7 Best Waffle Makers With Removable Plates
Pancakes are delightful, but they’re not the same as waffles. Sometimes you just crave a great waffle and you don’t want to be bothered to have a professional cook it for you, but they do require special machinery to create.
A waffle maker doesn’t have to break your budget or your patience. The right machine will create fluffy, golden-brown waffles in minutes with minimal effort.
So what makes the best waffle maker with removable plates? The best waffle makers are easy to clean (which is why removable plates are useful), easy to use, and cook quickly. Different browning levels and settings are especially useful. The machine should be large enough to fit your needs.
And there you have it. The best waffle makers with removable plates are easy to use, quick to cook, simple to clean, and even store without too much fuss.
In this article, we explain how to choose the best waffle maker and share 7 of the best waffle makers with removable plates that will fit any lifestyle, any household, and any cooking ability.
What is a Waffle Maker?
A waffle maker, sometimes also called a waffle iron, is a handy kitchen appliance designed specifically to cook waffles with minimal effort.
Two metal plates hinge together inside an outer housing that contains heating coils. The appliance is opened, filled with batter, and closed to cook.
It’s very similar in design to a panini press or sandwich maker, but the plates are typically designed with a honeycomb pattern that is uniquely suited to making waffles.
Different machines will produce different shapes and sizes of waffles, but they all have those telltale depressions that are perfect for filling with warm butter, syrup, or whipped cream. Mmmm.
The waffle makers on our list below vary in style. Some make thin, flat waffles whereas others make thick, fluffy Belgian style waffles. Some are square and others are round.
Some machines create only 1 or 2 waffles at a time and others can feed a family of 4 all at once (at least before you go for round two). Some waffle makers flip and some can turn into sandwich presses or fold out into grills.
No matter how you like your waffles, there is a waffle maker on our list that will suit your preferences.
How to Choose The Best Waffle Maker
In order to make the perfect light and crispy waffles, you need to have the perfect waffle maker.
When you’re choosing a waffle maker, ask yourself a few questions:
- How many waffles do you need to make in a single serving?
- Do you prefer thick, fluffy Belgian waffles, or thin, crispy waffles?
- Do you want a machine designed solely for waffles, or is versatility important?
- Will you be storing your waffle maker in a cupboard, or on your countertop?
- How limited is your storage space?
- Are you highly attentive when you cook or do you need reminders?
- Do you value simplicity or fancy features more?
Having the answers to these questions will help you choose the right waffle maker for your home. There are options on our list for all the possibilities and more.
Belgian Vs Regular Waffle Iron
Belgian waffles are thick and fluffy, made in a waffle iron that has much deeper grids.
The batter is slightly different, using yeast instead of baking powder to create a light, airy waffle. The deeper grids and, often, the rotating function of a Belgian waffle iron is needed to create the larger breakfast food.
A regular waffle iron will create flatter, denser waffles.
The batter isn’t made to rise so it doesn’t need the larger grooves to fill into. Because they’re smaller, regular waffles irons will usually heat up more quickly and cook the waffles faster than Belgian waffles.
Best Waffle Makers With Removable Plates
Enjoying waffles on a long weekend is a wonderful treat, but it becomes less enticing if there’s major clean-up detail required after your breakfast is finished.
Having removable plates makes it much easier to maintain a waffle maker. It’s a feature that’s hard to live without after you’ve tried it once.
We’ve gone through a myriad of options and put together a list of the 7 best waffle makers with removable plates:
| Rank | Product | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Maker | Overall quality and function |
| 2. | KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker | Timer feature |
| 3. | Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker | Most stylish |
| 4. | Secura Upgrade Belgian Waffle Maker | Fastest cooking speed |
| 5. | Yabano 3-in-1 Waffle Maker Sandwich Grill | Space efficiency |
| 6. | Elechomes Belgian Waffle Maker | Best for singles or couples |
| 7. | Best Choice Products 3-in-1 Waffle Maker | Versatility |
Keep reading to learn all the best, and worst, features of our favorite machines.
1. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Maker
Waffles are one component of a complete master breakfast, but this handy machine will whip up side dishes like eggs, bacon, and hashbrowns just as easily.
You can easily press your waffles or a sandwich, and then rinse off the removable plates, open the machine so that it lays flat, and use the griddle plates to finish the cooking quickly and easily. They’re non-stick and there’s a grease run-off channel making cleanup a breeze.
Key Features:
- 3-in-1 Waffle maker, grill and griddle with non-stick reversible plates
- 180-degree hinge allows for double the griddle surface area
- Adjustable temperature settings
Biggest Drawback: The metal of the plates is not as thick as it could be and, if they’re taking on and off of the machine while it’s still hot, they can be bent or warp.
This makes it difficult to connect properly to the machine and increases the potential that the plates will fall off when they shouldn’t.
As long as you handle the plates only when they’re completely cooled, which is as much for safety as much as quality, the plates should maintain their shape.
2. KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker
Belgian waffles are thick and fluffy and with this machine you can cook 4 at once, potentially feeding your entire family with one press.
The “ready” light goes on when it’s time to pour your batter and the machine will beep when they’re ready to serve, leaving you free to go about your other kitchen business while you wait without the worry of burning your breakfast.
Key Features:
- Bakes 4 Belgian style waffles at a time
- Temperature control has 5 browning levels
- Lid locks and cord wraps neatly for easy, space-saving storage
Biggest Drawback: The beep timer is one of the handiest features of this machine but it’s also the piece that’s the most likely to get on your nerves.
While it’s incredibly useful to be reminded when you’re waffles are ready, the timer on this unit has been likened to the sound of a fire alarm. You aren’t at risk for missing your cue, that’s for sure.
3. Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
There’s something special about a waffle maker that flips. Not only do they create the fluffiest, thickest Belgian-style waffle with crispy, golden exteriors, but they’re nostalgic.
This particular unit is also highly stylish. The copper plates and brushed steel housing are too sleek to be hidden away in a cupboard. This machine will sit proudly on your countertop, reminding you of your love of waffles every morning.
Key Features:
- Flipping action creates thick waffles that are fully inside and crispy outside
- Fitted with stylish non-stick copper removable plates
- Grids come with a drip-tray and are easy to clean
Biggest Drawback: Even though the instructions and details specifically state that the removable plates are dishwasher safe, anything that has a non-stick coating is at risk in your dishwasher.
It’s much better to protect the quality by handwashing them. They are very easy to wipe down but will last much longer if you don’t test the dishwasher safety claim.
4. Secura Upgrade Belgian Waffle Maker
The design of this machine makes it as fun to use as it is effective. Once your batter is poured into the deep grooves, you lift then entire press upwards 90 degrees to perfectly distribute the batter, and then you can rotate it a complete 360 degrees to ensure evenly cooked, fluffy golden-brown waffles every time.
Key Features:
- Cool touch handles make flipping and opening the unit safe and easy
- Rotates 360 degrees for thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles
- High-efficiency heating coil cooks waffles in minutes
Biggest Drawback: The manufacturer clearly states that the first time the machine is turned on there may be some smoke and an unpleasant smell as a result of a protective oil being burnt off.
The smell is downright offensive to most noses and it lasts for a few uses, not just the first time. It does disappear after some time, but it’s obnoxious until then.
5. Yabano 3-in-1 Waffle Maker Sandwich Grill
This machine is all you need to make waffles for breakfast, grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch, and burgers or chicken breasts for dinner.
The plates are removable and interchangeable, cleaning quickly and easily. You can cook nearly anything between the options, including frying meat, since the temperature heats up quickly to a maximum of 392 F.
