There’s no better way to start your morning than with a fluffy, crisp waffle.
You don’t need to go to a restaurant to get quality waffles. With a great waffle maker, you can have a delicious breakfast in a matter of minutes.
However, just buying any old waffle maker from your local store may not give you even golden-brown waffles. To make the most delicious breakfast, make sure to buy a superior waffle maker that will heat the batter evenly.
Today, we will look at some of the top options available. If you are looking for the best square waffle maker, we have fantastic models to consider.
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 16.9 x 13 x 7.4
- Weight (lbs): 14.25
- Material: Nonstick coating
- Dimensions (inches): 14 x 13.1 x 6.2
- Weight (lbs): 8.57
- Material: Nonstick coating
- Dimensions (inches): 14.17 x 10.24 x 4.72
- Weight (lbs): 9.17
- Material: Stainless Steel
- Dimensions (inches): 12.6 x 6.7 x 16.5
- Weight (lbs): 6
- Aluminum
- Dimensions (inches): 17 x 8 x 2
- Weight (lbs): 2.7
Top 5 Best Square Waffle Makers Reviews
1. All-Clad Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker
- Steam-release heating system
- Deep waffle sections
- Seven temperature settings
- Evenly cooks waffles
- The overflow batter cath may not stay in place
The All-Clad company has been making quality metal products for almost 50 years, showing that you can expect an excellently made waffle maker from them.
This model is our best 4-square Belgian waffle maker because of its advanced heating technology that makes evenly cooked waffles. Adjust the dial to choose how brown you would like your waffles. The seven settings range from very light to a nice, crispy brown.
Thanks to the steam-release system, you can enjoy waffles that are tender in the center and crisp on the outer edges. Each of the four waffle sections will come out evenly cooked for you and your family to enjoy.
Each waffle square has sides of 4.5 inches and a thickness of 1 inch. Their pockets are extra-deep so you can fill them with your favorite syrup or fruit sauce. Plus, with easy-to-cut sections, you don’t have to struggle to eat them.
To make your waffles, turn on the machine to let it preheat. Once the red light lights up, pour in the batter, and choose your temperature. The green light will turn on with a beep to remind you that your waffles are ready. This way, you won’t forget about your waffles.
Other great features include a nonstick surface, a removable drip tray for simple cleaning, and a locking lid.
2. Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Maker
- Comes with a waffle maker, grill, and griddle
- Indicator light to show when the machine has finished baking the waffles
- Makes four square waffles
- Reversible plates
- The nonstick layer may wear off over time
You might recognize the Black+Decker name from yard appliances and tools, but they also make superior kitchen products!
Our best option with reversible plates is this 3-in-1 waffle maker. If you are looking for something you can use for various food types, this Black+Decker model is a great choice! With the changeable plates, you can use this machine as a grill, griddle, or waffle maker.
Open up the waffle maker and lay it flat to convert it into a griddle. The two 8-inch squares give you ample space to make your favorite food. If you would like grilled cheese, place the food on one side and close the lid to grill both sides.
Similarly, quickly install the waffle plates and fill one side with the batter. Close the lid and wait for delicious waffles!
Choose between a couple of heating settings for your ideal waffle, and wait until the indicator light turns on to tell you that your breakfast is ready. You can cook up to four square waffles with four-inch sides in each cooking session.
Not only are the reversible plates handy for multiple cooking styles, but they also include grease runoff channels and a nonstick surface.
3. Cuisinart 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker
- Three-year warranty
- Indicator light signals when your waffles are ready
- Five temperature settings
- Sleek look
- The dial may loosen with repeated use
This square Belgian waffle maker quickly bakes enough waffles for the whole family. If you fill the entire machine with batter, you will get four waffles with 3-inch sides. The 1-inch thickness gives you enough fluffiness to enjoy with your favorite fruit sauce and whipped cream.
The five temperature settings let you pick your ideal setting, from lightly toasted to dark and crunchy. This sleek machine also has a green indicator light to signal when your waffles are ready.
With this Cuisinart model, you don’t have to worry about a tough clean-up. The nonstick plates make cleaning a breeze. Plus, the locking lid and the cord that wraps under the bottom make storing the waffle maker easy.
