GreenPan Elite vs Breville Smart Waffle Pro Belgian Waffle Maker

Key Takeaways

• The best waffle iron with changeable plates is the GreenPan Elite because it can make either Classic or Belgian waffles and it comes with an LCD display with a countdown timer, ceramic-coated waffle plates, and pre-programmed waffle types (Belgian, Classic, Liege, custom).
• The GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Iron comes with two sets of removable plates: one set is for making four 0.5-inch thick old fashioned thin waffles and the other set is for making four 1-inch thick Belgian waffles.
• The Breville BWM640XL Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker does not come with removable plates. Breville’s main rival, All Clad, has two waffle makers with removable plates, the All-Clad Gourmet Digital and Manual 4-slice Belgian waffle makers but these Breville and All Clad Belgian waffle makers (wafflemakercenter.com/all-clad-vs-breville-waffle-maker) come with nonstick that still make them easy to clean.
• The GreenPan Elite’s removable plates are coated with PTFE-free ceramic while the Breville’s fixed waffle plates are coated with Teflon. None of the other best ceramic waffle makers without nonstick Teflon coating can make both Classic and Belgian waffles.
• Both the GreenPan Elite and Breville Smart Waffle Pro come with pre-programmed waffle types.
• Both the GreenPan Elite and Breville Smart Waffle Pro cost over $200. The Breville Smart Waffle is $60 cheaper than the Breville Smart Waffle Pro but it does not come with an LCD display.

Do you want Belgian-style waffles with 1-inch thick deep pockets or 0.5-inch thick classic thin waffles perfect for stacking?

And what about the coating on the waffle grids – is ceramic or teflon the safer choice?

Is a waffle maker that is easy to clean a priority for you? Then buy a removable plates waffle maker instead.

We’ll help simplify your buying decision by comparing two top-rated waffle makers: the GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Iron vs the Breville BWM640XL Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker. We’ll cover all the important factors like cooking performance, ease of use, special features, and durability. By the end, you’ll have a clear winner.

Comparison Chart – GreenPan Elite Thin and Belgian Waffle Maker vs Breville Smart Waffle Pro Belgian Waffle Maker

Features and Specifications	GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Waffle Maker Learn More	Breville BWM640XL Smart Waffle Pro 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker Learn More
Release Date	February 2023	October 2013
Removable Plates	Yes	No
Number of Plates	2 Belgian waffle plates 2 Classic thin waffle plates	2 Belgian waffle plates
Batter overflow moat	Yes	Yes
LCD Display	Yes	Yes
Pre-programmed Waffle Types	4 Pre-programmed Waffle Types (Belgian, Classic, Liege, and Custom)	5 Pre-programmed Waffle Types (Belgian, Classic, Chocolate, Buttermilk and Custom)
'A Bit More' extra browning time button	Yes	Yes
Countdown Timer	Yes	Yes
Restart button	No	Yes
Temperature Settings	7	12 settings
Nonstick coating	Ceramic (PTFE-free)	Teflon (contains both ptfe and pfoa)
Power Consumption (in watts)	1600 watts	1800 watts
Audible Alert Signal (beeps when waffle is done baking)	Yes	Yes
Heat Resistant Handle	Yes	Yes
Size of Waffles (height x width x thickness)	4.5" x 4.5" x 1"	4" x 4" x 1"
Size of Cooking Surface	16 inches	16 inches
Ready To Bake Indicator Light	No	No
Ready To Eat Indicator Light	No	No
Dimensions (Length x Width x Height) in inches	12" wide x 13.75" deep x 5.75" high	12.5" x 15.5" x 5.75" high
Weight	13 pounds	14 lbs., 5 oz.

The Thick and Fluffy vs the Thin and Crispy

When it comes to waffles, two main styles reign supreme: Belgian and classic. Belgian waffles live up to their name with a thick, fluffy texture perfect for trapping all those pools of maple syrup and mounds of whipped cream. Their deep, pronounced pockets are designed to hold whatever sweet or savory toppings your heart desires.

On the other end of the spectrum, classic waffles take on a thinner, more uniform shape for an overall crunchier mouthfeel. These waffles are made for stacking high and their shallow wells make them ideal vessels for butter and fruit syrups that could otherwise leak out of a Belgian waffle onto your counter.

Below is a helpful comparison of the two waffle varieties:

GreenPan Elite Can Make Both Thick Belgian and Thin Classic Waffles

Any waffle lover would tell you that versatility is an important factor to consider. You want a waffle iron that can churn out thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles one Sunday and then switch gears to thin, crispy classics the next.

The GreenPan Elite comes ready to handle both styles with its innovative two-sets-of-plates-in-one design. This waffle maker ships with a set of deep-pocketed Belgian waffle plates along with a second set of shallow classic waffle plates. Both plate sets are made of durable cast aluminum and feature a PFAS-free ceramic nonstick coating that does not contain any of the Teflon found in Breville’s fixed waffle grids.

