Types of Waffle Makers

• Iron – Two cast iron plates in a scissor like format with 2 handles. The batter is poured between the two plates, closed and heated over a fire. This is the old fashion way to make waffles and useful when camping.
• Traditional – Waffles are 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) thick and usually round.
• Belgian – Waffles are one inch (2.5 cm) thick. The greater depth is popular. This is the most common waffle maker. All three in the picture above are Belgian waffle makers.
• Waffle Cones – This waffles for making waffle ice cream cones. They are thin and pliable when first removed. The waffle is then formed into a cone or bowl and left to cool and harden.

Regular vs Belgian Waffle Makers

The left is a Cuisinart Classic Waffle Maker WMR-CAC. It uses 1/2 cup of batter for a waffle. When done, the light will change from red to green. The right is a Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker WAF-200. It uses 1 cup of batter per and not only changes to green but an alarm sounds. The smaller bake time is about 1/2 of the larger one. I like the small regular is the grandkids are over and I am trying to pump out waffles quickly. The Belgian waffles are better for freezing.

Capacity/Size

Makers vary greatly in how large of a waffle they make. This varies not only in diameter but depth. Each waffle takes 3-6 minutes to bake. Use a larger maker that makes four quarters to feed a group of hungry kids. The best indication of size is how much batter it takes. The manual tells this. In the picture up top are three different sizes.

• On the left: Hamilton Beach Belgian Style Flip Waffle Maker (26010C) – uses 1/2 cup (125 ml) per waffle
• Middle: Cuisinart 4-slice Belgian Waffle Maker (WAF-200C) – uses 1 cup (250 ml) per waffle
• Right: Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker (WAF-350C) – uses 1 ½ cups (375 ml) per waffle

Controls

All of the above makers have a red light to indicate the maker is plugged in and a green light to indicate it is ready. After batter is added, the green light and usually a beep will sound to indicate the waffle is done baking as the unit is back normal temperature. A dial sets how brown the finished waffles are. It raises/lowers the final temperature. I like the audible alarm as I usually eat while the next waffle is baking.

I find varying results with indicators that tell when the waffle is done baking. My experience is the Cuisinart WAF-200C is accurate while their small classic maker indicates done too early. For some makers I use a smart phone or tablet timer.

Chefman RJ04

Flip-over

When using a flip-over maker, the batter is added, the unit closed then rotated 180 degrees. This way the top and bottom plates are coated with batter producing a prettier waffle using less batter. This is why commercial units are usually flip.

Recently I started flipping my waffles after being made on a non-flip maker. Be Sure to Flip Your Waffles. This is a simple way to get the same look as from a flip-over waffle maker.

Storage

Many non-flip units will stand on their hinge for convenient storage.It takes more room to store a flip maker. Some like the Chefman RJ04 above store flipped sideways with their tray standing.

Waffle maker stands on the hinge.