Tips for buying waffle makers

With your own waffle maker or waffle iron, you don’t have to get dressed or leave the comfort of your home to enjoy delicious and freshly made waffles on a lazy weekend morning.

Although there are subtle differences in the depths of the grids on each type of waffle maker, don’t get too bogged down in the details.

• Belgian waffle makers will typically produce waffles with deeper grooves that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
• A classic model will make waffles that are comparatively thinner.

The true difference between the two types of waffles is largely determined by what kind of leavening agent is used in the recipe.

• Belgian waffles typically use yeast, while traditional waffles will use baking soda.

Stove top waffle iron: A stove top waffle iron is powered by an external heating source like a stove top element or campfire. Without a cumbersome power cable, a stove top waffle maker can easily be stored in a cupboard or underneath your stove. Its portability makes it great for weekend camping trips whenever you want to add a delicious twist to breakfast or campfire staples like s’mores.

Electric waffle iron: Using an electric waffle maker is as simple as spooning your waffle batter into the pre-heated grid and waiting three to five minutes until they’re browned to your liking. Compared to a stove top waffle iron that needs to be preheated and flipped during cooking, an electric waffle maker makes it quick and easy to prepare your waffles just the way you like them.

• Temperature control: Temperature controls will vary from simple on and off switches to precise and programmable digital controls. If the picky eaters in your household are still deciding whether they prefer their waffles soft and doughy or extra crispy, look for a model with a variable temperature control.
• Size: Some waffle makers are designed to prepare one waffle at a time, which isn’t a problem when you’re making a quick snack for you and a friend. For family breakfasts over the holidays or days when your kids are feeling even more ravenous than usual, look for a waffle maker with an oversized square grid that's divided into smaller sections.
• Non-stick surfaces: Older waffle irons often used uncoated materials that could sometimes make it a challenge to get your waffle from the grill to your plate in one piece. A non-stick waffle iron makes sliding out a delicate waffle that much easier and also helps when cleaning up sticky leftover batter.

Once you’ve prepared your waffle batter, a trusty waffle maker makes it easy to quickly produce enough waffles for everyone to enjoy. The best waffle maker for you will depend on factors like how much counter and storage space you have, as well as your preferred waffle thickness and texture.