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Waffles are a quintessential weekend breakfast, but to scratch the itch of a random waffle craving, you need a dedicated appliance. Whether you're looking for a small machine for a party of two or need a large capacity device that can handle a large family's weekly waffle tradition, our testing results will lead you to breakfast paradise.
We've tested more than 20 of the best waffle makers, and included the 13 top contenders for this round of testing. We took them to our testing kitchen, and hundreds of waffles later, we've discovered every useful feature and annoying quirk of each one. We found the ones that help keep the “lazy” in lazy Sunday, while still producing delicious results.
The best waffle maker for most families is the Hamilton Beach Flip, which makes fluffy waffles with a perfectly crisp exterior. If you're cooking for a crowd, the Cuisinart Double has two cooking trays that speed up your waffle output.
If you're a burgeoning home chef in the market for some other upgrades to your kitchen arsenal, a large griddle can make quick work of your eggs and bacon, and a great toaster can add the finishing touch to your brunch spread.
Editor's Note: We updated our waffle maker review on December 19, 2025, to include more specs for our award winners and more information on how we tested these machines. We also removed discontinued models from our lineup.
Non-stick on plates can be damaged if washed incorrectly
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian cooks a classic, Belgian-style waffle with ease, and we found ourselves reaching for this particular waffle maker again and again during testing. The key feature that sets this waffle maker apart is its removable plates. Finding a waffle maker that is easy to clean is no small task, and the Hamilton Beach doesn't disappoint. “As a busy, working mom,” mentioned one of our testers, “I used this one the majority of the time because I knew it would produce a delicious waffle AND be easy and quick to clean after.” The Hamilton Beach is made of solid, metal components that feel they will stand the test of time, despite the price point being well under $100. It has one of the fastest total cook times and has several browning settings so you can cook your waffle just how you like it. In addition, unlike some other models, it is easy to avoid hot components, which made us feel good about small hands helping with waffle flipping.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
1
Measured Dimensions
16" x 8.5" x 9"
Measured Weight
5.3 lb
Built-in Cooking Timer
Yes
Lock Ability
Yes by unfolding handle
We wish that the Flip Belgian had an audible beep to let us know when it was done heating up. However, this was a small issue. One tester noted, “I wish it had an alert so I could go do something else and know when it was ready without having to come back and check.” It is also worth noting that there are some negative reviews related to the durability of the non-stick coating on the plates. However, the user manual does state that washing the plates in a dishwasher on the sanitize setting can damage the non-stick coating. In our testing, we stuck to primarily hand washing the plates and had no problems with sticking, despite baking with blueberries, chocolate chips, and cheese. If you're concerned about the removable plates losing their non-stick, the Bella Classic Rotating Belgian is a similar style waffle maker that performed well, although we do worry about its longevity due to less solid, plastic components. The Breville No-Mess is another high-performing, high-quality option if you prefer a thinner, denser waffle.
We had no issues with waffles sticking, even when cooking with add-ins such as blueberries. Credit: Katie Brown
The Breville Smart Waffle is genuinely the creme de la creme of home waffle makers. Capable of making four waffles at a time, this machine will have no trouble feeding a crowd, that is, if you don't mind the large size and expense. This model was the top performer in the cooking performance metric. Equipped with an easy-to-use interface that offers seven different settings for doneness, the Smart Waffle produced the most evenly cooked waffles of all the machines we tested. The large overflow basin works perfectly, no matter how thick the batter is, and is relatively easy to wipe out after the machine cools. The components of this waffle maker are solid and heavy, and it feels as though it will last a lifetime. One user commented, “This waffle maker makes me feel like a chef in a commercial kitchen. It's made for professionals.” We tested this maker with a variety of mixes and add-ins, including gluten-free batter, berries, chocolate chips, and cheese, and found that it performed consistently across the board.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
4
Measured Dimensions
15" x 12.5" x 6"
Measured Weight
14.5 lb
Built-in Cooking Timer
Yes
Lock Ability
Yes
While this is undoubtedly an exceptional waffle maker, it isn't for everybody. With a 15" x 12.5" x 6" footprint, this machine is much larger and heavier than the other options. Whether it lives on your counter or is stored in a cupboard, you'll need to dedicate quite a bit of precious kitchen space to this machine. In addition, if you cook in a kitchen with overhead cabinets, you won't be able to lift the lid all the way, and the maker itself is just too big and bulky to slide to the edge of the counter to do so. And if the lid isn't opened all the way, the machine will not switch from 'ready' to 'cooking.' “I couldn't open it all the way in my specific kitchen,” said one tester, “so it was a no for me.” However, if you can find a patch of countertop with free overhead space, and you have many mouths to feed or want a top-tier product, this model could be the way to go. For those with limited cabinet space, a more compact maker such as the Presto FlipSide or Breville No-Mess may be better. Smaller profiles and lower prices make these waffle makers a great alternative for those who want to avoid clogging up their already limited space.
