The best thin waffle makers are well-built, easy to clean, heat evenly, and reheat quickly. This article will talk about the best thin waffle makers for making crispy, Eggo-style, non-Belgian waffles that are about 1/2″ thick (half as thick as the typical 1-inch thick Belgian waffle) with really small pockets. We will discuss the most important features that you should be looking for including ease of cleaning, heat distribution, and durability.
Based on customer reviews, the best thin waffle makers for making old fashioned classic-style waffles include the Cuisinart WMR-CA, Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 with removable plates, Chef’s Choice 854 WafflePro, All Clad 99012GT, and Breville BWM520XL.
What are thin waffles called?
Thin waffles are also called American, Traditional, Classic, Old-Fashioned, Old Style, Regular, non Belgian, Waffle House-style, and Eggo-style waffles. There are other types of thin waffles that are popular in other countries including Pizzelles (Italy), Stroopwafels (Netherlands), and Krumkakes (Norway).
No American-style waffle makers come with a flip feature because a flip waffle maker is designed to make fluffy Belgian waffles that are twice as thick as the 0.5-inch thick Eggo-style waffles.
Eggo waffles were really popular in the United States during the 1980s and 90s but Belgian-style waffles overtook their popularity during the 2000s. This is because they have deeper pockets which you can fill with more toppings including whipped cream and fruit.
Which thin non-Belgian waffle makers are the easiest to clean?
The thin waffle makers that are the easiest to clean either have removable plates that you can soak in warm water and soap or an overflow channel that prevents any overflowing batter from dripping down the sides.
The only thin waffle maker with an overflow channel is the Breville BWM520XL No Mess waffle maker.
Are there any thin waffle makers with removable plates?
A waffle maker with removable plates is much easier to clean because you can detach the plates and soak them in a sink full of soap and warm water. The only thin non Belgian waffle maker that uses removable plates is the Black and Decker G48TD 4-square Waffle Maker with Reversible Griddle Plates but the plates are not dishwasher safe so you will have to clean them manually. It is one of the best waffle makers with removable plates because of its’ even heat distribution, ease of cleaning, and ability to open flat to double the cooking area to make pancakes, eggs, and sandwiches as well as waffles.
Unfortunately, the very best American-style waffle machines including the Chef’s Choice and the All Clad 99012GT and Breville BWM520XL classic round waffle makers do not come with detachable waffle plates.
Comparison Chart for the Top 6 Thin Classic-style Waffle Makers
| Product Names | Included Features | Missing Features |
|---|---|---|
 Black and Decker G48TD Thin Waffle Maker & Indoor Grill/Griddle with Removable Plates | • 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 • Dimensions (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 |
 Euro Cuisine WM520 Eco Friendly Ceramic Heart Waffle Maker | • Bakes one 7 inch heart-shaped waffle at a time • Indicator Lights • 5 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 850 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 10 x 8 x 4.5 inches • Weight: 4 pounds • Release Date: September 2011 | • No removable plates • No Audio Beep Notifications • No timer |
 Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker (Cheapest Thin Waffle Maker) | • Cheapest thin waffle maker (under $30) • Bakes one 7 inch round waffle at a time • Indicator Lights • 5 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1000 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 11 x 8.5 x 4 inches • Weight: 3.9 pounds • Release Date: February 2003 | • No removable plates • No Audio Beep Notifications • No timer |
 Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Classic Round Waffle Maker (Best Heat Distribution) | • Batter Overflow Channel • Bakes one 7 inch round waffle at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • 7 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 900 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 11"(L) x 9"(W) x 5.7"(H) inches • Weight: 6.7 pounds • Release Date: September 2015 | • No removable plates • No timer |
 All-Clad 99012GT Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker | • Bakes one 7 inch round waffle at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • 7 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 850 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 11.75"(L) x 8.5"(W) x 4.5"(H) inches • Weight: 6.3 pounds • Release Date: August 2013 | • No removable plates • No timer |
