The Best Waffle Maker for Sunday Brunch
Updated: Jan. 29, 2021Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links.
Spend Sunday morning making your own brunch. Head to the kitchen, pour yourself a mimosa and grab the best waffle maker. These models won our test.
When it comes to waffles, everyone is after those perfectly golden, crunchy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside Belgian waffles you find at the best brunch spots. Replicating these waffles can be challenging—unless you have the right equipment.
To find the best waffle maker, our Test Kitchen put five popular brands to the test. Discover what the pros recommend to make the crispiest, fluffiest waffles.
What Our Test Kitchen Was Looking for in a Waffle Maker
When testing waffle makers, our Test Kitchen kept a few criteria in mind:
- Ease of use: Overall, how simple is the machine to use? Is it intuitive?
- Appearance and texture of waffles: What kind of waffle does the iron make? Does it produce golden waffles? Is the inside fully cooked and tender?
- Ease of waffle removal: How easy was it to remove the waffle from the iron? Did it come out intact?
- Browning control and settings: Are the controls easy to use? Are there enough settings? Too many?
- Batter leakage: Does the manual provide a recommended amount of batter to use to minimize spills? Does the machine leak a lot of batter?
- Cleanup: Is this gadget easy to clean? Are there any nooks and crannies that are challenging to clean?
The Best Waffle Makers
The Best Restaurant-Quality Waffle Maker: All-Clad
A waffle hot out of the All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker tasted as delicious as any restaurant waffle our Test Kitchen staff has tried. The heavy-duty waffle plates heated up nicely to create a golden exterior and the weighty upper plate pressed down on the batter so the inner wells of the waffles were thin and crunchy while the insides remained fluffy. Simply, this waffle maker made the perfect waffle—the ones we all want to slather in maple syrup or cover in fresh fruit.
When it came to making the waffles in our Test Kitchen, testers found that the machine was intuitive. The machine is streamlined with just a single knob. Switch between seven temperature settings and use the lights to determine when the iron is hot and waffles are ready (there’s an audible chime, too, in case you step away).
Getting the perfect waffle did take some trial and error (but so do many breakfast foods—who has ever made a perfect pancake or omelet on the first flip?). Our Test Kitchen quickly found that somewhere between three and four on the temperature gauge produced perfect waffles. Determining the right amount of batter was trickier, though. Excess batter spilled over the edge causing some mess (even with the included batter tray). Our testers felt that a little extra cleanup was worth every fluffy, crunchy bite of waffle, though.
Yes, this gadget is pricey, but our Test Kitchen knows it to be top quality. This is the sort of waffle maker that should last a lifetime.
- Capacity: 2- and 4-waffle options
- Style of waffles: Square Belgian with a crisp exterior and deep pockets
- Special features: Seven temperature settings
- Price: $180-$200
Best Design: Calphalon
When it came to a well-designed, easy-to-use waffle iron, our Test Kitchen loved the Calphalon IntelliCrisp Waffle Maker. Everything about working with this appliance was a breeze.
From the very start, the waffle maker lets you know where you’re at in the cooking process with a screen reading “preheating,” “ready to cook,” “cooking” and finally “cooking complete.” No guesswork here! Just select the shade of waffle you like (our Test Kitchen found that the middle setting worked well) and start cooking when ready.
Sure, there was a bit of mess with extra batter running along the side, but the nonstick ceramic surface was a cinch to clean up and there were no hard-to-reach areas. A few wipes with a damp towel and it was ready for another batch. And when it’s all cooled down, the waffle maker snaps together so you can store it vertically in the cupboard. Clever!
- Capacity: 2 waffles
- Style of waffles: Square Belgian waffles
- Special features: Countdown timer, display indicating machine status, nonstick ceramic cooking plates
- Price: $120
Best Multi-Use Waffle Maker: Cuisinart
Want a waffle maker that can do more than just make waffles? Try the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker. It makes deliciously crisp waffles and comes with plates for making pancakes, bacon or eggs.
This waffle maker was a cinch to use. Our Test Kitchen found that the amount of batter recommended in the manual was just right for filling up the waffle iron without any excessive dripping or spills. On setting four, the waffle maker made perfectly golden waffles. Testers found that the waffles were ready as soon as the light and tone sounded on the machine—no need to second guess as you crack open the hinges.
