Based on customer reviews, the best waffle makers with removable plates for 2024 include the GreenPan Elite, All Clad Digital Gourmet, Hamilton Beach 26031, and the Krups GQ502D because they are easy to clean and use, durable, cook evenly, and reheat quickly.
This article will talk about the ease of cleaning and use, durability, and cooking performance of the best waffle makers with removable plates, which are the easiest to clean since you can remove the plates with the click of a button and clean them in a dishwasher and the most versatile because some come with additional sets of interchangeable/reversible plates for making eggs or bacon or grilling steaks or vegetables.
What type of waffle maker should you buy?
Large Families
For a large family, I recommend that you buy either the Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip or the GreenPan Elite or All Clad Gourmet Digital 4-slice waffle makers with dishwasher-safe removable plates. One reason is that they are the easiest to clean since you can detach the plates and clean them in a dishwasher. Another reason is that you will be able to make enough waffles in a shorter amount of time to satisfy the appetites of a large group of hungry family members.
Single Person or Couple
For a single person or couple, I recommend you buy either the Hamilton Beach 26031 single flip ceramic Belgian waffle maker or the Dash Multi-Plate 3-in-1 Mini Maker, which is half the size of a typical 4-slice Belgian waffle maker, because they heat evenly and are affordable and compact.
Classic vs Belgian Waffle Makers
Classic waffle makers make waffles that are about half as thick as Belgian waffles. Classic waffles are typically about 0.5 inches thick while Belgian waffles are typically between 0.75 inches to 1 inch thick.
If you want to buy a waffle maker that makes either thin American-style or thick Belgian-style waffles, then I recommend that you buy the Greenpan Elite because it not only makes both styles of waffle but it also comes with safe ceramic-coated cooking plates, LCD display with countdown timer, batter overflow protection, and pre-programmed waffle types.
If you want thick fluffy Belgian waffles, then I recommend that you buy the GreenPan Elite or All Clad Digital Gourmet because they have thicker cooking plates than the other cheaper Belgian waffle maker models but you will have to pay about $300 for either model.
If you want thin crispy waffles without paying over $300, then you should look at the Black and Decker G48TD 3 in 1, which is the best thin waffle maker with removable cooking plates under $100 because it can fold flat to double the cooking space.
Most Versatile
The Cuisinart 6-in-1 is the most versatile because it comes with 4 interchangeable plates including two waffle plates and two reversible griddle plates that will let you make waffles, paninis, steaks, bacon, or eggs.
Easiest to Clean
The easiest to clean is the GreenPan Elite because it has dishwasher safe cooking plates and a batter overflow channel that frames the bottom cooking plate which prevents batter from spilling down the sides.
Teflon-free (Eco-friendly and Safe)
Both the GreenPan Elite and the Hamilton Beach 26031 use ceramic-coated waffle plates that contain no Teflon (PTFE), PFAS, PFOA, lead, or cadium which means they are safe to cook with and eco-friendly.
Fastest Cooking Time
Both the GreenPan Elite and All Clad Digital Gourmet have the fastest cooking time at 4-5 minutes for 4 square Belgian waffles because they both come with 1600 watt heating elements and higher quality cooking plates that conduct heat better.
Comparison Chart for the Best Waffle Makers with Removable Plates
| Product Names | Features and Specifications |
|---|---|
 GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker | • Four Removable Ceramic Plates without PFAS • Bakes 4 square Belgian or Classic waffles at a time • LCD Display with countdown timer • Pre-programmed waffle types (Belgian, Classic, Liege, Custom) • Batter Overflow Moat • Texture Button from Fluffy to Crunchy • Audio Beep Notifications • 7 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts • Dimensions (L x W x H): 12.1 x 9.02 x 5.71 inches • Weight: 13 pounds • Release Date: February 2023 Missing Features • No external indicator lights |
 Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler and Waffle Plates Bundle | • 6-in-1: waffle maker, contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle • Two removable waffle plates • Two reversible grill/griddle plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Variable temperature control (300-425°F) • Searing option raises the grill to 500 degrees • Power Consumption: 1440 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 13.5 x 15.5 x 6 inches • Weight: 15.5 pounds • Release Date: September 2014 Missing Features • No audio beep notifications |
 Cuisinart WAF-RP10 Belgian & Classic Waffle Maker | • Four Removable Plates • Bakes 1 round Belgian or Classic waffle at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • 5 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 800 watts • Dimensions (L x W x H): 11.1 x 7.63 x 4.81 inches • Weight: 5.82 pounds • Release Date: December 2022 Missing Features • No timer • No batter overflow moat |
 All-Clad Gourmet Digital 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker | • LCD Display with countdown timer and cook, ready, and preheating status indicators • Pre-programmed waffle types (Belgian, Classic, Berry, Chocolate, Gluten Free, Buttermilk) • Reheat Button • Extra Browning Time Button • Two Removable Plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • 7 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 15.59 x 10.75 x 5.94 inches • Weight: 17.21 pounds • Release Date: September 2020 Missing Features • No external indicator lights |