 Chef's Choice 854 Classic Pro 4-Square Waffle Maker | • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • 6 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts (highest of any thin waffle maker) • Dimensions (L x H x W): 14.75 x 15.75 x 6 inches • Weight: 7 pounds • Release Date: October 2011 | • No removable plates • No timer |
Best Thin Waffle Makers for 2024
- Safest and Eco-Friendly – Euro Cuisine WM520 Heart-Shaped Ceramic American-style Waffle Maker
- Easiest to Clean and Most Versatile – Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Traditional Thin Waffle Maker and Grill/Griddle with Removable Plates
- Best Heat Distribution and Most Durable – Breville BWM520XL No Mess Thin American-Style Round Waffle Maker with Batter Overflow Channel
- Best Aesthetics and Very Durable – All Clad 99012GT Old-Fashioned Thin Round Waffle Maker
- Best under $30 – Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Round Waffle Maker
- Fastest and Even Heating – Chef’s Choice 840 WafflePro Express Heart-Shaped Traditional-style Waffle Iron
- Extra Thin Waffle Cookie Maker – Palmer Stroopwafel Waffle Cookie Iron (Made in the USA)
Based on our reviews, the top 7 thin waffle makers are listed below. They all make thin, classic-style waffles that are about 1/2″ thick. The more expensive models come with audio alerts that tell you when the waffles are ready and browning controls with 6 or 7 temperature settings. The cheaper waffle makers will not have the premium build quality or reliability of the more expensive All Clad or Breville waffle makers.
Safest and Eco-Friendly
Euro Cuisine WM520 Heart-Shaped Ceramic American-style Waffle Maker
The Euro Cuisine WM520 is the safest and healthiest classic-style waffle maker because it has ceramic-coated cooking plates instead of the more toxic Teflon-coated plates.
When Teflon was first used to make cooking surfaces nonstick, it was made with both PFOA and PTFE. Numerous studies indicated that fumes from an overheated Teflon-coated waffle maker can cause people to develop flu-like symptoms (also known as ‘Teflon Flu’) and may even kill pet birds.
The Teflon coating on today’s waffle makers does not contain PFOA anymore because the International Agency for Research on Cancer labeled PFOA as “possibly carcinogenic to humans”. However, it still contains PTFE, which according to the FDA is safe but still concerns many people.
If you would want a waffle maker without either PFOA or PTFE, then I recommend you purchase a waffle maker with a nonstick ceramic coating because it does not contain PFOA or PTFE and it is more durable and heats more efficiently than Teflon.
Unfortunately, the majority of the best ceramic waffle makers make Belgian waffles, which leaves the Euro Cuisine WM520 as the only thin waffle maker with a Teflon free ceramic coating. It bakes a thin heart-shaped waffle with 5 easy-to-cut sections that each look like a small heart-shaped waffle. You can buy it online for an affordable price and it will cook the thin waffles evenly on both sides and give you a delicious, crispy waffle.
It comes with a 5-setting browning control that the color and how crispy you want your waffle to be. It also has a wide rim that stops any excess batter from causing a mess on your countertop.
Easiest to Clean and Most Versatile
Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Traditional Thin Waffle Maker and Grill/Griddle with Removable Plates
The cheapest thin classic-style waffle maker that uses removable plates is the Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 4-Square Waffle Maker and Indoor Grill/Griddle. It is a versatile option because the top folds flat to give you double the cooking surface area and the plates are reversible, capable of transforming an old-fashioned thin waffle maker into a grill and griddle.
Why you should buy a thin classic-style waffle iron with removable reversible plates?
1. The main reason you should buy one is that you can detach the plates and clean them freely without the rest of the waffle machine getting in the way.
Unfortunately, the plates are not dishwasher-safe so you will have to hand wash them with soap and water. Otherwise, your waffles and other food might start sticking because a dishwasher will damage the nonstick coating.
2. The second reason is that this appliance comes with two reversible 8-inch square plates that are reversible so you can make food besides waffles.
One side of the reversible plates comes with honeycomb squares (also known as dimples, dents, or pockets) for making four square Eggo-style waffles at the same time. Each square Eggo-style waffle is 4 inches wide and 0.5 inches thick which are the same thickness as a typical Eggo waffle.
