This article will talk about the features and pros and cons of the best waffle makers with removable plates which are the easiest to clean since you can remove the plates with the click of a button and clean them in a dishwasher and the most versatile because some come with additional sets of interchangeable/reversible plates for making eggs or bacon or grilling steaks or vegetables.
Best Waffle Makers with Removable Plates for 2024
- GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker – This is the best overall waffle maker with removable plates for 2024 because it uses two sets of interchangeable plates to make either Belgian or Classic waffles and it also has ceramic-coated plates, an LCD display with countdown timer, pre-programmed waffle types, and an extra cooking time setting.
- Cuisinart 5-in-1 GR-4NP1 Panini Press, Grill, Griddle, and Waffle Maker
- All Clad Gourmet Digital 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker – This is one of the best reviewed 4-slice Belgian waffle makers with removable plates because it is really durable, heats evenly and reheats quickly because of heavy-duty cooking plates, and it comes with an LCD screen, countdown timer, pre-programmed waffle types, and extra cooking time button.
- Cuisinart WAF-300 4-Slice Belgian Waffle and Pancake Maker
- KRUPS GQ502D 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker
- Hamilton Beach 26031 Ceramic Flip Round Belgian Waffle Maker – This is the safest flip Belgian waffle maker because it uses non-toxic removable copper ceramic plates that contain neither PFOA nor PTFE.
- Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Round Belgian Waffle Maker
- Secura 360 Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
- Black+Decker G48TD 3-in-1 4-Square Classic Waffle Maker & Grill/Griddle – This is one of the best thin waffle makers with removable plates under $100 because it comes with two large 8″x8″ reversible cooking plates and it can open flat to double the cooking surface. However, you will have to clean the plates by hand because they are not dishwasher safe.
- OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Sandwich Maker
- Dash Multi-Plate Mini Waffle Maker
Are All Removable Plates Dishwasher-Safe?
No not all removable plates are dishwasher-safe but the majority are. If you want to check, then read the product description and the instruction manual to find out if they say the plates are dishwasher-safe to make certain.
If they are not dishwasher-safe, then you will have to wash them in the sink by hand but this is still much easier than using a damp cloth and toothbrush to remove the caked-on batter from the grooves in waffle plates that cannot be removed from the waffle maker.
Removable Plates vs Interchangeable Plates vs Reversible Plates
All removable plates can be removed from the base of an appliance with the click of a button but not all of them are interchangeable or reversible.
Removable Plates
Most removable plate waffle makers come with one set of cooking plates with either ‘Top’ or ‘Bottom’ embossed on them because you can only insert the ‘Top’ plate in the upper housing and the ‘Bottom’ plate in the lower housing which means you cannot interchange them.
Interchangeable Plates
Some of the multi-functional appliances, such as the OSTBA 3 in 1 and the Dash multi-plate, that come with multiple sets of plates for making waffles and grilling steaks and vegetables have plates that you can interchange with the top and bottom housing.
Reversible Plates
There are some multi-function appliances such as the Cuisinart 5-in-1 GR-4NP1 Panini Press, Grill, Griddler, and Waffle and Sandwich Maker that come with reversible grill and griddle plates that can turn them into a full grill or griddle.
The reversible grill plates come with ridges on both sides while the reversible griddle plates are flat on both sides.
There are no waffle plates that are reversible.
What type of waffle maker should you buy?
For a large family, I recommend that you buy either the Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip or the GreenPan Elite or All Clad Gourmet Digital 4-slice waffle makers with dishwasher-safe removable plates. One reason is that they are the easiest to clean since you can detach the plates and clean them in a dishwasher. Another reason is that you will be able to make enough waffles in a shorter amount of time to satisfy the appetites of a large group of hungry family members.
For a single person or couple, I recommend you buy either the Hamilton Beach 26031 single flip ceramic Belgian waffle maker or OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 waffle, grill & sandwich maker, which is half the size of a typical 4-slice Belgian waffle maker, because they are affordable, heat evenly, and don’t take up very much space.
