Filling your house with the smell of fresh waffles is a sure-fire way to get everyone out of bed and running to the kitchen. But even though they may love scarfing down some waffles, they’ll probably be reluctant to stick around and help clean up. And, after all, who could blame them? Scrubbing batter stains off of the waffle maker is grueling work.
Thankfully, technological advancements have provided waffle makers with non-stick, removable plates that make for fast and easy cleaning. Some brands are even dishwasher safe too.
So, let’s take a look at some reviews of the best waffle makers with removable plates so you can make an informed purchase.
Comparison Table of Top 9 Waffle Maker
9 Best Waffle Maker with Removable Plates
1. Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle Maker
Some waffle makers are just waffle makers, but not the Cuisinart Breakfast Central–it’s capable of making four evenly-baked crispy waffles at a time. Replace the waffle plates with pancake ones, and you can use the four circular recesses for pancakes, buns, sausage patties, or even perfectly-round eggs.
The brushed stainless steel casing will compliment any kitchen decor, but if yours is cluttered it can be stored upright.
The best part about this waffle maker has to be the plates–all top and bottom ones click out with the press of a button. Even better, they can be cleaned in the dishwasher. No more struggling to remove sticky batter or cheese!
Best Feature
We loved the angled base plate because when any excess batter drips onto your countertop, it’s so much easier to clean up than if it were stuck to the machine.
With six heating and browning settings from which you can choose, you’ll always be able to cook your waffles the way you want. When they’re ready, a green light flashes and the machine beeps.
Overall, this is a high-quality product that should be the centerpiece of your family’s breakfast routine.
Pros
- Removable, interchangeable plates
- Dishwasher safe
- Versatility
- Non-stick coating for easy food removal
Cons
- Doesn't lay flat on larger cooking surfaces
- Abrasive pads may damage its non-stick coating
2. George Foreman 7-in-1 Waffle Maker
The George Foreman 7-1 waffle maker is a highly versatile machine. It’s equipped with removable, non-stick waffle plates to make classic waffles, and it also has ceramic-coated grill and griddle plates that can easily be removed and cleaned.
Best Feature
Few waffle and griddle machines come with an adjustable temperature gauge, but this one does! It allows you to get perfect results every time. You want a perfectly seared steak? Then use the highest setting and within a minute or two your steak will have perfect grill marks and a great taste.
Both the grill and griddle plates are PTFE and PFOA-free and have very impressive non-stick surfaces.
As we have come to expect with George Foreman grills, this machine facilitates healthy eating. The downward slope allows excess fat and grease to drain away into the drip tray, leaving you with guilt-free food.
It also features an adjustable hinge. Sandwiches or burritos with lots of ingredients will still fit into the grill without issue.
This is a very useful piece of equipment that grills, broils, griddles, and bakes. It makes tasty traditional waffles too, and every home should own one!
Pros
- Trusted brand
- Recipe and meal idea booklet included
- Non-toxic grill and griddle plate coatings
- Adjustable temperature
- No add-ons needed
Cons
- Small cooking space
- No lock for vertical storage
- Bulky
3. KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker
The Krups reputation is what motivated us to review this waffle maker. Thankfully, the waffles it prepares are every bit as impressive as the brand.
It can make up to four waffles at a time, and its deep recesses allow for thicker waffles. Each one is at least ¾ of an inch deep.
The machine itself looks great with its black stainless steel exterior. It also has a cleverly thought-out locking handle and a cord-wrap feature. In addition, both plates can be removed and cleaned in the dishwasher.
The die-cast plates have a high-grade, non-stick surface that ensure that a single spray of oil is enough to help your waffle slide right off.
Best feature
When a kitchen appliance receives the Good Housekeeping seal of approval, as this one has, you know that you’re getting a great addition to your cookware collection.
With a fully-adjustable dial that has five settings, you can customize your crispy Belgian waffles every time you make them.
Pros
- Removable plates
- Deep pockets
- Non-stick surface
- Adjustable settings
- Vertical storage
Cons
- No flat plates for pancakes
- Loud "ready" beep
4. Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
If you’re the type of person who’s impressed by a kitchen gadget and who loves fluffy waffles, then this could be the best best flip waffle maker you could buy.
