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Learn & WatchSubmitWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Waffle O’Clock: Guide To Buying the Best Cast Iron Waffle Makers To Expand Your Kitchenware Collection
Published: 28 Nov 2023Waffles are a popular and widely loved breakfast staple, and waffle lovers can consume them any time during the day. If you’re obsessed with waffles, you probably enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and shapes to personalize your waffles. Or perhaps, you’re struggling to create the perfect Belgian waffles using an electric waffle maker. Either way, while electric waffle makers do have their uses, they simply cannot compete against the utility and perfection of a cast iron waffle maker. You see, waffles aren’t meant to be prepared using the quick-fix method of most electric appliances (it’s good if it does the job well but most will have heat distribution iss). Only a cast iron waffle maker can deliver the heat properly, to make a fluffy and crusty waffle. We’re bringing you some of the finest and quality cast iron waffle makers of 2023.
Shopping for cast iron kitchenware isn’t easy, as the market is brimming with cheap-grade products that mimic cast iron construction without delivering its quality. Our comprehensive buying guide will help you embrace the art of scrutinizing cast iron specifications to make a durable investment.
Show contentsComparing the Best Cast Iron Waffle Makers for 2023- Lot45 Cast Iron Waffle Maker Pan - Best Overall
- HAWOK Cast Iron Waffle Maker - Good Value for Money
- Cuisinart Waffle Maker - Most Trusted Brand
- Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker - Commendable Construction Quality
- Chuck Wagon Waffle Iron - Best for Camping
Buyer’s Guide: Finding an Ideal Cast Iron Waffle MakerBuyer’s Guide: Finding an Ideal Cast Iron Waffle Maker
Why should you switch to the traditional waffle maker despite the pour-and-make convenience of its electric counterpart? Well, waffles need two ingredients: love and a cast iron maker to recreate the traditional recipe anywhere, anytime. The cast iron waffle maker combines perfection with portability, as you can carry it on your camping trips and use it on multiple heat sources!
It offers a short cooking time, easy cleaning fix, and waffles prepared in cast iron makers have a rich texture – crisp on the outside and fluffy from the inside! Keep reading to explore specifications you should be closely considering for a flawless purchase!
Heat Exposure & Compatibility
The ideal cast iron waffle maker will be usable on multiple heat sources, such as open flames, campfires, stovetops, and induction cookers. However, it takes a special grade of cast iron to ensure compatibility with all heat sources. Not all cast iron cookware can be treated equally, and it takes an eye for quality to ensure good value for money. We advise exploring your cast iron waffle maker options out there to figure out their compatibility with all heat sources.
This can prove to be a bit tricky, as many cast iron waffle makers that are compatible with open fire cooking may end up scratching and ruining the surface of induction cookers.
Be sure to consider all the heat sources you commonly use to prepare waffles and whether you need the product for camping and traveling – make the purchase accordingly.
Ease of Using, Cleaning & Maintenance
Investing in cast iron cookware is a commitment that demands love, care, and regular maintenance. Without this commitment, your cast iron investments will fall apart and wither away in no time. In contrast, regular maintenance will ensure your cast iron waffle maker lasts a lifetime, and you can pass it on as an heirloom cookware piece.
Are you comfortable with regular seasoning, cleaning, and maintenance? If not, cast iron isn’t a material you ought to invest in because it demands work and effort. Cast iron waffle makers need to be seasoned and cleaned regularly, but the cleaning part isn’t as overwhelming as most people assume. We advise buying a cast iron waffle maker featuring a detachable hinge system. The detachable hinges make the waffle maker easier to use, season, and clean, and also makes the cookware item storage-friendly.
Just make sure that your chosen waffle maker comes with seasoning and cleaning instructions, especially if you’re using cast iron for the first time.