Comparison Chart
| Features and Specifications | Included Features | Missing Features |
|---|---|---|
 GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker | • Four Removable Ceramic Plates without PFAS • Bakes 4 square Belgian or Classic waffles at a time • LCD Display with countdown timer • Pre-programmed waffle types (Belgian, Classic, Liege, Custom) • Batter Overflow Moat • Texture Button from Fluffy to Crunchy • Audio Beep Notifications • 7 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts • Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.1 x 9.02 x 5.71 inches • Weight: 13 pounds • Release Date: February 2023 | • No indicator lights • No timer |
 Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler and Waffle Plates Bundle | • 6-in-1: waffle maker, contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle • Two removable waffle plates • Two reversible grill/griddle plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Variable temperature control (300-425°F) • Searing option raises the grill to 500 degrees • Power Consumption: 1440 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 13.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches • Weight: 15.5 pounds • Release Date: September 2014 | • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
 Cuisinart WAF-RP10 Belgian & Classic Waffle Maker | • Four Removable Plates • Bakes 1 round Belgian or Classic waffle at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • 5 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 800 watts • Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.1 x 7.63 x 4.81 inches • Weight: 5.82 pounds • Release Date: December 2022 | • No timer • No batter overflow moat • No LCD Display • Teflon-coated plates |
 All-Clad Gourmet Digital 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker | • LCD Display with countdown timer and cook, ready, and preheating status indicators • Pre-programmed waffle types (Belgian, Classic, Berry, Chocolate, Gluten Free, Buttermilk) • Reheat Button • Extra Browning Time Button • Two Removable Plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • 7 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 15.59 x 10.75 x 5.94 inches • Weight: 17.21 pounds • Release Date: September 2020 | • No indicator lights • No timer • No batter overflow moat |
All-Clad Gourmet WD822D51 Manual 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker | • Two Removable Plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • 6 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 15.59 x 10.75 x 5.94 inches • Weight: 13.27 pounds • Release Date: September 2020 | • No indicator lights • No timer |
Cuisinart WAF-300 4-Square Belgian Waffle And Pancake Maker | • Two removable waffle plates and two removable pancake plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Bakes 4 pancakes at the same time • 6 temperature settings • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • Power Consumption: 1200 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 9.65 x 12.2 x 6.3 inches • Weight: 8.23 pounds • Release Date: October 2013 | • No timer |
Krups GQ502D 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker | • Two removable waffle plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • 5 temperature settings • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • Power Consumption: 1200 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 16.5 x 12.6 x 6.7 inches • Weight: 6 pounds • Release Date: September 2016 | • No timer |
Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker | • Four removable waffle plates • Bakes 2 round 6.5-inch Belgian waffles at a time • Power Consumption: 1300 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 14.13 x 9.75 x 7.94 inches • Weight: 9.22 pounds • Release Date: February 2020 | • No temperature control • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Round Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker | • Two removable waffle plates • Bakes 1 round 6.5-inch Belgian waffle at a time • 5 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 800 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 14.88 x 9.9 x 9.06 inches • Weight: 6.37 pounds • Release Date: September 2018 | • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Classic Waffle Maker & Indoor Grill/Griddle | • Reversible Plates (one side is for waffles and the other side is flat for baking eggs and sandwiches) • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Other side has a flat surface for baking eggs, bacon strips, steaks, lamb chops, and sandwiches • Opens flat to give you two 8'x8' cooking surfaces • Grease runoff channels • 3 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 825 watts (L x H x W): 11.5"D x 11.75"W x 5"H • Weight: 9.38 pounds • Release Date: October 2001 | • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Sandwich Maker | • Cheapest 3-in-1 waffle and sandwich maker • Bakes two square-shaped Classic waffles at a time • Each waffle is 4-inches wide and 0.50-inches thick • 3 sets of dishwasher-safe interchangeable plates for making waffles, sandwiches, and steaks • Power and Ready to Bake/Eat indicator lights • Power Consumption: 750 watts • Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.65 x 10.39 x 6.57 inches • Weight: 4.97 pounds • Release Date: May 2020 | • No Audible beep • No temperature control dial • No timer |
Secura Detachable 360 Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker | • Bakes one round Belgian waffle at a time • Each waffle has a 6.5-inch diameter and 7/8" inch thickness • Removable Waffle Plates • Power and Ready to Bake/Eat indicator lights • Power Consumption: 1000 watts • Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.17 x 10.2 x 6.81 inches • Weight: 6.02 pounds • Release Date: October 2017 | • No Adjustable Temperature Control • No Audible beep |
Dash Multi-Plate Mini Maker with Storage Case | • One of the smallest detachable plate waffle makers • 5 detachable plates included - 2 classic waffle plates, 2 griddle plates, and 1 heart waffle plate • Preheat/Ready to Eat Indicator light • Power Cord Storage • Power Consumption: 500 watts • Storage Case • Dimensions: 6.9"D x 5"W x 4.1"H • Weight: 4.22 pounds • Release Date: November 2023 | • No Temperature Control • No Audible beep • No timer • Very expensive ($40) |
GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker
The best removable plate waffle maker is the GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker because it is one of the few waffle makers that can make either Belgian or Classic waffles and it also comes with nontoxic ceramic-coated plates and pre-programmed waffle types.
It comes with 2 sets of removable plates that allow it to function as either a 1-inch thick Belgian waffle maker or 0.5 inch thick thin Classic waffle maker. Here’s a breakdown of why it stands above the rest:
Here’s a side-by-side features comparison:
| Feature | GreenPan Elite | Typical Waffle Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Bakes either Belgian or Classic waffles | Yes | No |
| Multiple removable plate styles | Yes | No |
| Ceramic nonstick coating | Yes | No |
| Adjustable doneness/texture | Yes | No |
| Batter Overflow moat | Yes | No |
Two sets of interchangeable plates
The GreenPan Elite comes with two sets of interchangable cooking plates – one set for classic thin waffles, and a deeper plate set perfect for hearty Belgian-style waffles.
With the click of a button, you can easily swap plates and make either airy, Belgian-style waffles with the deep-pocketed plates or thin, square classic waffles with the shallower plates. These waffles will be as thin as the waffles from the Wells WB-1E commercial waffle maker that all Waffle House restaurants use.
However, you cannot make both types at the same time. All four plates can be conveniently stored in the bottom of the unit.
Toxin-Free Cooking
Dupont created Teflon, which is the brand name for PTFE, coating and they used to use PFOA to manufacture Teflon until it was banned in 2013. Currently, all waffle makers use a Teflon coating that is PFOA-free. The FDA has said that Teflon is safe to use as long as the cooking temperature does not exceed 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) but many prefer to play it safe by going with a waffle maker that is Teflon-free, more Eco-friendly, and nontoxic.
One Eco-friendly nonstick coating is ceramic which does not contain PFOA or PTFE and is easier to clean, more durable, and heats up faster than Teflon coating.
The Greenpan Elite uses a revolutionary Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating that is completely free of hazardous chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. That means you can cook healthy Belgian or classic waffles worry-free, without butter or oil. The Thermolon coating is really durable because it is diamond-infused and removing waffles will be effortless as well. This coating is as durable as the ceramic coatings of any of the best ceramic waffle makers.
