The electric waffle maker is not the most common household appliance. Not every housewife has it in the kitchen. But in vain! Thick and thin fragrant waffles, nuts with cream filling, sandwiches and sandwiches, donuts and grilled dishes - that's what you can cook with this wonderful appliance.
Today we will tell you which waffle iron is better to buy and what to look for when going to the store. And also present a rating of the best models of the year, based on customer reviews and expert opinion.
What is the rating based on
Our rating will be based on feedback from those who have already experienced these wonderful devices in the household. We will also take into account the opinion of repair specialists and dwell on several criteria that you should pay close attention to. When compiling the rating, we took into account the following indicators:
- power;
- the presence of a special non-stick coating;
- functionality;
- body material;
- the ability to regulate the heating process;
- lifetime;
- ergonomics;
- availability of additional equipment;
- design.
Device power
This indicator is directly responsible for how quickly the plates of the device will heat up. Most electric waffle irons have a wattage range of 600 to 800 watts. In principle, this is quite enough for an ordinary household appliance. It is not very advisable to purchase a waffle iron with a capacity of more than 1000 W. This may make sense if you decide to purchase a multifunctional appliance that can function as a grill.
Body material
Electric waffle makers are available in steel and plastic. The first ones last much longer. They are more reliable and perfectly protect the internal parts from damage. The latter are much lighter in weight and are much cheaper. But if you intend to use the device for a long time and with pleasure, it is best to prefer the all-metal version.
Non-stick coating
The presence of such coverage in this case is simply necessary. First, it allows you to use a minimum of oil, or not use it at all. Secondly, you can easily separate the finished waffles from the frying surface. You don't have to pick out anything.
In the store, pay attention to the quality of the non-stick coating. Examine the Teflon carefully. Are there any chips or cracks on it? Is the layer applied evenly? The quality of the finished product will depend on this.
Functionality
- Thermostat. It is necessary for correct and uniform temperature distribution over the surface of the plates. Your waffles will not burn on one side, while remaining soggy on the other.
- Thermoregulator.Allows you to set the baking temperature from 150 to 250 C. This function will significantly diversify your menu.
- Timer. Not a must, but extremely useful device. You don't have to stand over a waffle iron with a clock. The appliance switches itself off at the end of the cooking time.
- Heating indicator. It's also a pretty useful device. When the waffle iron is hot enough and ready for use, you will see a corresponding signal on the lid of the appliance.
- Rotating device of the body. To make the waffles perfect, after placing the dough, it is enough to turn the device around its axis. The mass will "settle" and the pastries will turn out to be very smooth and beautiful.
Functional additions
Before you buy an electric waffle iron, consider the answers to these questions:
- How often are you going to cook?
- How far is the power outlet from the table?
- What exactly are you going to cook?
To avoid any inconvenience in using the waffle iron, it must have a fairly long power cord. In addition, it would be great if the model had a storage compartment. If you are going to bake more than just waffles, you will need extra plates for nuts, donuts and other desserts. A great addition will be special tube or cone molders.
See also - Choosing an electric crepe maker for home
Waffle makers can be divided into 3 types: for Belgian waffles, for thin and multi-functional, capable of preparing waffles, sandwiches and steaks. I figured out how all these devices differ, what the additional functionality of the devices could be, and after studying the opinions of experts and users, I identified 5 models of each type and made a rating of the best waffle irons of the year.
TOP 5 for Belgian waffles
Waffle makers for baking Belgian waffles have panels with deep, clearly traced squares, they bake voluminous waffles that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. In terms of functionality, the devices do not differ significantly. In some of them the cooking temperature can be adjusted.
VITEK VT-7150
The rating is opened by a budget electric waffle maker of the brand. Worth it all ... Easy to use. Bakes rectangular waffles, dispenses two portions at a time. The body is plastic. Non-stick coating inside. The quality of materials is acceptable for a budget device. Power - 750 W, which is in line with the average.
Pros:
- price;
- design;
- non-stick coating;
- work indicator;
- heating indicator;
- the handle does not heat up.
Minuses:
- non-removable panels;
- uneven baking;
- condensation accumulates inside;
- no on / off button.
