Choosing a New Waffle Maker

Start having fun with waffles when you select a high-quality waffle maker for your kitchen. These fine countertop appliances are for the individual or family who loves the warm softness of a well-made waffle and wants to enjoy them any time the mood strikes. Since they're easy to use and easy to clean, don't be surprised if you find yourself expanding your waffle repertoire. Get creative with mix-ins and ways to include them in meals. Keep it on the counter so you can use it every weekend and maybe even a few weekdays. Delight children and guests and satisfy cravings for a carb-laden, buttery texture and the sweet aroma of sizzling batter. Your new waffle maker is only one quick decision away.

What is a Waffle Maker?

A waffle maker or waffle iron is a small electric appliance that you use on your countertop. It plugs into the wall and offers a variety of simple settings so that you can make your own waffles at home.

• Most waffle makers are used to make classic fluffy Belgian waffles with a deep grid pattern that holds plenty of syrup.
• Mix up your batter from scratch or from your favorite mix using a wooden spoon or spatula and your favorite bowl and pour the batter into the waffle iron.
• The iron closes and latches firmly shut so that the batter stays inside to cook into waffles. Included settings let you determine how long to cook your waffles, depending on how many you're making at once and your preferred crispness.
• Once you get the hang of making waffles how you like them best, you can start playing around with mix-ins like chocolate chips, blueberries, mashed bananas, walnuts, cinnamon and other gourmet treats or ingredients.

To make waffle cones, like the ones that are used for ice cream cones or bowls, you may want to select an iron that does both or choose a specialty iron for your purposes. This is a great complement to an ice cream maker.

Features to Shop Now

Look for the waffle maker that's right for your family and your kitchen when you check out the wide selection of irons available now.

• What shape of waffles do you want? You can cook four quarters that create a full circle, a big grid of four squares or go off on your own waffle tangent with a maker that lets you customize in miniature square units what you want your waffle to look like.
• Explore sizes to see which one fits most comfortably on your countertop. For a compact space, you may want an oblong maker that takes up very little room.
• If you're interested in making cones or pizzelle, an Italian cookie with a similar texture, look for irons that indicate they can be used for those, too.

Once you start making waffles, you'll be so glad you chose a new waffle maker.