The style of waffle is definitely still Belgian, with deeper wells, but the waffles themselves baked up more bread-like. This is perfect if you are a fan of more traditional waffles. The waffles came out of the press easily, though the included tongs were helpful!
Overall, this waffle maker was a hit in the Test Kitchen. It made four delicious waffles in a single go (perfect for families) and there was little mess to clean.
- Capacity: 4 waffles
- Style of waffles: Thicker, fluffy, square Belgian waffles
- Special features: Six temperature settings, pancake plates included
- Price: $100
What to Make with Your Waffle Iron
The obvious answer here is waffles! You can make so many delicious waffle recipes: Belgian waffles, pumpkin waffles, apple waffles, even savory waffles.
But you don’t need to limit yourself to this brunch must-have. You can use your waffle maker for some pretty surprising recipes: crispy hash browns, cookies and even pizza-filled sandwiches. Think of a waffle maker almost like a panini press or a griddle and you’ll find there are lots of options!
Any of our Test Kitchen’s preferred waffle irons would work well to make these sweet and savory recipes.
BLT Waffle Sliders
Craving a BLT for breakfast? Try a deliciously different version that features crisp bacon and fresh tomatoes between two golden cornmeal waffles. Prepare the waffles ahead of time and reheat in the toaster for quick assembly. —Stacy Joura, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania.
Oat Waffles
These family favorites have more fiber and less fat than standard waffles. My 2 year-old daughter loves them with fresh berries.
Apple Spice Waffles
These apple waffles are cozy and comforting anytime—morning or evening. The smell of toasty waffles with apples is sure to warm you up on even the most blustery of winter days. —Jane Sims, De Leon, Texas
Breakfast BLT Waffles
I'm not a big fan of sweets for breakfast, but I love a crisp waffle. My son and I tried these BLT waffles, and they were a huge success! We used gluten-free, dairy-free waffles with fantastic results. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
Birthday Cake Waffles
These super fun waffles—soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—taste just like cake batter! They are quick to whip up anytime, but would make birthday mornings feel even more special. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
Savory Waffles with Asparagus, Gruyere and Onion
I took one of our family’s favorite puff pastry recipes, which uses a similar mix of ingredients, and translated it to savory waffles. It’s a change of pace from sweeter fare. Served with a ham steak and fried eggs, it makes a fabulous meal. Feel free to add maple syrup or a spicy glaze. —Leslie Ponce, Miami, Florida
Cherry Chip Waffles with Cherry Syrup
While on a recent trip to Door County, Wisconsin, for a family reunion, I created this yummy recipe using some freshly picked cherries. It was a hit with all ages and everyone was asking for more. —Heather Karow, Burnett, Wisconsin
Chocolate Peanut Fluff Waffles
Try adding chocolate chips to the batter, then top the waffles with banana slices and a dollop of peanut butter fluff (equal parts peanut butter and marshmallow fluff, plus a touch of honey). —Rachel Maidl, Birds & Blooms Editor This Chocolate Chip Waffle recipe would make a great start.