 All-Clad Gourmet WD822D51 Manual 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker | • Two Removable Plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • 6 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 1600 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 15.59 x 10.75 x 5.94 inches • Weight: 13.27 pounds • Release Date: September 2020 Missing Features • No LCD display • No timer • No pre-programmed waffle types • No reheat button • No extra browning time |
 Cuisinart WAF-300 4-Square Belgian Waffle And Pancake Maker | • Two removable waffle plates and two removable pancake plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Bakes 4 pancakes at the same time • 6 temperature settings • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • Power Consumption: 1200 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 9.65 x 12.2 x 6.3 inches • Weight: 8.23 pounds • Release Date: October 2013 Missing Features • No timer |
 Krups GQ502D 4-Square Belgian Waffle Maker | • Two removable waffle plates • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • 5 temperature settings • Audio Beep Notifications • Indicator Lights • Power Consumption: 1200 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 16.5 x 12.6 x 6.7 inches • Weight: 6 pounds • Release Date: September 2016 Missing Features • No timer |
 Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker | • Four removable waffle plates • Bakes 2 round 6.5-inch Belgian waffles at a time • Power Consumption: 1300 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 14.13 x 9.75 x 7.94 inches • Weight: 9.22 pounds • Release Date: February 2020 Missing Features • No temperature control settings • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
 Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Round Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker | • Two removable waffle plates • Bakes 1 round 6.5-inch Belgian waffle at a time • 5 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 800 watts • Dimensions (L x H x W): 14.88 x 9.9 x 9.06 inches • Weight: 6.37 pounds • Release Date: September 2018 Missing Features • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
 Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Classic Waffle Maker & Indoor Grill/Griddle | • Reversible Plates (one side is for waffles and the other side is flat for baking eggs and sandwiches) • Bakes 4 square-shaped waffles at a time • Other side has a flat surface for baking eggs, bacon strips, steaks, lamb chops, and sandwiches • Opens flat to give you two 8'x8' cooking surfaces • Grease runoff channels • 3 temperature settings • Power Consumption: 825 watts (L x H x W): 11.5"D x 11.75"W x 5"H • Weight: 9.38 pounds • Release Date: October 2001 Missing Features • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
 OSTBA ABS06 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Sandwich Maker | • Cheapest 3-in-1 waffle and sandwich maker • Bakes two square-shaped Classic waffles at a time • Each waffle is 4-inches wide and 0.50-inches thick • 3 sets of dishwasher-safe interchangeable plates for making waffles, sandwiches, and steaks • Power and Ready to Bake/Eat indicator lights • Power Consumption: 750 watts • Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.65 x 10.39 x 6.57 inches • Weight: 4.97 pounds • Release Date: May 2020 Missing Features • No adjustable temperature control settings • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
 Secura Detachable 360 Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker | • Bakes one round Belgian waffle at a time • Each waffle has a 6.5-inch diameter and 7/8" inch thickness • Removable Waffle Plates • Power and Ready to Bake/Eat indicator lights • Power Consumption: 1000 watts • Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.17 x 10.2 x 6.81 inches • Weight: 6.02 pounds • Release Date: October 2017 Missing Features • No adjustable temperature control settings • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
 Dash Multi-Plate Mini Maker with Storage Case | • One of the smallest detachable plate waffle makers • 5 detachable plates included - 2 classic waffle plates, 2 griddle plates, and 1 heart waffle plate • Preheat/Ready to Eat Indicator light • Power Cord Storage • Power Consumption: 500 watts • Storage Case • Dimensions: 6.9"D x 5"W x 4.1"H • Weight: 4.22 pounds • Release Date: November 2023 Missing Features • No adjustable temperature control settings • No audio beep notifications • No timer |
Top 9 Waffle Makers with Removable Plates for 2024
- Best for Teflon-free Cooking and Easy Cleanup – GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker
- Best Heat Distribution and Durability – All Clad Gourmet Digital 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Machine
- Best Waffle Maker with Interchangeable Pancake Plates – Cuisinart WAF-300 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Iron with Pancake Plates
- Best for Keto Chaffles – Dash Multi-Plate 3-in-1 Mini Maker
- Best Flip Waffle Maker for Teflon-free Cooking (under $70) – Hamilton Beach 26031 Ceramic Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
- Best Double Flip Waffle Maker for Large Families – Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
- Best 4-slice Waffle Maker under $80 – KRUPS GQ502D 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Iron
- Best for Versatile Cooking Needs – Cuisinart 6-in-1 GR-4NP1 Panini Press, Grill, Griddle, and Waffle Maker
- Best 3-in-1 for Thin Waffles – Black+Decker G48TD 3-in-1 4-Square Thin Waffle Maker with Reversible Griddle Plates
Based on my reviews, the top 9 waffle makers with removable (interchangeable/reversible) plates are listed below. The Belgian waffle makers make waffles that are about 0.75 inch to 1 inch thick while the thin, classic-style waffle makers make waffles that are about 0.5 inch thick.