This waffle maker will look great in your kitchen. The stainless steel cover in silver or red adds a chic look to your kitchen, and the chrome-plated handle makes using the waffle maker stylish and straightforward.
Of course, we can’t forget to mention the warranty! The manufacturer includes a limited three-year warranty with your purchase.
4. KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker
- Steam-release system for evenly cooked waffles
- Two light indicators
- Temperature dial
- Dishwasher-safe removable plates
- The beep to let you know the machine has finished cooking the waffles may be slightly loud
The German KRUPS company has well over 170 years of experience providing users worldwide with coffee and food products. Their motto is “passion, precision, and perfection,” which you can clearly see in this Belgian waffle maker.
The family size model bakes four slices of 4-inch waffles at once. The steam-release system ensures your waffles are the perfect degree of crunchy on the outside and soft inside. You decide how well done the waffles are by adjusting the knob to your preferred browning level.
Two indicator lights simplify the waffle-making process. One light turns on when the machine has finished heating up, and another light switches on when your waffles are ready. The latter light comes with a beep to make sure you know your breakfast is ready.
The company ensures you don’t have to clean a horrible sticky mess every time you make waffles. The plates have a nonstick coating. As an added plus, you can remove both of them and stick them in the dishwasher.
5.Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron
- Makes authentic, old-fashioned waffles
- Lightweight
- PFOA-free nonstick coating
- Easy cleaning
- The nonstick coating may come off over time
This last square waffle iron is different from all the others we’ve looked at because it’s not electric.
As our best stovetop option, this NordicWare product makes delicious old-fashioned Belgian waffles. The small square waffle maker bakes four three-inch waffles in a matter of minutes.
Make sure to preheat the waffler on your stove – or even use an outdoor fire pit – by placing each side over the heat for a couple of minutes. Then add your batter and close the lid. On the first side, cook it for only 30 seconds before flipping it over to cook for a few more minutes.
While it may seem harder to use at first glance, the waffle maker is exceptionally lightweight and quickly cooks your waffles. Plus, it requires no extra care. With the PFOA-free nonstick coating, you can quickly wash the pan with soap and water.
Since Nordic Ware has been making cookware products for well over 70 years, they include a top-notch quality guarantee with their items. With your purchase, you will be getting a 10-year warranty.
Things to Consider before Buying a Waffle Maker
Before you purchase a waffle maker, consider the following points.
Cleaning
If you are looking for an easy-to-clean machine, consider one of the models with removable plates.
Cleaning up any dried bits of batter directly off the waffle machine can be difficult and awkward. Removable surfaces make that process much easier by allowing you to place the plates in the sink and wash them without worrying about getting the whole machine wet.
An even better choice would be a waffle maker with plates that are dishwasher safe. While these aren’t quite as common, they are definitely an added benefit.
Another feature that helps simplify cleaning is a nonstick surface. Many companies add a nonstick layer to the metal to ensure your waffles don’t get stuck. Of course, the easier the waffles slide out of the machine, the easier cleaning the surfaces will be.
Safety
Waffle makers can get incredibly hot, so you don’t want them to pose a risk to any children in your home. Some machines include features like a locking lid, insulation, or an automatic shut-off that protect little fingers from getting burned.
If you have a young child at home, the stovetop waffle makers may not be an ideal choice. Even when you take them off the heat source, they remain hot for some time. They also usually have no protective lid or insulation, even on the handle.
Check what kind of safety features each model features, and don’t hesitate to call the manufacturer for more details.
Size
How big do you want your waffles? Do you like small portions, or are you trying to feed hungry children?
All of the waffle makers above make four waffles each, but each model has a different size, ranging from three to four and a half inches on each side. While that may not seem like a massive difference, you will definitely notice the change when you serve them or when you aren’t quite full after eating the three-inch waffles.
Consider how much you would like to eat and how many other people you are feeding when you decide what size of waffle maker you need.
Warranty
While purchasing a waffle maker may not be a considerable investment, a warranty is still important to consider. You don’t want to get your waffle machine and then immediately have to call and ask for replacement parts.