The prospect of a large, four-part waffle that’s perfectly circular and evenly cooked is suddenly a reality when you use this machine.
Simply pour your prepared batter into the heated waffle maker and flip the handle. This allows all of the mixture to fill the grids so that every bit of it will come into contact with the cooking surface.
In three or four minutes, depending on your chosen color setting, you will have a thick and crispy Belgian waffle.
Best feature
The flipping handle was designed with stay-cool technology and also folds away for easy, compact storage.
A light brush of oil is all it takes for every waffle to free itself from the non-stick molds. That also ensures that cleanup is minimal–a simple wipe-down will do it. In addition, the plates are dishwasher-safe.
We also love the handy drip tray beneath the unit that catches any excess batter, which can also go in the dishwasher.
Pros
- 1-year warranty
- Stainless steel
- Flipping action
- Cool-touch handle
- Small footprint for storage
Cons
- Short cable
- Only makes one waffle at a time
5. George Foreman Evolve Grill and Waffle Plates
This George Foreman grill and waffle maker offers everything that you’d expect from the brand and more.
It has a sloped cooking surface that drains away up to 42% excess fat, a floating hinge that helps thicker meats and large sandwiches fit inside, and removable plates for easy cleanup.
But wait–there’s more!
The high-quality ceramic coating is PFOA and PTFE-safe, and it has excellent non-stick properties. Also, the digital display reads whatever time and temperature settings you’ve chosen. Finally, all of the buttons are flat, so the machine is easy to wipe clean.
We love its 500-degree searing burst. For 90 seconds, the grill will give off a blast of heat that will give your food a tasty seared crust, which is usually an impossible feat for grilling machines.
Best feature
Evolve is a whole cooking system. This model arrives with the grill plate and a set of waffle pans, but there are a series of add-ons that can be purchased to bolster the system. An omelet tray, deep-dish pan, muffin pan, and griddle are just some of the options available to the user.
This is possibly the best commercial waffle maker, oven and healthy cooking griddle on the market, and it’s easy to operate too!
Pros
- Non-stick, non-toxic coating
- Scratch and stain-resistant
- Interchangeable plates
- Dual heating for fast, economical cooking
- Time and heat settings with digital display
Cons
- More expensive than a standard waffle maker
- Non-stick coating still often requires a brush of oil
6. Secura Belgian Waffle Maker
If you liked the idea of the best flip waffle maker, check out this machine. Secura has designed a machine that rotates 360 degrees so that all of the batter inside can spread and cook evenly.
Also, its locking clip ensures that all of the batter and heat stay inside, resulting in crisp Belgian waffles every time.
Best Feature
You can take the entire machine apart, allowing for a fast and simple cleaning process. Whether by hand or in the dishwasher, minimal work will be required.
This is a 1,000-watt machine, so it will cook waffles fast, leaving them nice and crisp.
Lights flash to when the machine has reached your desired temperature and again when your waffle is ready, so you’ll learn to wait until the perfect moment to remove it.
Pros
- 360-degree rotation
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy plate release
- Cool-touch handles
Cons
- No temperature settings
- No timer
- Only suited to North American 120v/1000w settings
7. All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker
If you own a cafe or restaurant and are looking for a waffle maker to display for potential customers, read on.
The All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker is a thing of beauty, with a polished stainless body and chunky handle that looks classy and elegant.
With it, you can make four easily-divided waffles at once. Each will be evenly cooked, and there are seven crusts from which you can choose.
This tool’s advanced heating technology ensures fast and even cooking, which is ideal for any busy business or family kitchen.
Best feature
It has a steam release valve that prevents condensation build-up and soggy waffles. Release the steam while cooking for perfectly crisp and fluffy waffles every time.
Its removable plates have a non-stick coating for effortless waffle removal. They almost fall right off!
Also, LED lights when you should pour the batter and when the waffles are ready. Don’t worry if you’re in a busy kitchen–it emits a beep loud enough for you to hear across the room.
Pros
- Steam-release valve
- Advanced heating technology
- Locks to store vertically
- Deep pockets for extra filling
- 7-shade settings
- Effortless food release
Cons
- Relatively expensive
- Only makes waffles
8. T-fal Sandwich and Waffle Maker
This is a nice little appliance that no student living away from home should be without!