Texture Customization
It has adjustable shade settings and a texture control button that will allow you to customize the done-ness and crispiness of your waffles. Just simply turn the dial to one of seven browning presets, from light to dark brown. After initial cooking finishes and the timer hits zero, the setting from the texture button activates the crunch cycle to one of three texture presets ranging from airy and fluffy to ultra-crispy.
Batter Overflow Protection
Nothing ruins waffle-making faster than batter oozing all over your countertop. Thankfully, its batter overflow moat that surrounds the bottom cooking plate catches any overflowing batter due to overpouring, keeping my kitchen countertop clean.
Pre-programmed Waffle Types
The GreenPan Elite’s pre-programmed cooking presets take all the guesswork out of making different styles of waffles. Each mode is calibrated for a specific waffle type and plate style to deliver the optimized texture, doneness, and taste.
Here’s an overview of the different presets:
| Preset | Plate Used | Cook Time | Temp | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgian | Thick Belgian plate | 5-7 minutes | Medium-high | Bakes 1-inch waffles with crispy ridges and moist, custardy centers |
| Classic | Thin classic plate | 4-5 minutes | Medium | Makes thin, evenly browned traditional diner-style waffles |
| Liege | Belgian plate | 7-8 minutes | Medium-low | Perfect for sweet yeasted Liege waffles with caramelized pearl sugar |
| Custom | Either | Adjustable | Adjustable | Gives full manual control to program temperature and cook time |
The Belgian mode uses the deep-ridged plate on medium-high for 5-7 minutes to bake up thick waffles with crispy outer shells and soft, custardy centers – the hallmarks of Belgian waffles.
The Liege mode keeps the temperature lower to caramelize the pearl sugar layered into the yeasted Liege batter without over-browning.
And the Classic mode uses higher heat for less time to make thin and evenly browned waffles with the shallow plate.
Thanks to these tailored presets, you will get exceptional results every time regardless of waffle style. And there is a custom mode that allows full manual control to program your own custom cook settings if you want to experiment with a new recipe.
Durable with High-End Features
With a durable cast aluminum body, 1600 watts of power, an easy-read LCD display, audible ready beep, integrated cord storage, and weighing in at a sturdy 13 pounds, the GreenPan Elite feels like a heavy-duty, quality appliance. It’s built to last and engineered to perform.
While the GreenPan Elite offers exceptional ceramic nonstick performance, customizable doneness, and overflow protection, its dual-function versatility is what cements its status as the #1 waffle maker for 2024. This ingenious feature alone makes it the clear choice for Belgian and classic waffle aficionados alike, even though it falls on the expensive end for waffle irons.
Cuisinart 5-in-1 GR-4NP1 Panini Press, Grill, Griddle, and Waffle Maker
The Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler is the most versatile waffle maker in this article because it comes with two waffle plates and two reversible grill/griddle plates (raised ridges on the grill side and flat on the griddle side) that gives it 6 different cooking options: (1) waffle maker, (2) contact grill to grill chicken, steaks, and hamburgers, (3) panini press, (4) full grill, (5) full griddle (cook pancakes, eggs, and bacon strips at the same time), and (6) half grill/half griddle for grilling steaks and cooking eggs.
This appliance can open flat so you will be able to use both cooking surfaces as either a full grill, full griddle, or half grill/half griddle. When it is closed, it has a cooking surface area of 100 square inches while its open cooking surface area is 200 square inches.
For paninis, there is a floating hinge that allows the top plate to expand to accommodate thicker sandwiches and a Panini-style handle that presses grill marks into both pieces of bread.
There is a temperature control dial for the griddle that goes from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. There is another temperature control dial for the grill that has warm, low, medium, high, and sear options.
Easy to clean up
The removable cooking plates have a nonstick Teflon coating and they are all dishwasher-safe so any residual grease or batter will be easily and quickly washed away afterward. It also comes with a drip tray to place under the unit to catch any excess batter or grease overflowing from the cooking plates.
Easy to use
It has red and green indicator lights to let you know when the plates have reached the desired temperature and is ready to cook and also when your food is done cooking. However, it does not come with an audible beep to warn you before you food gets overcooked so you we will have to keep an eye on it the entire time.
All Clad Gourmet Digital 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Machine
One of the best 4-slice Belgian waffle makers is the All Clad Gourmet Digital waffle maker because it is built like a tank, has powerful heating elements and thick aluminum plates for uniform heat distribution, and comes with functionality not found in other waffle makers including an LCD screen, timer, and pre-programmed waffle types. It bakes four 4.5-inch square, 1-inch thick Belgian waffles at a time which are wider and thicker than the Belgian waffles that are made by the Cuisinart WAF-300 and Krups GQ502D.
Everyone knows that Breville and All Clad make the best high-end kitchen appliances on the market. However, neither has released a dedicated waffle maker that uses detachable waffle grids to the marketplace until now. All Clad beat Breville to the punch by releasing the All-Clad Gourmet in September 2020.
There are two different versions of the All Clad Gourmet waffle maker: Digital (model #: WD822D51) and Manual (model #: WD822D51). The main differences between them are that only the All-Clad Digital has a digital LCD screen, countdown timer, and settings for different waffle types including Belgian, Classic, Buttermilk, Chocolate, and Gluten-free waffles. However, the All Clad Digital is 25% more expensive ($100 higher) but the extra features are worth the extra cost.
