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The best waffle maker for golden, fluffy (not floppy) results every time
Nearly half the waffle makers we tested failed, but these ones delivered
Tested by Blossom BoothroydHomes Testing Manager
While you can cook most dishes without any gadgets, there’s simply no replacement for a waffle maker. And, as we discovered in our testing, finding one you can rely on for fluffy, golden waffles every time isn't that easy.
In our hunt for the best waffle makers, the Good Housekeeping Institute experts cooked up stacks of these delicious brunch treats using a range of market-leading machines, from premium to budget buys. And while we had to fail quite a few due to their sad, rubbery and half-cooked results, a handful did meet our high standards. Here they are at a glance – keep scrolling for the full reviews.
Best waffle makers 2025
To test waffle makers, we see how they fare with three different batter recipes, as well as assessing speed and ease of use. The best ones delivered waffles that were crisp and golden on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
Sounds straightforward, but many had a disappointing rubbery texture due to insufficient heat. In this category, we’ve found that price is a good indicator of quality, as most of the budget waffle makers we tried just weren’t up to scratch. However, a budget model from Salter did pass our rigorous tests, and our winner is often on sale.
Ready to live your American diner fantasy at home? Below are our top buys for fluffy (not floppy) results, every time.
Pros
- Quick to preheat and cook
- Removable plates that are dishwasher safe
- Extra set of round plates for pancakes included
Cons
- Quite bulky
Score: 91/100
Our winner delivered fast, consistent results across the board, crisping up perfect waffles in just three and a half minutes. The waffles lifted off the non-stick plates easily, and the overflow moat guaranteed zero mess.
This model was the only one that passed our tests AND had removable plates, which are dishwasher-safe for easy clean-up. We also love that you can switch out your waffle plates for round ones (included), allowing you to whip up fluffy pancakes and omelettes, too. And with a five-year guarantee, you can rest assured that this model is made to last.
Key specifications
| Preheat time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 3.5 minutes |
| Removable plates | Yes |
| Guarantee | 5 years |
Pros
- Automatically calculates cooking time
- Outstanding waffle texture
Cons
- Large and heavy
- Investment buy
Score: 90/100
Even our waffle makers are smart now... If you want fuss-free waffles, this clever machine takes out all the guesswork. Simply select the type of waffle you’re making, adjust the brownness to your liking and the ‘Waffle IQ™’ tech will calculate the cooking time, beeping once it’s finished.
The waffles made from our own batter recipe and the manufacturer’s recipe scored full marks – they were evenly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The plates aren’t removable, but thanks to a highly effective non-stick surface, you can just wipe them clean.
Key specifications
| Preheat time | 7.5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 4.5 minutes |
| Removable plates | No |
| Guarantee | No |
Pros
- Makes big diner-style waffles
- Perfect shape every time
Cons
- Plates aren’t removable
Score: 85/100
For a true dessert shop experience, this innovative machine by CASO creates thick, circular waffles that can hold mountains of tasty toppings. The vertical design means the shape is perfect every time – you just fill it to the top, and pop the cooked waffle out when the light turns green.
Our own waffle recipe and the manufacturer’s recipe achieved full marks – they were well-browned, with a crisp exterior and soft fluffy interior. This waffle maker won’t take up much countertop space, either – just make sure you have a cupboard tall enough for it.
Key specifications
| Preheat time | 4.5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 6 minutes |
| Removable plates | No |
| Guarantee | None |
Pros
- Simple controls
- Compact size
Cons
- Long cooking time
- No overflow channel
Score: 83/100
If you don’t see yourself making waffles often enough to justify a big purchase, this budget buy from Salter ticks all the boxes. Although the waffles took quite a long time (12 minutes – not ideal if you’re feeding a crowd), they were well-cooked, especially with the manufacturer’s own recipe.
We'd have liked some overflow channels to save us from batter overspills, but it’s not a deal breaker – just be careful not to overload the plates. The waffles were easy to remove with no sticking, making clean-up straightforward. Simple, compact and affordable.
Key specifications
| Preheat time | 3 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 12 minutes |
| Removable plates | No |
| Guarantee | None |
Pros
- Makes four waffles at once
- Overflow channel catches overspill
Cons
- Fairly long cooking time
Score: 79/100
If you’ve got lots of mouths to feed, this extra-large model can make four waffles at once. They’ll take a while to cook – seven minutes, when our top scorer only needs half that – but for families, it’s great to have a whole batch done in one go.
This one also took a little longer to preheat than advertised (four and a half minutes instead of three), but the results were delicious: crisp and fluffy, though just a touch uneven in places. The plates aren’t removable, but the excellent non-stick and overflow channels keep mess to a minimum.
