I don’t know about you but having the continental breakfast is a must whenever I stay at a hotel.
Why?
It seems like the breakfast buffets at hotels have mastered the secret to making an evenly cooked tasty brown waffle i.e. the perfect waffle.
And, I’m not the only one who thinks this. On average, guests nosh 32 million waffles at the Comfort Inn and Comfort Suite hotels every year!
But seriously, I swear it seems like hotels serve the best Belgian-style waffles, y’know soft and moist with a slight crisp on the outside. So I made it my mission to find to out how to make hotel-quality waffles, but in the comfort of my home.
First, I learned how important the flip was (it helps cook the waffle evenly), then I had to find a waffle maker that could flip batter into fluffy waffles.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker (26030) is designed to do just that. According to Hamilton Beach, the flip design of the 26030 helps to bake thick but evenly-cooked waffles. You can also adjust the cooking temperature to get the waffle as brown a you want it.
And, you know how waffle makers are supposed to be difficult to clean?
The Hamilton Beach fixes that issue by having removable, dishwasher safe grids!
The folks at Hamilton Beach seem so particular about keeping your counter top clean that they even included a drip tray that catches excess batter!
OK, I’m intrigued, tell me more……
Description – How Thick are the Waffles Made?
This round waffle maker (where have all the square waffle makers gone?) makes true Belgian, fluffy waffles, up to 1.5 inches thick. Waffles so thick you may need extra help to finish one.
And they’re not just thick, at around 7 inches wide, these waffles are also quite large.
The Hamilton Beach 26030 measures :
- Height – 9.06 inches
- Width – 9.9 inches
- Depth – 14.88 inches
Like most flip waffle makers, it has a sizable footprint, and will take up space on your counter top.
Hamilton Beach claim the handle folds for easy storage. But it’s only half of the handle that does, so the space-saving isn’t that great.
Hamilton Beach has two of these waffle maker models; the 26010 and the one we’re reviewing today, the 26030.
The two main differences are :
- The 26010 has a grip-style handle for flipping with. It also doesn’t have removable plates.
- The 26030 (which we review here), has a straight handle and it comes with removable griddles.
Controls – Dial in Crispness
First off, let me say this: the browning control is an actual dial, not an unstable lever like in the Cuisinart WMR-CA. The appliance has two indicator lights: a red and a green one. They’re meant to indicate power and readiness to cook.
Making a waffle in the Hamilton Beach 26030 takes between 3 and 5 minutes, but cooking times will vary depending on batter used, desired level of crispness etc. Some waffle recipes might seem to take too long but remember this is a thick Belgian waffle we’re making.
Is the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker User-Friendly?
If you’ve used a waffle maker at a breakfast buffet at a Comfort Inn, Hampton or Sleep Inn, you’re ready to use the Hamilton Beach flip waffle iron.
While it’s easy to use, this waffle maker suffers the same fate as many inexpensive kitchen appliances. To keep manufacturing costs low, the materials used leave a lot to be desired.
With the Hamilton Beach, this ‘cost saving’ shows up in the heating element. Some users find that their waffle maker just doesn’t get hot. Some users complain that the heat given off is so low that batter left for over 30 minutes still remained raw. In some cases, the waffle iron doesn’t even come on i.e. it’s non-functioning out of the box, and so on.
So before any waffle making commences, check to see if you have been shipped a non-functioning unit :
- Unbox it and remove waffle plates by sliding the grid release button in the lid and the one in the bottom upwards and downwards respectively.
- Lift out both waffle plates.
- Now plug the appliance, and see if the exposed heating elements glow red after a few minutes.
If they don’t glow & give off heat, you have a defective unit and it should be returned at once.
If they do, you are a step closer to enjoying hotel-style Belgian waffles in the comfort of your home.
Let the appliance cool down and wash the plates to remove any manufacturing residue. Plates cleaned and dry, season the waffle maker before first use.
The manufacturer says use non-stick cooking spray, but we know that the components in cooking spray leave deposits on non-stick appliances. Instead, we recommend using a light coating of any cooking oil you have.
Dab the grids with a basting brush (we love this set from X-Chef) and leave for five minutes.
With your Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker cleaned, plug it back in, turn the dial to desired browning level and close the lid.
Leave it for around 5 minutes as the Hamilton Beach 26030 requires some preheating before first use. Yes, I know having to wait an extra 5 minutes can take the fun out of impulse waffling, but it has to be done. This preheating is only required for the first batch, so don’t worry about having to preheat every time you make waffles. Once it has been done, you can make delicious thick waffles back to back to back.
Use that time to whip up your batter.
About That Batter
Being a Belgian-style waffle maker, you can use a lot more batter in the Hamilton Beach Flip. But ignore the manufacturers instruction to use 1 cup (236 ml) of batter for your first few waffles.
First-time waffle making involves experimenting with what type of batter (pre-made mix or from scratch) works at what temperature, and for how long. Pouring in a large amount of batter from a new recipe can lead to overfilling and spilling.