The All Clad Gourmet Digital and Manual Waffle Makers are the only Breville or All Clad Belgian waffle makers that use removable waffle grids. All of Breville’s dedicated waffle makers, including the Breville Smart Waffle Pro and Smart Waffle, have non-removable cooking grids.
Powerful 1600 watt heating elements
The All-Clad Gourmet has the most even heat distribution because it has the thickest and heaviest cooking plates and the highest power consumption at 1600 watts, which means the waffles will be more thoroughly cooked and less likely to have any raw patches. The most important thing to look for in any waffle maker is how evenly heat is spread across the cooking plates. If heat is spread evenly across the plates, each morsel of your waffle will have the same delicious taste. If heat is spread unevenly, then your waffle will have some raw or undercooked spots.
Thick and heavy aluminum cooking plates
The aluminum cooking plates are thick and heavy, which means they will retain heat for a long time, evenly cook the entire waffle, and reheat quickly so you can bake your next batch of waffles as soon as possible.
Durable Stainless Steel Housing
The All-Clad Gourmet has a heavy-duty, polished stainless steel housing that is more durable than the housings for other 4-slice waffle makers, including the Cuisinart WAF-300, Krups GQ502D, and Black and Decker G48TD. Riveted to the lid is a heat-resistant die-cast handle that is branded with the All-Clad logo.
It is built to last and it has a beautiful exterior that will look great in your kitchen.
Easy to Clean Because of Detachable Plates and Batter Overflow Tray
The dishwasher-safe detachable waffle grids have a nonstick coating that makes them easy to clean with just a soapy damp cloth or you can just pop them into your dishwasher. The waffle plates can be easily removed by pressing the two buttons on the right side of the body of the device.
There is an opening at the back of this waffle iron to allow the overflowing batter to escape into a detachable overflow batter tray, preventing the waffle batter from dripping down the sides of your waffle iron and onto your kitchen countertop.
Thick Belgian Waffles
It can bake four square-shaped Belgian waffles at the same time. Each square Belgian waffle is 4.5 inches wide and 1 inch thick, with pockets deep enough to hold as much powdered sugar, jam, chocolate sauce, or fresh strawberries as you want.
It even has 6 levels of browning to choose from. Also it has vents that release steam and stop moisture from building up, causing your waffles to come out fluffy and crispy instead of soggy.
Easy to Store
There is a built-in cord storage area around the bottom of the unit that allows you to wrap the cord around the base, keeping the power cord tidy and out of the way.
Fortunately, this unit comes with a lid that locks shut which allows you to store the unit in a space-saving upright position without worrying about the lid flying open.
One complaint about this device is how big it is. It has measurements of 15.59″(Length) x 10.75″(Width) x 5.94″(Height) so it will take up a lot of space on your countertop. It is also really heavy with a weight of 13.27 pounds.
Features only found in the All-Clad Digital Gourmet Belgian waffle maker
• Digital LCD screen displays status of the waffle maker and available waffle recipes
• Countdown timer
• 7 browning settings
• 6 different batter types including Belgian, Classic, Berry, Buttermilk, Chocolate, Gluten-free
• reheat setting shortens the time you have to wait before you can cook the next batch of waffles
• extra baking time setting adds 30 seconds of baking time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Superior heat distribution from thick and heavy aluminum waffle plates – Distributes heat more evenly across the waffle plates than any other waffle maker • Reheats quickly so you will not have to wait long for the next batch of waffles • Durable housing made from premium materials • Lid stays closed during vertical storage • 6-setting temperature control dial • drip tray attaches to the back to catch any excess batter • audio beeping sounds tell you when your waffles are done baking • Average Amazon Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars • Number of Amazon Customer Reviews: more than 800 reviews (83% of reviews were 5 stars which equates to more than 640 reviews) |
• Most expensive waffle maker that uses detachable cooking grids but it is well worth the price • No auto shutoff feature so you will have to be ready to turn off the machine yourself. However, this appliance will disconnect the power supply after the built-in regulating thermostat reaches the pre-selected temperature. • No on/off switch so you will have to pull the plug out of the outlet to turn it off • Plates will not open flat like the Black and Decker G48TD • Only the Manual model has ‘Power’ and ‘Ready to cook/serve’ indicator lights. The Digital model uses the LCD screen to tell you what the ‘Power’ and ‘Ready to cook/serve’ indicator lights do. |
Cuisinart WAF-300 4-Slice Waffle and Pancake Maker
The Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle and Pancake Maker is a 2015 Consumer Reports Winner and the best removable plate waffle maker under $100 because it can make both waffles and pancakes, is well-built, and has good heat distribution.
Waffle and Pancake Cooking Plates
It comes with two removable 4-square Belgian waffle plates and a 4-hole pancake plate along with a flat plate for making the 4 pancakes, which makes it a really convenient breakfast maker.
The waffle plates will bake 4 square-shaped Belgian waffles while the pancake plates will bake 4 round pancakes. Unfortunately, you cannot use the waffle and pancake plates at the same time so you will have to cook your waffles and pancakes separately.
The plates can be easily removed with the push of a button located on the side.
The Cuisinart WAF-300 waffle maker can bake either four 4.5-inch square, 0.75-inch thick Belgian waffles or four 3.5-inch diameter round pancakes at a time.
The cooking plates are easy to clean because they are dishwasher safe and have a nonstick coating that allows the waffles and pancakes to slide right off without leaving a lot of residue.
2015 Consumer Reports Winner
It was released in October 2013 and it has a lot of 5-star reviews on Amazon and in a roundup of six waffle machines, which included the Waring Belgian Waffle Maker WMK200, All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker 2-Square NS, Hamilton Beach Breakfast Master 26046, Black & Decker Double Flip WMD200B and NordicWare Stovetop Belgian Waffler 15040, it was selected by Consumer Reports as the best waffle maker for 2015.