The high end models such as the Greenpan Elite and All Clad Digital Gourmet cost more than $250 but they are the most durable and the only ones that come with LCD displays with countdown timers, pre-programmed waffle types, and batter overflow protection and the Greenpan Elite even comes with ceramic-coated cooking plates.
There are models that cost between $80 and $100 such as the Krups GQ502D and Cuisinart WAF-300 that are not as durable and missing many of the best features of the high end models but they are still very sturdy and reliable.
Best for Teflon-free Cooking and Easy Cleanup
GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker
The best removable plate waffle maker is the GreenPan Elite 4-Square Belgian & Classic Ceramic Waffle Maker because it is one of the few waffle makers that can make either Belgian or Classic waffles and it also comes with nontoxic ceramic-coated plates and pre-programmed waffle types.
It comes with 2 sets of removable plates that allow it to function as either a 1-inch thick Belgian waffle maker or 0.5 inch thick thin Classic waffle maker. Here’s a breakdown of why it stands above the rest:
Here’s a side-by-side features comparison:
| Feature | GreenPan Elite | Typical Waffle Maker |
|---|---|---|
| Bakes either Belgian or Classic waffles | Yes | No |
| Multiple removable plate styles | Yes | No |
| Ceramic nonstick coating | Yes | No |
| Adjustable doneness/texture | Yes | No |
| Batter Overflow moat | Yes | No |
Two sets of interchangeable plates
The GreenPan Elite comes with two sets of interchangable cooking plates – one set for classic thin waffles, and a deeper plate set perfect for hearty Belgian-style waffles.
With the click of a button, you can easily swap plates and make either airy, Belgian-style waffles with the deep-pocketed plates or thin, square classic waffles with the shallower plates. These waffles will be as thin as the waffles from the Wells WB-1E commercial waffle maker that all Waffle House restaurants use.
However, you cannot make both types at the same time. All four plates can be conveniently stored in the bottom of the unit.
Toxin-Free Cooking
Dupont created Teflon, which is the brand name for PTFE, coating and they used to use PFOA to manufacture Teflon until it was banned in 2013. Currently, all waffle makers that use a Teflon coating uses one that is PFOA-free. The FDA has said that Teflon is safe to use as long as the cooking temperature does not exceed 260 degrees Celsius (500 degrees Fahrenheit) but many prefer to play it safe by going with a waffle maker that is Teflon-free, more Eco-friendly, and nontoxic.
One Eco-friendly nonstick coating is ceramic which does not contain PFOA or PTFE and is easier to clean, more durable, and heats up faster than Teflon coating.
The Greenpan Elite uses a revolutionary Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating that is completely free of hazardous chemicals like PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium. That means you can cook healthy Belgian or classic waffles worry-free, without butter or oil. The Thermolon coating is really durable because it is diamond-infused and removing waffles will be effortless as well. This coating is as durable as the ceramic coatings of any of the best ceramic waffle makers.
Texture Customization
It has adjustable shade settings and a texture control button that will allow you to customize the done-ness and crispiness of your waffles. Just simply turn the dial to one of seven browning presets, from light to dark brown. After initial cooking finishes and the timer hits zero, the setting from the texture button activates the crunch cycle to one of three texture presets ranging from airy and fluffy to ultra-crispy.
Batter Overflow Protection
Nothing ruins waffle-making faster than batter oozing all over your countertop. Thankfully, its batter overflow moat that surrounds the bottom cooking plate catches any overflowing batter due to overpouring, keeping my kitchen countertop clean.
Pre-programmed Waffle Types
The GreenPan Elite’s pre-programmed cooking presets take all the guesswork out of making different styles of waffles. Each mode is calibrated for a specific waffle type and plate style to deliver the optimized texture, doneness, and taste.
Here’s an overview of the different presets:
| Preset | Plate Used | Cook Time | Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Belgian (Bakes 1-inch thick waffles) | Thick Belgian plate | 5-7 minutes | Medium-high |
| Classic (Bakes 0.5-inch thick waffles) | Thin classic plate | 4-5 minutes | Medium |
| Liege | Belgian plate | 7-8 minutes | Medium-low |
| Custom (full manual control to program temperature and cook time) | Either | Adjustable | Adjustable |
The Belgian mode uses the deep-ridged plate on medium-high for 5-7 minutes to bake up thick waffles with crispy outer shells and soft, custardy centers – the hallmarks of Belgian waffles.
