At this point, every single cast iron waffle maker on the market is a stovetop waffle maker (non-electric). Still, there are a number of different types, each with its own pros and cons. If you slop too much batter into the machine’s waffle plates, the excess liquid will run into the clever channels at the side instead of leaking out of the machine. Less cleaning up time is always a bonus in our books. Non-slip feet keep the Lakeland No Mess Waffle Maker extra steady and the included recipe leaflet has some interesting recipes to try, both sweet and savoury.

These patterns could include anything from a coat of arms emblem, religious symbols, mandalas or oriental designs, or even landscapes. Lehmans makes one that’s almost identical but is slightly higher quality. It’s still thin cast iron with a short handle though, so not ideal. Filip your waffle iron over several times while preheating to have a good hot surface on both sides, allowing for evenly cooked waffles. We give you three choices to prepare this recipe: use 4 tablespoons for a reduced-fat waffle, 8 tablespoons for a classic light and fluffy waffle; or 16 tablespoons for the crunchiest most delicious waffle imaginable.” The base was originally needed to provide space between the iron and the intense direct heat coming from an old-fashioned wood cookstove. The model I use has a small base, that elevates the waffle iron about 2” above the heat source. Other models elevate it as much as 4”.

4. Best flip waffle maker: American Originals Flip-Over Waffle Maker

Pre heat the waffle maker until hot and coat the inside surfaces with melted butter using a pastry brush. Type: Bubble | Removable plates: No | Size: 28 x 20 x 3cm| Weight: 1.79kg | Cooking time: 3-5 What we like Filling and delicious, waffles are especially tasty when topped with fruit, ice cream or chocolate sauce (or all of the above and more). And they’re incredibly photogenic, making them ideal for your Insta feed or shared family album (ask that ravenous teen of yours for food styling guidance).

These aren’t made anymore, but they are readily available on Etsy (as fully reconditioned and ready to use). Unlike the more common electric waffle makers, the stovetop waffle makers are specially designed for use on either induction or gas stovetops. Here is a guide to features you need to consider when choosing the best waffle maker. You can use a wide variety of cooking methods in a cast iron cooking vessel including baking, roasting, grilled frying, and even toasting.To be honest, waffle makers and waffle irons are fairly similar in terms of the quality of waffles that they produce. Because, at the end of the day, their main job is to heat up the batter. There isn’t that much that can go wrong here, the main difference between them is the heat source. No matter how expensive or cheap a product is, durability is what really matters. This can be loosely translated into the material used. Therefore, you should concentrate on heavy-duty materials. You can ensure durability by using trusted brands and sources. This is what I did when reviewing products. You will get value for every dollar you spend on quality, even though it comes at a cost. Conclusion

Using a waffle iron is a little bit more involved. Depending on the waffle iron that you have (and how you are cooking the waffles), you may have to flip the waffle iron over during the cooking process. You will also need to ensure that the waffle plates are evenly heated, otherwise, you could end up with a partially cooked waffle. Jade Moscrop is a Deputy Commercial Content Editor for WhatsTheBest, specialising in lifestyle topics. She also writes for Closer, Heat, and Mother&Baby.

What else can I use a waffle maker for?

There are cast iron waffle makers available that can make waffles with scalloped edges. These waffles can be served whole or split like a pizza. Waffles are bread, essentially, and are just as versatile. If you’ve only ever served them for breakfast, you are missing some delicious opportunities. Type: Belgian | Removable plates: No | Size: 16 x 7 x 12cm| Weight: N/A | Cooking time: 5-10 minutes What we like This compact flip-over waffle maker comes highly recommended by independent reviewers who say the American-style waffles produced are reliably golden and crispy on the outside, and pleasingly fluffy on the inside. A shiny red slimline gadget that’s easy to store, the American Originals Flip-Over Waffle Maker is also eye-catching enough to leave out on your worktop. Heat the iron for about two minutes and then turn it over to heat the other side too. Make sure you wear oven mitts.