Most people love a fresh-from-scratch, fluffy, and well-cooked waffle. Unfortunately, many of us only associate enjoying one with having to go out to a restaurant or cafe. But did you know that there are fantastic machines that can give you gourmet-style waffles from the comfort of your own kitchen? While this waffle maker creates a great finished product, it has one of the longer heat-up times on our list, taking four minutes and 14 seconds. Once it’s ready, the LCD screen turns orange, and it says “end” when the waffle is complete. In testing, we found that the second half of the grid takes about 30 seconds to fill up, which is mildly inconvenient, but it didn’t affect the finished product’s evenness. Making delicious waffles at home shouldn’t have to break the bank, and Cuisinart’s WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is proof of that. We found the cook settings of this option to be intuitive and there were noticeable differences in the finished product between all of the settings. While the Krups Belgian Waffle Maker can make four waffles at a time, features cord storage, and is easy to clean, it falls short in other regards. For starters, it doesn’t have the most aesthetically pleasing exterior, and it took too long to cook the waffles, with about a six-minute cook time per waffle. From there, it takes a while to reheat between batches. Additionally, the lower heat settings result in very pale waffles and the handle also gets hot during use. Once we began using batter, we tested to see how well the indicators could tell if the waffles were done, noting whether the waffles needed more time or if they were properly cooked. We then made two more waffles, noting details like how well the waffles came out, how much batter was needed, and how cool the exterior of the machine stayed during use. We then repeated these steps with the yeasted batter. Finally, we followed the manufacturer’s instructions and looked into how easy the machines were to clean.

To ensure that your waffles are cooked perfectly, this option features a rotating function. It comes with six heat settings that we found to work very well and make a noticeable difference in the finished waffle. The cleanability of this product also elevates it, with a drip tray that is also very easy to wipe down. In terms of functionality, this option takes four minutes to preheat. An audible beep lets you know when this device is ready to be used and it beeps five times with a green light when it’s done to let you know your waffle is ready.This mini waffle maker comes with the ability to make your waffles in specific shapes, such as a heart or bunny. The result, in our testing, is a simple device that comes in fun colors and is able to make single servings and dessert waffles. Overall, we recommend the Cuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker as the best waffle maker for its unique vertical design, easy pour spout, and ease of cleaning. If you’re in the market for a more affordable option, the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is the best waffle maker on a budget. For the lower price point, we appreciate that it includes features like intuitive cook settings, light indicators, and rubber feet. Breville’s BWM640XL Smart 4-Slice Waffle Maker features an LCD screen that allows you to adjust your choice specifically between Belgian, classic, chocolate, and buttermilk waffles, and it also includes a custom option. From there, 12 different settings allow you to further customize your waffles in terms of how light or dark you want them. The adjustments between heat levels are inconsistent and can take a long time to get to temperature. When it comes time to make the waffle, this option does take longer than any other option on our list to preheat—five minutes and 42 seconds. A beep noise alerts you to when it’s preheated, and a ready light will indicate when the waffle is done. In testing, we did find the seven settings each produced results on the darker side.

Do note with this option that it is a bit bulkier than other choices on our list. As a result, it can be a bit cumbersome for storage. However, it can be put on its side for better usage of space when not in use. While waffles are delicious and fun to make, a machine that is hard to clean certainly makes them a less enticing option. In our testing, Breville’s No Mess Waffle Maker is the best waffle maker out there to alleviate this issue, and it features a handful of other options that we appreciate.This simple option includes one indicator light on the top to let you know that it is preheated, but there are no other indicators that let you know the status of your waffle. However, it does have other features that we like, such as an easy-to-lift handle to keep your fingers safe. It also heats up faster than any other waffle maker on our list, taking just two minutes and 20 seconds.