The Liege mode keeps the temperature lower to caramelize the pearl sugar layered into the yeasted Liege batter without over-browning.
And the Classic mode uses higher heat for less time to make thin and evenly browned waffles with the shallow plate.
Thanks to these tailored presets, you will get exceptional results every time regardless of waffle style. And there is a custom mode that allows full manual control to program your own custom cook settings if you want to experiment with a new recipe.
Durable with High-End Features
With a durable cast aluminum body, 1600 watts of power, an easy-read LCD display, audible ready beep, integrated cord storage, and weighing in at a sturdy 13 pounds, the GreenPan Elite feels like a heavy-duty, quality appliance. It’s built to last and engineered to perform.
While the GreenPan Elite offers exceptional ceramic nonstick performance, customizable doneness, and overflow protection, its dual-function versatility is what cements its status as the #1 waffle maker for 2024. This ingenious feature alone makes it the clear choice for Belgian and classic waffle aficionados alike, even though it falls on the expensive end for waffle irons.
Best for Versatile Cooking Needs
Cuisinart 6-in-1 GR-4NP1 Panini Press, Grill, Griddle, and Waffle Maker
The most versatile waffle maker is the Cuisinart GR-4N 6-in-1 Griddler because it comes with two waffle plates and two reversible grill/griddle plates (raised ridges on the grill side and flat on the griddle side) that gives it 6 different cooking options: (1) waffle maker, (2) contact grill to grill chicken, steaks, and hamburgers, (3) panini press, (4) full grill, (5) full griddle (cook pancakes, eggs, and bacon strips at the same time), and (6) half grill/half griddle for grilling steaks and cooking eggs.
Opens Flat
This appliance can open flat so you will be able to use both cooking surfaces as either a full grill, full griddle, or half grill/half griddle. When it is closed, it has a cooking surface area of 100 square inches while its open cooking surface area is 200 square inches.
For paninis, there is a floating hinge that allows the top plate to expand to accommodate thicker sandwiches and a Panini-style handle that presses grill marks into both pieces of bread.
There is a temperature control dial for the griddle that goes from 200 degrees Fahrenheit to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. There is another temperature control dial for the grill that has warm, low, medium, high, and sear options.
Easy to clean up
The removable cooking plates have a nonstick Teflon coating and they are all dishwasher-safe so any residual grease or batter will be easily and quickly washed away afterward. It also comes with a drip tray to place under the unit to catch any excess batter or grease overflowing from the cooking plates.
Easy to use
It has red and green indicator lights to let you know when the plates have reached the desired temperature and is ready to cook and also when your food is done cooking. However, it does not come with an audible beep to warn you before you food gets overcooked so you we will have to keep an eye on it the entire time.
Best Heat Distribution and Durability
All Clad Gourmet Digital 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Machine
One of the best 4-slice Belgian waffle makers is the All Clad Gourmet Digital waffle maker because it is built like a tank, has powerful heating elements and thick aluminum plates for uniform heat distribution, and comes with functionality not found in other waffle makers including an LCD screen, timer, and pre-programmed waffle types.
There are two different versions of the All Clad Gourmet: Digital (model #: WD822D51) and Manual (model #: WD822D51).
Features only found in the All-Clad Digital Gourmet Belgian waffle maker
• Digital LCD screen – displays operational status (Power On and Ready to cook/serve) and available waffle recipes
• Countdown timer
• 6 different batter types including Belgian, Classic, Berry, Buttermilk, Chocolate, Gluten-free
• reheat setting – shortens the time you have to wait before you can cook the next batch
• extra baking time setting – adds 30 seconds of baking time
However, the All Clad Digital is 25% more expensive ($100 higher) but the extra features are worth the extra cost.
The All Clad Gourmet Digital and Manual Waffle Makers are the only Breville or All Clad Belgian waffle makers that use removable waffle grids. All of Breville’s dedicated waffle makers, including the Breville Smart Waffle Pro and Smart Waffle, have non-removable cooking grids.
Even Heat Distribution and Quick Reheating – Thick and heavy aluminum cooking plates
The aluminum cooking plates are thick and heavy, which means they will retain heat for a long time, evenly cook the entire waffle so there will be no raw or undercooked spots, and reheat quickly so you can bake your next batch of waffles as soon as possible.
Fast Cooking Times – Powerful 1600 watt heating elements
The All-Clad Gourmet has the fastest cooking times and most even heat distribution because it has the thickest and heaviest cooking plates and the highest power consumption at 1600 watts. This means the cooking plates will generate more heat across its entire surface, resulting in waffles that are more thoroughly cooked in a shorter amount of time with less chance of any raw patches.
