Life’s about choices.
Some like Coke. Others prefer their Pepsi.
Some drink red wine, others will only touch white wine.
It’s the same with waffles; some of us won’t even consider going to Waffle House because their waffles are too ‘skinny’.
For us, it has to be a thick, fluffy Belgian, or we might as well be eating pancakes.
Lovers of the Belgian waffle know it has to have a crisp outside and fluffy interior, with just the slightest hint of a crust. And with those deep caverns for you to sprinkle toppings and create tiny pools of authentic maple syrup in.
And before I go any further, I know Belgian waffle enthusiasts will be quick to point out that there are actually 2 types of Belgian waffles, and yes, I agree.
Belgium is known for two types of waffle, neither of them originally called a Belgian waffle. Brussels waffles are made to be lighter and crispier, with well defined edges, and deep pockets. The Liege waffle is generally thicker, richer and sweeter thanks to the Pearl Sugar mixed in with the dough
I’ve tried both and I’m undecided about which is better, because I like them both. Some days I want the rich, crunchy Liege. Other days, I’m fine with the pillowy Brussels waffle.
But the good news is you don’t have to pick one.
As long as you are willing to follow a recipe, like this excellent one from the Gaufre de Liège Recette blog and are using an actual Belgian waffle maker, you can enjoy both!
Now, about that Belgian waffle maker, we want a durable waffle maker that can produce thick waffles with deep pockets for syrup, and all for under $50.
We know waffle makers can run into a few hundred dollars, but you don’t have to spend that much to be able to make Brussels or Liege (let’s just group them and call them Belgians in this post, ok?) waffles in the comfort of your home.
The following are some of the best, most reliable Belgian waffle makers available on Amazon, for under $50!! Talk about a bargain!
Let me clarify that just because they’re cheap doesn’t mean they’re trash. We’ll discuss our top picks considering their build quality, performance and cost value.
First up is the popular Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker. See, while the Presto 03510 may be larger than other waffle makers, it’s one of the smallest Belgian flip machines available.
Over here at APOT, we love the Presto for the amount of features it manages to pack into its tiny frame.
Countdown timer? Check.
Indicator lights? Check.
Compact storage? Check.
That sweet flip action for an evenly cooked fluffy Belgian waffle? Check!
Seriously, it makes waffles over an inch thick, and with a non-stick surface, it’s easy to clean up every time.
Another popular option for thick Belgian waffles is the Oster CKSTWFBF21 Thick Belgian Flip Waffle Maker. Measuring only 14.7 x 9.69 x 9.13 in, the deep pockets of the Oster CKSTWFBF21 allow you make 1 – 1.2 inch waffles!
With a smooth flip action that results in evenly cooked waffles, your breakfast table will always be packed with grinning faces. Because the waffles produced are really thick, you’re sure to produce enough to feed everyone at the same time!
An accurate adjustable temperature control allows users choose just how light or crispy their waffles turn out. With a removable drip tray and a non-stick surface, clean-up is as quick as wolfing down those Belgian waffles.
And it’s available for under $50!
Cuisinart WAF-F10 Belgian Waffle Maker
I just love it when an appliance ships with accessories that make using it easier.
Cuisinart nailed this by shipping the stainless steelCuisinart WAF-F10 Belgian Waffle Maker, with a measuring cup. This helps eliminate the annoying issue of overspilling batter. Simply fill up the cup and pour the batter in the center of waffle for a thick waffle every time.
Measuring 9.8 x 15.6 x 9.6 inches, the Cuisinart WAF-F10 also ships with a drip pan to catch any overflow. Both items are easy to clean, and the WAF-F10 can be stored nicely in a corner of your cupboard.
While it doesn’t have an audible indicator, there is a blue indicator light on the appliance to signify waffle readiness.
Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates (26030)
The Hamilton Beach Flip 26030 waffle maker is like Marmite, many users love it, and others…. not so much.
To be fair, it makes thick, fluffy waffles as good as appliances twice its price. With 2 indicator lights to show users when power is on and when to add batter, it also has adjustable browning control, a collapsible handle for easy storage, a wide drip tray to keep your countertop clean and best of all, removable plates!!
With all these pros, this appliance is let down by one con. Some users found that their waffle makers never get hot. At all. We found this was due to some units shipping with defective heating elements.
The solution is to test your Hamilton Beach 26030 waffle maker as soon as you receive it to be sure you got a functioning unit. For more information on this unit, here is our in-depth review of the Hamilton Beach 26030 waffle maker.
Black+Decker Rotating Waffle Maker (WMD200B)
First off, kudos to B+D for making an appliance that just looks so ….COOL.
Challenging the stereotype that appliances must come in chrome or some wacky pastel color, the
Black+Decker WMD200B takes it back to basics with the black color scheme.
And that’s not all; the B+D WMD200B has dual, yes two, cooking plates. This allows you make two waffles at the same time! This mean everyone can get a waffle with each batch, no more waiting around for the next waffle!
It rotates for even distribution of batter producing evenly cooked waffles that are just over an inch thick. With its deep grids creating extra-deep pockets for all your favorite toppings, the B+D Double Flip waffle maker will make breakfasts tasty again!.
Non-stick grids mean it’s easy to clean and the drip tray also helps keep counter tops clean.
I personally love the color (have I said that before), and know the black will work just fine in any kitchen.
BELLA’S NOTE – Just my luck, no sooner had I found a new waffle maker to drool over, Amazon pulls it from its ‘shelves’! Can you imagine?
Good thing you can still buy it here at Walmart and BestBuy!!
Summary
All lovers of the Belgian waffle (Brussels or Liege), know how awesome sinking your teeth into one of these can be. It’s even better if you can do so in the comfort of your home, and not having to worry about people staring as you roll your eyes back in pure waffle ecstasy.
Trust me, I get it.
That’s why we’ve listed 5 (different in their own way) Belgian waffle makers that you can buy on Amazon today, for under $50!! With each having one special extra feature that you may prefer, the choice is up to you.
Which Belgian waffle maker catches your eye the most?
Share your choice below and as always, happy waffling!!