Waffle Iron

12 important waffle iron features

Even though a waffle iron is a fairly simple kitchen appliance to use, there are still several features it can offer. 

Below you can see some of the features, so you can better assess whether it is something you need. 

#1 Removable Plates

If the waffle iron has removable plates, the machine can be somewhat easier to clean.

If the plates can be removed, you can take them directly to the sink and wash them thoroughly.

However, be careful not to use sponges or brushes that can scratch the coating, as the waffles will then easily stick to areas with missing coating.

#2 Indicator Light

Most electric waffle irons are equipped with an indicator that shows whether the waffle iron is on.

Additionally, many indicator lights can also indicate that the waffle iron has now reached the right temperature and is hot enough for you to start making your waffle.

Some waffle makers have two indicator lights, one to show whether the waffle iron is on and one to indicate that the waffle iron is heated up.

#3 Capacity

There is a difference in how many waffles a waffle iron can make at a time.

You can get small waffle irons for one single waffle at a time, but also large waffle irons that can make two or up to about 4 waffles at a time.

Additionally, there is also a difference in how large the waffles made by the different irons are, so if you want a specific size for your waffle, the measurements are also worth checking.

#4 Non-stick Coating

Non-stick coating is almost not something you need to worry about whether the waffle maker has, as it is typically something you always find in electronic waffle irons.

Non-stick means that the waffle batter doesn’t stick to the coating of the iron, allowing you to easily lift the waffle out of the iron when it’s done.

The smart non-stick coating also means that you don’t need to use butter, oil, or other fatty substances to fry/bake the waffles in.

#5 Anti-slip

Anti-slip is a good safety feature to ensure that you don’t accidentally push the machine across the floor or that it slips around on the table.

It typically involves just small rubber feet that are attached to the bottom of the waffle iron, so it stays firmly in place on smooth surfaces.

#6 Multigrill or 3 in 1 Waffle Iron

A three-in-one waffle iron can also be referred to as a multigrill, 3 in 1 toaster, 3 in 1 sandwich maker, or 3 in 1 tabletop grill.

Not only can you make waffles in one of these, but you can also make toasts and grill various items on a 3 in 1, waffle/toast/grill iron.

So if you don’t make waffles that often or also make toasts, waffles, and enjoy grilling your food, you can save some space in your cupboard or on the table with a multigrill. 

#7 Cool Touch

If the waffle iron has cool touch, it means that you can touch the surface of the waffle iron without burning yourself.

The outer material is designed to keep the heat from the inside of the waffle iron away from the outer surface of the iron, allowing you to safely touch the waffle iron without injury.

#8 Temperature Control

Many waffle makers have a preset heat that cannot be adjusted, but there are also a few machines that come with temperature regulation.

With temperature regulation, you can set the temperature yourself, making it easier to control the baking of your waffles.

#9 Lock Function

Most waffle makers have a locking function that ensures the machine stays tightly closed.

This helps to prevent the waffle batter from spilling out of the machine and allows the waffles to keep their shape.

#10 Overheating Protection

Most electronic waffle irons automatically turn off or reduce the heat when it reaches a certain temperature, to prevent the waffle iron from overheating.

This better ensures that your waffle iron doesn’t burn up or easily scorch the food.

#11 Volcano Waffle Iron

A volcano waffle iron is a waffle iron with a hole at the top, where waffle batter can be poured in, allowing it to flow down into the waffle iron and create a waffle.

It often comes with a funnel, so you can easily pour the batter in without spilling, resulting in less cleanup.

#12 Double Waffle Iron

If you need to make many waffles at once, there are waffle irons that can make 2 waffles at a time. 

This is handy for families, when you have guests or if you just want to get it done quickly.

How to choose the right waffle iron

Below is a series of questions you can ask yourself before you buy your new waffle iron, so you get the perfect waffle iron for you.  

What kind of waffles do you want to make?

You are probably looking for a waffle iron to make a specific type of waffle, so the first step in purchasing a waffle iron is to find one that makes exactly the type of waffle you want. 

If you want to make old-fashioned waffles, Belgian waffles, or ice cream cones, it’s important that you choose the right iron, as a waffle iron cannot make all different types of waffles.

Some make flat waffles, others thick, and some make thin waffles for ice cream cones.

So it’s not entirely trivial which waffle iron you choose to buy. 

How many waffles do you want to make at a time?

If you need to make waffles for the whole family, guests, are hungry, or just want to get the waffles done quickly, you might want to consider a double waffle iron. 

It can make two waffles at a time, so you can finish your waffles faster. 

Typically, waffle irons for Belgian waffles are always for two waffles at a time, whereas heart-shaped waffle irons typically can make one single waffle at a time. 

