The best waffle makers
Weekend breakfasts sorted: the waffle makers that turn out golden waffles, not sticky messes.
A waffle maker turns a lazy weekend breakfast into a treat, and it's a popular present for families, students and teenagers. Deep plates make thick, fluffy waffles; rotating makers give tall Belgian ones.
Removable, dishwasher-safe plates make the biggest difference to living with one. Waffle irons go back a long way: the first US patent for one was granted to Cornelius Swartwout of New York in 1869.
What matters
- Deep plates for thick waffles.
- Removable plates for easy cleaning.
- A browning or temperature control.
- Size: two at once for families, mini for one.
#1 of 4
Best overall
Breville DuraCeramic Deep-Fill Waffle Maker (VST072)
£50–£75 Price range
Deep plates with a ceramic non-stick coating turn out two thick, evenly browned waffles, and the plates lift out for washing. It stores upright with the cord tucked away.
What owners say: Owners find the waffles come out evenly cooked every time and love the removable plates, though cooking time gets mixed comments.
A closer look: Heat it fully before the first waffle and don't open it early: the waffle's usually done when the steam stops. Don't overfill: just enough batter to cover the grid.
- Makes 2 deep-fill waffles
- DuraCeramic non-stick coating
- Removable plates
- Waffle-rise clip, enclosed plates to stop leaks
- Stores upright, cool-touch handle
Best for: Family weekends
- Makes
- 2
- Style
- Deep-fill square
- Power
- 1,000W
- Removable plates
- Yes
- Control
- –
#2 of 4
Best Belgian
BELLA Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
£20–£30 Price range
Flip it over as you close it and the batter spreads evenly for a tall, fluffy Belgian waffle, with nine browning settings and a drip tray to catch overflow.
What owners say: Owners find it gives perfect waffles every time, quickly and thoroughly, and easy to clean, though some had units wear out.
A closer look: Rotate it straight after pouring so the batter reaches every corner. Start at a middle browning setting and adjust to taste.
- Rotating (flip) design
- 9 browning settings
- Large Belgian waffles
- Removable drip tray
- 1,000W
Best for: Tall, fluffy waffles
- Makes
- 1 large
- Style
- Round Belgian
- Power
- 1,000W
- Removable plates
- –
- Control
- 9 settings
#3 of 4
Global Gourmet by Sensio Full-Size American Waffle Maker
£20–£30 Price range
One big, thick American-style waffle at a time from deep plates, with a temperature dial for lighter or deeper golden waffles and a light that tells you when it's ready.
What owners say: Owners find it easy to use and good value with great results, though heat distribution and non-stick get mixed comments.
Heads up: Some owners find it cooks unevenly, so leave it a minute longer to heat up and brush the plates lightly with oil.
A closer look: One round waffle cuts into four wedges, perfect for sharing with berries and syrup. Wipe the plates with kitchen paper while still warm (not hot).
- 1 full-size round waffle
- Deep plates
- Adjustable temperature dial
- Ready light
- 700W, non-stick
Best for: American-style waffles
- Makes
- 1 round
- Style
- Round American
- Power
- 700W
- Removable plates
- –
- Control
- Temperature dial
#4 of 4
Best mini
SNAILAR Mini Waffle Maker (10cm)
£10–£20 Price range
A small, cheap waffle maker that turns out 10cm waffles in minutes: fun for teenagers, students and anyone who fancies a waffle for one.
What owners say: Owners find it easy to use and clean, with evenly cooked waffles and good value, though some find the waffles biscuit-sized.
A closer look: Try hash browns, grated cheese or leftover mash in it too. Small enough for a student kitchen or a caravan cupboard.
- 10cm waffles
- 550W
- Ready light, thermostat
- Non-stick coating
- 500g, compact
Best for: Teenagers and students
- Makes
- 1 mini (10cm)
- Style
- Mini round
- Power
- 550W
- Removable plates
- –
- Control
- Thermostat
How they compare
| Feature | #1Breville DuraCeramic | #2BELLA rotating | #3Global Gourmet | #4SNAILAR mini |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Best Belgian | Best mini | ||
| Picked Rating | 9.3 | 9.1 | 8.9 | 8.8 |
| Price | £50–£75 Price range | £20–£30 Price range | £20–£30 Price range | £10–£20 Price range |
| Makes | 2 | 1 large | 1 round | 1 mini (10cm) |
| Style | Deep-fill square | Round Belgian | Round American | Mini round |
| Power | 1,000W | 1,000W | 700W | 550W |
| Removable plates | Yes | – | – | – |
| Control | – | 9 settings | Temperature dial | Thermostat |
| Best for | Family weekends | Tall, fluffy waffles | American-style waffles | Teenagers and students |
| Check price | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon | View on Amazon |
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