To ensure accuracy, we recommend you use clearly marked measuring cups like these ones from OXO. The set of 4 cups made of high grade stainless steel, they are surprisingly light and are easily cleaned.
Start with 3/4 cup of batter and for your first few waffles, use the middle browning setting (position 2). See how your waffles turn out; if they’re too light, you can crank up the heat. Too dark? Simply dial down the temperature.
With the desired browning level set and batter poured in, wait 15 – 20 seconds then grab the handle and flip it over.
Waffles are done within 5 – 8 minutes depending on brownness setting and batter recipe. Another good indicator of doneness is when steam stops coming out of the waffle maker.
If you want them even crisper, ignore the indicator lights and leave the waffle in to cook for another minute or two.
For accurate timing, I use my phone or a countertop kitchen timer like this. I like the Habor Digital Kitchen Timer because it has an alarm that I can hear, even if I’m out of the kitchen.
If your first few waffles are not getting as brown as you’d like, Hamilton Beach does say browning improves with each subsequent use.
As if I needed any more reasons to make more waffles.
Waffles done? The non-stick finish means waffles slide out effortlessly. Just don’t remove waffles with a metal kitchen utensil. No matter how careful you are, these will cause microscopic scratches that will cause the coating to flake off over time.
Ease of Cleaning
So the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker is easy to use and makes delicious Belgian waffles.
But you know what users seem to like even more than those yummy waffles?
The ease of cleaning up the Hamilton Beach 26030.
Even us foodies know how much of a pain in the **** cleaning up can be. Especially with an appliance like a waffle maker that has so many crevices that batter/oil/crumbs can get into.
That’s why the Hamilton Beach 26030’s removable griddle seals the deal for many users.
With many waffle makers, cleanup involves simply wiping down the appliance with a dry paper towel. But some people feel that just wiping them down doesn’t really clean it well enough.
So for a more thorough clean:
- Press down the release catches marked a and b, and the plates detach from top and bottom.
- Pop them in your dishwasher and leave it to clean the plates thoroughly. Do not use the sanitize (SANI) cycle, as “SANI” cycle temperatures could damage your product.
Once clean, pop them back in place and the waffle maker can be stored away.
The 26030 also comes with a drip tray that does a good job of catching any spilled batter and is just as easy to clean. You can clean the drip tray by rinsing off overflowed batter with hot water. Or pop it into the dishwasher as well.
…..For an Even Cleaner Clean
Some people feel using the dishwasher may be a little too harsh on the grids. Instead they hand-wash the grids to make the non-stick coating last longer. A simple once-over with a dish brush, mild detergent and hot water will clean them up quickly.
Finish the cleaning by wiping down the exterior with a damp, soapy cloth. There is no need to use harsh or abrasive cleaners or pads on any part of the 26030.
Is the Hamilton Beach 26030 the Best Waffle Maker for Waffle Lovers
I really love the fact that the grids are removable as some of us will waffle….well, everything!
This often leads to all kinds of messes; just take the caramelized, buttery decadence that is the Liège waffle.
For those who have attempted to create this authentic Belgian treat, you know how difficult it is to rid the grids of the caramelized sugar left behind.
Well, with the Hamilton Beach 26030, that’s no longer a problem.
Got dollops of caramelized sugar all over your plates?
Allow the appliance cool down, detach the grids and run them under hot water.
Voila!
Most of it will come right off. Use a mild soap solution and a soft dishcloth to wipe the rest off, and you’re ready for the next batch!!! Or just throw the plates in the dishwasher.
So, go on and unleash your inner adventurous waffleer, you can waffle anything with the Hamilton Beach Flip, without the dreading an impossible clean-up afterwards.
Dimensions & Storage Options
To be fair, the Hamilton Beach Flip 26030 takes up a bit of space. Already measuring 9.9 inches across, the waffle maker is raised off its base, to a height of 9.06 inches, to allow a smooth flipping action.
With the handle extended, the length of the waffle maker is just under 15 inches, meaning it also takes up space when in use.
Hamilton Beach claims the foldable handle reduces the space it takes up.
Uhn, not really.
When folded, the handle simply folds in half reducing the length by around 5 inches.
It covers an area about the size of a 4-slice toaster, even with the handle folded.
Accessories & Attachments
The waffle iron ships with a plastic drip tray, power cord and stand. But you’ll have to head over to Pinterest for recipes as the instruction manual has no recipes included.
It does ship with a handy plastic drip tray that measures 9.5″ x 10″. I just love that the plastic drip tray is wide enough to cover the entire base of the appliance catching any overspill.
It’s just as easy to clean, by hand or in a dishwasher. Just remember not to use the SANI setting on the dishwasher for the tray either.
If you happen to break one of the removable parts, a grid or the drip tray, you can buy replacements on the Hamilton Beach USA site.