Not only can you make the best thin waffles, but you can switch out the waffle plate and put the sandwich one in for perfectly toasted sandwiches in minutes!
This machine is ideal for a myriad of fillings like mozzarella, salami, sausage, beans, cheese, or tomatoes. You can make pizza pockets too!
Best feature
We love its size–it’s compact enough to keep in tight cabinet space and to be pulled out when needed.
The plates clip out very easily, and you can even pop them in the dishwasher. There’s also space to neatly wrap the cord away. Even better, the non-stick coating comes up clean after each use.
Indicator lights tell you when it’s time to insert your sandwich or waffle, and a second light tells you when your food is ready.
This machine is easy to use and can prepare your next meal in just three to four minutes.
Pros
- Dual-purpose
- Slim line design
- Fast and simple operation
- Non-stick plates
Cons
- Awkward to clean leaked ingredients at the back of the machine
- Only makes 2 waffles at a time
9. Presto Ceramic Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
If you like the idea of a flip waffle maker that takes up minimal space in your kitchen and looks like a professional-grade appliance, then this is the product for you.
Made from brushed stainless steel with a black trim finish, it’s both attractive and durable.
Making thick seven-inch waffles is easy! Simply pour your batter into the preheated plates, set the digital timer, and close the lid. Lift the handle to flip the body 180-degrees to allow the batter mix to cover the entire grid. Then, wait and watch the digital display count down until your crisp waffles are ready.
Best feature
When you’re ready to store your machine, simply stand the unit in an upright position and press the lock switch. It will then have a narrow profile that can fit into a small space.
The ceramic cooking plates offer not only non-toxic and non-stick performance, but they also only need a quick wipe-down to return to looking like new.
This is a high-quality waffle maker suitable for any kitchen, and it’s available at a very reasonable price.
Pros
- Dual-purpose
- Slim line design
- Non-stick plates
Cons
- Awkward to clean leaked ingredients at the back of the machine
- Only makes 2 waffles at a time
Features and Factors to Consider When Buying a Waffle Maker
You may be surprised to learn your machine can determine whether you should make Belgian or traditional waffles. For instance, a Belgian waffle with deeper pockets would require a waffle maker with deep grids.
Just a Waffle Maker
Some of our reviewed products are versatile, and others can only make waffles. Make sure you decide what types of delicacies you plan on making with your new machine before you buy one.
Best Flip Waffle Maker
Would you prefer a regular lidded machine or have you considered a flip machine? Flip machines have an axle with a handle that enables the user to flip their waffle once it’s inside and the cooking is underway. That way, the mixture spreads across the cooking grids and cooks. Also, the ingredients all come into contact with the cooking surface.
Home or Commercial Use
If you work in a professional setting, then you are going to need a waffle maker that’s built for commercial use, which usually means one with heavy-duty heating and cooking capabilities. Home kitchen waffle makers usually only make one to four waffles at a time.
Timer and Heat Setting
Is it important for you to be able to physically set a timer or temperature control, or are you fine with a light indicating that your waffles are ready? Most have a dial to set the shade you’d like your waffle to be, but after a few uses, you’ll memorize the duration necessary to cook your perfect waffle.
Cooking Surface
Are you wary of Teflon-style non-stick coatings, or do you prefer them to a ceramic cooking surface? Some users actively seek non-toxic coatings. All of our reviews listed above indicate the type of surface each product offers.
Storage
If space is at a premium in your kitchen, you should target a waffle maker that locks and stores vertically.
Plate Material and Shape
There are various plate materials from which you can choose, with the most prominent being iron. Ask yourself whether you prefer round-shaped plates or square ones before purchasing a new machine.
How Many Waffles
How many waffles are you looking to make simultaneously? If your answer is a low number, then you should seek out a waffle maker that cooks one or two at a time. If it’s a family or customers you wish to serve, then a model that makes four at a time should suffice.
Dish-Washable
It’s one thing to have a removable plate, but it’s another thing to have a removable plate that’s dishwasher safe. Check your product’s features accordingly.
Distribution
To prevent uneven cooking, you need a waffle maker that spreads batter equally along its cooking surface. Thankfully, there are various waffle makers on the market that have special mechanisms to ensure even spreading.
A great example is the Secura Belgian Waffle Maker, which rotates 360 degrees so batter disperses evenly until it covers the entire plate.