Indicator Lights and Audio Beeping Alert
It has a red ‘Power’ indicator light, green ‘Ready to Cook/Eat’ indicator light, and loud audible beep alert that tell you when the unit is ready to bake the batter or ready to serve the finished waffles or pancakes.
The audible beep is loud and is a great feature for busy people who have to frequently leave the kitchen to tend to other matters because they won’t have to worry about overcooking and burning their waffles or pancakes.
Durable Housing
It has a brushed stainless steel lid with an embossed Cuisinart logo. This waffle iron is made out of stainless steel and weighs more than 8 pounds so it is durable and sturdy. However, this unit will last for many years so it is still a great purchase.
You can even use these plates to make bacon, eggs, or sausages if you want something different for breakfast.
It also features an adjustable browning control dial with six different temperature settings. You can use settings 5 or 6 for crispier waffles or pancakes.
This is a really big appliance because it has measurements of 12.7″(Length) x 9.7″(Width) x 6.3″(Height) and it weighs 8.2 pounds. However, you can make it more compact because it has a vertical storage design. So you can stand it upright on the flat hinged side to make it more compact and easier to store in your countertop or cabinet.
Your purchase also includes a recipe book and a pair of tongs that you can use to remove your waffles or pancakes or to flip your waffles or pancakes over to cook one side a little more.
The Cuisinart WAF-300 is the best waffle and pancake maker because it is well-built, durable, and makes great tasting waffles and pancakes.
The All-Clad Gourmet is much better at making waffles than the Cuisinart WAF-300 because it regulates the temperature better and distributes the heat more uniformly. This is because the All-Clad Gourmet uses more powerful heating elements and thicker aluminum cooking plates that retain more heat.
If you want to bake both waffles and pancakes and you don’t need an appliance with a premium build, then I would definitely purchase the Cuisinart WAF-300 because you can buy it for less than half the cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Consumer Reports Winner for 2015 • Two sets of waffle and pancake plates • Waffle and pancake plates are dishwasher-safe • Easily remove cooking plates with the click of a button • Loud audio beep indicates that your waffles or pancakes are finished • Browning control dial with six different temperature settings that control the operation of the regulating thermostat • Power cord cord storage |
• No on/off switch • The power cord is only 3.5 feet long to reduce the risk of tripping • thin and lightweight cooking plates occasionally do not heat evenly • Nonstick Teflon coating will start peeling off after using heavy use. You should hand wash the plates if you want them to last longer. • rubber feet can break off easily • housing is made from thinner gauge steel than the All Clad waffle machines |
Krups GQ502D 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Iron
The Krups GQ502D 4 Slice Belgian waffle maker was released to market in September 2016 and it has already garnered many positive reviews. The Krups GQ502D Belgian waffle maker uses removable grids and 1200 watt heating elements to bake four 4.5-inch wide, 1-inch thick Belgian waffles at a time.
It has a durable stainless-steel housing that is sturdier than the bodies of more affordable waffle machines but not as sturdy as the housing of the more expensive All-Clad Gourmet.
The dishwasher-safe removable die-cast aluminum cooking plates have a nonstick Teflon coating that makes it easy to take out your waffles and wipe them clean. It is easy to remove the cooking plates by pressing the plate release button on the side of the device just like the All-Clad Gourmet and Cuisinart WAF-300
It also comes with an adjustable temperature control knob with 5 browning settings, red ‘Power On’ indicator light that tells you when the device is plugged in and powered on, and a ‘Ready’ green indicator light and beeping notification that tells you when the device is ready to start baking and when it is done baking.
The Krups GQ502D is a lot cheaper than the All-Clad Gourmet because it does not have the even heat distribution or premium build quality of the All-Clad Gourmet. Also the Krups GQ502D is a little cheaper than the Cuisinart WAF-300 because it does not have extra plates for pancakes.
Easy to store
It has measurements of 16.5″(Length) x 12.6″(Width) x 6.7″(Height) and it weighs 9.1 pounds so it is big and bulky. Fortunately, this appliance has a vertical storage design. This means that the hinged end is flat so you can store it vertically to save some space in your kitchen cabinet or countertop. It would be a great gift for anyone who wants to make waffles for a large family.
Also the lid locks shut and you can keep the power cord out of the way by wrapping the cord around the bottom of the device so they won’t be a problem when you store the device upright.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Plates are easy to clean • Preheats in 5 minutes which is much faster than the Black and Decker G48TD • Plates are held securely to the body by locking mechanisms • Pretty good heat distribution • Body is sturdier than the Black and Decker G48TD • Can be stored upright in a kitchen cabinet |
• Plates do not fold flat • No digital timer |
Final Verdict
The Krups GQ502D Belgian waffle maker has many great qualities that make it a great purchase including a durable stainless steel housing, 5 browning settings, audible beep, and cord storage compartment. However, the All Clad Gourmet WD822D51 has better heat distribution and a more durable housing than the Krups GQ502D but the Krups GQ502D costs less than half as much as the All Clad Gourmet. If you are on a budget and just want to make waffles, then I would purchase the Krups GQ502D instead of the Cuisinart WAF-300.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Belgian Waffle Machine with Removable Ceramic Plates
The best flip waffle maker with detachable waffle plates is the Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Belgian Waffle Maker because it is the only flip Belgian waffle maker that has removable ceramic plates that are easy to clean, heat up really fast, and distribute heat really well. These waffle grids are dishwasher-safe and can be easily removed, with the click of a button, for cleaning in a dishwasher or by hand with a damp, soapy towel.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 bakes one round Belgian waffle at a time that has a 7-inch diameter and 1-inch thickness. It comes with a flip, 180 degree rotating feature, 5-setting adjustable temperature control, Eco-friendly copper ceramic plates, drip tray, heat resistant cool-touch handle and red power on and green ready to cook/eat indicator lights.