The other side of the plates is flat, just like a griddle, so you can make pancakes, bacon strips, sausages, eggs, hash browns, or sandwiches as well. Also the top folds back to create more griddle space.
The plates will be slightly loose when the lid is open because they are secured to the housing by little metal clips.
Healthier Meals
Your meals will be much healthier because there are grease runoff channels on the outer edge of the cooking plates that will send grease to the spouts in the griddles’ corners, where it will drain away instead of cooking your meal in more oil than necessary.
The temperature control dial only has three browning settings – high, medium, and low. However, the dial is precise and accurate so your food will turn out the way you want them to.
With its chrome housing and Cool-Touch stay-cool (heat-resistant) black handles, this 900-watt appliance will look great on the counter.
It has a red power indicator light that will tell you if the unit is receiving any electricity. It also has a green indicator light that will tell you when the plates have reached the selected operating temperature or when your food is done baking.
It takes up a lot of space since it has measurements of 14″(Length) x 13.1″(Width) x 6.2″(Height) and it weighs a lot coming in at 7.8 pounds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Two reversible 8-inch square flat cooking plates – One side bakes 4 square-shaped thin Eggo-style waffles and the other side bakes pancakes, sandwiches, hamburgers, eggs and bacon • Top opens flat to double the available cooking area – 180 degree hinge enables the top to fold back to give you two separate cooking surfaces for waffles, pancakes, eggs, bacon, etc. • Grease runoff channels • Can be stored upright in a kitchen cabinet since you can lock the lid shut and the cord wraps around the hinge |
• only 3 temperature settings (low, medium and high) • No beeping notifications • no auto shutoff • takes about 10 minutes to preheat • heats unevenly at times |
Best Heat Distribution and Most Durable
Breville BWM520XL No Mess Thin American-Style Round Waffle Maker with Batter Overflow Channel
The best thin, American-style waffle maker is the Breville BWM520XL No Mess classic round waffle maker because it has an anti-overflow channel that makes it easy to clean and thick cooking plates for uniform heat distribution and even cooking of your waffles. It was released in September 2015 and has an average Amazon customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 500 reviews. 80% of the customer reviews gave it 5 stars and 10% of reviews gave it 4 stars.
The Breville BWM520XL No Mess uses 900 watt heating elements to bake one round Waffle House-style waffle at a time in less than 4 minutes. Each waffle has a 6.5-inch diameter and 0.5-inch thickness. It has a browning dial with 7 settings to customize the color and crispiness of your waffle.
It does take up more space than its competitors’ waffle makers with dimensions of 9.5 x 11.5 x 5.7 inches. It also has a stainless steel housing that makes this appliance sturdy and durable which is why it comes in at a hefty 6.7 pounds.
Why is it easy to clean?
The Breville BWM520XL No-Mess is easy to clean because it utilizes an overflow moat that wraps around the entire outer edge of the bottom waffle plate that captures any run-off batter, which is why it is called ‘No Mess’. I love this feature because it prevents the batter from dripping down the sides and getting caked on, which is really difficult to clean. Also the excess batter will not go to waste because it will cook it and turn it into delicious waffle bites.
It has a PFOA-free nonstick coating that is free of PFOA but still contains PTFE.
Why does it heat so evenly?
It comes with thick and heavy die-cast aluminum cooking plates that retain heat really well and heating elements that are thermally engineered to transfer heat evenly and quickly around the cooking plates which means that the top and bottom of your waffle are evenly cooked and you will not get burnt or raw spots.
Since the aluminum plates are thick and retain heat very well, they will not take very long to heat up again which means you will not have to wait very long to make your next waffle.
The All-Clad 99012GT Classic Round Waffle Maker is the main competition for the Breville BWM520XL in the high end classic-style waffle maker market. The Breville BWM520XL is not as aesthetically pleasing as the All-Clad 99012GT but it distributes heat more evenly and is much easier to clean.
