Waffles aren’t just for breakfast – they provide the perfect base for almost any meal, both sweet and savory. And a good waffle maker can completely change your waffle-making game.
While waffle makers may look similar, there are some key differences that set them apart and will likely determine the quality of the final product.
In this guide, we’ll help you discern which waffle maker is likely to be the best fit for your home or business in 2025.
Table of Contents
An overview of the waffle maker market
Types of waffle makers
What to look for in a waffle maker
1. Waffle styles: Classic vs. Belgian
2. Plate size and shape
3. Heating material: Ceramic vs. cast iron
4. Other features to consider
Best waffle makers
Best Belgian-style waffle maker
Best budget waffle maker
Best small waffle maker
Best smart waffle maker
Benefits of buying on Alibaba.com
Final thoughts
An overview of the waffle maker market
According to Morodor Intelligence, the waffle maker market is forecast to be worth USD 246 million by the end of 2025 and 322 million by 2030.
While this indicates the market is ripe for investment, it’s prudent to point out that there are two main areas of growth in the waffle iron market: Belgian waffle makers and mini waffle makers.
Types of waffle makers
When picking a waffle maker, think about what style you or your customers are likely to want to make. Here are the main types:
Classic waffle makers: These are perfect for smaller, thinner waffles like the kind you’d see in an old-fashioned diner
Belgian waffle makers: Belgian waffles are bigger, fluffier, and have deeper pockets to hold syrup, whipped cream, or fruit
Flip waffle makers: These allow you to flip the waffle maker to spread the batter evenly and cook both sides for a perfectly even waffle. Flip models are especially popular in hotels and restaurants but are also available for home use.
Mini waffle makers: The compact design of these mini waffle makers allows consumers to make small waffles as a snack. They take up less space in smaller kitchens and often come in fun colors, helping them to appeal to Gen Z consumers compared with traditional black or stainless steel models.
Novelty waffle makers: These make waffles in fun shapes like hearts or cartoon characters, perfect for kids or themed events
What to look for in a waffle maker
You might have thought that choosing a waffle maker was easy and there weren’t too many differences between them, I definitely did before doing my research. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best waffle maker for your needs:
1. Waffle style: Classic vs. Belgian
Both classic and Belgian-style waffles taste great but are fairly different when it comes to waffle style. For example, if you want thicker, fluffier waffles with deeper pockets for toppings, you’ll prefer a Belgian-style waffle maker.
2. Plate size and shape
The size of the plate determines the size and number of waffles you can make. Round waffle makers are great for individual waffles, while square varieties generally make larger waffles better for sharing. You’ll also want to consider the amount of storage available.
3. Heating material: Ceramic vs. cast iron
In addition to the size and plate shape, waffle makers come in a variety of different heating materials. For one, ceramic waffle makers are great for home use thanks to being easy to clean and light. Their features typically include:
- Nonstick plates: Many ceramic waffle makers have a non-stick surface, making them easy to clean
- Eco-friendly: Ceramic is often free from harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA
- Lightweight: These are easier to handle and store
Meanwhile, cast iron waffle makers are ideal for camping or professional kitchens that value durability. They can last for decades with proper care but may need to be seasoned regularly as they aren’t naturally non-stick.
4. Other features to consider
- Rotating/flipping plates: Allows for even cooking by rotating the waffle during cooking
- Removable plates: The ability to remove plates makes them easier to clean
- Drip tray: Catches excess batter for easy cleanup
- Temperature control: Allows for precise heat adjustment
- Indicator lights: Signals when the waffle maker is ready to use
Best waffle makers
Here are our waffle iron top picks:
Best Belgian-style waffle maker
Cuisinart’s WAF-F4 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker makes some of the most consistently fluffy waffles out there. It is able to cook two large waffles at a time, catching any drips. The biggest downside is that the plates aren’t removable so it can be tedious to clean. It’s also quite large, so storage is definitely something to consider.
If consistency and the perfect waffle every time is the most important factor for you, then a rotating waffle maker like Cuisinart’s is going to be a priority.
Best budget waffle maker
Krups’ 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker is a great option for under USD 100. While it’s slower than Cuisinart’s, it makes great square waffles suitable for families.
Best small waffle maker
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker is a quality waffle maker for small, individual waffles, making it a great option for those who only want to make a couple of waffles. An added bonus is its small size, making it much easier to store in small kitchens.
Best smart waffle maker
Looking for a smarter way to make waffles? Breville’s Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker (it also comes in a two-slice version), has a wide range of settings that allow you to adjust everything from the texture to doneness, and also has a countdown timer to let you know exactly when the waffles are ready.
But with added technology comes an added price, with the two-slice maker costing more than USD 200, while the four-slice version costs between USD 300-400.
Benefits of buying on Alibaba.com
Alibaba.com is a great place to shop for waffle makers, whether you need one or a hundred.
- Huge variety: From basic models to advanced commercial machines, there’s something for everyone
- Custom options: Want to add your business name or logo? Many sellers offer customization.
- Bulk discounts: Great for businesses looking to save money
- Global shipping: No matter where you are in the world, Alibaba.com can deliver
Final thoughts
Choosing the right waffle maker doesn’t have to be hard. By considering your needs and knowing what features to look for, finding the perfect machine for your kitchen or business can be a breeze.
Ready to get started? Visit Alibaba.com today to explore a wide range of waffle makers and take your waffle game to the next level!