Construction/Durablity
Remember what we said about not treating all cast iron the same? That concept applies to the quality and durability of construction, as not all cast iron cookware is built to last. We advise examining the cast iron grade to ensure you bring home a heavy-guage metal. The best cast iron waffle makers offer superior durability and lifelong utility, but what if the handles and hinge system are made with cheap-grade metal?
We advise closely examining the hinge system and handle and avoiding buying waffle makers with plastic handles. Wooden handles are more functional as they offer some level of heat proofing and compatibility, but they make handling very challenging. We advise finding a waffle maker that is constructed entirely with cast iron, from the plate to the handles, for maximum utility.
It’s always best to shop for cast iron cookware items from reputable and trusted brands – and make sure they come with some sort of manufacturer’s warranty to get the best bang out of your buck!
Dimension & Shape
Considering the various shapes and sizes will help you find the perfect fit for your culinary experiments and waffle-making passion. Cast iron waffle makers are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some people prefer standard shapes like round, square, and rectangles, while households with kids need more creativity.
Modern-day waffle makers come with a variety of cast iron plates shaped in hearts, animal shapes, stars, and more. However, at times fun and funky shapes often compel us to compromise on the surface area of the waffle plate. We advise striking a balance between creativity and functionality.
The size of the waffle maker is much more important than the shape, especially if you want to cook bigger waffles. We advise choosing a cast iron waffle maker that’s at least 8-10 inches wide if you prepare waffles for adults. However, kids usually prefer smaller waffles, so a 6-inch-wide plate will help you make a child-friendly investment.
Cooking & Waffle-Eating Preferences
What kind of heat sources do you commonly use to prepare waffles? Do you enjoy thick and fluffy Belgian waffles or creative and crunchy Kumkake waffles? Do you need a lightweight cast iron waffle maker to carry along on your camping trips or for stovetop use only?
These questions will help you understand your cooking and waffle-eating preferences to find the right fit for your needs. We often consider all features and specifications and ignore our preferences, only to struggle with a useless product. It’s crucial to consider how and where you’ll be using the waffle maker to make the right investment.
For instance, suppose you need a waffle maker for outdoor use, mostly on open flames. In that case, it’s wise to invest in a rugged and rustic cast iron waffle maker to withstand the heat exposure efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Buying a fine-grade cast iron waffle maker is no walk in the park, but if you pay attention to the features, our guide will help you get your money’s worth. Cast iron is a priceless and long-lasting investment that will serve you and your family well. With proper care, seasoning and maintenance, it’s a versatile tool that will work wonders at elevating the quality and variety of your breakfast spreads.
Comparing the Best Cast Iron Waffle Makers for 2023
1Lot45 Cast Iron Waffle Maker Pan
– Best OverallLot45 presents the perfect solution for campers who like to get their waffle fix while traveling with this versatile cast iron waffle maker – this waffle maker wins the best overall because it’s so simple and compact to use! It offers a simplistic 2-lid system to pour, prepare, and get the crispy fluffiness we love without fiddling much with the pan. What’s more, the lightweight construction makes it easy to carry around while hiking.
You simply have to fill up one lid of the waffle maker with the batter, close the other lid and flip the pan to cook over open flames. This versatile waffle maker offers superior heat compatibility and endless utility. You can use it on a burner stove, open flames and gas stovetops.
Pros- Easy to use, made out of premium cast iron
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Works with multiple heat sources and offers even heat distribution and retention
Cons- Cast iron handle tends to get scalding hot
2HAWOK Cast Iron Waffle Maker
– Good Value for MoneyIf you prefer shopping value-added deals and bargains that pack up multiple products, you’ve found your match! HAWOK presents a premium quality cast iron waffle maker with a useful handle holder and a basting brush. It’s an all-in-one package that will eliminate the need to buy additional accessories to get started.
What truly impressed us about this waffle maker is the nonstick surface, as the waffle maker is pre-seasoned with a vegetable-based formula. The manufacturer created the nonstick coating by baking the pan with a vegetable oil formula, a healthier alternative to nonstick chemical coatings. The acacia handles give the traditional cast iron construction an aesthetically pleasant appeal, and the cotton handle holders will protect your fingers from burns.