Easy to Use
It comes with the standard indicator lights and audio notification to make it easier to figure out when to pour in the batter and when your waffle is done. It has a power indicator light that tells you when it is powered on. There is a ready indicator light and 3 audible beeps that indicate when the plates reached a hot enough temperature and is ready to begin baking the waffle batter and when it is done baking.
Vertical Storage
You can stand it upright for vertical storage because it has a lid with a locking latch and a cord wrap area that keeps the power cord tidy and out of the way.
Final Verdict
If you want a waffle maker that is built like a tank, is reliable, easy to clean, and has the best heat distribution, then you should spend the extra money to buy the Breville BWM520XL.
Best Aesthetics and Very Durable
All Clad 99012GT Old-Fashioned Thin Round Waffle Maker
The All-Clad 99012GT was released to the market in August 2013 before the Breville. With dimensions of 11.75″ x 8.5″ x 4.5″, it is slightly smaller than the Breville. It is made from polished stainless steel with a die cast finish which is why it weighs over 7 pounds so you know this device is sturdy and durable. It makes delicious classic, American-style waffles with a 6 1/2″ diameter and 1/2″ thickness.
It has an average Amazon customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 2700 reviews. 80% of reviews gave it 5 stars and 10% gave it 4 stars.
Many customers love the sleek modern look of the All-Clad 99012GT. It has a highly polished stainless steel body, die-cast finish and riveted stainless steel handles that make it heavy and solid which will ensure that you will get many years of service out of it. It has heavy waffle plates that heat up and cook the waffle very quickly while also ensuring that the waffle is cooked evenly and uniformly on both sides.
Learn MoreWhy does it make such crispy waffles?
The All-Clad 99012GT makes the crispiest Eggo-style waffles because it has a 7-setting temperature control dial for different levels of browning and crispiness, advanced heating technology for even baking and browning, and vents that release steam to prevent your waffles from getting soggy and not very crispy.
Waffle house uses a Wells WB-1E commercial waffle maker to make these same types of waffles but it costs more than $1000, 10x more than the All Clad.
Customer reviews noted that the All-Clad 99012GT does not heat the waffles as evenly as the Breville No Mess but it has better heat distribution than every other classic waffle maker.
It comes with ready to cook/eat indicator lights and audible beeping notifications. It is also compact and comes with a locking latch for the lid both of which make it possible to store it vertically for space-saving. However, having all of these great features means that this appliance comes with a hefty price tag. It costs a lot more than the Black and Decker G48TD and Cuisinart WMR-CA appliances but it is about $20 cheaper than the Breville.
The waffle plates have a nonstick coating that easily releases your waffles, making the plates easier to clean with a soapy rag afterward. However, it is harder to clean than the Breville No Mess because it does not have an overflow channel to catch the excess batter. But it can be easier to clean if you use a measuring cup to figure out how much batter to pour in.
Final Verdict
If you want a waffle maker that will look great in your kitchen and has great heat distribution, then you should purchase the All-Clad 99012GT classic waffle maker.
Best under $30
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Round Waffle Maker
The cheapest thin classic-style waffle maker is the Cuisinart WMR-CA because, at a price of about $30, it does not have the durability or even cooking of the Breville BWM520XL or the versatility or removable plates of the Black and Decker G48td.
However, the Cuisinart WMR-CA Waffle Maker is a good option for people who just want an old-fashion, traditional waffle maker that makes one round 0.5-inch thick waffle at a time that is evenly cooked and as golden brown and crispy as you want it to be without spending a lot of money. It also has a brushed stainless steel housing for a sleek, modern look that will blend in with your other appliances.
Learn MoreTop reasons to buy the Cuisinart WMR-CA
1. It has a 5-setting browning control knob that will let you customize the shading of your waffle from light to deep golden brown so that it is as crispy as you want it to be.
2. It has 1000-watt dual heating elements and a weighted lid that will prevent the waffle from expanding too much so that it browns evenly on both sides.
3. It has two indicator lights that will make it easy to use. A red ready to bake indicator lights up after the waffle maker is done preheating to indicate that it is ready to accept batter and start baking. A green ready to eat indicator lights up to signal when the waffle is done and ready to eat.
