffle makers that can tend to make denser waffles. That said, reviewers say that you can get acceptably tasty waffles using a non-flip waffle maker too. So while it can be a real bonus to be able to flip your waffle maker, it’s by no means essential.
How to make waffles in an electric waffle maker
1. Plug in and switch on your waffle maker with the lid closed and wait for the ‘ready to use’ indicator to come on, if it has one.
2. Using a heat resistant oven mitt, open the waffle maker and spray the inside with a non-stick spray.
3. Carefully pour in your batter over the lower plate, without overflowing. You can help spread the batter with a palette knife or wood spoon.
4. Close the lid. If you’re using a rotating waffle maker, flip the metal plates upside down for the machine to begin cooking.
5. Your waffles should be ready within four to six minutes so you can open it up or flip over the rotating waffle maker and carefully remove the waffle with a fork and knife.
6. Let your waffle maker cool a little before cleaning but don’t leave it for too long or the batter will congeal.
How to make waffles in a stovetop waffle maker
1. Place your waffle iron on top of your stove burner, which should be on medium heat.
2. Heat the iron for about two minutes and then turn it over to heat the other side too. Make sure you wear oven mitts.
3. Remove the waffle iron from the heat, open the iron and brush both plates with a thin coating of vegetable oil.
4. Place the iron back onto the burner, leaving it open and carefully spoon batter onto the bottom half of the waffle iron. Close the iron for about 90 seconds and then carefully flip the waffle iron over to cook the other side of the waffle. It should be cooked after about 60 seconds.
5. Remove the iron from the stove and open over a plate, using a fork to gently remove the waffle from the iron.
What else can I use a waffle maker for?
You can use a waffle maker to produce a wide range of other treats including:
What is the best waffle maker to buy?
The best traditional stovetop waffle maker is the Nordic Ware Original Stovetop Waffle Maker - it produces dreamy Belgian waffles every time. For true versatility and value for money, the best 3-in-1 waffle maker is the Russell Hobbs 3-in-1 Sandwich, Panini and Waffle Maker. The best overall electric waffle maker is the Breville DuraCeramic Ultimate which we rate for its all round performance and value.
How we chose our recommendations
Our waffle maker suggestions mostly came from recommendations on the Mumsnet forums and from consumer reviews on the web. We consulted independent review sites for opinions about products to ensure we were bringing you an honest summary of electric waffle makers and stovetop waffle makers.
About the author
Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on product reviews, homeware roundups and family travel.
She’s written buyer’s guides for publications including Expert Reviews, Coach and Den of Geek as well as reviews and features for the Guardian, TripSavvy and Visit London.
As a mum of two, she’s always on the lookout for products that make life easier at home and loves putting gadgets and appliances to the test to highlight best buys for families.
Why you should trust us
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Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.
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