8 of the best waffle makers to help you win breakfast

Looking to make the most perfect, homemade waffles? Our top pick, the All-Clad 99011GT Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker, is just the ticket. With seven different browning settings, this little waffle wonder lets you customize that just-right, golden-brown crispness. The deep pockets will also let you conveniently pile on the toppings for that bistro-quality breakfast.

Want your waffles fluffy? Fret not. The All-Clad’s steam-release feature ensures that you get crispy-on- the-outside and fluffy-on-the-inside waffles. And messes won’t be a problem.This waffle maker’s non-stick cooking surface and removable drip tray provide effortless release and quick, easy cleanup, so you can waffle it up any day of the week.

And because safety is always a priority, we know you’ll appreciate the LED indicator lights, which let you know when it’s time to pour the batter in, and when your waffles are ready to eat. 

Amazon reviewer ObxRiley writes:

“I make waffles weekly and even take my waffle maker on family vacations to the beach. I need a new one every few years and hesitated spending so much for this one. I am glad I did. The waffles are thick and fluffy inside. I also have used brownie mix and regular cake mix in this waffle maker, both turned out amazing. The unit is pretty enough that it stays on my countertop, something no other waffle maker was allowed to do. it had a great looking​ feature that allows me to stand it up right for space savings and still show off an well made routine kitchen appliance. I am glad I took the plunge and bought this one and believe I might never need another.”

Who doesn’t like Mickey? Even if you don’t have kids to feed at breakfast, this super-cute waffle maker that produces Mickey Mouse-shaped waffles will unleash the inner child in you.

The Disney DCM-1 Mickey Mouse waffle maker is easy to use, and the non-stick baking plates make it simple to turn out breakfast for the Disney fan (or two, or three) in your life. Clean up with a few swipes of a damp cloth, and you're ready to go again. 

Even the power indicator light is Mickey-shaped. It’s cute, but also useful for letting you know when the waffle maker is plugged in and hot. Non-skid rubber feet also keep the waffle maker firmly on the countertop, and the cord wrap keeps everything neat and tangle-free.

Amazon customer Karen in California writes:

“This heats up fast and cooks the same. The plates distribute the batter pretty evenly from the face into the ears making this a no mess waffle maker. The little mouse at the bottom is lit up red the entire time it does not tell you it’s ready by changing color but I just lift the lid and check. It honestly cooks so fast waiting isn’t an issue. I used a basic mix with water, egg and oil. There was zero batter stuck and no mess to clean. This is so much easier than trying to make Mouse pancakes and the features of the eyes and mouth add so much more.”

One look at this powerhouse of a waffle maker and you can just tell it will turn out restaurant-quality waffles. We love the sleek design of the Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker but it’s also packed with features that will help you make crisp, fluffy, and delicious waffles.

Its six-setting browning control knob lets you customize your desired shade of waffles—from light to dark—for waffles that are perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy in the inside. And don’t worry, both sides will be perfect. The easy-to-handle rotary feature ensures even baking on top and bottom. LED lights and audio beeps signal when the waffles are done and ready to eat, so there’s no guessing. The extra-deep one-inch waffle pockets also make the waffles a tasty vessel for the syrup and fruit toppings of you choice. 

Can’t deal with cleanup? This appliance’s non-stick coated waffle grids easily release waffles and make cleaning a breeze. 

Reviewers praised the accurate temperature control, while one customer summed up the appliance as “a legit machine that can make crisp exteriors with fluffy soft insides” and makes “legit Belgian waffles, not sad Eggos.”

One Amazon Customer writes:

“LOVE it! My Paleo banana/almond/coconut flour waffles do not stick! FAST, FAST, FAST! Making waffles is no longer a chore. This new one is so fast I now eat the last waffle rather than the first since I'm no longer sitting around waiting for waffles to cook. Why didn't I buy this years sooner?! I'm so glad I can leave a review because it has changed my life for the better. I always keep a supply of waffles frozen for easy access when hurrying to work, and this waffle maker makes that whole process clean, fast, and easy. Lights and small beep indicate when each waffle is done so I don't have to watch or guess. Waffles are light and fluffy. I started with the manufacturer recommendation of setting the dial on 4, and never had to move it. Yes, it takes up a bit of storage or counter space, but it is absolutely worth it since it's so useful. Highly recommended.”

Sometimes you just need a quick and light breakfast, without having to settle for a granola bar. The Dash Mini Waffle Maker produces personal-sized waffles so you can get your waffle fix fast.

Need to mix it up a bit? The Dash is also perfect for making paninis, hash browns, and even biscuit pizzas (a recipe booklet is included in your purchase). Cooking them is easy—simply plug it in and go. The waffle maker heats up in mere minutes. 

And with its lightweight and compact size, this little machine is easy to store and keep in your apartment, dorm room, RV. And it’s great for traveling, too (because you know, they don’t have waffles everywhere).

