Say it with me, “there are few things as delicious as fresh waffles”.
But for many people these days, waffles are a treat reserved for when eating out.
As a kid, I remember grandma using the old-timey, cast iron waffle makers to make oh-so-tasty waffles. Adult me now knows just how hard the cast iron waffle makers are to prepare, use, clean and re-season… (Thanks, grandma!)
These days, modern waffle makers are smaller, mains-powered and are easier to use. But no matter how hard you try, making waffles at home always seems to result in a huge mess.
Seriously, no matter how delish the waffles turn out, nobody wants to spend time picking out dried batter or cleaning up syrup-covered plates.
With waffle makers having been around since 1911, you’d think we’ve mastered this by now!
But what may seem like a small matter has led to many waffle lovers are forced to grab their waffles from Waffle House, IHOP or (shudders) the frozen aisle of the local supermarket.
For those who don’t want to do that, buying a waffle iron presents its own set of issues.
Should you buy one that can make thick waffles or classic ones? Or should you look for one that’s easy to clean, if they even exist?
For many users, the ease of cleaning up plays a major role in determining if they’ll even buy one.
Anyone who has made waffles knows how residue, crumbs, dirty oil drops can collect in visible and not-so-visible areas, leaving you with a smelly, dirty waffle iron.
Other causes of a dirty waffle maker include:
- Certain ingredients in some recipes can become baked on leaving residue behind, e.g. in recipes that use pearl sugar.
- The use of cooking oil sprays like PAM, also leaves a brown gum-like residue.
- Your toppings can also get burned into the plates of the waffle iron.
Another reason is that some users use their waffle irons to make other treats like cookies, hash browns or cinnamon rolls. After making these, I bet your waffle maker has leftover spots of cinnamon sugar that cause spots in the waffle maker to stick.
In fact, the prospect of cleanup is so daunting that some of us can’t even deal. So we let the bowls sit until any residue cakes up and has to be soaked then scrubbed off.
Don’t. Do. That.
Keeping your waffle maker clean ensures that it last longer and keeps it easier to use.
But how do you choose one that’s easy to clean in the first place?
Hopping on Amazon, you’re bombarded with options, faced with names, terms, features you don’t even know you need.
So you poke around a few pages, get a mild headache and exit the page.
I feel your pain, but you don’t have to deny yourself of the awesomeness of tasty waffles.
Seriously, don’t fret.
I’m about to show you what’s important, not-so-important and what to ignore when choosing a waffle maker that’s easy to clean.
For those worried about finding easy to clean waffle makers, remember that the most important part to clean is the actual baking plate.
And there are two main features to look out for with the plates:
- What is it made of?
- Are the grids removable?
Regarding the material of the grid surface, there are 3 different materials commonly used:
- Cast iron
- PTFE (commonly called Teflon)
- Ceramic
Cast Iron Interior
Yes, heavy, old-timey cast iron is still used in cookware, including waffle makers.
Some people are choosing these type of cookware in a bid to avoid contact with chemicals like BPA, PTFE and PFOA. For others, it’s a chance to get the most use out of one appliance.
Don’t dismiss it as some hippy fad, as cast iron has been used in cookware for centuries, due to its durability and even heat distribution.
Despite these, it has a few disadvantages as well.
For one, it heats up really slowly, meaning users face a longer cooking time. The waffles made are also thinner and crispier, too, more like Eggos.
But when it’s well seasoned, cast iron waffle makers are a delight to use as nothing sticks, food just slides right off.
Keeping it clean can be a chore as it involves:
- Cleaning the surface with a sponge and hot water, while avoiding the use of abrasive soaps or scouring pads.
- Immediately wiping it dry with a dry towel.
- Brushing a little oil across the surface to keep it seasoned and ready for your next batch of waffles.
- Remember it’s important to keep waffle irons dry between uses. Failure to do so and leaving it wet will lead to the formation of rust, and ruining your waffle iron.
- Avoid vigorous cleaning, as this results will result in washing out the seasoning that allows it to be non-stick.
So be gentle.
A perfect entry-level cast iron waffle is Rome’s old fashioned waffle iron – it’s a classic waffle maker that can be used on top of your stove top and its ease of use has made it a popular choice among waffle lovers.
Non-Stick Grids
So what if you’re not about that pioneer life and lugging a cast iron waffle maker just seems like too much work?
Another option is buying a waffle maker with the classic, non-stick grid.
By applying Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as a coating for cookware, manufacturers made stuck-on food a thing of the past. The use of PTFE in cookware spread fast and it was soon used in everything from skillets to waffle irons.
However, it was discovered that at high temperatures, around 260°C, PTFE coated surfaces started to degrade, releasing fumes. While only mildly debilitating to humans (causing temporary flu-like symptoms), the fumes are deadly to birds, as they have fragile respiratory systems.
Used improperly, PTFE coatings can also start to blister, flake, and fall off. While particles of PTFE are inert and pose no health threat if ingested, it’s just not appetizing to find bits of plastic in your food.
But you can heave a sigh of relief as these effects are commonly found in non-stick pans that go over a flame. Your mains-powered waffle maker will not reach those temperatures due to the presence of an in-built thermostat.