Key Features:
- 3-in-1 waffle maker, sandwich grill press, and grill with removable plates
- High-efficiency heating coils toast your waffles and sandwiches quickly
- Stands vertically safely to save storage space
Biggest Drawback: The lid is not overly heavy on this unit, which is nice for transporting it around your kitchen, but it doesn’t have enough weight to completely seal the machine shut.
If you’re not careful with your batter, it may leak out the sides a little bit. It also doesn’t cook entirely evenly all the time, though that’s a common difficulty with press-style machines like this.
6. Elechomes Belgian Waffle Maker
This is a fantastic unit for a single person or a couple. It makes only 2 waffles at a time, so it won’t feed a large family quickly, but it does a really great job of making those 2 waffles.
It’s a small, compact unit that fits well into small kitchens with limited cupboard space.
Key Features:
- Compact unit makes 2 Belgian-style waffles in 5 minutes or less
- Overheating protection makes it easy to refill without worrying about cooking the 2nd batch too quickly and burning your breakfast
- Built-in cord storage keeps everything contained and neat
Biggest Drawback: This isn’t the best waffle maker for large batches. It has a protective feature that prevents overheating, which is great for safety, but it makes it difficult to cook multiple batches of waffles without the unit constantly shutting down because it’s gotten too hot.
7. Best Choice Products 3-in-1 Waffle Maker
The main advantage of removable plates is how easy it makes the waffle iron to clean, but this 3-in-1 waffle iron, sandwich maker, and grill shows there’s another huge benefit to removable plates: versatility.
You can swap out plates by use and make all kinds of meals and snacks on this iron/grill supermachine.
Key Features:
- 3-in-1 waffle maker, panini press, and grill with interchangeable plates
- Auto shut-down feature means no hot plates are left on
- Compact and stores upright
Biggest Drawback: Like the maker itself, your waffles and sandwiches might turn out more on the compact side. Although you have a great deal of versatility, you are more likely to be making lighter sides or snacks – or you’ll have to make extras. Still, it’s a decent option to have on hand.
How Long To Cook Waffles in an Iron
Every waffle iron will require a different length of time to cook your waffles, depending on the efficiency of their heating coil, the size of the waffles, how many waffles cook at once, and the overall style of the machine.
Many machines will include a light feature or even a beep to let you know when the waffles are cooked, so you don’t even have to think about it.
It’s best to read the instructions for your exact model, but in most cases, you can have a waffle within about 5 minutes of pouring the batter onto the hot grill.
How To Clean Waffle Irons
One of the best features of waffle irons with removable plates is how easy they are to clean.
The most important thing to remember is to always wait for the plates to be completely cooled before you remove them from the machine.
This will not only protect your fingers and hands, but it also protects the metal plates themselves from warping. Metal is more pliable when it’s hot, so if you bend it at the wrong angle when it’s hot, it can ruin your plates.
Many waffle irons with non-stick removable plates will advertise that they’re dishwasher-safe. You can place the plates in your dishwasher, but this will make them more prone to scratching, rusting, and having the finish chip or flake off.
Since they’re so easy to clean, the best solution is to simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. You can use regular dish soap and run them under water, but always try to dry them immediately to extend their life.
Related Questions
Why Do Waffle Irons Flip?
Waffle irons that flip do so in order to evenly distribute the batter and cook all sides equally. By strategically using gravity to your advantage, the batter will spread out more quickly and therefore cook more quickly.
Most waffle irons that flip make Belgian waffles. The rotation lets the thicker waffle cook crisply on the outside while steaming up to be light and fluffy on the inside.
Why Aren’t My Waffles Crispy?
If your waffles aren’t crispy you’ve probably either overfilled your waffle maker or the temperature wasn’t hot enough.
Waffle batter is obviously very moist and it requires a good hot plate to both crisp the outside of your waffle and cook the inside, depending on how thick the waffle is.
Try turning your thermostat to a higher temperature for the next batch of waffles or allowing it to heat up more before filling it with batter.
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