The plates are conveniently stored underneath the bottom of the unit so you can easily swap them out depending on your mood. Going back and forth between a decadent Belgian waffle overflowing with strawberries and a delicate classic waffle for your morning stack has never been simpler.

The Breville Smart Waffle Maker, on the other hand, includes only one set of plates tailored towards Belgian-style waffles. While you can try adjusting the browning settings to make a thinner waffle, the deep mold of the plates makes it difficult to achieve a truly classic thin waffle texture.

The Nonstick Coating Debate: Ceramic vs Teflon

When it comes to waffle making, a good nonstick coating is essential. But with concerns around certain chemicals used in traditional nonstick coatings, newer ceramic-based coatings have become popular alternatives.

Teflon has long been the go-to nonstick coating for cookware and appliances. It relies on a chemical called PTFE to create a slick, non-porous surface that repels food. However, PTFE and related chemicals have recently come under scrutiny for possible negative health and environmental impacts. At high temperatures, PTFE coatings can begin to break down and release concerning compounds.

Ceramic coatings offer a PTFE-free nonstick solution made from inorganic materials like sand and water. Brands like GreenPan have developed proprietary ceramic coatings designed to avoid issues associated with PTFE.

Here’s a helpful comparison:

When it comes to waffle makers, the GreenPan Elite uses a diamond-infused ceramic nonstick coating to deliver slick waffle release without concerning chemicals. The Breville Smart relies on a traditional teflon-based coating, which contains PTFE.

For health-conscious buyers looking to avoid PTFE, PFOA, lead, and cadmium in their cookware, GreenPan’s innovative ceramic coating is the clear winner.

Only the GreenPan Elite Comes With Removable Plates

One key distinction between the GreenPan and Breville waffle makers is the ability to remove the cooking plates. The GreenPan Elite features removable waffle plates, while the Breville Smart has fixed plates that cannot be taken out.

So what’s the big deal about removable plates? Here are some of the key benefits:

• Easy Cleaning: Removable plates allow you to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the waffle iron without obstructions. You can scrub away baked-on batter in hard-to-reach spots for maximum cleanliness.

• Quick Swapping: As mentioned earlier, the GreenPan Elite’s dual plate sets make it easy to swap from Belgian to classic waffles in a breeze. Removing the plates enables quick exchanges.

• Simple Replacement: Over time, removable plates are easier to replace if they become damaged or excessively scratched. Fixed plates require replacing the whole appliance.

The bottom line is that the GreenPan Elite’s removable cast aluminum plates provide much more convenience when it comes to cleaning, swapping, and replacement down the road. Being able to remove the plates unlocks easier waffle making compared to the fixed design of the Breville Smart model.

Which is Easier to Clean?

Let’s face it – no one wants to dread cleaning their waffle maker after a delicious Sunday brunch. Sticky batter clinging to the plates is nobody’s idea of a good time.

Luckily, both the GreenPan Elite and Breville Smart come equipped with a moat that frames the plates to prevent batter from leaking. This handy feature cuts down on mess and wasted batter for easier cleanup.

However, the GreenPan Elite still makes post-brunch cleaning even simpler thanks to its removable ceramic-coated cast aluminum plates. You can remove the plates, run them safely in the dishwasher, and be done. No need for scrubbing sessions.

Since the Breville Smart has fixed plates, cleaning requires more manual effort. You’ll need to carefully wipe down the grooves and crevices of the waffle grid without submerging the base in water. Over time, built-up batter in hard-to-reach areas can lead to unwanted mess and grime.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Temperature Controls and Pre-Programmed Waffle Types

A good waffle iron should allow you to customize the perfect level of browning and interior fluffiness to match your taste. Having precise control over the temperature settings is very important.

The GreenPan Elite offers 7 different heat settings ranging from light to dark, activated simply by turning the control dial. This gives you flexibility to adjust the temperature based on the batter recipe and thickness. Crank it up high for thick Belgian waffles or dial it down for delicate classics. It also comes with 4 pre-programmed waffle types including Belgian, Classic, Liege, and Custom that will automatically adjust the baking and temperature.

The Breville Smart provides similar customization also through a dedicated dial. You can choose from 12 different browning settings labeled with various colors, like light golden brown or deep golden brown. There are also 5 preset “batter settings” tailored to flow, rise, or density which includes Belgian, Classic, Chocolate, Buttermilk and Custom.

Here’s a helpful comparison:

LCD Displays

A good waffle maker display allows you to monitor your cook time and settings for the perfect batch. Both the GreenPan Elite and Breville Smart include LCD displays with timers to take the guesswork out of waffle making.

The GreenPan Elite’s green backlit LCD display is centered around an easy-to-read digital timer that counts down after the top lid is closed. You can track exactly how long your waffles have been cooking. The LCD can also show you the waffle maker’s operating mode (preheating, ready to cook, cooking), selected temperature setting, waffle texture (three settings from fluffy to crunchy), and batter type (Belgian, Classic, Liege).

The Breville Smart has a very similar orange backlit LCD panel with info like the operating mode, doneness color chosen, and batter setting. The digital timer is highly visible and begins automatically when the lid is lowered. There’s also a “bit more” button to add time if your waffles need extra browning that is very similar to the waffle texture button.