So don’t let that put you off buying a waffle iron with a non-stick surface.
When treated right, a non-stick surface is a delight to use; there’s a reason it’s found in almost every waffle maker.
Cleaning and caring for your non-stick waffle maker is easy as long as certain rules are obeyed. They include:
- Don’t use metal utensils to remove waffles, this scratches the surface leading to flaking of the coating. Avoid this by using rubber, silicone, or wooden utensils.
- Do not use PAM or any other cooking spray; the lecithin it contains leaves a brown gummy residue on the non-stick surface.
- Never submerge an electric waffle maker in water.
With a non-stick surface, all you have to do to clean it, is to wipe the grids down with a dry paper towel.
That’s it and and you’re ready for the next batch.
Seriously, non-stick cookware is everywhere because it’s so easy to clean. The reports about it being harmful only tell half the story. I’ve detailed what you should be worried about in this post (link off to BPA, PFOA post).
Ceramic Surface
Some consumers insist on not touching non-stick cookware with a barge pole, and that’s fine.
With the clamor around PTFE and PFOA, manufacturers are switching from using a plastic-based coating to a clay-based one.
Note that ceramic coatings are not 100% pure either; a ceramic coating is a metal, often anodized aluminum, coated with a layer of fire-hardened clay. In countries with lax regulations, some unscrupulous companies have used elements prone to leaching, in their ceramic cookware!
To counter this, in the USA, the FDA requires that all ceramic cookware should be free of chemicals like lead or cadmium. Therefore, if you are interested in a ceramic waffle maker, check that the coating is made by a reputable US company.
A popular ceramic waffle maker, with a certified made in the USA guarantee is the Presto 03510. Its small size and flip action makes it a hit with lovers of the fluffy Belgian waffle. Read more about this little workhorse in our review here.
For some of you, the most important question is ” is it PTFE and/or PFOA free?”
Yes. PTFE is not a component used in ceramic coating.
Ceramic is easy to care for as waffles slip off easily, leaving minimal residue. To clean your ceramic waffle maker, do this:
- Wipe grids clean with a damp cloth or dishcloth.
- Avoid scouring with pads of any type.
- Use silicone or wooden utensils to remove waffles.
Personally, I think the material of the waffle maker interior is the most important determinant of how easy it will be to clean a waffle maker.
But there is another feature that some waffle makers have that just might sway your opinion, and that’s the presence of removable grids.
Does it Have Removable Grids?
Some people play by the rules. They follow recipes to the letter.
They mix flour, butter/oil and eggs; pour in a waffle maker and are done, with no fuss.
For these folks, practically any waffle maker would be fine.
But then there are those that look at all foods and wonder why not try waffling that?
I’m talking to the Leslie Knopes out there who just can’t do without waffles, eating them multiple times per week.
I’m talking to the experimenters who keep branching out on what they cook in the waffle iron.
From waffle pizzas to waffle cinnamon, from waffle cookies to warfshmallows!
For these folks, a regular waffle maker just won’t cut it; for them making a mess is a part of the experimenting with waffles. Waffle makers with removable plates are a God-send to these people.
It’s also a huge plus that these plates are dishwasher-safe. This makes cleaning up after waffle making, a no-brainer!
Removable grids are also perfect for users who can’t stand simply wiping down the cooking surface.
Caring for removable plates is simple; for a thorough clean:
- Pop the grids out of the appliance.
- You can either hand-wash them in the sink with mild detergent and a soft sponge, or place them in a dishwasher. Be sure it’s not on the SANI cycle.Personally, I’d rather wash them by hand, I just think it preserves the coating for longer.
- Washing done, wipe the plates with a dry cloth and you’re ready for the next batch of waffling awesomeness.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the term ‘easy to clean’ is relative.
For some, cleaning is one wipe with a tissue. For others, cleaning must involve a brush, washing up liquid and water.
But by using the options listed above, you can choose a waffle iron based on how you like to clean. You can also narrow your options down further by combining two features.
First choose which type of surface you prefer to clean. Then decide if you want one with a removable grid.
- For example, if you wanted a cast iron waffle maker, the Rome 1100 is a low-cost option to get acquainted with using cast iron.
- If you wanted a non-stick waffle maker with fixed grids, the Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker (WMR-CA) is extremely popular. We’ve even reviewed it here.
- If you wanted a non-stick waffle maker with removable grids, the Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates is an excellent choice with over 800 5 star reviews on Amazon.
- Let’s say you want one with fixed, ceramic grids, the Oster Duraceramic Flip Waffle Maker is a great choice.
So you see, you have no reason to give up your waffles at home, there is a waffle type for everyone. For more information on choosing a waffle, here are 12 questions to ask before you buy one.
To recap, go through the cleaning requirements for each type and see which style suits you best. Then decide if you want fixed grids or removable (note: removable grids always cost a little more).
Hop on to Amazon and have your gadget delivered pronto!
I hope my guide helped you to find a waffle maker that’s easy to clean and ready to deliver loads of awesome to you.
So, what are you waiting for?
It’s waffle making time!!
Make, clean. Repeat.
Talk about a fantastic waffle cycle.
What’s your fave waffle maker?
Let us know in the comments!