VITEK VT-7150 is a budget waffle maker that shows good results. Considering the price, there are no significant drawbacks.
Home Element HE-SM552
The review continues with a cheap electric waffle iron from a Chinese manufacturer for ... It differs from VITEK VT-7150 in black. The functionality is almost identical except for overheating protection. This option has already been implemented in this device. If you forget to turn off the waffle iron or after turning it on for a long time did not fill the panels with dough, it will turn off automatically.
Pros:
- price;
- non-stick coating;
- work indicator;
- heating indicator;
- overheat protection.
Minuses:
- non-removable panels;
- baking dish, shallow.
Home Element HE-SM552 is a good waffle maker that does its job. Simple, no additional options. With similar capabilities with VITEK VT-7150 is already on expensive. Its advantage is protection against overheating, suitable for inattentive users who may forget to turn off the device.
Kitfort KT-1611
Unlike previous models, it is equipped with a rotary device for even distribution of the dough, the waffles are well baked on all sides. This partly compensates for the lower power (640 W). A compartment for storing the cord has appeared, although the cord itself is short - 0.7 m. From the standpoint of design, it differs in a rectangular shape. In terms of functionality, it does not represent anything new in comparison with the described competitors. Price - .
Pros:
- compactness;
- rotates 180 degrees;
- work indicator;
- heating indicator;
- even baking of wafers.
Minuses:
- short power cord;
- non-removable panels.
The model is more popular in our country than VITEK VT-7150 or Home Element HE-SM552. At the same time, the vast majority of users speak positively about it: simple, reliable, baking delicious waffles, but it costs only . The price is slightly higher than that of competitors, but there is an advantage in the form of a rotary mechanism. If your budget is tight, you can consider the budget VITEK VT-7150 or Home Element HE-SM552.
Kitfort KT-1620
The most powerful device in the rating section (920 W) with adjustable cooking temperature. You can choose the degree of fried wafers: they can be soft or rosy, crispy. Management - the rotary lever. Cooks quickly. The non-stick coating ensures that the wafer remains intact when removed. Price - .
Pros:
- power;
- simple mechanical control;
- high-quality non-stick coating;
- cooks quickly.
Minuses:
- backlash of a cover;
- short cord;
- non-removable panels.
A good waffle iron from all positions, waffles can turn out to be completely different at different temperature conditions. The baking speed is increased due to the higher power. Decent device at a reasonable price. If you are very limited in money, you can consider budget devices, but Kitfort KT-1620 is optimal in terms of price-quality ratio.
Clatronic WA 3606
Clatronic WA 3606 - an example of technology with German quality. The waffle iron looks massive, there are reliable rubberized legs. Made of plastic, metal insert on top - looks good. Bakes waffles even better. The power is 800 W, there is a temperature adjustment, the rotary lever is located on top, unlike the Kitfort KT-1620 - in my opinion, this is more convenient. Price - .
Pros:
- quality;
- simple mechanical control;
- convenient location of the switch;
- high-quality non-stick coating;
- compartment for storing the cord.
Minuses:
- short cord;
- non-removable panels;
- Wafers bake poorly at the edges at low temperature conditions.
Clatronic WA 3606 - a waffle maker is not cheap, it costs almost but justifies its price with reliability. Can save up to and take the KT-1620 waffle iron from Kitfort. In this case, I would not recommend saving more and buying a waffle iron without adjusting the cooking temperature.
TOP-5 for thin waffles
The waffle makers that prepare the thin waffles we are accustomed to differ from each other only in price, therefore TOP-5 is based on the quality of the assembly of devices and the quality of preparation of waffles.
Great rivers Kuban-9
The waffle iron is not of domestic production, as you might think by name: this miracle of technology was produced in China. Made entirely of white plastic. When working, it gets very hot and emits an unpleasant odor. The design of the waffle iron is not well thought out, the excess dough gets into the cracks between the body and the frying pan, it is almost impossible to remove them from there. But she bakes waffles, although, according to reviews, they bake them unevenly. But it’s worth everything .
Pros:
- price;
- ease of use.
Minuses:
- case materials;
- the body and the handle get very hot;
- short cord;
- unevenly bakes waffles;
- small size of the working surface.
