The best waffle makers

[Dani ♡]

 

Just like the pancake, getting perfect waffles on your first go can often be a tricky task. Before you settle down to enjoy your breakfast it's likely you'll have a plate full of reject waffles, ranging from drastically undercooked in the middle for some reason, to so burnt you're probably going to have to leave the pan soaking in the sink for at least a month. But it doesn't have to be that way. We've come a long way since the word "waffle" was first introduced to the English language in the 1725 book "Court Cookery" by chef Robert Smith who swore by the "bake one to try; if they burn, add more butter" method. Modern waffle makers that do all the hard work for you fall into three categories: stove-top irons, electric machines, and moulds that can be baked in the oven. Here we look at each of the types of waffle maker, and round up some of the best on the market.The stove top waffle maker is a traditional alternative to today's more modern electric machines and, as the name suggests, allows you to cook your waffles over all types of hob. Traditional stove top Heavy-duty and relatively easy to use CREDIT: PHOTOLIBRARY They're relatively easy to use as well; simply preheat both sides of the waffle maker, adding a little bit of oil to each side, pour in the batter and cook to perfection taking care to flip the maker about halfway through. While electric waffle makers might be the machine of choice for many, stove top makers are generally much easier to clean and store away. They're also extremely heavy-duty and, if you opt for a cast iron waffle maker, it'll become naturally seasoned after a fair few turns being used with the proper oiling - though a cast iron maker may not be for you if you're not willing to go through the effort it takes the establish the proper seasoning.It only makes two waffles at once, but they're large ones and this non-stick tong is significantly cheaper than the Nordic Ware waffle makers below. Pour in batter, close the lid and turn the iron after two minutes or so, then pop out two crispy brown waffles. Buy now Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Griddle £35.15, Amazon Nordic Ware Silver Dollar Waffle Griddle A cast-aluminium waffle griddle pan that makes seven small waffles a pop. It is non-stick, but users report that the pan does need coating with a further non-stick product to ensure the cooked waffles slide out easily. A good trick for flipping them is to use two wooden skewers as a pincer.

This waffle clamp removes the need for awkward flipping techniques because you simply turn the whole thing over. Belgian waffles have deeper indents than American-style waffles because they are made from a yeast batter instead of a pancake batter. This cast-aluminium waffler makes four large square-holed waffles, perfect for containing blueberries smothered in maple syrup.We're not as in love with electric waffle makers here as they are in America, where Walmart stocks 60 different brands in its online store.The advantage of the electric machines over tongs or oven moulds is that they heat the waffle from above and below at the same time, producing a more even colour. All of the below are non-stick. Here are some of our favourite electric waffle makers.An elegant waffle makers by the Swedish company Clas Ohlson, this produces two delicate, thin waffles that can be treated as a crêpe and folded around its fillings or split up into five heart shapes.

An elegant waffle makers by the Swedish company Clas Ohlson, this produces two delicate, thin waffles that can be treated as a crêpe and folded around its fillings or split up into five heart shapes.This bright red number makes five small heart-shaped waffles or one large one. Once its green indicator light turns off, pour waffle mixture into the centre of the plate, close the lid and after about five minutes you'll have perfect evenly-coloured waffles.

Andrew James can usually be counted on for good-looking products and this sleek red model is no exception. It makes two 30-dent, classic Belgian waffles and comes with a 1kg pack of Luxury Belgian Style Waffle Mix to help you get started.

The Rolls-Royce of waffle makers, this stainless steel Dualit model is one for serious waffle addicts and professional outfits. It has an output per hour of 60 waffles, two layers of non-stick coating, individual plate control and a price to match. Not ideal for home bakers, but the top of the waffle making market.

Lékué makes virtually the only set of oven-safe waffle moulds, but they're a brilliant and easy way to make waffles without investing in large machines.

These clever flexible silicone waffle moulds by Lékué can go in the dishwasher after use and are much easier to store than any of the bulky machines or tools above.