Durable Stainless Steel Housing
The All-Clad Gourmet has a heavy-duty, polished stainless steel housing that is more durable than the housings for other 4-slice waffle makers, including the Cuisinart WAF-300 and Krups GQ502D. Riveted to the lid is a heat-resistant die-cast handle that is branded with the All-Clad logo.
Easy to Clean Because of Detachable Plates and Batter Overflow Tray
The dishwasher-safe detachable waffle grids have a nonstick coating that makes them easy to clean with just a soapy damp cloth or you can just pop them into your dishwasher. The waffle plates can be easily removed by pressing the two buttons on the right side of the body of the device.
There is an opening at the back of this waffle iron to allow the overflowing batter to escape into a detachable overflow batter tray, preventing the waffle batter from dripping down the sides of your waffle iron.
Fluffy and Crispy Belgian Waffles
It can bake four 4.5-inch square, 1-inch thick Belgian waffles at a time which are wider and thicker than the Belgian waffles that are made by the Cuisinart WAF-300 and Krups GQ502D.
It even has 6 levels of browning to choose from. Also it has vents that release steam and stop moisture from building up, causing your waffles to come out fluffy and crispy instead of soggy.
Easy to Store
There is a built-in cord storage area around the bottom of the unit that allows you to wrap the cord around the base, keeping the power cord tidy and out of the way.
Fortunately, this unit comes with a lid that locks shut which allows you to store the unit in a space-saving upright position without worrying about the lid flying open.
One complaint about this device is how big it is. It has measurements of 15.59″(Length) x 10.75″(Width) x 5.94″(Height) so it will take up a lot of space on your countertop. It is also really heavy with a weight of 13.27 pounds.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Most even heat distribution • Reheats quickly • Heavy-duty housing • 6-setting temperature control dial • batter overflow drip tray • audio beeping notifications • Average Amazon Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars • Number of Amazon Customer Reviews: more than 800 reviews (83% of reviews were 5 stars) |
• Most expensive • No auto shutoff feature • No on/off switch • does not open flat |
Best Waffle Maker with Interchangeable Pancake Plates
Cuisinart WAF-300 4-Slice Waffle and Pancake Maker
The Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle and Pancake Maker is a 2015 Consumer Reports Winner and the best removable plate waffle maker under $100 because it can make both waffles and pancakes, is well-built, and has good heat distribution.
Waffle and Pancake Cooking Plates
It comes with two removable 4-square Belgian waffle plates and a 4-hole pancake plate along with a flat plate for making the 4 pancakes.
The plates can be easily removed with the push of a button located on the side.
The Cuisinart WAF-300 waffle maker can bake either four 4.5-inch square, 0.75-inch thick Belgian waffles or four 3.5-inch diameter round pancakes at a time.
The cooking plates are easy to clean because they are dishwasher safe and have a nonstick coating that allows the waffles and pancakes to slide right off without leaving a lot of residue.
2015 Consumer Reports Winner
It was released in October 2013 and it has a lot of 5-star reviews on Amazon and in a roundup of six waffle machines, which included the Waring Belgian Waffle Maker WMK200, All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker 2-Square NS, Hamilton Beach Breakfast Master 26046, Black & Decker Double Flip WMD200B and NordicWare Stovetop Belgian Waffler 15040, it was selected by Consumer Reports as the best waffle maker for 2015.
Indicator Lights and Audio Beeping Alert
It has a red ‘Power’ indicator light, green ‘Ready to Cook/Eat’ indicator light, and loud audible beep alert that tell you when the unit is ready to bake the batter or ready to serve the finished waffles or pancakes.
Durable Housing
It has a brushed stainless steel lid with an embossed Cuisinart logo. This waffle iron is made out of stainless steel and weighs more than 8 pounds so it is durable and sturdy.
You can even use these plates to make bacon, eggs, or sausages if you want something different for breakfast.
It also features an adjustable browning control dial with six different temperature settings. You can use settings 5 or 6 for crispier waffles or pancakes.
This is a really big appliance because it has measurements of 12.7″(Length) x 9.7″(Width) x 6.3″(Height) and it weighs 8.2 pounds. However, you can make it more compact because it has a vertical storage design. So you can stand it upright on the flat hinged side to make it more compact and easier to store in your countertop or cabinet.
Your purchase also includes a recipe book and a pair of tongs that you can use to remove your waffles or pancakes or to flip your waffles or pancakes over to cook one side a little more.
The All-Clad Gourmet is much better at making waffles than the Cuisinart WAF-300 because it uses more powerful heating elements and thicker aluminum cooking plates to retain more heat, regulate the temperature better, and distribute the heat more uniformly.