If you have overhead cabinets, the Breville Smart Waffle Maker will not open all the way Credit: Katie Brown
The Dash Mini Maker is a pint-sized waffle machine that is budget-friendly and makes a surprisingly good waffle. Despite having a super simple user interface, it doesn't ditch the features we appreciate most, such as a light to indicate when it is done heating up and when the waffle has finished cooking. And it's surprisingly accurate, leading to a fairly consistent, golden-brown waffle. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and shapes, making it a delight for young users. “We have quite the collection of Dash waffle makers,” laughs one tester. “One for each holiday.” The tiny size makes for minimal cleanup, as it's easy to tip into the sink when a little extra wipe-down is needed. It's also by far the smallest of the makers that we tested, so if space is at a premium, this is a great option. The nonstick cooking surface also works well, and although the overflow basin is small, it consistently catches the few drips that are spilled during use.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
1
Measured Dimensions
6.4" x 5" x 2.8"
Measured Weight
1.4 lb
Built-in Cooking Timer
No
Lock Ability
No
The Mini Maker's simple design might be exactly what some users are searching for, but others might want something with more control options. Additionally, the entire machine becomes quite hot, and the small lid makes it easy to accidentally touch the cooking surface. Since kids are going to be drawn to these small makers, it is a potential safety hazard worth mentioning. Lastly, if you need to feed a larger group, this miniature device is just not going to cut it. One parent commented, “We love the Dash for a little treat, but when I need to feed all three of my kids at once, I just need a bigger machine.” Although it may not be as fancy as other waffle makers, this compact device allows you to enjoy tasty waffles at home while saving both space and money. Another affordable option is the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian. Though it costs a bit more, it offers safety features and sports a handle to avoid touching the lid. And for large groups, the Cuisinart Double Belgian WAF-40 won't let you down.
The Dash Mini Maker, doing its thing Credit: Katie Brown
Product Updated
Cuisinart released an updated version of their Double Belgian Waffle Maker. The new model has an updated look but is very similar in functionality to the version we tested.
The Cuisinart Double Belgian performed well in all of our cooking tests. The waffles almost always came out with a uniform texture and coloring. Audible beeps indicate when each side is ready and when the waffles have finished cooking, so if you're making a pile of waffles, it's easy to keep track of where you are in the process without having to watch a light. “I was making waffles for a crew of hungry teenagers,” said one of our testers, “and this made quick work of the job.” It also had one of the fastest cook times, and the nonstick cooking surface worked as promised. This model also rarely bubbled over and was fairly easy to wipe off with a damp cloth, which generally made for a quick and easy cleanup.
SPECIFICATIONS
Capacity
2
Measured Dimensions
8.5"Wx9"Hx15"D
Measured Weight
11.75 lb
Built-in Cooking Timer
Yes
Lock Ability
Yes
The biggest drawback to this model is its somewhat larger footprint. While it's a nice feature to be able to make two waffles at once, you'll have to decide for yourself if that is worth the extra space this thing takes up. “I live alone, so it's just too much waffle maker for me,” commented one user. Similar to the Breville Smart Waffle Maker, if you cook with overhead cabinets, the Cuisinart is too tall to open all the way. Since this model is smaller and lighter than the Breville, it's easy to slide it to the front of the counter if needed. In addition, the inability to open entirely doesn't affect cooking ability, unlike the Breville. If space is no concern, you'll undoubtedly be pleased with this waffle maker. If, on the other hand, you're working with a tiny kitchen or just want single-serve waffles for yourself, the Dash Mini Maker and Bella Classic Rotating Belgian both have smaller footprints and great price points.
The Cuisinart Double Stack makes quick work of multiple waffles Credit: Katie Brown
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Waffle making shenanigans in action Credit: Katie Brown
How We Tested
We have tested over 20 models side by side, and in this most recent update, we include 13 of our favorites. We spent over 80 hours using these appliances, one right after the other, and of course, we taste-tested the resulting waffles. We checked for doneness to compare their cooking performance, assessed the user-friendliness of their design, considered how much space they take up when not in use, and evaluated their safety features. Our procedure allowed us to thoroughly examine each model's user-friendliness, construction quality, and waffle-making ability.
