I used to hate making waffles at home.
That's because, until recently, I had a really bad waffle. You know: the kind that only makes one small, weak waffle at a time, the kind that never gets hot enough to make the waffle crisp, a model so slow it was almost guaranteed that by the time I sat down to the last waffle (because, as we all know, the waffle maker eats last) everyone else in my house had long since left the breakfast table. But I had made peace with it—I mean, I reasoned, how much better could a waffle iron be?
But then my dad started evangelizing about his waffle maker, the Belgian maker of double sided waffles Cuisinart. A few weeks after that, I saw the same pattern at my brother's house. What was going on?
Photography by Danielle Sykes; food styling by Liz Neily
It seems that everyone but me already realized that it is THE waffle maker. It has earned high praise not only from my family members (although I assure you they are very reliable), but also got the nod from strategist, Wire cutterAND Serious eating, who called it best in class. So I bought one. And now I love making waffles at home.
So what makes this waffle iron so great?
Arguably, the best feature of this heavy-duty iron is that it's double-sided, meaning you can cook two thick, Belgian-style waffles. immediately. Of course, this is a great feature if you're making breakfast for a crowd (more waffles, in less time!), but beyond saving time, waffles made in a rotary-style toaster iron like this one actually cook faster. equally.
Each side of the iron can hold a full cup of batter (the iron comes with a scoop of batter), producing fluffy waffles with deep cups (the better to trap the butter and maple syrup or, even better, maple cream). Because they are extra thick, you get a nice contrast of crisp exterior and fluffy interior. Waffle perfection, in other words.
Photography by Kristin Teig; food styling by Liz Neily
My previous waffle iron was terribly slow; each successive set seemed to require more and more, as if the iron were being gradually removed. By contrast, this Cuisinart model cooks waffles super quickly—I'm talking three or four minutes per batch—and the heavy, nonstick plates heat evenly, so my waffles are even in color from edge to edge. from the first to the last. A brown control slider allows you to customize how dark you'd like your waffle. And when the waffles are ready, a green light appears and the iron falls.
Admittedly, all waffle irons are kind of a pain to clean. But thanks to the non-stick plates and removable pan, this one is easier than most. I have a dedicated waffle iron toothbrush that I use to get into all the crevices in the inner tiles, then just scrub the outside.
Photography by Rick Holbrook; food styling by Kaitlin Wayne
In our short time together, I already did Belgian Style Topped Wafflescorkscrew style Pumpkin Sugar Crunch Wafflesand sharp Classic sourdough waffles; My kids love using this waffle maker MIX, then dress them with a chocolate-hazelnut rub. I have plans to make a hash brown waffle sometime soon; basically now that i have this super fancy waffle maker i just want to make waffles all the time. What am I going to waffle next?
Recently, kismet: A friend texted me: “My hearth maker died mid-morning yesterday!! Have a model you like? I can't go without waffles for another weekend.” Did I do it!
For him, for you, for anyone ready for a waffle renaissance: This is the waffle iron to buy.
More of a pancake person? We also have a gear recommendation for you: This pan changed the way I make pancakes – and so much more.
Cover photo by Danielle Sykes; food styling by Liz Neily.