Toasty Pumpkin Waffles
When I really want to impress folks, I serve these waffles. They're beautiful stacked and layered with pink sweet-tart cranberry butter. When I owned a bed and breakfast it was the recipe guests requested most. —Brenda Ryan, Marshall, Missouri
Coffee Butter Waffles
The best waffle I've ever had was topped with caramelized bacon, maple syrup and coffee butter. You can make coffee butter at home by mixing 1/2 cup of softened butter, 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules, 2 teaspoons water, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar. —Maggie Knoebel, Culinary Assistant
Whole Wheat Waffles with Chicken & Spinach Sauce
On a business trip years ago, I got the idea for waffles with chicken and spinach. When I serve it, people go back for seconds, even thirds. —Vicki Melies, Elkhorn, Nebraska
Blueberry Oat Waffles
I truly enjoy recipes that make just enough for the two of us, like this one for waffles. Instead of blueberries, you can slice ripe strawberries on top—or use the batter to make pancakes.—Ruth Andrewson, Leavenworth, Washington
Croque-Madame Waffles
One of my favorite waffle combos ever was a savory croque-madam—bechamel sauce, sliced ham and an over-easy egg. —Joe Hrdina, Country Designer
Hawaiian Waffles
I created this waffle recipe to recapture the memorable tropical tastes we enjoyed while visiting Hawaii. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
Waffle Monte Cristos
Waffles packed with turkey, ham, bacon and apricot preserves have so much sweet, smoky love going on. I use frozen waffles to save time, but have at it if you want to put your waffle iron to good use. —Kelly Reynolds, Urbana, Illinois
Lemon & Blueberry Waffles
I eat waffles with lemon curd and a blueberry sauce I make by simmering blueberries with a little water, sugar and a sprig of thyme. Remove from heat and stir in a tablespoon or two of butter. Top with whipped cream and lemon zest. —Jeanne Ambrose, Former Content Director
Banana-Nut Waffle Cake
I wanted to use waffles in a creative way and came up with an idea of making a cake out of them. Not only did it take much less time than making an ordinary cake, it came out just as delicious as a traditional cake. Waffles can be made ahead, wrapped and stored in the fridge until ready to assemble this cake. —Kristina S., Yonkers, New York
Spicy Hash Brown Waffles with Fried Eggs
Refrigerated hash brown potatoes will help you make quick work of these crunchy waffles. Put out lots of toppings so everyone can design their own. —Nancy Judd, Alpine, Utah
PB&J Waffles
I like to spread mine with peanut or almond butter for some protein. Then I top them with fresh berries, kind of like a PB&J. —Shannon Norris, Senior Food Stylist
Pumpkin Waffles with Orange Walnut Butter
This is so delicious! Bring a flourish to the breakfast table with these unique and flavorful waffle. —Brandi Davis, Pullman, Washington
Over-Easy Waffles
I like to dress a waffle with an over-easy egg, sprinkle it with sea salt and fresh ground pepper, then add a generous splash of maple syrup over it all. Here's how to make an over-easy egg like a pro. —Deb Mulvey, Former Copy Chief
Amish Waffles
These waffles are so crispy and tasty, you wouldn't believe they could get any better but then you add the topping. It's so delicious.—Neil and Jeanne Liechty, Pensacola, Florida
Bananas Foster Waffles
I love waffles topped with bananas Foster or the four B's (sliced bananas, butter, sugar and booze). I also like to fold crumbled bacon into the batter. —Rashanda Cobbins, Food Editor
Bacon and Cheese Waffles
Including bacon and cheese in the waffle batter makes an all-in-one breakfast flavor. Freeze extras to reheat another day. —MarGenne Rowley, Oasis, Utah
Churro Waffles
I make a churro-inspired version: I top waffles with cinnamon, whipped cream and dulce de leche sauce. —Justin Williams, Former Culinary Assistant
Pecan Chocolate Waffles
If you like waffles and chocolate, this recipe is for you. These tender but crunchy waffles are great for breakfast, brunch or an after-dinner dessert. Instead of chocolate topping, top with berries and whipped cream or simply sprinkle with powdered sugar. —Agnes Golian, Garfield Heights, Ohio
Savory Mustard Chicken and Stuffing Waffles
Adding mustard to the chicken coating adds a tang that's amazing with the savory waffles and sweet maple syrup. —John Ginn, Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Nutella Waffles
I top my waffles with Nutella, peanut butter, bananas and a sprinkling of crushed peanuts. Mmm. —Beth Tomkiw, Chief Content Officer
Apple Pie Ricotta Waffles
I had apples and ricotta cheese to use up, so instead of making a pie I decided to do something different. The result was these fluffy, tender waffles with just a hint of sweetness. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Peaches 'n' Cream Waffle Dippers
I've prepared these for many brunches—peaches are my favorite fruit to add, but you can use strawberries or blueberries. People of all ages enjoy dunking crispy waffle strips into creamy dip. —Bonnie Geavaras-Bootz, Chandler, Arizona
Easy Morning Waffles
Making your own fluffy waffles from scratch takes no time at all, and the touch of cinnamon in these beats any frozen store-bought version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Gingerbread Belgian Waffles
I like to combine the sweet and spicy taste of gingerbread with the cool and dreamy taste of cream cheese frosting. It's a heavenly way to start the day! —Jannine Fisk, Malden, MassachusettsNote: This blind taste test was performed by our staffers and was not part of a sponsorship. All opinions shared are our own, and have not been influenced by advertisers.
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