Our waffle maker testing is divided across four rating metrics:
Cooking Performance (40% of overall score weighting)
Ease of Use (30% weighting)
Versatility (15% weighting)
Quality of construction (15% weighting)
Why Trust GearLab
Review authors Buck Yedor and Genaveve Bradshaw bring an abundance of home product review experience to this article. From chef's knives to waffle makers, their attention to detail in kitchen products is second to none. Lead tester Genaveve is a firm believer in the saying, “Good food means a good mood.” A key component for creating good food is a good appliance, and Genaveve is stoked to share her passion for cooking and finding top-performing gadgets with the GearLab table. She brings hundreds of hours of food-related testing experience, a meticulous eye for detail, and years of kitchen exploration to each food category she embarks on. After days of researching and preparation, she found diverse recipes to put these appliances to the test and cooked enough waffles to feed the GearLab army. Rounding out the group is freelance tester Katie Brown. As a mom, Katie has spent years 'testing' products in the kitchen by default. She loves cooking and enjoys breakfast in particular. Her real-world experience brings a relatable perspective to testing. We're confident that this selection of waffle makers improves any breakfast game. With keen attention paid to performance reliability, user interface, and ease of cleaning, our comprehensive review can guide you to dreamy home-cooked waffles in no time!
Plenty of waffles were consumed, with no complaint, during the testing of these makers
Analysis and Test Results
Waffle makers are relatively simple devices — but don't let impulsiveness lead you to snag just any model off the shelf. After assessing a few minor details, you can end up with a maker that can churn out a mouthwatering breakfast, or one that delivers subpar, soggy waffles. So grab your favorite whisk, whip up some batter, and start cooking.
Worse Value
Better Value
What's the Best Value?
If you're like most of us, you consider price vs performance when searching for a new kitchen appliance. Of course, you want high-quality tools, but it can be hard to know if the extra cash will really get you better results. Some premium waffle makers come with a premium price, but there are a few machines that we feel come close to premium quality without sporting such a high cost. The Hamilton Beach Flip and Dash Mini are two examples. The Hamilton Beach Flip earns high scores across the board and can be purchased for a fraction of the price of other makers without many tradeoffs. The Dash Mini rings in at an even more affordable price and is our pick for budget shoppers, or those cooking for a party of one.
Just a few of the options we tested Credit: Katie Brown
Cooking Performance
Cooking performance is the hallmark metric for these devices, accounting for 40% of each waffle maker's total score. Our testers look for evenness, the range of browning options, how long it takes to make one waffle, and how reliable or consistent each machine is, waffle after waffle.
The higher-quality machines produced waffles cooked to the same doneness in all quadrants. They came out with a uniform texture and even browning. The Breville Smart Waffle produced the most evenly cooked waffles. The Breville No-Mess and Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian also created nicely uniform waffles.
The Hamilton Beach cooking a beautifully uniform, gluten-free waffle Credit: Katie Brown
Some machines are advertised as able to cook waffles on a spectrum of crispiness or browning, all according to your preferences. Breville Smart Waffle had the most variety in browning levels, coming in at 12, and it did not disappoint. We found distinct browning at each level, enough to satisfy the most particular eater. The Bella Classic Rotating Belgian included 9 settings, and the Breville No-Mess, Presto Flipside and Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian all had seven selections.
Having browning options gives you the freedom to customize your waffle to your liking Credit: Katie Brown
Speed is the name of the game when it comes to cooking for a crowd. Capable of cooking two waffles at once and doing it fast, the Cuisinart Double Belgian is sure to be a hit at your next brunch. The Breville Smart Waffle is able to make four waffles at once, although their individual size is smaller than that of the Cuisinart Double, and essentially, they come out to about the same quantity of waffle. While the Krups can make four waffles at once, the quality is so hit or miss that we can't recommend using this one.
When making a batch of waffles, it's ideal to get the same results with each waffle. Not all waffle makers seem to be able to make the same waffle again and again. The Breville Smart Waffle can, and it reigns supreme in this metric, continually producing repeatable results. The Presto FlipSide was another highly reliable option, as was the Breville No-Mess and Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian.
Waffle makers that can make more than one waffle at a time are a huge time saver for large groups
Ease of Use
Chances are, you will be flipping eggs or frying bacon to go along with your waffles. You want your maker to be as foolproof as possible to give you the best chances at successfully multitasking. We tested Ease of Use based on sticking and clean-up, overflow, storage, and safety.