Without a warranty, you can end up with a defective product and have to buy a completely new product. Always check what kind of warranty comes with the waffle maker, and follow up on that guarantee if you ever run into any problems.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waffle Makers
The science of making the perfect waffle isn’t always easy. Here are some frequently asked questions about making a delicious breakfast with a waffle maker.
How Long Does It Take to Make Waffles?
The time it takes to make waffles depends on the type of machine you have and how well-done you like your waffles.
Stovetop waffle makers can take about three to five minutes to thoroughly cook a waffle, while the electric machine may take the same amount of time or a bit longer.
How Do You Use a Stovetop Waffle Maker?
The electronic waffle makers are relatively straightforward since the machine does most of the work. The trick with stovetop models is heating them the perfect amount of time and not opening them too soon.
Start by heating your waffle iron on the stove while you mix the ingredients. Heat the first side for two minutes, then turn it over and heat the other side. This first step is crucial to getting that nice crispy outer layer of the waffle. Don’t forget to use an oven mitt while handling the device since the handle will most likely be hot.
Once you have evenly heated the waffle maker, take it off the stove and spread a coat of vegetable oil on the insides. Pour the batter into only one half of the waffle iron while it is back on the stove, and then close the lid. You can let it cook on that side for a minute to a minute and a half.
Flip the device over gently and cook it on the other side for about a minute as well. You can check to see if the waffle is ready by opening the waffle iron just a bit and looking at the color. Once you see that it is a lovely golden brown color, you can serve the waffle.
What Is the Difference Between Belgium and Regular Waffles?
Since most of our waffle makers mentioned above are specifically for Belgium waffles, we need to discuss what this actually means.
The most significant difference between a Belgium and a “regular” waffle is the size of pockets or crevices. Belgium waffle makers have deeper spaces to allow more syrup, fruit, or whipped cream to settle into your waffle.
This difference is essential when choosing a waffle maker because the models designed for Belgium waffles will have larger metal pieces to make deeper indents.
Another common distinction is that Belgium waffles often have a crispier texture, thanks to more yeast or beaten egg whites in the recipe.
What Settings Should I Look for in a Waffle Maker?
If you want to buy an electric waffle maker, make sure the model has a temperature dial and indicator lights.
Not everybody likes their waffles cooked the same way. Having different levels of brownness makes sure you make the perfect waffle for you or your family. Plus, by controlling the temperature with a dial, you don’t have to be checking on the waffles constantly. When the machine lets you know you can now serve the waffles, you will find them cooked to perfection.
How does a waffle maker tell you the waffles have finished cooking? They do so with indicator lights! Again, this feature takes the pressure off of you and leaves the whole waffle-making process up to the machine. Many waffle makers even have an additional beep that sounds with the indicator light, so you are completely aware your breakfast is ready.
How Do You Clean a Waffle Maker?
While some of the above models come with removable plates that you can either hand wash or place in the dishwasher, other waffle makers don’t have such flexibility.
If you have a regular waffle maker with no removable parts, wipe down the cool machine with a damp cloth. You can remove the crumbs and oil drips this way. If some pieces are sticking to the surface, using cooking oil to soften them before removing them with a cloth or paper towel.
A lot of waffle makers have nonstick surfaces, but that doesn’t mean they are magic. If you continuously have hardened drips on your waffle maker, try applying a touch of cooking oil on the waffle iron before you start making the waffles. You will likely find the cleaning process much more manageable.
Is an Electric or Stovetop Waffle Maker Ideal?
Choosing between an electric and stovetop waffle maker is entirely up to you. Some people prefer the crispier taste of waffles made on the stove, while others enjoy the efficiency of using an electronic machine.
If you are leaning towards a stovetop waffle maker, be aware that they require more vigilance, so you don’t overcook the batter.
Conclusion
Finding the best square waffle maker for you and your family may be difficult with the wide variety of options available. However, you can choose from the five excellent options above, or use those models as a starting point in your continued research.
Either way, keep in mind the buying points listed above so that you can find the ideal waffle maker for your home.
The Black & Decker is trash. Heats unevenly, plates don’t stay hooked, very poorly built!