Great rivers Kuban-9 - economics for beginners or for those who prepare waffles from time to time. It cannot boast of high quality; it is clearly inferior to all competing models in the ranking.
Magio MG-390/396
It has a beautiful red plastic case, looks more like a children's suitcase than a device for baking waffles. In fact, the body material turns out to be better than in the case of the “Great rivers of Kuban-9”, the smell of plastic is felt only at the first turn on. In terms of power, this waffle iron is slightly weaker (750 W versus 800), but in operation it is imperceptible, on the contrary, the wafers in it are baked more evenly, you can choose the temperature regime. On it you can cook a waffle cone (cone included). Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- temperature control;
- cone for horns;
- bakes quickly.
Minuses:
- short cord;
- the case and handle are heated;
- in the center is slightly undercooked, it is decided by the choice of the maximum temperature.
Magio MG-390/396 - an ordinary waffle iron with a bright design, bakes waffles quickly, efficiently. Worth , and savings are irrelevant here. The great rivers Kuban-9 has problems with the quality of materials and assembly.
Kitfort KT-1617
The waffle maker is known for the brand . Made of metal and plastic, it has rubberized feet. There is no temperature regulation, nor is there a conical shape for horns. The power of the device is only 640 W, which does not affect the cooking speed.
Pros:
- price;
- quality of materials and workmanship;
- rubberized legs;
- bakes quickly;
- low power consumption;
- Has a compartment for the cord.
Minuses:
- short cord;
- bakes unevenly;
- no temperature regulation;
- no cone for horns;
- The case is heated.
The beauty of this waffle iron lies in its price. For such a famous and reliable brand as Kitfort, she is just ridiculous. The appearance and assembly of this device immediately separate it from the budget plastic options. For baking, some users note uneven baking, but many waffle irons are guilty of this. I do not consider this a reason to save money, and the savings will not be significant either. Kitfort KT-1617 total on more expensive than Magio MG-390/396.
Maxwell MW-1571
Has 5 baking temperatures. Switched on with a rotary switch. Usually housewives use 3 and 4, for 5 waffles are heavily fried. Power - 800 watts. Made of gray plastic. Non-stick coating inside. The handle does not heat up. The plastic itself emits a smell only when you first turn it on. Price - .
Pros:
- quality of materials and assembly;
- 5 temperature conditions;
- convenient and simple control;
- the handle does not heat up;
- cone for folding the horn included.
Minuses:
- short cord;
- bakes one side of the product more than the other.
The waffle iron is noteworthy, but no better than the Magio MG-390/396. If the issue of device design is not a matter of principle for you, then you can save. At the same time, Maxwell MW-1571 looks more prestigious.
Spectrum Instrument Gourmand EV-0.8 / 220
Waffle iron, embodying the best traditions of the past. Massive, completely made of metal. Food aluminum heating elements. Weight - 2.2 kg. For comparison: all competitors weigh just over 1 kg. There is a convenient handle on the case. It has an increased height of heating platforms, a double protection system against overheating. Power - 800 watts. Price - .
Pros:
- quality of materials and workmanship;
- can be disassembled and easily repaired, unlike foreign competitors;
- heats up quickly;
- the handle does not heat up;
- long cord;
- the instructions for the device have recipes.
Minuses:
- heavy;
- no indication of work;
- the surface has to be lubricated with oil, without this the waffles will burn. But then do not worry about the non-stick coating;
- no on / off button.
An excellent waffle iron made from the Soviet Union today. Baking in it turns out to be very tasty, evenly baked, reminding the taste of childhood for the older generation. Definitely worth the money. In terms of reliability, it outperforms all competitors in the ranking.
TOP-5 multifunctional with interchangeable panels
Multifunctional waffle irons are distinguished by the presence of removable panels, with which you can significantly expand the range of prepared dishes. Usually the set includes a grill panel, for waffles and for sandwiches. Other panels are sold separately. The multifunctionality of the devices is justified only for 1-2 people. Cooking something in it, except for waffles for 3 or more persons, is a troublesome and lengthy task due to the small size of the working surface.