Key specifications
| Preheat time | 4.5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cooking time | 7 minutes |
| Removable plates | No |
| Guarantee | 3 years |
How we test waffle makers
Waffle testing day is a good day at the Good Housekeeping Institute. We use three waffle recipes to review each model: our Good Housekeeping cookery team's ultimate waffle batter, one with added chocolate chips, and, if they provide one, the manufacturer’s own recommended recipe.
The testers measure how quickly and evenly the waffles cook, and rate each machine on how easy it is to use. We also award points for extra features like indicator lights, and check casings don't get too hot. But above all, we’re seeking the perfect waffle: crispy and brown on the outside, fluffy on the inside and with a good depth to hold tasty toppings.
Why trust the Good Housekeeping Institute?
We’re no strangers to kitchen gadgets here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, having tested all kinds of household goods for over a century. These waffle makers were rigorously assessed in our test kitchen, overseen by homes testing manager Blossom Boothroyd.
Our experts are highly experienced at creating testing protocols that replicate how you would use a product at home. That’s why we use several different recipes for each waffle maker, and consider other factors such as ease of use, cleaning and design in our scoring system.
Once testing is complete, the results are passed on to our homes writer, Jasmine Vorley. Jasmine comes from a background in product testing and design and knows exactly how to pull out the most useful information to help shoppers make informed decisions.
More Tried & Tested brunch buys
- The best smoothie makers for a fruity start to the day
- The best frying pans for your morning bacon and eggs
- The best kettle and toaster sets for the ultimate tea and toast
How to choose the right waffle maker
These are the key features to consider when shopping.
Price: While waffle makers can cost anywhere from £20 to £200 and beyond, most budget models failed our tests. So even if you don’t plan on using your waffle maker all the time, we think spending a little more is worth it for better waffles. Just think how much money you could save on posh brunches!
Size: Consider how many waffles you'll want to make in one go. If you have to regularly feed a crowd, you'll probably want a machine that can cook multiple waffles at once – or one that promises a quick cooking time.
Features: Other things to look for include removable plates, a non-stick coating and an overflow channel to catch excess batter. These will make your life easier, and ultimately make you far more likely to use your waffle maker regularly.
How do you make waffles in a waffle maker?
Waffle makers are very straightforward to use: batter goes in, waffle comes out. However, a few top tips could save you from sticking or spillages. Our cookery editor Emma Franklin advises thorough preheating for better cooking and less chances of sticking.
“It’s also important to use the right amount of batter,” she says. “Find a measuring cup that works and stick to it.” Finally, she warns never to use metal utensils in your waffle maker to preserve the non-stick coating. “Once it's gone, no amount of greasing will make up for it!”
Once you’ve perfected your waffles, it’s time for the fun part: toppings. If you're in need of inspiration, here are five delicious waffle toppings to try.
Are waffle makers easy to clean?
Removable plates and non-stick coatings will make everything much easier. Our household advice editor Katie Mortram also advises waiting until the machine is still warm, but no longer hot, for easy cleaning.
“If the plates aren’t removable, apply a soapy water solution with a wrung-out cloth to clean them, but don’t saturate the plates,” Katie says.
“You can use a toothbrush to get into the grooves if needed. Then wipe with a damp, wrung-out cloth. Always follow the manufacturer's care instructions, and never use a scouring pad or anything that could scratch the non-stick."
The verdict: Which waffle maker is the best?
Our winning waffle maker is the Cuisinart 2 in 1 Waffle & Pancake Maker, which impressed us with its fast, delicious results and changeable plates.
If you don't want to spend over the odds, the Salter Deep Fill Waffle Maker was the only model under £30 to pass our tests.
Jasmine is the Good Housekeeping Institute’s homes writer. With a background in design, she is committed to sorting the good products from the great –and helping Good Housekeeping readers do the same.
Throughout her career, Jasmine has written extensively about product quality, craftsmanship and sustainability, and is passionate about consumer rights. She previously worked as a writer and researcher at the product longevity platform Buy Me Once.
If she isn’t reviewing the latest gadgets for your home, you can probably find Jasmine cooking elaborate meals or crafting something weird and wonderful!
Blossom is passionate about finding the best home products and appliances for GH readers. As head of the homes testing team, she has led reviews across multiple categories, from pizza ovens, and smart plugs to portable fans and hobs. She enjoys delving into the intricacies of products and refining testing protocols to ensure we’re testing them against their claims. Her aim is to find the top-performing products on the market, to help take the hard work out of housework. Blossom’s most notable accomplishment in the lab has been toasting 528 slices of bread in her quest to find the best toasters money can buy. In her free time, she openly admits to being a music geek and indulges her creative side through crocheting, baking, singing and writing.
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