A good non-stick coating is key to making clean-up easier — you can generally get away with just wiping the surface with a damp cloth once it has cooled down, and you're good to go. Most waffle makers have dependable nonstick coatings. All of our award winners have non-stick coatings that didn't let us down, despite using no oil when cooking. (It is also worth noting that the majority of manufacturers state NOT to use aerosol oils, as they will ruin the non-stick coating. If you're going to oil your waffle maker, stick to something that can be rubbed on with a brush). Some of our lower-scoring models, such as the Amazon Basics 2-Slice waffle maker, were particularly bad about sticking and will definitely need to be oiled.
A good non-stick coating makes for easy clean-up with a cloth or sponge
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian is a standout in the clean-up metric, as it has removable, dishwasher-safe plates. Knowing how easy clean-up would be meant that we found ourselves reaching for this waffle maker again and again on busy school mornings. The manufacturer does state that plates are not to be washed on the sanitize setting, as high heat could damage the non-stick, so we mostly hand-washed ours.
The Hamilton Beach's removable plates made it a favorite for clean-up Credit: Katie Brown
When cooking with a waffle maker, overflowing batter and excess condensation are the primary sources of mess. Luckily, most nonstick grates work well enough to avoid any stuck-on and burnt batter catastrophes. With some trial and error, you can usually solve the overflowing batter problem by finding the exact amount of batter for your maker, but some models still tend to spill no matter what you do. Ironically, the Breville No-Mess is one such model. Its lid presses quite hard on the waffle, making it overflow very easily, but it is also designed to catch overflow, and does a good job of it, so it balances out (aside from the wasted batter). In general, we found that it is easier to avoid overflow with the Belgian-style and flip waffle makers, as their fluffy nature is more forgiving with excess batter.
The Breville No-Mess is very easy to overflow, but also catches it well. Credit: Katie Brown
Similarly, some models create a lot of steam that can lead to condensation and a puddle on your counter, while others do not. To avoid excess condensation, the Oster Flip offers a removable drip basin to prevent puddles on your countertop. Most waffle makers do not have this, so it's a thoughtful addition.
Some models create quite a bit of steam, which can lead to a puddle on your countertop Credit: Katie Brown
Having a waffle maker that will easily tuck away into the cupboard when you're not using it is another key factor in a product that makes your life easier. The Dash Mini Maker and the Presto FlipSide are two models that are efficient and easy to store. The Presto can lock and stand up vertically, saving a lot of precious cabinet space in many situations, whereas the Dash is a compact machine that doesn't take up much space to begin with. On the other end of the spectrum are the Breville Smart Waffle and Cuisinart Double Belgian, two of the best-performing models, but also the largest and heaviest of models tested. Storage and performance can be a trade-off, but there are many models, such as the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian and Bella Classic Rotating Belgian, that bridge the gap between performance and size, producing a quality waffle without undue size.
The Presto FlipSide stores upright, a convenient design that allows it to take up far less counter or cupboard space. Credit: Laura Casner
Versatility
The best waffle makers make it easy to avoid burning your waffles and should yield your desired results with ease. Features like temperature adjustment knobs can help you achieve the exact shade and texture you're looking for, and timers can ensure you don't leave the waffle on the griddle too long. Additionally, flipping a maker over encourages more even batter distribution, garnering more consistent results and even cooking.
Being able to adjust browning levels gives a waffle maker great versatility
The Breville Smart Waffle, Breville No-Mess, and Chefman Anti-Overflow all have the most options for darkness adjustability. Others, such as the Cuisinart Double Belgian and Bella Classic, have a dial or slide, but still give you a range of darkness options. Beeps and lights indicating when the device is ready and when it has finished cooking are also helpful. The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian had only light indicators, but we wished it would beep audibly. The Presto Flipside has only an auditory cook timer, but its ability to flip makes it easier to attain consistent results. The Dash Mini Maker lacks adjustability or timers, but we found its heating elements quite forgiving. It didn't burn our waffles even when we left them on for too long.
A dial instead of numbers is somewhat less accurate, but still gives you plenty of browning options
It's ideal if a waffle maker can handle a wide range of mix-ins, like blueberries or chives. We found that in general, the flip-style waffle makers handled mix-ins the best, cooking evenly and with the least amount of mess. The Breville No-Mess tended to smash any mix-ins, and in the vertical makers, mix-ins often floated to the top, leading to a lopsided waffle.
