My quest for the perfect Waffle Iron
Making waffles
When I lived in Denmark I had a waffle toaster, or well I guess it is called a waffle iron or maybe more precisely a heart waffle maker. Regardless of the name it got used very frequently.
I would invite friends over for waffle nights, which was basically us getting together to eat tasty waffles.
We would whip up the waffle batter and bring it to the dining table with us.
Then we would sit and talk or play cards while continuously keeping the waffle iron going. Whenever a heart waffle was done we would "fight" each other for a part of the steaming hot waffle until the point in the evening where everyone had stuffed themselves so much that no one could get another bite down.
When I moved to Ireland all I brought was a backpack with the 15 kgs worth of clothes Ryan Air would allow me to bring aboard the airplane. No room for my beloved waffle toaster :(
I never got around to buying another waffle maker over here, but this year for Christmas it is on the wish list. This lens covers my quest to find the perfect waffle Iron so I can make yummy waffles for all the new friends I have found in Ireland.
(PS. My trusty waffle toaster found a loving home on my mothers kitchen table.).
Photo Courtesy of Tamorlan
Wikimedia Commmons
What to look for #1
Electrical or Non-Electrical?
Cast Iron Waffle maker
When I was a child we had a waffle iron for the stove. I fondly remember baking waffles with my mother, both of us standing looking at the waffle maker impatiently waiting for it to produce a golden waffle. We would use the time to sing and talk and when the waffles were done we would enjoy the yummy fruits of our labour.
This Cast Iron Waffle maker is made with an extra rim of iron at the bottom, which is really handy for picking up any spillage when pouring on the dought.
Be aware that because it is iron, the waffles may stick at least for the first round of waffles, so make sure you oil or butter the surface properly.
As the Waffle pan has no electrical cords it is easy to clean it. Just shove it under the tap, be sure to use semi warm water as cold water could ruin the waffle iron. Also never use any form of soap or dishwashing liquids as again it could ruin the iron. If you are going for that traditional feel, then this may be the Waffle maker for you. I however must continue on in my quest.
Electrical Waffle pan
Electrical waffle makers has the advantage that you can bring them to the table. That way the entire family can be gathered and noone has to be the odd man out at the stove.
With this waffle pan you can get the waffles steaming hot to your plate.
It comes with a removable drip tray, which means your dining table doesn't need to look a mess after you had your breakfast or waffle dinner.
While this looks like a nice Waffle machine, it is not the right one for me. On I go.
What to look for #2
Non Stick !
Non-stick Waffle Maker
Most waffle irons these days claims to be non-stick and I think that most people will agree that the fun disappears if you have to fight with the machine to get it to release the waffle.
This waffle toaster should give you a non-stick experience along with fluffy, crispy golden waffles. For me though square waffles doesn't do it, so I continue on my quest.
The origin of Waffles
And the many variants
Waffles date back to the middle ages although back then they were thinner and crispier than the ones we enjoy today.
There are many different types of waffles. Most notable is the American waffle, the Belgian Waffle and the Scandinavian Waffle.
-The American Waffle is made with baking powder and is often enjoyed for breakfast with butter or marple syrups.
-The Belgian Waffle has is made with yeast and is thicker and lighter than the american version. The are often served with whipped cream or powdered sugar. Sometimes they even come with chocolate spread. Yummy!
-The Scandinavian Waffle is made with baking powder, but is thinner than the other two variants. They are traditionally heart shaped and enjoyed with fruit jam and powdered sugar.
There are many other types of waffles and many other ways to make the batter, but what they all have in common is that they are extremely tasty.
Photo Courtesy of Jacques Renier
Wikimedia Commmons
What to look for #3
Termostat or Kitchen clock?
Stainles steel waffle maker. - With build in alarm for when the waffle is ready.
This Waffle iron or should I say machine, because it is hardly just an iron anymore, comes with a build in alarm function that beeps when the waffle is ready. You will never see another burned waffle again.
The stainless steel makes it easy to clean and the removable no drip plate even more so. The only real drawback I can see is that it is a bit on the big side. If you have space in your kitchen, this could be the perfect waffle toaster for you. I continue on my quest for my perfect waffle maker.
Kitchen timer
If you are not getting a waffle toaster with build in alarm, then you can do it the old school way, with a traditional kitchen timer.
What to look for #4
Shape - Squares or hearts?
Belgian Waffle Maker - 4 waffles at once!
This Belgian waffle maker is worth the mention because it makes 4 waffles at once instead of the traditional 2. If you have a big family and you want everyone to have waffles in a timely manner this might be the machine for you.
It is a bit more expensive than most waffle toasters, however the time you save is precious and can be used to enjoy eating the waffles with your friends or family.
This machine also comes with what is referred to as the "waffle ready" beeper that will warn you when is done. Square waffles is not for me though so I go on to persue the goal of the perfect waffle maker for me.
The big Waffle showdown
What shape do you prefer for your waffles?
What to look for #5
Price - Quality or Wallety (Expensive or Cheap)
Professional Belgian Waffle Baker
Looking to make waffles on a professional level then maybe this waffle baker is the thing for you. The Waffle iron is silverstone coated ensuring non-stick and scratch resistance. The price is not for everyone, but I am sure people would be impressed to see the machine in your kitchen. Personally though I have to look for something in another price range.