4. It is also easy to store because the power cord wraps under the bottom and you can store the entire unit vertically.
5. It costs under $30 which is the lowest price for any of the highest rated classic waffle makers. It has an average Amazon customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on over 21,000 customer reviews. 74% of reviews were for 5 stars and 15% of reviews were for 4 stars.
Missing Features
Difficult to clean: This waffle iron does not have the detachable plates of the Black and Decker G48td or the batter overflow channel of the Breville so you will have to clean the cooking plates manually. However, the plates have a Teflon coating that will not allow the batter to get caked on, making it more difficult to remove. If you have problems removing caked on batter, just moisten a towel or bristle brush with some vegetable oil and wipe it away. It works every time.
Two problems that customers had with the Cuisinart WMR-CA are with the looseness of the hinge and the lack of precision with the browning control slider. Some complained that the hinge was too loose and wobbly and required some tightening. Others complained that the waffles came out the same regardless of the higher browning settings.
Final Verdict
If you want a cheap waffle maker that is reliable, evenly browns both sides of your waffle, is easy to clean, and costs under $30, then you should purchase the Cuisinart WMR-CA.
Fastest and Even Heating
Chef’s Choice 840 WafflePro Express Heart-shaped Traditional-style Waffle Iron
The best heart-shaped old-fashioned waffle maker is Chef’s Choice 840 WafflePro Express Traditional Waffle Maker because it is a heavy-duty unit that is well-built and durable and it also uses extra thick cooking plates and powerful 1100 watt heating elements to provide the fastest cooking time and most even heat distribution. It comes with a new modern design that will look great in today’s kitchen along with a unique ‘floating’ top waffle plate that it attached with a floating hinge that will allow the top plate to rise as the waffle expands which will give the waffle a more uniform thickness and even baking and prevent any excess batter from getting onto the counter.
It bakes one Five of Hearts-shaped waffle at a time that can be separated into 5 different smaller heart shapes. The diameter of each waffle is 6.5 inches and the thickness is 0.5 inches.
A convenient, secure latching handle combined with a built-in cord storage compartment allows this waffle maker to be efficiently stored in a space-saving upright position. It also comes with a pdf full of recipes and a one year limited warranty
Cooking Performance
The Chef’s Choice 840 is a really innovative waffle maker because it has a 90 second baking time which is the fastest baking time of any classic waffle maker and a little faster than the All Clad and Breville waffle irons. In as little as 90 seconds, you’ll be eating one of the world’s tastiest traditional waffles. It comes with a unique Quad baking system that lets you adjust the flavor, texture (fast bake or deep bake), and color of your waffle at any time.
The Classic Waffle Pro 854 is perfect for homemade or quick mix batters because it features a superior non-stick easy release coating and consistent, even heating that guarantees beautiful waffles uniformly cooked inside and out for the perfect tasty treat.
It has an instant temperature recovery feature that allows you to bake one waffle after another without starting the preheating process over again. Since it quickly recovers its temperature so it’s always ready to bake and feed even the biggest appetites from any large family.
It is more expensive than most other comparable appliances. However, based on the precise temperature control, fast 90 second baking time, the craftsmanship of the appliance, and the superior taste, texture, and aroma of the waffles, this waffle iron is well worth it.
Multiple Customization Options
On the right hand side of the device is a ‘Color Control’ dial. This temperature control dial comes with 6 settings. This control dial is designed to be used together with the Rocker texture (fast bake/deep bake) Switch to customize your waffle color to a lighter or darker shade of your choosing. The temperature settings are very accurate and sensitive so any changes will make a big difference in the shading of your waffle.
On the control panel, there is a circular black Rocker texture Switch with two options: ‘Crisp Exterior/Moist Interior’ and ‘Uniform Texture’. You can press the upper portion of the rocker switch (‘Crisp Exterior/Moist Interior’) to choose fast bake for crispier waffles that are fluffy inside or press the bottom of the rocker switch (‘Uniform Texture’) to slow or deep bake waffles for a more crunchy, uniform texture throughout.