Why is a Flip waffle maker better than a Non-Flip waffle maker?
A Flip waffle maker is better than a Non-Flip waffle maker because it will bake the waffles faster and make more perfectly formed waffles. It has a 180-degree rotating feature that will spread the batter evenly on both ceramic plates so that the waffle is perfectly formed and evenly baked over its entire surface. Also it will cook your batter faster because the top and bottom of the waffle will get baked by the bottom plate, which because of gravity does the best job of baking the batter.
Why you should buy it?
1. Ever since it was released to the market in February 2012, it has received thousands of 5-star and 4-star reviews.
2. It is one of the few waffle machines that use removable ceramic grids which do not contain PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), both of which are used to make Teflon.
3. The removable ceramic plates use a nonstick copper ceramic coating, which is a better heat conductor than Teflon coating which reduces baking time. This appliance uses 800-watt heating elements to finish baking your waffle in about 4 minutes.
Like most flip waffle makers, it takes up a lot of space with measurements of 16″(Length) x 10.50″(Width) x 9.25″(Height). It also weighs 6.8 pounds. Unfortunately, you cannot store this unit in a vertical position to save some space. However, it has a collapsible handle that folds in half which makes the device more compact and easier to store away.
The exterior housing consists of brushed stainless steel which means this unit will look great and last for a long time. The brushed finish will do a better job of hiding fingerprints and scratches than a polished finish would.
It has an adjustable temperature control dial with 5 browning settings. The temperature control dial is located on top of the device and it can make your waffles as crispy or fluffy as you want.
Easy to Clean
A removable drip tray is placed underneath the cooking plates to catch any overflowing batter dripping out of the sides which keeps your countertops clean. Like the plates, it is dishwasher safe.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • The removable ceramic plates easily pop out with the press of a button • The nonstick ceramic coating contains no PFOA or PTFE so it is safe and is easy to wipe clean • 360 Degree Flip feature spreads the batter evenly between the two cooking plates • Good heat distribution with the middle and sides of the waffles evenly cooked most of the time • Drip tray catches any overflowing waffle batter • Foldable handle makes this device more compact so that it takes up less counterspace |
• No digital timer • nonstick ceramic coating will start flaking off if you wash it in a dishwasher too much so you should clean it manually with a damp towel to extend its lifespan • thin and lightweight cooking grids are thin and lightweight heat unevenly occasionally • thinner gauge steel housing not heavy duty |
Final Verdict
The Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Belgian waffle maker has many great features including a flip, 360 degree rotating feature, 5 browning settings and eco-friendly ceramic cooking plates that will make your life a lot easier.
Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
The only double flip Belgian waffle maker that uses removable waffle grids is the Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker. It was released on February 2020.
It can bake two 7-inch round and 0.92-inch thick Belgian waffles at the same time. The handle is shaped like a large ‘D’ in order to make it easy to hold and then flip and lock the grids. It uses 1300 watt heating elements to finish baking the waffles in 6 minutes.
The 180° flip feature will evenly spread the waffle batter across the two cooking plates so that each Belgian waffle is the perfect shape and the top and bottom are golden and crispy brown and the interior is fluffy and moist.
This unit takes up a lot of space with measurements of 14.13″(Length) x 9.75″(Width) x 7.94″(Height). It also weighs a lot coming in at 9.22 pounds.
The Hamilton Beach 26201 has many similarities to the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the Hamilton Beach 26201 and 26031 have the same 360° Flip feature, removable waffle plates, power and ready-to-cook indicator lights, and drip tray. However, the Hamilton Beach 26201 does not have the Eco-friendly ceramic cooking plates or the adjustable browning settings of the Hamilton Beach 26031 but it can make two Belgian waffles at a time while the Hamilton Beach 26031 can only make one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Makes two Belgian waffles at the same time • Flip feature will cook the batter faster and form better looking waffles • Thick cooking plates evenly distribute heat across the waffle • Sturdy housing will hold up to daily use • Drip tray |
• Teflon-coated cooking grids instead of Ceramic like the Hamilton Beach 26031 • No temperature control (only operates at one temperature) • No on/off switch • No digital timer |
Final Verdict
If you want to save time by making two Belgian waffles at a time, then you should purchase the Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker. However, if you want a safer and more eco-friendly appliance, then you should purchase the Hamilton Beach 26031 Ceramic waffle maker instead.
Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Classic Waffle Maker and Grill/Griddle with Reversible Plates
The Black+Decker G48TD 3-in-1 has reversible plates that enable it to offer three different functions: thin classic-style waffle maker, grill, and griddle.
Reversible 8″ x 8” Cooking Plates
The Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 waffle maker, griddle, and grill comes with two reversible 8″ x 8” cooking plates. One side of the reversible cooking plates bakes four 4-inch square, 0.5-inch thick thin, Eggo-style waffles at the same time. Then flip the plates over to cook pancakes, sandwiches, hamburgers, eggs, and bacon strips.
The plates are held together by a 180-degree hinge that enables the top to fold all the way down to give you two separate cooking surfaces. This doubles the cooking area which gives it a much bigger cooking surface area than any other unit and lets you grill more food at the same time.
It has a durable chrome housing and heat-resistant handles that will protect your fingers while you are checking on how your food is being prepared.
