Many people really don’t like cleaning up after making a batch of waffles. A batch of waffles is a delicious and easy breakfast, but it often leaves behind a mess in the kitchen. The batter often spills out onto the counter. And when it’s time to clean up, all of the sticky batter is difficult to remove. Even worse, the waffle iron itself is covered in batter residue. Also the waffle-making process creates a lot of crumbs that need to be swept up or vacuumed. All of this cleaning can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially on a weekday morning when you’re already running late. Cleaning up after making waffles can be a real pain!
If you want to make cleaning up after making a batch of waffles much easier, you should definitely consider purchasing a waffle maker with detachable plates. The two main benefits of a waffle maker with detachable plates are easier cleaning and multi-functional capabilities.
A waffle maker with removable plates enables you to detach the plates from the waffle maker and clean them in a container filled with warm soapy water or in a dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe. For example, the All Clad Digital waffle maker with removable plates is really easy to clean because the plates are dishwasher safe. If you want to learn more about the All Clad Digital waffle maker, please read this article: https://wafflemakercenter.com/all-clad-gourmet-digital-vs-manual-waffle-maker-with-removable-plates/.
Some of the best waffle makers with detachable plates can make more than just waffles because they come with more than one set of removable cooking plates. For example, the Cuisinart WAF-300 comes with 2 different sets of cooking plates for making waffles and pancakes. There are many 3-in-1 waffle makers that come with 3 different sets of cooking plates for making waffles, sandwiches, and eggs, such as the Metine 3 in 1 which is one of the best 3 in 1 waffle, grill, and sandwich makers because it has powerful 1200 watt heating elements for faster baking times.
Easier cleaning
The first and most obvious benefit to owning a waffle maker that comes with removable cooking plates is that it is a really easy to clean waffle maker.
With typical waffle makers, the cooking plates are screwed to the upper and lower housing with a number of screws. So if you wanted to take the plates off and clean the removable plates in a dishwasher or container filled with warm, soapy water, you would have to unscrew the plates from the housing which would take so much more time.
In contrast, if you want to remove the plates from a waffle maker that has removable plates, all you have to do is press the two plate release buttons located on the side of the device to lift the plates out of the top and bottom housing. With most models, you can remove the plates and put them in the dishwasher. This is a big plus if you like to make waffles often because it means you can quickly and easily clean the cooking plates after each use.
Clean plates by hand
If you want to clean the plates by hand, it is best to soak them in a sink or container first. This will help to loosen or break down any food particles or grease that may be stuck or baked onto the dishes. You can then use a non-abrasive brush with nylon bristles or a non-scratch sponge to scrub the plates clean without scratching the nonstick coating on the plates. Be sure to rinse them thoroughly afterward and set them aside to dry.
You can also use a non-abrasive dishwasher detergent because many of them are composed of plant-derived materials and do not contain any phosphates or chlorine bleach, which can damage the coating of your plates over time. Instead, they rely on enzymes and other natural ingredients to get your cooking plates clean. This makes them ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies. Plus, they’re still effective at getting rid of dirt and grease, so you don’t have to worry about your cooking plates coming out dirty.
Clean plates with a dishwasher
Dishwasher-safe plates are the main reason why people buy a waffle maker with removable plates. This is because you can place these types of cooking plates in a dishwasher and let it do all of the work.
There are many different dishwasher cycles to choose from if you are cleaning your everyday dishes, stainless steel pots, pans, spoons, forks, and glassware including Heavy Duty for stainless steel pots, pans, spoons, and forks, China for delicate china and glassware, Quick Wash for lightly soiled dishes, and Sanitize for heavily soiled dishes, baby bottles, and pacifiers.
For a removable plate, you should avoid using these cycles because the dishwasher will spray water on the plates at a high pressure and temperature for more than one hour. The force and high temperature of the water, which can reach 150 degrees Fahrenheit, can damage the coating on the plates which can cause them to begin to flake off. Instead, you should use the delicate cycle because it sprays water at a lower pressure and temperature (about 105 degrees Fahrenheit) for less than one hour which will not damage the coating.
Versatility
The problem with most waffle makers with detachable plates is that they are only designed to make waffles because they only come with one set of cooking plates. However, there are many 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 appliances that come with more than one set of cooking plates.
There are many 2-in-1 appliances that come with 2 sets of cooking plates for making waffles and sandwiches or pancakes. The Cuisinart WAF-300 is a 2-in-1 appliance that comes with both waffle and pancake plates. It allows you to make either 4 Belgian waffles or 4 pancakes at a time. However, this appliance will not allow you to make both waffles and pancakes at the same time.
The problem with most 2-in-1 appliances is that they are only big enough to let you make one waffle or sandwich at a time. The Cuisinart WAF-300 is one of the few 2-in-1 appliances that is the same size as the dedicated waffle makers.
There are many 3-in-1 appliances that come with 3 sets of cooking plates that can easily turn the appliance into a waffle maker, grill, or griddle in less than 10 seconds. There is one set of plates with a checkerboard pattern for making square-shaped waffles. The second set of plates are flat and they turn the appliance into a griddle for making sandwiches, pancakes, bacon strips, or eggs. The last set of plates has raised ridges and they turn the appliance into a grill. They are used to grill steaks and vegetables.
Saves you a lot of storage space
Another benefit of a detachable plate waffle maker is that it can save you a lot of space in your cabinet or countertop. Since some waffle makers with detachable plates are multi-functional, you won’t have to buy as many kitchen appliances. If you buy a 3-in-1 appliance, you will not have to buy an extra grill or griddle to make steaks or sandwiches.