Easy to Use
Located right above the rocker texture switch is a ‘Ready’ indicator light that turns green to indicate that either the cooking plates have completed the preheating process and reached the chosen baking temperature or that your waffle is finished being baked and ready to be served.
There will be an audible ‘Ready Beeper’ sound that indicates the ‘Ready’ indicator light has turned green to indicate that your waffle is done baking and can be heard from the other room just in case you have something more important to deal with.
Above the ‘Ready’ indicator light is a ‘Baking’ indicator light that turns red to indicate that the waffle plates are being heated or the waffle iron is cooking the batter.
Extra Thin Waffle Cookie Maker
Palmer Stroopwafel Waffle Cookie Iron (Made in the USA)
The best Stroopwafel maker is the Palmer non-Belgian Stroopwafel Waffle Cookie Iron because it is beautifully designed and has great heat distribution. The Palmer waffle cookie maker was released in October 2005 and it makes the second thinnest waffles you will ever see with a thickness of 0.26 inches (waffle cones are the thinnest with a thickness of 0.125 inches). They are much thinner than the waffles from the Black and Decker G48TD and Chef’s Choice 854 waffle makers.
It uses cast aluminum plates and 800-watt heating elements to make 2 thin, crispy Belgian cookies at a time. Cast aluminum is a great heat conductor so they will heat up really quickly and the heat will be spread evenly across the plates for more even cooking and browning.
You can use this appliance to make Dutch Stroopwafels. These Dutch cookies are simply waffles made from two thin layers of baked dough with a caramel syrup filling in the middle. You can make the caramel syrup from brown sugar and light corn syrup.
After the 2 Belgian waffle cookies are finished baking, put them on a cooling rack and then use a flat knife to slice them in half to separate the top and bottom.
These cookies will be a true delight for anyone who wants a delicate crisp cookie. It is commercially designed at a price any homemaker can afford. It has a 5-year warranty so it is guaranteed for 5 years.
This appliance is made in the USA which is unusual for a waffle maker since most of them are made in China.
One problem with this waffle cookie maker is that it does not have a nonstick Teflon coating which means your waffle cookies might stick if you don’t brush some butter or canola oil on the plates before use.
Another problem with this unit is that the extra-long handle takes up a lot of space. It has measurements of 15″(Length) x 10.5″(Width) x 3.6″(Height). The width and height are typical for a waffle maker. The length of the device is 15 inches which means it probably won’t fit in a cabinet. However, it weighs only 5.5 pounds so it won’t be very difficult to carry it from your pantry to your kitchen.
Buying Guide for Thin Waffle Makers
Which are Teflon-free (Safe and Eco-friendly)?
The Euro Cuisine WM520 Ceramic Heart-shaped waffle maker comes with ceramic-coated cooking plates that contain no Teflon (PTFE), PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadium so it is safe to cook with.
Which cooks the fastest?
The cooking time for your waffles is important as well. The baking time for the more affordable waffle irons is generally about 5 minutes. However, the highest-rated ones can bake a waffle in less than 3 minutes because they use higher wattage heating elements and thicker aluminum cooking plates that can heat up faster and retain heat much better, speeding up the baking process. However, they are a little more expensive than the slower ones.
The Chef’s Choice 840 WafflePro Express Heart Waffle Maker cooks the fastest with a 2-3 minute cooking time because it has heavier cooking plates for better heat conduction and 1100 watt heating elements which are more powerful than the 900 watt heating elements of typical waffle makers.
Which is the most durable?
The most durable is the Breville BWM520XL round waffle maker because it is solidly built using premium materials. It weighs about 7 pounds so it is about three times heavier than the cheaper lower-end models.
Waffle Thickness
The thin, American-style waffle makers discussed in this article make waffles with a thickness of 0.5 inches which is only the fourth thinnest waffle that any waffle maker can make.
A waffle cone maker makes the thinnest waffles with a thickness of 0.125 inches. Pizzelle and Krumkake makers make the second thinnest waffles with a thickness of 0.18 inches. Stroopwafel cookie makers make the third thinnest waffles with a thickness of 0.26 inches.
