Waffle Iron

Before you read: I work with Waring Commercial as a consultant, and the waffle maker I pick is a Waring. When you buy through my links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. So you can judge for yourself, I've also suggested two good alternatives at much lower prices.

Which one should you buy?

For most households, a home flip-style Belgian waffle maker with nonstick plates and a ready signal makes lovely waffles for well under $100. The Waring is for people who make a lot of waffles. Here's what I'd point you to:

Belgian waffles are thicker than the classic kind, with deep pockets made for melting butter and maple syrup. A good waffle maker gets them crisp outside and soft and fluffy inside.

Weekend breakfast sorted. And waffles aren't just for the morning: try them with fried chicken, or with ice cream and berries for pudding.

Why flip a waffle maker?

In an ordinary waffle maker, the batter sits on the bottom plate. The bottom gets a head start, and the top plate only cooks what rises up to meet it. You often end up with one side darker than the other and a few empty pockets on top.

A rotary or "flip" maker lets you pour the batter in and turn the whole thing over. The batter runs down and fills the other plate too, so both sides get the same contact and the same heat. That's why diners and hotel breakfast bars use them: even colour, full pockets, every time.

What makes the crisp shell? Hot, heavy plates and steam escaping fast. When you pour the batter in, the water in it turns to steam and puffs the waffle up. As the steam slows down, the outside dries and browns. That's your clue that it's nearly ready.

Waring WW180X at a glance

Twenty-five an hour is about one every two and a half minutes, so it's quick, but it's still one at a time. A family of four will be taking turns.

What to look for in a waffle maker

• A flip (rotary) design. For even browning on both sides and full pockets.

• A ready signal. A light or beep so you know when to pour, and ideally when it's done.

• Good nonstick plates. Easy to wipe clean and kind to delicate batters.

• A browning control or timer. So you can go from pale and soft to deep golden.

• A drip tray. Batter overflows. A tray saves the counter.

• Size and storage. Flip makers take up room. Check where it'll live.

The Waring ticks every box apart from the last one. It's 14 pounds and 20 inches long, so it's a machine that wants a permanent spot.

Who it suits, and who should skip it

Good for you if

• You make waffles often, for a crowd: big families, guesthouses, church breakfasts, team brunches

• You want a heavy-duty machine that's built to run all morning

• You have counter space for it to stay out

Skip it if

• You make waffles a few times a month: the Cuisinart or Presto will make you very happy for a fraction of the price

• You're short on space: 20 inches long and 14 pounds is a lot of waffle maker

• You want plates that come off for the dishwasher

How to get the best from it

Heat it properly

Let it heat fully before the first waffle. The ready signal is there for a reason. The first waffle is always the trickiest, so don't judge it on that one.

Oil lightly

Brush the plates lightly with a neutral oil or melted butter, even if they're nonstick. Avoid aerosol cooking sprays; they leave a sticky film that builds up.

Don't overfill

Pour enough to cover most of the bottom plate and let the flip spread it. Too much and you'll be cleaning batter off the counter.

Leave the lid alone

Don't open it too early or the waffle tears in half. When the steam slows right down, your waffle is nearly ready.

Keep them crisp

Waffles go soft when stacked. Keep cooked ones in a single layer on a wire rack in a low oven while you make the rest.

Cleaning and safety

• Unplug it and let it cool before cleaning.

• Wipe the plates with a damp cloth or a soft brush. No metal utensils, no scouring pads.

• Never put it in water. The plates are fixed. The drip tray comes out for washing.

• Mind the steam. Hot steam puffs out of the sides as it cooks. Keep your hands clear when you flip it.

• Give it its own socket. At 1,200 watts, avoid running it on the same circuit as the kettle and toaster.

The one rule

Wait for the ready signal, and wait for the steam to stop. Patience makes a good waffle.

Questions people ask

What's the difference between a Belgian waffle and a regular waffle?

Belgian waffles are thicker, with deeper pockets, and usually lighter and crisper. Regular waffles are thinner and denser.

Why do my waffles stick?

Usually the maker wasn't hot enough, the lid was opened too early, or the plates need a light brush of oil. Worn nonstick can cause it too.

Is a flip waffle maker worth it?

Yes, if you like even, golden waffles with full pockets. The flip spreads the batter over both plates.

How do I know when a waffle is done?

When the steam slows down to almost nothing, or when the ready beep goes on models that have one.

How do I keep waffles crisp?

Don't stack them. Keep them in a single layer on a rack in a low oven until you're ready to serve.

Cook with it first

Something from my Breakfast and Brunch recipes.

Updated October 2026. Prices change often, so check before you buy.