Here’s a helpful rundown:

Special Features for More Convenience

In addition to the core waffle-making basics, both the GreenPan Elite and Breville Smart models come equipped with special features to enhance the experience.

The GreenPan Elite has a unique “texture” button on its control dial. With the press of a button, you can toggle between a fluffier, airier waffle texture and a crispier, denser waffle texture. This makes it easy to achieve your ideal mouthfeel without guesswork.

The Breville Smart has a handy reset timer button that allows you to quickly reheat the plates after removing a batch of waffles. This speeds up the process when cooking multiple rounds. The Breville also includes a “bit more” button to add extra browning time if your waffles need more crispiness.

Here’s an overview of the special features:

While both models provide added convenience through their clever features, the GreenPan’s texture button seems more specific to improving the core waffle experience. But the Breville’s reset timer and “bit more” functions help streamline the cooking process.

Which Makes the Best Tasting Waffles?

At the end of the day, a waffle iron needs to deliver on taste and texture to be considered a true kitchen must-have. All the special features in the world won’t matter if your waffles fall short.

Based on customer reviews and firsthand testing, the GreenPan Elite seems to produce supremely tender yet crispy waffles with just the right amount of color. The diamond-infused ceramic coating provides excellent nonstick release, resulting in waffles that don’t stick or tear. Users say both the classic and Belgian plates render waffles with a perfect golden exterior and fluffy, moist interior. The GreenPan’s plates do not heat the waffles as evenly because they are thinner than Breville’s cooking plates. However, since they are thinner they do preheat faster.

The Breville Smart also receives positive marks for its ability to bake up crisp, fluffy Belgian-style waffles with deep pocketed wells. The Teflon coating allows the batter to release with no sticking. Also many users reported that the extra thick cooking plates produced evenly browned waffles each time.

Easiest to Use

When Sunday morning hunger strikes, you want a waffle maker that’s simple and intuitive to operate. The last thing you need is a complex appliance that requires a cooking degree!

Luckily, both the GreenPan Elite and Breville Smart earn high marks for user-friendly design.

Both waffle makers make things really simple with their dual control knobs for preset batter types and temperature settings. Choosing your batter type and temperature setting is as easy as a twist of two dials. The simple LCD display clearly shows cook times and settings. Audio beeps signal when your waffles are ready.

The GreenPan Elite has a texture button that enables you to give your waffle a fluffy or crunchy texture while the Breville has a ‘Restart’ button for reheating the plates to make another batch of waffles and a ‘A Bit More’ button for extra browning time for your waffles.

No matter which you choose, waffle making is practically foolproof!

Here’s a helpful comparison:

Which is More Durable?

Nothing disappoints quite like a kitchen appliance that breaks after a few uses. You want your waffle maker to last for many years.

The GreenPan Elite stands out for its durability thanks to the removable cast aluminum plates. The cast aluminum material is highly resilient against warping or damage over time. If the nonstick coating eventually wears down, you can easily replace just the plates instead of the whole appliance.

The stainless steel exterior and sturdy hinge also give the GreenPan an advantage when it comes to longevity. The components are made to gracefully withstand repeat cooking sessions.

The Breville Smart features a brushed stainless steel housing that protects the inner workings well. However, since the plates are integrated rather than removable, any damage to the nonstick would require replacing the entire waffle maker.

Here’s a helpful comparison:

Better Waffle Value for Your Dollar

When it comes to kitchen appliances, you want the best bang for your buck. Let’s compare the pricing on our two waffle iron contenders:

The GreenPan Elite carries an MSRP of $249.95. For this price, you get the dual removable plates, advanced ceramic coating, easy-to-use tactile controls, and overall excellent performance. The construction is made to last, providing long-term value.

The Breville Smart is priced slightly higher with an MSRP of $279.95. You’ll get the digital LCD controls, Teflon nonstick coating, and stainless steel housing at this price point. It also produces high-quality Belgian-style waffles.

Here’s a summary:

When weighing the prices against the features and performance, the GreenPan Elite emerges as the better value. For about $30 less than the Breville, you get the bonus of interchangeable plates, safer ceramic coating, and tried-and-true knob controls.

The Final Verdict

After reviewing all the important factors – from waffle styles to durability and value – which model should you buy?

The GreenPan Elite stands out as the winner in this waffle maker showdown. Here’s a quick recap of its advantages:

• Dual removable plates for Belgian and classic waffles
• Safer PTFE-free ceramic nonstick coating
• 4 Pre-programmed Waffle Types (Belgian, Classic, Liege, and Custom)
• Easy cleaning thanks to dishwasher-safe plates
• Excellent heating and waffle taste/texture
• Durable stainless steel housing and cast aluminum waffle grids
• Lower price point around $250

While the Breville Smart puts up stiff competition with its digital display, durable build, and quality Belgian waffles, the GreenPan Elite simply can’t be beat for its versatility, ease of cleaning, safer cooking method, and overall better value.