Aaaaaand the winner is....
the Waffle toaster that won my heart.
Phew. That was a lot of waffle makers to go through and I don't know about you guys, but by now I really could eat some waffles. :)
In the end though it was worth it, I now know exactly which Waffle Iron to wish for, for Christmas. And here it is:
The Perfect Waffle Iron - For me at least
So in the end this is the Waffle maker I found most fitting to my needs.
Electric - Check
Non-stick - Check
Timer - Check
Heart shaped waffles - Check
Affordable on my budget - Check (well technically I should be considering the budget of the people that are going to get me presents I suppose ;).)
The Waffles are apparently cooked in 90 seconds once the Waffle maker is pre-heated which is perfect for me as I often get really impatient when I can start smelling the delicious odour of freshly baked waffles.
Now I just hope Santa will be nice and bring me this Waffle toaster. Who know's if he does I might even whip him up a batch! ;)
EU Waffle Lovers
Get your waffle maker here
Interesting recipes to use with your waffle iron
- Cinnamon Roll Waffles
This is a great idea and I can't believe I didn't come up with it myself. Make your cinnamon rolls as usual, but use the waffle iron to bake them. You will end up with a delicious cinnamon roll waffle.
Did this Lens make you hungry for Waffles? - Leave a your waffle related comments here. :)
Great review lens! I learned a lot.
Love waffles, yum! Nice lens, thanks.
I'm suddenly hungry for waffles! I won a Waring waffle marker about a year ago, which is the first one I've ever owned. Now I wonder why I never had a waffle maker sooner.
We have the round small Cuisinart and love it. It makes round waffles though, so probably doesn't suit your needs. That Golden Waffle mix is the best!
Yes, thanks a lot. I am trying to lose weight. Now I want waffles and fruit with whipped cream and powdered sugar. How's that for counting calories? LOL
I am actually in the market for a waffle maker so this lens is very welcome!! I had no idea there were so many options and you did such a great job of pro and con of each one!! I felt like you led me by the hand every step of the decision. I thought I'd need a square one but the one you chose is excellent in every way AND we can all have a heart at the same time! Perfect!! Thank you.
Yes, it did! But I'm getting ready to make cupcakes right now so I'll just wait until breakfast for the waffles! LOL great lens!
Regardless of the flavor of waffle you choose to make you will come out a winner! Great lens, makes me have a hankering for some waffles.
Anybody noticed that frozen waffles are all round now? What happened to the square waffles I grew up on?
im all about the Willams & Sonoma waffle maker, plus it looks nice
I love waffles..especially cheese waffles.
Definitely! I am not very particular in choosing a waffle iron but this lens surely helped me.
Nice lens! I'm hoping to get a waffle iron soon, but I might try to find one second hand. Once I get one I'm going to have a waffle party with my friends! mmmm
hoi hoi this Waffles looks so testy yummy!
Waffles are yummy! Congrats on your purple star for this lens.
It sure did. You've reminded me that I need to make waffles more often.
I love waffles. Angel blessings!
Sounds like quite a noble quest - and, yes, but I am always hungry for waffles. :)
Yum! I prefer pancakes but would love to have a new waffle iron. The one you mentioned look really good. Happy Holidays and thanks for your reviews!
Yes. I'm going to eat waffles sometime soon (in the next 6 months or so).
Really nice Lens n the waffles look yummy :)
Yes, I think I'm going to have one very soon.
Oh, I love waffles and haven't had one for years! I love them with maple syrup and ice-cream. You don't get them much here... however.. I hadn't thought of making them myself! Thanks for the idea! Blessed. :)
This brought back childhood memories of waffles and ice cream.
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: Thanks a lot Tipi! :)
I love the waffle iron that you chose. You have excellent taste (pun intended). :-) Guess what I'm having tonight? You have convinced me that I need waffles for dinner. Hope Santa brings you your heart's desire.
Now you have me wanting the Chef's Choice M840 WafflePro Express Waffle Maker, Traditional Five of Hearts, they just look more delicious and reasonably priced with all the features you desire, congratulations on a successful quest!
- AUTHOR
@Diana Wenzel: Haha! :)
I will have to make do with pancakes for now.
I have been trying to figuire out what one i want this has helped me to decide! greta lens!
We are also on the lookout for the perfect waffle maker. For us it would be an electric one but without a non- stick coating.
Congrats on being one of the 35 favorite product review lenses :)
it is a little hard finding a good griddle, enjoyed your lens, squidliked it.
I am convinced a good waffle iron makes a difference - my waffles never turn out well and I am convinced it is my waffle iron! Congratulations on your purple star and on making the Monster Board!
Umm ... this lens has made me hungry for waffles. BTW, congratulations on having one of the 35 favorite product review lenses!
I actually found my waffle iron in a second hand store, and I love it!
I wish I had one of these- I really would love a waffle for Sunday brunch today! Congratulations on your purple star.
Oh it sure did. Thanks for making buying a waffle maker so easy. You've thought of everything and come up with some great recommendations. Congratulations on your Thanksgiving purple star win!
It really did... we've been talking about getting one of these! Thanks for a great lens, and congrats on being a fellow Purple Star contest winner this week! Blessings to you.
i want some now. made me really hungry. well done
39