The Cuisinart Double Belgian handled even the stickiest mix-ins, such as cheese, like a champ
Safety Features
Our last metric is safety. Burning yourself on a hot waffle maker while making Sunday brunch is never fun. And when tiny hands are involved, as they often are during waffle-making, safety becomes even more of a priority. Some machines are well-designed to protect hands from hot metal and steam, while others leave something to be desired. The Breville Smart Waffle and the Breville No-Mess have long, immobile stainless-steel handles that don't heat up and are far from any area that emits hot steam. This allows you to open and close the device without worrying about getting burned.
Flip machines are also great when it comes to avoiding burns, as they almost always have a long handle that folds in while cooking. Some, however, such as the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian don't have an on/off switch, so its important to remember to unplug after use.
Some of the budget models in our lineup, such as the Dash Mini Maker and Amazon 2-Slice, produce a lot of steam and/or have very small handles, so we found ourselves wanting a hot pad to safely open these. And although the vertical makers, such as the Ninja Pro and Cuisinart Vertical, have handles on the side to prevent burning, we still found ourselves, and our kids, instinctively wanting to open them from the top, where they are very hot.
Vertical waffle makers have a handle on the side, but we still found ourselves sometimes wanting to reach for the top to open Credit: Katie Brown
How To Choose the Right Waffle Maker
Waffle makers have one job: to get a crispy, fluffy, delicious waffle. All of the award-winning makers in our lineup will offer this, but some have features and designs that are better suited for different households.
Waffle Type: Belgian vs. Traditional
When choosing a waffle maker, the first thing to consider is what type of waffles you like. Belgian waffles are super thick and fluffy, and generally what you would expect when ordering a waffle in a restaurant. These things require an extra large butter dish, soak up syrup like a sponge, and bring a decadent pastry feel to your breakfast. Some of our favorite Belgian-style machines are the Breville Smart Waffle, Hamilton Beach Flip BelgianCuisinart Double Belgian, and the Presto FlipSide.
A thicker, fluffier Belgian waffle next to a thinner and denser classic waffle Credit: Katie Brown
Classic-style waffles are much thinner than their Belgian counterparts and generally have a crispier and crunchier exterior. These waffles are more decadent than store-bought frozen waffles that you pop into a toaster, but lack the pillowy volume of Belgian waffles. The Breville No-Mess produced great classic waffles in our testing, but the thin nature of the waffle is not as accommodating to add-ins, and overflow can be tricky. Other classic waffle makers we tested include the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic and Dash Mini Maker. The Dash, in particular, is almost like a blend of Belgian and classic, and handles mix-ins easily.
The Breville No-Mess produces a high quality, classic waffle, but it will smash your mix-ins Credit: Katie Brown
To Flip or Not to Flip
One of the differentiating features of consumer waffle makers is whether you can flip the waffle in the middle of cooking (think of those large contraptions often seen at hotel breakfasts). Rotating the waffle promotes better batter distribution, leading to more even cooking and satisfying final results. Models that offer this feature, such as the Cuisinart Double Belgian, Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian, and Bella Classic Rotating Belgian, are generally taller and take up more vertical counter space than the average kitchen model. The Presto Flipside features a unique hinged design that allows it to flip over when cooking and then pack up into a very slim profile for storage.
Flip style makers, such as the Cuisinart Double Belgian, are popular choices and produce a great waffle Credit: Katie Brown
Vertical Waffle Makers
Vertical waffle makers are a relatively new concept, and we were excited to test them. They are tall but very slim, making them great for space-saving. Upon use, however, we were somewhat unimpressed. Since you can't see if the pan is full, these models often come with their own measuring cup. Batter is poured into a spout at the top, and gravity fills the waffle cavity. What we found, however, was that the batter had to be just the right consistency for this to work. Too thin and it might drip out the bottom. Too thick, and it wouldn't sink to the bottom but would instead cook before gravity could do its work, leading to a tiny waffle just at the opening. Lastly, we found that add-ins floated to the top, leading to a disappointingly lopsided waffle. Overall, these are not our favorite.
With vertical waffle makers we found that add-ins floated to the top, leading to an unevenly cooked waffle Credit: Katie Brown
Conclusion
For some families, waffles are a staple of a big weekend breakfast. Having fluffy, cafe-style waffles at home is easier and less expensive than you may think. You can have a delicious brunch in the comfort of your dining room for just a small investment and some elbow grease (for mixing up the batter). We hope our research has led you to the perfect breakfast companion.
Bon appetit! Credit: Katie Brown
—Buck Yedor, Michelle Powell, Genaveve Bradshaw, and Katie Brown