There are also waffle irons for Belgian waffles that can make up to about 4 waffles at a time. 

However, you should be aware that these irons typically take up more space and are often more expensive, as they are designed for the restaurant industry. 

What shape should the waffle have?

There are waffle irons that can make waffles in many fun shapes and figures.

If you think it could be fun to have waffles that look like little figures, there are indeed waffle irons in many variations. 

If you prefer the classic square, round, or heart-shaped waffles, there are plenty of options for you, as this waffle shape is easy to find.  

You should also be aware of what shape of waffle you would like to make, since a heart waffle iron, for example, cannot be used for Belgian waffles. 

So be mindful of what type of waffle iron you need for your desired waffle. 

Do you need a multigrill?

If you’re also looking for a toaster or tabletop grill, why not combine it with a waffle maker while you’re at it?

Consider buying a multigrill or 3 in 1 tabletop grill, so you have everything in the same machine, allowing you to save space in the kitchen.

Moreover, this type of toaster is easier to clean, as you can remove the different plates for the multigrill and thus wash the plates under the tap.

You typically cannot do this with other waffle irons if the waffle plates can’t be removed, as you must not place an electrical appliance under the tap. 

What features do you need?

Do you want easy cleaning? Then you should look for whether the waffle plates are removable, so you can easily wash them off. 

It may also be that you want to control the baking of the waffles yourself by being able to adjust the heat. 

Or do you want a waffle iron with a funnel, so you can easily fill batter into your waffle machine. 

To get an overview of the different features that waffle irons can offer you, you can check the features in the previous section "12 important waffle iron features".

Design

Waffle makers often come in many different designs and colors, so if you have a particular style you would like to maintain in your home, you’ll probably be able to find a waffle iron that fits in.

Types of Waffle Irons

Waffles can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece, and the first real waffle irons can be seen in some parts of Europe since the 1300s.

A waffle iron is not just a waffle iron, as there are many different forms of waffle irons, all used for different types of waffles.

You can see some of the different types of waffle irons that exist, including:

• Heart Waffle
• Belgian Waffle
• Ice Cream Cone

You can read more about the different waffles and their corresponding waffle irons in the following section.

Old-fashioned Waffles

Old-fashioned waffles, Scandinavian waffles, Norwegian waffles, heart waffles, yes, dear child has many names.

The classic heart waffles that we especially know here in Scandinavia, but which are believed to originate from Germany, are among the more popular waffles in Danish homes.

Many Danish households make heart-shaped waffles as dessert, for breakfast, or with afternoon coffee, often served with jam and powdered sugar.

Belgian Waffle Irons

In addition to the thin waffles, which many probably know from the Danish dessert table, there is also the thicker and sweeter Belgian waffle.

The waffle is very widespread in Belgium, hence the name, but has also gained great popularity worldwide.

The waffle is traditionally served with powdered sugar, but today many choose to have them served with Nutella, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and a variety of different toppings.

American Waffle Irons

The American waffles are very similar to the Belgian waffles, but are typically softer, not as sweet, and entirely square and elongated.

However, the American waffle has the same pattern with lots of small squares, just like the Belgian waffle.

In the USA, this is typically a breakfast food, served with syrup, butter, and often also bacon.

Ice Cream Cones

The ice cream cone maker makes waffles for ice cream cones, as we know them from the good old-fashioned ice cream cones we buy in Danish ice cream shops during the summer.

These, in contrast to the previously mentioned waffles, are completely hard and super crispy so they can retain their cone shape, allowing ice cream to be placed inside.

The waffles start out being completely pancake flat and round, shaped while the batter is still somewhat wet and flexible.

Churros

Churros are not exactly a waffle, but are related to donuts, even though they are not round and are traditionally fried/boiled in oil.

However, they have been reimagined to be made in a machine that resembles a waffle iron, just with a different pattern in the iron, so they take on a stick shape, like a regular churro.

Some churro machines are reversible, allowing you to get a crispy golden crust all around the churro.

Just like waffle irons, the churro machine also has a non-stick coating, allowing your churros to release easily.

With a churro machine, you can therefore make healthier churros since you can save the oil that churros are traditionally deep-fried in.

Waffle Irons Offer a World of Possibilities

Waffle irons also allow for making other delicious dishes, besides the waffles they are designed to make.

Among other things, Belgian, American, and heart waffle irons can be used to make pizza, cinnamon rolls, omelets, cakes, toasts, and much more.

Waffle irons come not only in the classic square and round/heart shapes but also as various figures, waffle sticks or bars, waffle fries, waffle shells, etc.

So the possibilities for making fun and exciting waffles in different shapes and with various ingredients are endless. 

Also check out our selection of panini grills or toasters designed to create the perfect sandwich every time.