Waffle Makers

What is a waffle maker and how do you use it?

It's really difficult, next to impossible, to make waffles with the signature honeycomb pattern without some type of waffle maker to create the perfect shape. So, if you want waffles for breakfast, a waffle maker makes it super easy to get them.

Otherwise known as a waffle iron, a waffle maker is a small, tabletop appliance with two metal plates – one at the top and one at the bottom – in the honeycomb pattern of a waffle. Pour the batter or place the dough inside, close the lid, then wait as it cooks to the perfect light and fluffy doneness and design.

Self-contained waffle makers use a heating element and are typically made of aluminum and coated with Teflon. Non-stick griddles ensure the delicious breakfast goodie can be easily removed without sticking. A light goes off when the waffle reaches the set temperature, with some offering different settings for doneness or brownness levels. Other features you might find include a dosing cup for metered pouring, lid lock, countdown timer, and cool touch handle. They come in a variety of colours, from silver stainless steel to black, red, and blue.

What types of waffles can you make?

Waffle makers are usually designed to make two or four at a time, either square or round in shape, though you can find specialty themed ones that will make waffles in fun shapes, like animals. There are traditional waffle makers as well as Belgian waffle makers that make the thicker, fluffier waffles.

Belgian waffle makers sometimes consist of a heating element underneath the metal plates and a handle that lets you rotate the waffle to ensure a perfectly even cook for the much thicker pastry.

Some waffle makers come with settings to make traditional or Belgian waffles, as well as to tailor the cook to other types, like chocolate, buttermilk, or custom recipes. Most are designed to sit horizontally on the counter though you can find some upright vertical waffle makers as well.

Are there other uses for a waffle maker?

While the primary use of a waffle maker is to, of course, make waffles, many waffle machines can be used to make other dishes as well. Some waffle makers come with a pancake plate you can place inside to make flat and round pancakes as well. You might also find ones that include a separate omelette maker so you can use the same device to make a full breakfast without ever having to turn on your stove.

Home cooks love getting creative, though, and use waffle makers to make other food. You could, theoretically, use a waffle maker to make brownies, pizza, quesadillas, cinnamon rolls, hash browns, cornbread, grilled cheese, frittatas – you name it. Look for modified recipes online, but keep in mind that clean-up could be more challenging, and you might have to experiment a bit to get a recipe and cook just right.