Flip waffle makers also provide good batter distribution. A superb example from our list is the Presto Ceramic Flip Belgian Waffle Maker. It allows you to flip the closed plates containing the batter 180 degrees to ensure even coverage over the entire grid.
Safety features
Your safety is paramount. Prioritize features like light indicators alert you when your machine’s plate is too hot. Insulated handles are another imperative feature so you can protect your hands from burns.
Also Read: Best Personal Blender Crushing Ice
How to Clean Electric Waffle Makers
Here are some steps to follow in order to clean a waffle maker immediately after use:
Let it Cool Off
Before going straight to the sink, let your waffle maker cool down. This way, you’ll avoid burns on your skin and the rusting of the machine’s iron grid.
Wipe it Clean (Without Removable Plates)
After allowing the waffle maker to cool off, don’t just let tap water run over it. Get a dry piece of cloth or a paper towel and wipe the oil, crumbs, and caked-on remnants off the grid plates. Then dampen the piece of cloth so you can wipe the product’s exterior.
Wash It (With Removable Plates)
Waffle makers’ removable plates make cleaning easy. All you need to do is detach the cooking plate from the unit according to the instructions in the manual, then you wash it with warm soap and water. Once you’re done, rinse its plates, wipe it down, and air-dry it.
Stubborn Remnants?
Baking waffles comes at a price: caked-on waffle batter, crumbs, and excess oil. To handle that mess, drip some cooking oil onto the crusty batter, wait until it softens, then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.
To handle excess oil in your machine’s grid, you need three things: a small pointy stick (chopstick), a paper towel, and white vinegar.
First, wrap the paper towel around the head of the pointy stick or chopstick and dip it in a container of white vinegar. Then use it to wipe off the oil and any other residue residing in the grid.
How to Make Perfect Waffles With/Without Removable Plates
Sometimes your waffles may not come out like you expected, and that’s okay. But you shouldn’t be quick to blame your waffle maker for fractured or oddly-shaped waffles. The problem probably stems from your ingredients, how they were combined, and the manner in which you mixed your batter.
So, in order to make perfectly-shaped, crisp, fluffy waffles, here are a few steps you can take:
Add Cornstarch
Corn starch works with flour to make your waffles crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Gently Mix the Batter
Make sure not to over-mix your batter. It’s supposed to be just smooth enough to fill the plates. Taking this precaution will reduce the odds of your flour turning into gluten, which can make your waffles too chewy.
Separate Sugar and Egg Whites
To ensure your waffles have a fluffy interior, keep sugar out of your main mix–it’s best in a separate bowl. The same goes for egg whites. After separating the yolk from the whites, you can then put it in the main mix.
Beat the egg whites in a separate bowl for a while, then sprinkle in your sugar and beat the whites once again until they’re glossy and firm. Finally, use a spatula or spoon to fold the egg whites and sugar into the batter.
Add Milk and Buttermilk
Milk and buttermilk will make your waffles a lot sweeter and crisper. Milk adds crispiness, and buttermilk adds flavor. Thus, adding both buttermilk and milk will ensure your waffles are crispy and tasty.
Don’t Flip Open the Lid Until You’re Done Baking
If you have a habit of monitoring the progress of your meals as you prepare them, you should not do the same with a waffle maker. Your waffle maker should be treated as though it’s a microwave. Flipping the lid from time to time before it’s actually done baking your waffle(s) will only ruin them.
How to Effectively Use Your Commercial Waffle Maker
There’s a big difference between home kitchen appliances and commercial ones. Commercial waffle makers usually have much larger capacities, allowing them to make many more waffles at once.
Despite their high capacity, such appliances shouldn’t be abused. Those models need to be handled cautiously and maintained meticulously.
Here are some steps you can take to ensure your commercial unit lasts for a very long time:
Butter Your Batter
You’ll definitely be serving lots of customers, so the last thing you want to waste time doing is scraping waffles off of an iron plate. To avoid that, you need to add more oil (vegetable or olive) or melted butter to your batter recipe.
Place on a Heat-Resistant Surface
Commercial waffle makers can remain extremely hot for long periods of time throughout the day. This can be harmful to any surface that doesn’t have much resistance for heat and can lead to permanent damages and an unsightly kitchen. Try to find a heat-resistant surface or piece of flat wood to on which you can place your waffle maker before turning it on.
