Once the batter was evenly spread on the upper plate, I closed the lid, flipped the machine (it rotates 180 degrees) and repeated the process on the second side. Always use a utensil that is made out of plastic, silicone, or rubber when prying out the waffle, because metal utensils will definitely scratch your waffle maker. The Breville Smart 4-Slice makes perfect golden waffles, but it is also intuitively designed with a built-in overflow moat to keep counters clear of excess batter, a locking lid to aid in storage, and a gorgeous low-profile stainless steel exterior. With that fact in mind, you probably don’t need me to tell you that this machine is big and even a little clunky—it’s a full 19.

Round Waffle Maker in 2023 - Appliances Radar The 10 Best Round Waffle Maker in 2023 - Appliances Radar

The version without the removable plates is an absolute nightmare to clean up, so we think it’s worth the splurge. You will need to get to know your machine and perfect your batter mix before hosting a waffle party. The nonstick plates make clean-up simple, but we just wish the plates were removable for a more thorough cleaning. Gabriella Gershenson, who wrote the 2023 update, is an editor on Wirecutter’s kitchen team and a longtime food journalist. Though the removable plates are easy to clean, so are the plates on machines that lack that feature.There is an overflow channel to catch any surplus batter but it is quite narrow - if you stick to a generous tablespoon each time though you can keep things fairly neat and tidy. If you open the lid and the waffle isn’t finished, you will literally rip the waffle apart—and there’s no coming back from that.

Waffle Makers 2023 - Forbes Vetted Best Waffle Makers 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Batter is messy stuff, and all those nooks and crannies in a waffle iron can be tough to get clean, so any model that made the task easier—whether it be with attachments to catch wayward drips and spills or with dishwasher-safe, removable plates—got points from us. Dual indicator lights will let you know when it’s time for the batter and when the waffles are done. There was a lot to love about the Cuisinart 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker, including its spill-free performance and easy cleanup, which is why it earned our best overall award. There are red and green lights that let you know when the plates are hot and when the waffle is fully cooked, plus it will make a beeping noise in case you've stepped away.

The small but mighty waffle maker from Chefman makes 6-inch waffles and has seven adjustable shade settings. Since the Smart Waffle Pro is too big for her limited storage and counter space, she’s reluctant to take it out and use it. For fuss-free storage, it can stand up on countertops or in cabinets, and its cord wraps around the base for extra organization.

Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Waffle Maker, Stainless Steel, Silver

It has an on/off switch and a turn dial that can be adjusted from light to dark, depending on how brown you want the waffles to be. From the minute I unboxed this waffle maker, I was completely enamored with its exterior—and I had high hopes for its performance even before I turned it on. This also cooks the batter at the same time, giving you something to nibble on and making clean up a doddle. As a result, when you open the machine, you don’t have much waffle sticking up above the lip of the grid, so you have nothing to get a grip on. The preset functions did little beyond adjust the cook time slightly and therefore seemed unnecessary, especially when there were adjustable crispness and browning controls as well.

Whether it’s finding great products or discovering helpful advice, we’ll help you get it right (the first time). Some batches turned out strong, but others showed signs of uneven heating or inefficient steam release. And that consistency was proven: The second batch took 5 minutes and 39 seconds to cook—just 1 second less than the original batch.