Galaxy GL2959
A multifunctional device that allows you to cook waffles, sandwiches, grilled dishes. The use is simple, one mode of operation. An indicator signals the heating of the panels, it is enough to turn on the device, put the ingredients inside (waffle dough or sandwiches) and wait for cooking. You can cook 2 servings of Belgian waffles or 4 sandwiches at the same time. Power - 800 W, cooks quickly. The grill easily handles fish and meat steaks, and sausages can be fried in a minute. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- heats up quickly;
- removable panels;
- high-quality non-stick coating;
- there are several recipes in the instructions.
Minuses:
- small work surface;
- the smell of plastic, especially when you turn it on for the first time;
- short power cord;
- there is no on / off button, you must constantly turn on and off the waffle iron from the outlet.
For a waffle iron for this model is really good. Only REDMOND RMB-611 and Moulinex SW6118 can compete with it, but they cost several times more.
UNIT UDM-3010
The waffle iron is similar in functionality to the Galaxy GL2959. Even from a design standpoint, these devices are similar, but the UNIT UDM-3010 has a power of 1000 watts. This fact does not significantly affect the heating rate. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- heats up quickly;
- replaceable panels;
- high-quality non-stick coating.
Minuses:
- small work surface;
- short cord;
- there is no on / off button, you need to constantly turn on / off the device from the outlet.
The model is good, but pay on there is no point more just for power. Significant acceleration of cooking does not occur, so I recommend the Galaxy GL2959.
Kitfort KT-1642
The most compact device of a famous brand. Suitable for 1-2 people. For a large family, you should consider buying options for Galaxy GL2959 or UNIT UDM-3010. In contrast, Kitfort KT-1642 is made of white plastic, there is no sandwich panel. They can be grilled if desired. Power is only 460 watts. Price - .
Pros:
- price;
- compactness;
- heats up quickly;
- low power consumption;
- removable panels;
- you can grill dishes;
- high quality non-stick coating.
Minuses:
- small work surface, relevant only for 1-2 people;
- short power cord;
- easily soiled case;
- no on / off button.
A good waffle iron for 1-2 people and those who appreciate every inch of their workspace. Has protection against overheating, a latch on the handle. For 3-5 people, it is better to take one of the considered models.
REDMOND RMB-611
Electric waffle maker from a popular domestic brand. Outwardly, it is very similar to the UNIT UDM-3010 and Galaxy GL2959. Equipped with exactly the same panels. Non-stick coating, according to user reviews, does not show itself in the best way. The set includes a catalog with other panels that REDMOND offers - from nuts to waffles of the most bizarre shapes. The device comes with a recipe book. Price - .
Pros:
- removable panels;
- recipe book included.
Minuses:
- heats up for a long time;
- bakes for a long time;
- small work surface:
- short power cord;
- the case is not protected, everything flows inside, it is difficult to wash, clean:
- low quality non-stick coating;
- the body and the handle are heated;
- no temperature regulation.
Perhaps some of the identified shortcomings are subjective, but the price of the device makes you be more picky about it. In many respects, waffle makers from the budget segment perform better. For example, the Galaxy GL2959 costs half the price, and is ready to perform the same functions with no less quality.
Moulinex SW6118
Completes the TOP of the best, a model from a French brand. Surprisingly, the disadvantages of this device are similar to inexpensive competitors - an ill-conceived design, the absence of a power button. The waffle iron copes with its functions. Quickly cook waffles, a hot sandwich, a thin sandwich steak he can. At the same time, nothing will burn thanks to the good non-stick coating. But the price is - clearly overstated.
Pros:
- materials and build quality;
- removable panels;
- quickly, efficiently cooks;
- recipe book included.
Minuses:
- short power cord;
- the latch on the handle is unreliable;
- the case is not protected, everything flows inside, it is difficult to wash and clean;
- no timer;
- there is no on / off button, you must constantly turn it on and off from the outlet;
- no temperature regulation.
This device, unlike the REDMOND RMB-611, at least cooks quickly and efficiently. There is a backlash in the back of the lid, so you can place large sandwiches or even a thick steak inside the device. But it is definitely not worth it, having the same drawbacks as the budget Galaxy GL2959, which is 3 times cheaper.