Pros- Lasting durability with cast iron construction and acacia handles
- Pre-seasoned and ready-to-use
- Comes with a cotton handle holder and a basting brush to prevent burns
Cons- It’s not as deep as a belgian waffle maker but deeper than a standard one – the folks using gluten-free batters may not want this
3Cuisinart Waffle Maker
– Most Trusted BrandSuppose you need an electric waffle maker that mimics the perfection and fluffy consistency of traditional cast iron plates.If that’s the case, this stainless steel waffle maker from Cuisinart is worth considering.
Cuisinart is a reputable and trustworthy cookware and kitchenware brand, popular worldwide for its innovative and affordable products. This waffle maker is designed to make deep-pocket Belgian waffles, and it comes with an efficient electric system. The browning control knob allows extensive customization with 6 different settings to select the perfect color, ranging from light to dark textures. The rotary feature makes the device user-friendly and super easy to handle. It has a nonstick surface to make cooking, food release, and cleaning effortless.
Pros- Easy to use and handle and boasts a stainless steel construction
- Ensures perfect browning and even heat distribution with a rotatory feature
- Comes with a 36-inch-long electric cord and a browning control knob
- Designed for deep pocked Belgian Waffles
Cons- Nonstick requires more maintenance and cleaning
4Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker
– Commendable Construction QualitySuppose you don’t like to invest in sub-par kitchenware and only prioritize premium-grade appliances. If that’s the case, you may trust Hamilton Beach to have your back! Their products and appliances are designed to enhance convenience with modern upgrades, extensive research, and rigorous testing. Their Belgian Beach Waffle Maker is a best-selling product designed to effortlessly make thick and fluffy waffles.
It comes with a durathon removable grid system that makes cooking and cleaning incredibly easy. The durathon ceramic nonstick grids deliver superior durability, resistance to cracking, peeling, and rusting, alongside a toxins-free surface. What’s more, the browning adjustability feature allows you to customize the texture and color to your preferences.
Pros- Durable restaurant-grade construction and comes with a drip tray
- Easy to use and clean with a cooking surface that’s free of toxic chemicals
- Boasts a durathon removable grid system and ceramic nonstick coating
- Dishwasher safe with adjustable browning control features
Cons- The cable length is short and that’s a major inconvenience
5Chuck Wagon Waffle Iron
– Best for CampingAre you shopping for a cast iron waffle maker on a strict budget? Here’s the perfect option that combines quality and durability in an affordable, value-added bargain. We’re impressed by how versatile and multifunctional this tool is, perfect for a feast of waffles and chicken by the campfire.
It features a naturally nonstick cast-iron cooktop with solid wood-crafted handles that offer semi-heat resistance. It has a rustic design, ideal for outdoor use on open flames and campfires. The durability of the cast iron is commendable, and the removable top and bottom parts make it easier to clean and maintain. The construction combines stainless steel, cast iron, and wood with a leather hanging strap to enhance portability.
Pros- Offers decent heat distribution
- Steel and cast iron housing, offering lasting durability
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Comes with a recipe booklet
Cons- Can only be hand-washed – mainly because of its shape but to also ensure its longevity
People Also Asked
Q: Is it difficult to use a cast iron waffle maker?A: On the contrary, it's much easier than electric waffle makers as cast iron reduces the cooking time and simplifies the process.
Q: Does a cast iron waffle maker require regular seasoning?A: Yes, all cast iron cookware items require regular seasoning, no more than 2-3 times a year. Seasoning is important to maintain cast iron, prevent rusting, and create a natural nonstick-like coating.
Q: Is cast iron kitchenware easy to maintain?A: It depends on your comfort level when it comes to maintaining, cleaning, seasoning, and caring for cookware items. Cast iron demands attention and maintenance effort, but it offers a lifetime of durability in return.
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