If you want to bake both waffles and pancakes and you don’t need an appliance with a premium build, then I would definitely purchase the Cuisinart WAF-300 because you can buy it for less than half the cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Consumer Reports Winner for 2015 • Two sets of dishwasher-safe waffle and pancake plates • Easily remove cooking plates with the click of a button • Loud audio beeping notifications • 6-setting temperature control dial • Power cord cord storage |
• No on/off switch • The power cord is only 3.5 feet long • occasionally heats unevenly • Nonstick Teflon coating will start peeling off after heavy dishwasher use • housing is made from thinner gauge steel than the All Clad waffle machine |
Best 4-slice Belgian Waffle Maker under $80
Krups GQ502D 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Iron
The Krups GQ502D 4 Slice Belgian waffle maker was released to market in September 2016 and it has already garnered many positive reviews. The Krups GQ502D Belgian waffle maker uses removable grids and 1200 watt heating elements to bake four 4.5-inch wide, 1-inch thick Belgian waffles at a time.
It has a durable stainless-steel housing that is sturdier than the bodies of more affordable waffle machines but not as sturdy as the housing of the more expensive All-Clad Gourmet.
The dishwasher-safe removable die-cast aluminum cooking plates have a nonstick Teflon coating that makes it easy to take out your waffles and wipe them clean. It is easy to remove the cooking plates by pressing the plate release button on the side of the device just like the All-Clad Gourmet and Cuisinart WAF-300
It also comes with an adjustable temperature control knob with 5 browning settings, red ‘Power On’ indicator light that tells you when the device is plugged in and powered on, and a ‘Ready’ green indicator light and beeping notification that tells you when the device is ready to start baking and when it is done baking.
The Krups GQ502D is a lot cheaper than the All-Clad Gourmet because it does not have the even heat distribution or premium build quality of the All-Clad Gourmet. Also the Krups GQ502D is a little cheaper than the Cuisinart WAF-300 because it does not have extra plates for pancakes.
Easy to store
It has measurements of 16.5″(Length) x 12.6″(Width) x 6.7″(Height) and it weighs 9.1 pounds so it is big and bulky. Fortunately, this appliance has a vertical storage design. This means that the hinged end is flat so you can store it vertically to save some space in your kitchen cabinet or countertop. It would be a great gift for anyone who wants to make waffles for a large family.
Also the lid locks shut and you can keep the power cord out of the way by wrapping the cord around the bottom of the device so they won’t be a problem when you store the device upright.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Plates are easy to clean • Preheats in 5 minutes which is much faster than the Black and Decker G48TD • Plates are held securely to the body by locking mechanisms • Pretty good heat distribution • Body is sturdier than the Black and Decker G48TD • Can be stored upright in a kitchen cabinet |
• does not fold flat • No digital timer |
Final Verdict
The Krups GQ502D Belgian waffle maker has many great qualities that make it a great purchase including a durable stainless steel housing, 5 browning settings, audible beep, and cord storage compartment. However, the All Clad Gourmet WD822D51 has better heat distribution and a more durable housing than the Krups GQ502D but the Krups GQ502D costs less than half as much as the All Clad Gourmet. If you are on a budget and just want to make waffles, then I would purchase the Krups GQ502D instead of the Cuisinart WAF-300.
Best Flip Waffle Maker for Teflon-free Cooking (under $70)
Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Belgian Waffle Machine with Removable Ceramic Plates
The only flip waffle maker with detachable eco-friendly ceramic plates is the Hamilton Beach 26031. The Hamilton Beach 26031 bakes one round Belgian waffle at a time that has a 7-inch diameter and 1-inch thickness. It comes with a flip, 360 degree rotating feature, 5-setting adjustable temperature control, drip tray, heat resistant cool-touch handle and red power on and green ready to cook/eat indicator lights.
This appliance uses 800-watt heating elements to finish preheating the cooking plates in under 5 minutes and finish baking your waffle in about 4 minutes.
Easy to Clean
These waffle grids are dishwasher-safe and can be easily removed, with the click of a button, for cleaning in a dishwasher or by hand with a damp, soapy towel.
A removable drip tray is placed underneath the cooking plates to catch any overflowing batter dripping out of the sides which keeps your countertops clean. Like the plates, it is dishwasher safe.
Why is a Flip waffle maker better than a Non-Flip waffle maker?
A Flip waffle maker is better than a Non-Flip waffle maker because it will bake the waffles faster and make more perfectly formed waffles. It has a 360-degree rotating feature that will spread the batter evenly on both ceramic plates so that the waffle is perfectly formed and evenly baked over its entire surface. Also it will cook your batter faster because the top and bottom of the waffle will get baked by the bottom plate, which because of gravity does the best job of baking the batter.
Why you should buy it?
1. Ever since it was released to the market in February 2012, it has received thousands of 5-star and 4-star reviews.
2. It is one of the few waffle machines that use removable ceramic grids which do not contain PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) or Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), both of which are used to make Teflon.
