- Whether you prefer fat and fluffy Belgian waffles or favor thin and crispy traditional American-style ones, there are dozens of different waffle makers in every shape and size.
- The best waffle maker for families big or small is the Krups Belgian Waffle Maker because it makes four perfect golden waffles every time.
As a child, I was obsessed with Eggo waffles, not unlike the character Eleven from the show, "Stranger Things." As soon as one of the rounded treats popped out of the toaster, I would slather it in butter and maple syrup and then cut off the rounded edges and gobble it up.
Frozen waffles are delicious, but freshly made ones are even better. There are plenty of waffle recipes online, and once you've assembled the ingredients, you just need a waffle maker. There is a dizzying array of waffle makers out there, so we've researched to find the best ones you can buy. Before you buy one, the first thing you need to determine is what kind of waffles you'd like to make.
Belgian vs. American vs. Liege waffles
What's the difference between Belgian Waffles and "regular" American-style waffles? According to Chowhound, Belgian waffles are bigger all around - in diameter and thickness - and also have deeper square pockets than their American counterparts. They are also traditionally made with yeast, which makes them light and fluffy. Regular waffles, on the other hand, are usually made with baking powder and are thinner and crunchier than Belgian waffles. Belgian waffles require a different kind of waffle maker.
Another kind of waffle is a type of Belgian waffle called the Liege. Liege waffles are a centuries-old street treat in Belgium, made from yeast-risen dough and Belgian pearl sugar. This gives the waffle its own natural sweetness - no toppings needed. They are softer, sweeter and doughier than other Belgian waffles. They're also much harder to make. Our picks are primarily for Belgian and American style waffles.
How to pick a waffle maker
So, now that you've decided what kind of waffles you'd like to cook up at home, it's time to pick your waffle maker. Experts agree that the single most important factor when selecting a waffle maker is that it cooks your waffle evenly.
According to the Food Network and ConsumerSearch.com, a good waffle maker should also offer variable heat controls, stay cool to the touch, and alert you when the waffles are done. Some waffle makers come with special features like removable grids and most have non-stick coatings to make it easier to remove your waffles.
We've researched expert and buyer reviews to find the best waffle makers you can buy at any price point, whether you want Belgian waffles or stereotypical American ones.
Here are the best waffle makers you can buy:
Updated on 07/19/2019 by Les Shu: Updated prices, links, and formatting.
Read on to check out our top picks.
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