How does it make your food healthier?
The plates come with grease runoff channels that work just like the ones used with the George Foreman grills. There are only grease runoff channels for the grill side. They run along the edge of the grill plates and there is only one opening for all of the excess oil to flow into an empty cup. This will make your freshly prepared food much healthier and minimize the mess this unit makes.
Are the reversible plates dishwasher-safe?
Unfortunately, the grids are not dishwasher-safe so they should be washed by hand with a damp cloth and hot, soapy water. If you put them in a dishwasher and use detergent to clean them, the nonstick coating might start flaking off and your waffles might start sticking to the plates.
There is a 3-setting temperature control dial that allows you to choose from one of three temperature settings (low, medium, high) to heat your waffles, sandwiches, bacon, eggs, etc. The temperature control dial is fairly accurate and reliable.
It measures 14 inches long, 13.1 inches wide, and 6.2 inches high and it weighs 6.7 pounds so it takes up a lot of space. However, the hinged side is flat so you can stand the unit on the flat hinged side for more compact vertical storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • two reversible 8″x8” flat cooking plates for making traditional thin waffles, pancakes, sandwiches, eggs, and bacon strips • easy to wipe clean nonstick coating • 180 degree hinge allows the top to open flat to give you two cooking surfaces • Grease runoff channels eliminate any excess oil which makes your food much healthier • Compact vertical storage saves a lot of space on your countertop or in your cabinet |
• Temperature control has only 3 browning settings (low, medium and high) • Reversible plates do not contain raised ridges to give your food grill marks • No digital timer • takes about 10 minutes to preheat • flimsy clips that hold the plates to the body can come loose • heats unevenly at times • plates are not dishwasher safe so you should wash them manually to make the coating last longer |
OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill, and Sandwich Maker with Interchangeable Plates
The OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Sandwich Maker with Interchangeable Plates makes it easy to make waffles, sandwiches, French toast, eggs, hash browns, bacon strips, and steaks and it is also the cheapest 3-in-1 appliance on the market. You can buy this device for under $40. It was released on May 2020.
The OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 comes with 3 sets of interchangeable plates for waffles, sandwiches, and steaks that are dishwasher-safe. One set comes with small square-shaped pockets for making two 0.5-inch thick American-style waffles at a time. Another set is used to make two sandwiches or two pieces of French toast at a time. The last set comes with ribbed markings that can be used to grill chicken, steak, or hot dogs.
You can switch the plates interchangeably between the top and bottom positions and it will still function correctly unlike the Cuisinart WAF-300 and All Clad Gourmet.
The plates for the Black and Decker G48TD are not dishwasher-safe so if this is a problem for you, then you should purchase this unit instead.
The OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 is really compact with dimensions of 11.65″(Length) x 10.39″(Width) x 6.57″(Height). Both the length and width are only 9 inches so you can only make two square-shaped waffles or sandwiches at a time. Each side of the waffle will be about 4 inches long. Also it does not weigh very much coming in at 4.97 pounds.
Like most other waffle irons, it has cooking plates that use a Teflon coating to make the surface non-stick and easy to wipe clean with a damp soapy towel. The coating does not contain PFOA but it still contains PTFE which is more commonly known as Teflon.
The power light will turn red after the device is plugged in. The ready to cook/serve light turns green after the plates are preheated to the optimal temperature or after the appliance is finished cooking your meal.
This device uses 750-watt dual heating elements to finish baking your food in under 4 minutes.
The cool-touch handle is heat resistant so it will protect your hand from any hot surfaces if you want to check on the progress of your meal.
There is a latch that will lock the lid shut and you will be able to wrap the cord around the bottom so it will be easy to store this appliance vertically and save a lot of space.
Unfortunately, it does not come with a browning control knob for changing the temperature.
The Black and Decker G48TD is a better 3-in-1 appliance than the OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 because it has two cooking surfaces instead of one, it can bake four waffles at a time instead of two, only it has grease runoff channels.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Cheapest 3-in-1 waffle, grill, and sandwich maker (under $40) • Reliable and easy to use • Three sets of dishwasher-safe cooking plates for making waffles, sandwiches, and steaks • Easy to insert the plates by inserting the tabs into the slots near the hinges • Press the four plate release buttons to easily remove the two plates for cleaning in a dishwasher • Vertical storage |
• Only bakes two Eggo-style waffles or sandwiches at a time • Teflon cooking plates • No temperature control • No audio beeping notifications |
Secura 360 Rotating Flip Belgian Waffle Iron
One of the best affordable Belgian waffle irons with changeable grids is the Secura 360 Rotating Belgian waffle maker because its 360 rotating feature will make perfectly formed and evenly cooked Belgian waffles and it has a cheap price tag of under $50.
The main problems with this waffle machine is that it only operates at only one temperature, and it does not have an audible beep for when your waffles are done. It also does not have a cord storage compartment.
The Secura 360 Rotating Belgian waffle machine can bake one round Belgian waffle with a 6.5-inch diameter and 0.75-inch thickness. It will bake a perfect waffle for you every time because of its’ 360 degree rotating feature which will allow for even distribution of the batter so that your waffles are crispy outside and fluffy inside.
You can lift the waffle plates 90 degrees and rotate them 360 degrees to evenly distribute the batter around the plates. There is a ball attached to the waffle iron that you place into the base. Then lift it by the handle until the ball locks into place. Ladle your favorite waffle mix onto the cooking plates, rotate it 180°, and, in 3 to 5 minutes, you will have a perfectly cooked thick Belgian waffle.