3. The removable ceramic plates use a nonstick copper ceramic coating, which is a better heat conductor than Teflon coating and reduces baking time.
4. Like most flip waffle makers, it takes up a lot of space with measurements of 16″(Length) x 10.50″(Width) x 9.25″(Height). It also weighs 6.8 pounds. Unfortunately, you cannot store this unit in a vertical position to save some space. However, it has a collapsible handle that folds in half which makes the device more compact and easier to store away.
5. The exterior housing consists of brushed stainless steel which means this unit will look great and last for a long time. The brushed finish will do a better job of hiding fingerprints and scratches than a polished finish would.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • removable ceramic plates easily pop out with the press of a button • nonstick ceramic coating contains no PFOA or PTFE • Flip feature spreads the batter evenly • Good heat distribution • Drip tray catches overflowing batter • Foldable handle makes this device more compact |
• No digital timer • nonstick ceramic coating will start flaking off with excessive dishwasher use so clean it manually with a damp towel • heats unevenly occasionally • thinner gauge steel housing not heavy duty |
Final Verdict
The Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Belgian waffle maker has many great features including a flip, 360 degree rotating feature, 5 browning settings and eco-friendly ceramic cooking plates that is safer than Teflon.
Best Double Flip Waffle Maker for Large Families
Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
The only double flip Belgian waffle maker that uses removable waffle grids is the Hamilton Beach 26201 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker. It was released on February 2020.
It can bake two 7-inch round and 0.92-inch thick Belgian waffles at the same time. The handle is shaped like a large ‘D’ in order to make it easy to hold and then flip and lock the grids. It uses 1300 watt heating elements to finish baking the waffles in 6 minutes.
The 180° flip feature will evenly spread the waffle batter across the two cooking plates so that each Belgian waffle is the perfect shape and the top and bottom are golden and crispy brown and the interior is fluffy and moist.
This unit takes up a lot of space with measurements of 14.13″(Length) x 9.75″(Width) x 7.94″(Height). It also weighs a lot coming in at 9.22 pounds.
The Hamilton Beach 26201 has many similarities to the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both have the same rotating feature, removable waffle plates, power and ready-to-cook indicator lights, and drip tray. However, the Hamilton Beach 26201 does not have the Eco-friendly ceramic cooking plates or the adjustable browning settings of the 26031 but it can make two Belgian waffles at a time while the 26031 can only make one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Makes two Belgian waffles at the same time • Flip feature cooks the batter faster and form better looking waffles • Thick cooking plates evenly distributes heat • Sturdy housing will hold up to daily use • Drip tray |
• Teflon-coated cooking grids instead of Ceramic like the Hamilton Beach 26031 • No temperature control (only operates at one temperature) • No on/off switch • No digital timer |
Final Verdict
If you want to save time by making two Belgian waffles at a time, then you should purchase the Hamilton Beach 26201. However, if you want a safer and more eco-friendly appliance, then you should purchase the Hamilton Beach 26031 instead.
Best 3-in-1 Waffle Maker for Thin Waffles
Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Old Fashioned Thin Waffle Maker with Reversible Griddle Plates
The best thin waffle maker with removable plates under $100 is the Black+Decker G48TD 3-in-1 because it opens flat to give you two cooking surfaces and it comes with reversible plates that enable it to offer three different functions: thin classic-style waffle maker, grill, and griddle.
Reversible 8″ x 8” Cooking Plates
The Black and Decker G48TD 3-in-1 waffle maker, griddle, and grill comes with two reversible 8″ x 8” cooking plates. One side of the reversible cooking plates bakes four 4-inch square, 0.5-inch thick thin, Eggo-style waffles at the same time. Then flip the plates over to cook pancakes, sandwiches, hamburgers, eggs, and bacon strips.
The plates are held together by a 180-degree hinge that enables the top to fold all the way down to give you two separate cooking surfaces. This doubles the cooking area which gives it a much bigger cooking surface area than any other unit and lets you grill more food at the same time.
It has a durable chrome housing and heat-resistant handles that will protect your fingers while you are checking on how your food is being prepared.
How does it make your food healthier?
The griddle side of the plates come with grease runoff channels that work just like the ones used with the George Foreman grills. They run along the edge of the grill plates and there is only one opening for all of the excess oil to flow into an empty cup. This will make your freshly prepared food much healthier and minimize any mess.
Are the reversible plates dishwasher-safe?
Unfortunately, the grids are not dishwasher-safe so they should be washed by hand with a damp cloth and hot, soapy water. If you put them in a dishwasher and use detergent to clean them, the nonstick coating might start flaking off and your waffles might start sticking.
There is a 3-setting temperature control dial that allows you to choose from one of three temperature settings (low, medium, high) that is fairly accurate and reliable.