Amazon reviewer Cristal writes:

“Definitely one of the best purchases I have made on Amazon so far. Just as described, it is a mini waffle-maker. The ‘mini’ part is no joke, the whole thing is small enough to lift in one hand. If you are feeding breakfast to a whole family of five or more then this may not be for you. However, because of its size, it works quicker than a normal sized one so even though you can only make one small waffle at a time, each waffle should be done in about a minute or two. The interior is also non-stick so it is really easy to clean which was a huge bonus for me. On top of that, it comes with a little instruction pamphlet that tells you how to use and and also include recipes and recipe ideas! Personally, I love it, it’s what I wanted and more.”

If you like your waffles cooked differently every time (maybe a chocolate waffle one morning, and a Belgian the next?) the Breville The Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker is a great choice.

This waffle maker boasts a unique Waffle IQ technology, which automatically calculates cooking time to suit your desired waffle style, including Belgium, Classic, Chocolate, Buttermilk, and desired color (12 settings from light to dark). 

And you won’t find burnt edges and raw batter pockets (ugh) with this waffle making wonder. Its therma pro even heat technology distributes heat evenly across the non-stick cooking plates, which are nice and deep for thicker, fluffier pancakes. You’ll also be saying goodbye to icky waffle batters and messes: The Smart Waffle Pro’s design features a wrap-around moat that catches excess batter.

And when you see that your waffles need to be just a bit more golden, the Smart Waffle Pro has an easy fix. It features a “A Bit More” button that lets you add a bit more brown without having to restart. Now, that’s smart.

Amazon reviewer E. John writes:

“This is the best waffle maker ever! I've owned at least 4 different brands of waffle makers and this one is the best. It is so easy to use. I like the different settings for Belgium and other waffle types that you can customize for individuals. I love a deeply browned crisp waffle; others in my family enjoy their waffles slightly browned and not as crisp. The settings are available preset but allow individual changes according to your taste. I also like that I don't have to add any oil spray or butter to the waffle baker which makes clean up easier and less or no build up of oil residue over time. I've owned this since September 2016 and I am still enjoying this waffle baker. I think the price is worth the quality and the ease of use.”

With this CUSIBOX Waffle Maker, you’ll get more than just waffles. You can try your hand at paninis and steak with this versatile little machine by simply changing up the included cooking plates.

It’s easy to use.  When the temperature reaches 400 degrees Fahrenheit, the waffle maker will stop heating automatically. Its power and ready indicator lights also let you know when the unit is on and ready to cook.

Get your breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with this three-in-one device, which comes with a one-year warranty.

Amazon reviewer Amanda Price writes:

“This waffle maker is very easy to use and works great. I’ve only made waffles in it so far, but it also comes with two other sets of plates. I plan to use the sandwich plates to make grilled cheese and omelets. Not sure what I’ll use the grill plates for. Possibly burgers and grilled veggies. I think this is a great value for the price. I got a versatile kitchen appliance that I will probably use more often than I initially thought I would. I’d definitely recommend it.”

We think you’ll agree that the worst thing about waffles is cleaning up after making them. Enter the Dash No-Mess Waffle Maker.

This convenient waffle machine is mess-free—built with integrated pocket sides that catch excess batter and overflow and non-stick cooking plates, making cleanup a breeze. No waste!

The non-stick cooking plates also ensure that this waffle maker is free from sticky surfaces. So go ahead, make your hash browns, your healthy omelets, and your dessert waffles without dreading the countertop messes. This waffle maker comes with a recipe book and access to a recipe database for more breakfast and brunch ideas.

Amazon reviewer Lindsay M writes:

“Two things I'll point out. First, the part that catches the overflow of waffle batter is worth its weight in gold. That is one thing that separates this waffle maker from others. Second, try making an egg omelet with it. We made one with some things we had laying around in the fridge. My kids, who normally don't eat much breakfast, went bonkers with the "pockets" in their omelet.”

Star Wars fans won’t be able to resist this ThinkGeek Death Star waffle maker that makes waffles in the shape of, you guessed it, the Empire’s ultimate weapon, the Death Star. There are no fancy settings, no smart technology, but we think the waffle maker deserves a mention for its design.

It couldn’t be easier to use.  Just plug it in, warm it up, and pour the batter onto the non-stick cooking plates. Non-stick cooking plates duplicate the design on both sides, and indicators light up when the iron is on and when it is at correct temperature. Both sides have pockets so you can load them up neatly with your favorite toppings.

Amazon reviewer Burgundy Damsel writes:

“This waffle maker is delightful. It takes four to six minutes to cook a waffle, depending on how dark you like them, and definitely works best with thinner batters. (Think about halfway between standard waffle batter and pancake batter.) Not great for chunky batters with oats or chocolate chips or anything in them. The waffles bake up really well - you definitely know you're eating a Death Star and the ridges are great for catching butter and syrup. (The whole point of eating waffles, right?). I have owned professional-grade waffle irons and this isn't one. If you're looking for the precision, control etc. of an industrial grade, you'll be disappointed. If you just want really great, awesomely geeky waffles, you're golden!”