Construction
Despite its substantial footprint, the Hamilton Beach 26030 only weighs 6.5 pounds. However, this low weight is the reason many users are skeptical about its durability.
Folks, that’s the world we live in now. Most appliances under $100 will have a lot of parts made from plastic, sometimes up to 80%.
The brushed stainless steel top will look good on any kitchen counter. But be careful when handling the Hamilton Beach 26030, as the top gets really hot during and shortly after use.
At only 26 inches in length, I find the power cord to be a bit short. This may be a bit inconvenient for users with limited number of power outlets, like those living in old apartments.
Pros
Hamilton Beach says the 26030 will help you make restaurant-quality waffles. That’s a pretty bold claim but I agree. This waffle maker will stop you from settling for boring pancakes just because it’s easier to clean up.
Cons
As much as I love the thick waffles this waffle iron makes, the build quality is a bit of a let-down. It won’t break the first time you touch it, but with so many plastic parts, you feel it has to be handled with utmost care.
And I can be such a klutz sometimes.
Consumer Ratings – What Did Users Think of the Hamilton Beach Flip 26030
Most users loved this Hamilton Beach waffle maker.
For many, it reminded them of the delicious waffles they get at a hotel breakfast bar. It does make perfect Belgian waffles without costing an arm and a leg like a commercial grade flip waffle iron. For others, it’s the removable, dishwasher-safe plates that sealed the deal.
Even those who complained about the light weight of the appliance, agree that it’s still sturdy enough to be used for long.
Pricey or Worth It?
Priced just under $50, it’s not the cheapest waffle maker, but its features make it worth the price. Hamilton Beach offers 1 year warranty on products purchased in the USA and Canada. Under this limited warranty, the company will repair/replace the product or any defective component found.
The catch?
You’ll have to cut the cord to prove you’re not going to use it anymore, email a picture of the severed cord then pay to ship it back to them.
Who It’s Best For
Because it makes deep thick fluffy Belgians that can be easily scored into 4 juicy quarters, it can be used by large families with up to 4 mouths to feed.
This ensures that all 4 people will getting a waffle with each batch. For large families / gatherings, you can buy a second one to make sure no one goes ‘waffle-less’.
I should point out that if you have really limited storage space, remember that this waffle maker is a large appliance and may not be the best for you.
Well, unless your motto is waffles over everything…..even storage space.
Adventurous wafflers, you know how manufacturers are always trying to tell us what to do with the waffle maker i.e. only make waffles?
Well, with the Hamilton Beach flip, you can tell them to kick rocks. For three reasons:
- It’s deep enough to allow you experiment with different recipes.
- The tray underneath will catch any spillage/mess you might make.
- With removable grids, the waffling world is your oyster (please don’t put oysters in your waffle iron)
But seriously, a deep Belgian-style waffle maker like this allows you join your fellow waffling kin to make grilled ham & cheese sandwiches, mashed potatoes patties, tater tots, cinnamon rolls, omelets and so much more!
You know how you dread using fruit in your waffles because they end up sticking to the hot plates? With this waffle maker, that’s no longer a concern as you can pop them out and into the dishwasher!
My Verdict
Having searched for a waffle maker that can make me hotel-level waffles at home, the Hamilton Beach was an incredible find. It’s also a wallet-friendly option, easy to use, variable temp control to control crispness, but what’s not to like?
Yes, there is the quality control issue of the plates but as long as you test it immediately you receive it, you’ll be fine.
And yes, some don’t like the fact that you have to pre-heat it. Blame it on its ‘mere’ 800 watt output, but for that price, no complaints from me. Instead of twiddling my thumbs, I simply use that time to prepare batter.
One downside of the lengthy cooking time is when you have to feed a bunch of people, at the same time.
The cook time of around 5 minutes per waffle will not fly with a bunch of hangry adults.
If you find that you have to feed many hungry mouths at the same time, you can:
- Buy a quicker machine i.e. higher size-to-wattage ratio.
- Buy one that that can make two waffles at a time.
- Or get the drop on everyone and make a batch of waffles ahead of time. These can be frozen and reheated. Or just left in a warm oven.
Many users see the Hamilton Beach and associate it with the type found in hotels. So they expect it to have all the bells and whistles of a hotel-grade waffle maker.
Sorry folks, that’s not happening. Those get very hot, very fast.
This? Not so much.
This is a household appliance and it will take its sweet time (6 minutes compared to 3) to get the waffles ready.
Do you love waffles enough to wait for them?
I do.
So I wait.
Besides, adding all the extras i.e. a timer, audible alert will bump up the price.
I also love how easy the grids are to pop out (at the push of a release button) for a thorough clean.
At a quarter of the price of a commercial waffle iron, you can get the same quality of waffles and possibly never have to go out for breakfast just to get huge Belgian-style waffles.
Will the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker have you channeling your inner Leslie Knope and inviting friends for tasty waffles after work? We’ll see, but I think the 26030 manages to strike the right balance between quality features, impressive performance and average price.