It measures 14 inches long, 13.1 inches wide, and 6.2 inches high and it weighs 6.7 pounds so it takes up a lot of space. However, the hinged side is flat so you can stand the unit on the flat hinged side for more compact vertical storage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • two reversible 8″x8” flat cooking plates for making traditional thin waffles, pancakes, sandwiches, eggs, and bacon strips • easy to wipe clean nonstick coating • opens flat to double cooking surface area • Grease runoff channels eliminate any excess oil • Compact vertical storage |
• Temperature control has only 3 browning settings (low, medium and high) • Reversible plates do not contain raised ridges for grill marks • No digital timer • takes about 10 minutes to preheat • flimsy clips that hold the plates to the body can come loose • heats unevenly at times • plates are not dishwasher safe so you should wash them manually to make the coating last longer |
Best for Keto Chaffles
Dash Multi-Plate 3-in-1 Mini Maker
I love eating Keto chaffles because they have a lot of protein and very few carbohydrates which means I can build muscle and lose belly fat at the same time. I could never use a regular-sized waffle maker to make a chaffle because it is way too big. However, a mini chaffle maker will make a keto chaffle the size of a slice of sandwich bread or an English muffin, which is the perfect size for a chaffle.
The Dash Multi-Plate Mini Maker is outstanding because it comes with 5 Removable Cooking Plates and is the perfect size for making 4-inch wide Keto chaffles, heart waffles, or pancakes. It was released in October 2023 and customers have given it hundreds of 5 and 4 star reviews because it is easy to clean, cooks evenly, and does not take up a lot of space.
The Dash 3-in-1 is one of the smallest waffle makers with detachable waffle grids on the market. It takes up a lot less counter space than most other waffle makers because it is only about half as wide and a couple of inches shorter. It has measurements of 6.9″(Length) x 5″(Width) x 4.1″(Height). It only weighs 3.09 pounds so it won’t be difficult to move it to a different place.
5 Removable Cooking Grids
The Dash 3-in-1 mini waffle maker comes with 5 removable grids for classic waffles, heart waffles, and pancakes. Two plates are used to make classic waffles, two plates are used to make pancakes, and only one plate is included for making a heart shaped waffle. Because of its small size, it can only cook one waffle or pancake at a time.
Easy to clean Teflon and dishwasher-safe plates
All 5 plates contain a nonstick Teflon coating that will make it easy to remove your waffle in one piece. The plates are dishwasher-safe so they can be cleaned in a dishwasher. I highly recommend that you use the china crystal or delicate wash cycle because they clean at a lower temperature than the sanitize cycle. The plates can also be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth.
There is a preheat/ready to eat indicator light that tells you when the preheating process is complete or when your waffle or sandwich is done baking.
It uses 350-watt heating elements to bake your waffle or sandwich in under 4 minutes.
After more than 2 minutes, you can use the cool-touch (heat resistant) handle to safely open the waffle maker to check on how your waffle or sandwich is doing. If you open it too soon, the waffle might fall apart and you will have to start over again with some fresh batter.
You can store this waffle maker vertically because the lid locks shut and you can wrap the cord around the bottom so you won’t have to worry about a messy power cord.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • One of the smallest waffle makers on the market • Excellent heat distribution • Durable body • Vertical storage |
• Only bakes one Belgian waffle, heart waffle, or pancake at a time • Teflon-coated Plates • No temperature control (only operates at one temperature) • No on/off switch • Expensive for a mini waffle maker (approximately $40) • No digital timer |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you clean the detachable cooking plates without damaging them?
If you want to clean them by hand, you should start by letting the plates soak in a sink or container filled with warm water and non-abrasive dishwasher detergent from Seventh Generation. Their detergent does not contain any phosphates or chlorine bleach that can destroy the nonstick coating on the plates. Then you should use a sponge or non-abrasive brush with soft bristles to gently scrub the crumbs or dry, caked-on batter off of the plates. Afterward, use a dry towel to dry them off.
If the plates are dishwasher-safe, you can clean them with a dishwasher. Make certain to use the delicate cycle because it uses a gentle spray and operates at a lower temperature of about 40 degrees Celsius that will not damage the nonstick coating. You should avoid using the SaniWash, Heavy, or Express cycles because these cycles use either extra water or high temperatures that will cause the coating to start flaking off.
How do you clean a waffle iron without removable grates?
Use a paper towel or damp cloth and a bowl of hot soapy water to clean the exterior. Pour small drops of cooking oil on any baked-on batter on the waffle plates to make it easier to remove. Then use a towel or cloth and hot soapy water to wipe the batter away and let it air dry. You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean any residue left in the nooks and grooves.
How do you remove the plates from a waffle iron?
There are usually plate release buttons located on the top and bottom halves of the device that you press that will unlock the waffle plates and allow you to lift the plates out of the waffle iron so that you can wash them in your dishwasher.