Cleanup is really easy because of the dishwasher-safe removable grids. Push the plate release button on the side and the nonstick waffle grids will come right off of the base. You can wipe them clean with a soft cloth and warm soapy water or clean them in the dishwasher. The base unit and handle are very easy to take apart and reassemble making cleanup really easy.
Specifications:
• “Cool Touch” handles for safe and easy turning
• Power consumption: 1000 watts
• Power On indicator lights indicate when the power is on
• Ready to cook indicator lights indicate when to add batter
• Dimensions: 17 x 10.1 x 6.4 inches
• Weight: 6.02 pounds
• Release Date: October 2017
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • 360 degree rotating feature evenly distributes the batter around the cooking plates • Easy to remove cooking grids by pushing plate release button located on the upper right part of the waffle iron • One of the cheapest Removable Plate Waffle Makers (under $50) • Heavy duty stainless steel housing |
• No browning settings (operates at only one temperature) • No on/off switch • No audio beeping signal • No auto shutoff feature |
Dash Multi-Plate Mini Maker with 3 Removable Cooking Plates and Storage Case
I love eating Keto chaffles because they have a lot of protein and very few carbohydrates which means I can build muscle and lose belly fat at the same time. I could never use a regular-sized waffle maker to make a chaffle because it is way too big. However, a mini chaffle maker will make a keto chaffle the size of a slice of sandwich bread or an English muffin, which is the perfect size for a chaffle.
The Dash Multi-Plate Mini Maker is outstanding because it comes with 5 Removable Cooking Plates and is the perfect size for making 4-inch wide Keto chaffles, heart waffles, or pancakes. It was released in October 2023 and customers have given it hundreds of 5 and 4 star reviews because it is easy to clean, cooks evenly, and does not take up a lot of space.
The Dash 3-in-1 is one of the smallest waffle makers with detachable waffle grids on the market. It takes up a lot less counter space than most other waffle makers because it is only about half as wide and a couple of inches shorter. It has measurements of 6.9″(Length) x 5″(Width) x 4.1″(Height). It only weighs 3.09 pounds so it won’t be difficult to move it to a different place.
5 Removable Cooking Grids
The Dash 3-in-1 mini waffle maker comes with 5 removable grids for classic waffles, heart waffles, and pancakes. Two plates are used to make classic waffles, two plates are used to make pancakes, and only one plate is included for making a heart shaped waffle. Because of its small size, it can only cook one waffle or pancake at a time.
Easy to clean Teflon and dishwasher-safe plates
All 5 plates contain a nonstick Teflon coating that will make it easy to remove your waffle in one piece. The plates are dishwasher-safe so they can be cleaned in a dishwasher. I highly recommend that you use the china crystal or delicate wash cycle because they clean at a lower temperature than the sanitize cycle. The plates can also be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
There is a preheat/ready to eat indicator light that tells you when the preheating process is complete or when your waffle or sandwich is done baking.
It uses 350-watt heating elements to bake your waffle or sandwich in under 4 minutes.
After more than 2 minutes, you can use the cool-touch (heat resistant) handle to safely open the waffle maker to check on how your waffle or sandwich is doing. If you open it too soon, the waffle might fall apart and you will have to start over again with some fresh batter.
You can store this waffle maker vertically because the lid locks shut and you can wrap the cord around the bottom so you won’t have to worry about a messy power cord.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • One of the smallest mini waffle makers detachable waffle grids on the market (half the height and width as other waffle makers) • Excellent heat distribution • Durable body • Vertical storage |
• Only bakes one Belgian waffle, heart waffle, or pancake at a time • Teflon-coated Plates • No temperature control (only operates at one temperature) • No on/off switch • Expensive for a mini waffle maker (approximately $40) • No digital timer |
Benefits of a detachable plate waffle maker
- A detachable plate waffle maker is a lot easier to clean. The plates are also known as grids or grates. The biggest benefit is that you can remove the cooking plates from the base and clean them with a damp cloth or dishwasher.
If you want to clean them by hand, you should start by letting the plates soak in a sink or container filled with warm water and non-abrasive dishwasher detergent from Seventh Generation. Their detergent does not contain any phosphates or chlorine bleach that can destroy the nonstick coating on the plates. Then you should use a sponge or non-abrasive brush with soft bristles to gently scrub the crumbs or dry, caked-on batter off of the plates. Afterward, use a dry towel to dry them off.
If the plates are dishwasher-safe, you can clean them with a dishwasher. Make certain to use the delicate cycle because it uses a gentle spray and operates at a lower temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius that will not damage the nonstick coating. You should avoid using the SaniWash, Heavy, or Express cycles because these cycles use either extra water or high temperatures that will cause the coating to start flaking off.
- There are many multi-functional 3-in-1 waffle makers on the market that come with more than one set of cooking plates. One set of plates comes with a honeycomb pattern with ridges and square-shaped pockets or indentations for making waffles. Another set comes with two triangular pockets for each plate for making sandwiches. The third set comes with raised ridges to raise your meats above the grease and put grill marks on your steaks and hot dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you clean a waffle iron without removable grates?
Use a paper towel or damp cloth and a bowl of hot soapy water to clean the exterior. Pour small drops of cooking oil on any baked-on batter on the waffle plates to make it easier to remove. Then use a towel or cloth and hot soapy water to wipe the batter away and let it air dry. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any residue left in the nooks and grooves.
How do you remove the plates from a waffle iron?
There are usually plate release buttons located on the top and bottom halves of the device that you press that will unlock the waffle plates and allow you to lift the plates out of the waffle iron so that you can wash them in your dishwasher.