Waffle iron test 2021: test winner, bestseller and recommendations

From the simple waffle iron at a budget price to the high-end waffle machine for professionals: GIGA shows you the 4 best models that make delicious waffles.

The best waffle makers 2021: an overview of all test winners and recommendations

The price range for waffle irons starts at around 20 euros for a simple device and goes up to over 200 euros for a professional waffle iron. This overview only contains devices that are only suitable for baking waffles – i.e. no combination devices (so-called waffle / sandwich makers).

Waffle iron test winner Stiftung Warentest: Cloer 1621 waffle machine

Advantages:

• Easy handling
• Good non-stick coating
• Attractive price

Disadvantage:

• The bottom of the device can get very hot
• Equipment is limited to the bare essentials (e.g. control light instead of acoustic signal)

The last waffle iron test by Stiftung Warentest was a while ago: In the 01/2011 issue, 14 pure waffle irons (and 4 combination models) were examined. The decisive criteria were “baking” and “handling”. The winner went Cloer 1621 waffle machine that you can still buy in stores – a classic among waffle irons, if you will. The device was classified as an “uncomplicated, inexpensive solo iron for one round waffle” and received the final grade of 2.2 (“good”). However, it was criticized that the bottom of the device can get very hot during operation.

Here is the official manufacturer video of the Cloer 1621 waffle machine:

With a street price of around 30 euros, the Cloer 1621 is extremely cheap – it is, so to speak, an “entry-level model” with correspondingly simple equipment. Top-of-the-range features such as a handle lock, acoustic signal or display cannot be found on the Cloer 1621. Nevertheless, it is a successful product that has proven itself over many years. Over 8,000 customer reviews on Amazon have a remarkable average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.

Waffle iron test winner “Kitchen & Household”: Cloer 189 waffle machine

Advantages:

• Easy handling
• Good non-stick coating

Disadvantage:

• The beep is useful, but it can also be annoying

The next recommended model is one price class higher and also comes from Cloer. In the magazine “Küche & household” (edition 02/2020, available from Readly) the Cloer 189 waffle machine graded with the final grade of 1.1. The ease of use has been particularly praised – perfect round waffles can be made in just 2-3 minutes (level 3 of 5 is recommended). A signal tone informs the user when the baking time is over and the waffle should be removed.

Here is the official manufacturer video of the Cloer 189 waffle machine:

The Cloer 189 is available at Amazon in three color variants with their own model numbers (white = Cloer 181, chrome = Cloer 185, stainless steel = Cloer 189), which can cost different amounts – so it is worthwhile to select the different models before buying. The customer reviews come to an excellent average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. “I’ve been using a waffle iron like this for 10 years. It still works like it did on the first day, ”writes an enthusiastic owner.

Amazon bestseller: Domo DO9149W waffle iron

Advantages:

• Powerful performance, for 2 waffles at the same time
• Good equipment (timer, lights)

Disadvantage:

• “Metallic design”: the housing looks like metal, but is made of plastic

Let’s take a look at the waffle iron bestsellers on Amazon. There’s a model there called Domo DO9149W to be found on the front ranks, which is suitable for the production of square waffles (“Brussels waffles”). According to the manufacturer, the waffle iron was developed together with the Belgian television chef Piet Huysentruyt, whose name can also be seen on the top of the device. The output is comparatively high at 1,400 watts (Cloer 1621: 930 watts) – but the Domo DO9149W can also bake two waffles at the same time, each measuring 16 x 9.5 x 2.5 cm. The equipment is good: a non-stick coating prevents the waffle batter from sticking, temperature and timer can be set independently of one another, control lamps provide information about on / off and “Ready.”

Most of the customer reviews about the Domo DO9149W waffle iron on Amazon are positive. Individual owners are annoyed by the somewhat short power cable (50 cm) and the mediocre build quality. Well, even if the manufacturer calls the Domo DO9149W a “professional waffle iron”, one should not forget that it is priced more in the upper entry-level category. The next model shows what a luxury waffle iron actually costs.

Professional waffle iron: Sage SWM620 the Smart Waffle Pro

Advantages:

• High quality workmanship (stainless steel, die-cast aluminum baking surfaces)
• First-class equipment (illuminated LCD, calculation of the correct baking time)
• For 2 waffles at the same time

Disadvantage:

• High purchase price, is only worthwhile with record-breaking waffle consumption or the highest culinary demands on each individual waffle

Some of you may already know the Sage brand from sinfully expensive espresso machines like the Oracle Touch. Behind this is the Australian company Breville, which mainly in the USA and Great Britain stands for kitchen appliances in the premium segment. With these assumptions, it is not surprising that the waffle iron Say SWM620 at just under 200 euros is one of the most expensive devices on the market.

The equipment is accordingly comprehensive. Above all, the integrated liquid crystal display and the stainless steel housing make it clear that this is a professional model. The Sage SWM620 the Smart Waffle Pro automatically calculates “the right baking time and the optimal degree of browning” – depending on which dough you select in the menu on the screen (Belgian waffles, chocolate waffles, classic waffles, buttermilk waffles, own recipe). It is definitely advisable to take a look Operating Instructions (PDF)to get to know all functions before you buy. The Amazon customer reviews (4.7 out of 5 stars) are positive and confirm the manufacturer’s promises. One of the owners sums it up: “Really expensive, but the waffles are divinely good.”

The best waffle irons 2021: This is how we chose

GIGA editor Stefan has incorporated his own experience and research in specialist journals into this summary. Waffle irons that have received special praise from the press and customers and are therefore recommended for purchase will be presented. The test procedure used by Stiftung Warentest for waffle irons is also on the corresponding website explained. Sources used: Stiftung Warentest Edition 01/2011, “Kitchen & Household” (Edition 02/2020, available from Readly)

Buying a waffle iron: what you should know

Waffle irons at Lidl, Aldi and other discounters

Where is the best place to buy a waffle iron? In addition to the major online retailers (Amazon, MediaMarkt, Otto), it is always worth taking a look at the current brochures from discounters such as Aldi or Lidl. Here the models of well-known kitchen appliance brands (Tefal, Severin, Unold etc.) are occasionally on offer – but models are also sold under the respective retail brands of the discounters (eg “Ambiano” at Aldi). Our tip at the point: That Silvercrest waffle maker for around 18 euros can be found in Lidl’s online shop and shines there with excellent customer ratings (4.8 out of 5 stars).

Waffle maker: round or square?

Waffles differ in their thickness and shape. Round, flat wafers, the sections of which are heart-shaped (“heart waffles”), are popular in this country. Three different Recipes for waffles Has Lisa from familie.de put together for you: sweet, hearty, no egg.

At the Christmas market you can find thicker (and often square) waffles, which are also called “Belgian waffles”. They in turn differ in “Brussels waffles” and “Liège waffles” (dough with pieces of sugar). For the characteristic shape with the deep pattern you need a corresponding waffle iron, such as the Sage SWM620 mentioned above.

What’s the best way to clean a waffle iron?

The waffle irons presented above are all equipped with a non-stick coating on the heating plates. Under no circumstances should you use scouring sponges, sharp cleaning agents or pointed objects when cleaning – this can destroy the sensitive coating. Better: If the waffle iron is still warm after use (unplugged & no longer hot), remove the remnants of the pastry with a dampened kitchen towel. A little vegetable oil can also help remove the residue. Hard-to-reach crevices can also be cleaned with a soft toothbrush and a little water (without toothpaste!).

Can your old waffle iron (and the smoking toaster and dryer in the basement) go? Then take a look here, how to properly dispose of old technology:

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