Cost
There are affordable ones that don’t have an audio beeping signal and cook less evenly that cost about $30 such as the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Then there are high-end ones from All Clad and Breville that cost about $150 that are much sturdier and more durable and come with great features such as an audio beep signal and 7 setting temperature control knob.
Browning Levels (Temperature Control)
Most traditional waffle makers come with a browning control knob or slider that will allow you to adjust the temperature so that you can control how crispy your waffles turn out. The expensive high-end waffle makers come with 6 or 7 temperature settings that will give you light and fluffy or crispy golden brown waffles.
Ease of cleaning
There are some that are easier to clean than others since they come with removable plates or anti-overflow channels. The Black and Decker G48TD uses detachable plates that can be removed and cleaned very easily with a damp cloth. The Breville No Mess has an anti-overflow channel that wraps around the entire bottom plate that catches any overflowing batter so that it doesn’t drip down the sides.
Audio beeping notifications
Only the All Clad and Breville come with an indicator light and audio beeping sounds that tell you when the plates are hot enough to bake your batter or when your waffles are finished. The cheaper models only use an indicator light to tell you the status of the cooking plates and your waffles.
Heavy duty housing and quality components
The housing for the All Clad and Breville waffle makers is made from heavy duty stainless steel so they are built like tanks. The cheapest waffle makers have a flimsier plastic housing, making them more likely to malfunction much sooner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the differences between regular traditional-style and Belgian-style waffle makers?
The biggest difference between a regular traditional-style waffle maker and a Belgian waffle maker is that a regular waffle maker comes with plates that have small squares and shallow pockets and recesses that make 0.5-inch thick crispy, Eggo-style waffles while a Belgian waffle maker has bigger squares and much deeper pockets and recesses that make 1-inch thick fluffy waffles.
Most regular waffle makers have a round shape, the exceptions being the square-shaped ones from Black and Decker and Chef’s Choice. An average 7-inch round regular waffle maker has 68 square-shaped bumps coming out of its’ cooking plates while the average 7-inch round Belgian waffle maker has 20 square-shaped bumps coming out of its’ cooking plates. The bumps are spaced about a quarter of an inch apart. The round plates are divided into four quadrants with a small spacing in between which makes it easy to separate the waffle into four different pieces.
What is the difference between an old-fashioned regular waffle and a Belgian waffle?
The main differences between regular and Belgian waffles are that regular waffles are thinner, denser, and crispier with smaller and shallower squares while Belgian waffles are thicker and fluffier with larger and deeper squares.
Since a Belgian waffle has deeper pockets, it is typically served with heavier toppings, such as powdered sugar, fruit toppings, and whipped cream, while a regular waffle is often eaten with only syrup or jam.
What are the differences between regular American-style and Belgian-style waffle batters?
A regular waffle batter is leavened with baking powder while a Belgian waffle batter is leavened with yeast or whipped egg whites. Folding whipped egg whites into the batter will help create the characteristic air bubbles in the batter that make Belgian waffles fluffy and light. The yeast or whipped egg whites will give the Belgian waffles deeper pockets than their counterparts.
The batter used to make regular waffles is thinner because it uses baking powder instead of yeast and it is made with more butter and fewer eggs. The additional butter will create a crisper exterior and fewer eggs will result in a denser interior. The batter shouldn’t be too thin. Waffle batter should be thicker than pancake batter.
How do you make waffle batter thinner?
If your waffle batter is too thick, you can use some canola oil instead of butter to make the batter thinner, which will make the exterior of the waffle crispier. Canola oil is much healthier than butter because, while it has more fat, it has a lot less saturated fat than butter and it has mainly heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
What type of regular waffle maker does Waffle House use?
Each Waffle House restaurant uses the Wells WB-1E Single Round American-style Waffle Maker to make their thin, American-style round waffles. You should expect to pay more than $1000 for this unit. It has no plastic parts like the waffle makers for home use have. It is constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel. It comes with a timer, floating hinge, audible alarm, and drip tray. You can purchase this unit from Amazon, eBay, or a restaurant supply website.