Also, your cooking surface must be flat and offer ample space around your machine. That way, your waffle maker won’t spill over and ruin your food.
Preheat on Time
It’s great to have a good head start–that way you can serve your customers expeditiously. So, before you prepare your batter, you must first preheat your waffle maker. Once it’s done preheating, an induction indicator should flash, signifying that the iron is ready for batter.
Grease or Skip the Grease
Adding oil or melted butter or spraying the preheated waffle maker ensures sticking doesn’t occur. This is a great step to take for those with waffle makers that don’t have non-stick iron plates.
Let it Cook
Being impatient will only leave you with torn waffles and an unsatisfied customer. To avoid such a scenario, you must let your waffles bake for at least three to five minutes before removing them from the maker. Or, at the very least, leave them inside until steam stops escaping from the unit. In an ideal world, you’d wait for the “done” indicator to flash.
Keep it Safe
Make sure you use the right utensils for removing baked waffles from your unit. For your own safety, use a spatula made of plastic, rubber, or silicone instead of metal.
Also, keep your waffle maker closed when it’s not in use so as to keep your commercial kitchen safe for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgian waffles are usually much thicker and fluffier than standard American ones. This is a result of the lighter batter mix that’s used and the occasional addition of egg whites. You’ll probably notice a difference in size too–Belgian waffles tend to be larger.
If you prefer a more typical waffle, just make more!
We find that a flip waffle maker will help you distribute your batter mix evenly. If you prefer a standard waffle maker, then try pouring your batter with a bottle. That way, you can more accurately fill the machine’s waffle grid.
It is a really good idea to make a large batch of waffles in advance, particularly if you know you are going to feed a crowd.
Simply pop them in the freezer and, when you need them, they’ll be ready after just a few minutes in the toaster!
Most of the machines referenced in this article have a light to indicate when your cooking time is up. Determining your ideal cooking time is really just a matter of trial and error once you first get your machine.
As a rule of thumb, once your machine has stopped emitting steam, your waffles are ready.
It depends on what’s in its manual. Some waffle makers require you to use cooking spray to prevent sticking. However, most of those makers are older models made several years ago. Newer models rarely call for spraying since their plates are non-stick.
Greasing your waffle maker’s plates helps to ensure your waffles bake evenly.
You’ll need a silicon basting brush and cup of melted butter or olive oil. Dip the brush into the container of melted butter or oil and then mop the plates until all of their nooks and crannies are covered with grease. Applying grease in such a manner will prevent the deterioration of the waffle maker’s non-stick plates.
Note: The silicon basting brush is the best tool to use due to its many bristles. You will be able to cover the plates more quickly and effectively than if you use other kitchen utensils.
This issue stems from your batter. If you add more buttermilk than milk, your waffles could end up being chewy. Why? Butter milk has more fat in it, so it makes your batter heavy–too heavy for your waffles to turn out crispy. The best way to make your waffles crisper is by adding a moderate amount of low fat milk.
Both are great for making waffles, but if you want crispy waffles you should opt for vegetable oil. On the other hand, butter will make your waffles tastier, but it will also make them quite chewy. You just have to find the right balance.
There are various reasons your waffles split as you flip open your machine’s lid:
Sticky Batter or Bad Non-Stick Coating
This usually occurs after extensive use of a defective waffle maker. Maybe the non-stick property of your plates is deteriorating. Whatever the case, you need to use cooking spray to prevent sticking. If your batter is oil-free, then you should apply oil to the machine’s plates.
Waffles aren’t Done
Flipping up the product’s lid can cause your waffles to tear. Instead of being hasty, wait patiently until they’re done baking. Use the waffle maker’s “done” indicator to gauge whether they’re ready to be removed. If your waffle maker doesn’t have one, then wait for at least three minutes or till the steam ceases.
Conclusion
Once you’ve mastered the art of making a waffle from scratch or found your favorite mix from the store, there will be no stopping you. Best home waffle iron will take the guesswork out of preparing hot and fresh waffles every time.
So, now that you know how to shop for the waffle maker that suits your needs, all that’s left is finding the best toppings for your creations.