How to choose a waffle iron for thin and thick waffles? Which is better?

For those who want to make homemade waffles, you first need to be puzzled by what kind of waffle iron it is better to buy for your kitchen, taking into account the functional characteristics and operating features of this instrument.

Variety of species

According to the thickness of the tiles, these devices can be:

• Classic or ordinary. They are used for the preparation of square-shaped buttercakes of small thickness, otherwise called American wafers. Often they are rolled up into a tube and filled with various fillings.
• Thickened. Used for thick round waffles, which are also called Belgian. In addition, they can also cook some types of cookies that have a crisp and tender flesh in the middle.

In size, waffle irons can be:

• Compact.
• Large, designed for the simultaneous baking of several products.

Criterias of choice

When deciding which waffle iron to choose, it is important to consider the following factors:

Dimensions of this device, its weight and power

In this case, it is up to you to decide which waffle iron you need, based on your own needs and preferences. For example, for home use, a miniature, compact appliance is best suited, having a small weight and dimensions, allowing it to be stored in a kitchen cabinet without any problems. Larger devices that make the baking process faster are more suitable for restaurants, cafes and other establishments of a similar profile.

Its power depends on the dimensions of the waffle iron. Due to the presence of heating elements in the upper and lower parts of this device, its energy consumption is quite high. As a rule, the average power of standard-type models is about 700 watts.

The weight of the waffle iron depends on the material from which it is made. The most “weighty” can be called devices with a metal case. It is worth noting that usually such devices rarely weigh more than 2.5 kg.

Materials of which it is made

The most common materials used to make electric waffle irons for Viennese and American waffles are stainless steel and heat-resistant plastic. The first is resistant to elevated temperatures and aesthetic appeal, and the second has high mechanical resistance, various colors and affordable cost.

The coating composition of its working surface

Most often this is a special composition with non-stick properties. Thanks to this coating, the wafers are evenly baked, neat and even, and when removed from the device, they do not stick to its surface.

Ceramic coatings with chemical neutrality and not reacting with cooked food are considered the best in terms of characteristics and quality. This is especially important for Viennese wafers with a minimum thickness.

Availability of additional options

These may include the following functions:

1. Rotary device. With it, after pouring the dough, the waffle iron can be rotated around its axis, which allows you to distribute the mass more evenly.
2. Thermostat. It makes it possible to change the temperature during baking.
3. Thermostat. Designed to maintain and maintain a constant temperature inside the device even when it is turned off.
4. Temperature indicator. Shows the moment the device is ready for operation.
5. Timer. Allows you to control the baking process and can automatically turn off the waffle iron after a specified amount of time.

Selection tips

To make the right decision about which waffle iron to buy for home use, use the following best practices:

• When buying, carefully inspect the appliance, paying special attention to the condition of its non-stick coating. It should have a uniform distribution, and the lid of the device should close tightly.
• The service life of metal products is much higher than plastic waffle irons.
• Give preference to models equipped with a thermostat with various settings. Thanks to this feature, you can bake wafers of different colors and structures.
• Keep in mind that in the case of this device, power is not of paramount importance.
• To receive high-quality wafers during baking, choose models equipped with a rotary mechanism.
• A big plus for this device is the presence of a compartment for storing the cord.

If you need a waffle maker for Belgian waffles with a large thickness and airy structure, try to choose products with high quality non-stick coatings. Well, if it will be ceramics. In this case, it is also good to purchase models with interchangeable panels, with which you can make sandwiches and hot sandwiches.

Well, if you like crispy, tender tubes with a variety of fillings, then you definitely need a good waffle iron for thin waffles. When buying it, in addition to all of the above criteria, be sure to pay attention to the time of its continuous operation. For example, on sale you can find models that require periodic shutdowns after 15-20 minutes. Such devices must be disconnected from the network and, after cooling, turned on again, which may cause inconvenience during their operation.

Review of the best models

Having figured out what kind of waffle irons are, and having studied their capabilities and features, it's time to decide which model of company to buy for your own use.

According to customer reviews, products of the following brands can be considered the best devices for baking “bulk” wafers:

Clatronic WA 3273

Stainless steel is used as the case material for this device. The model is equipped with a non-stick coating and a thermally insulated handle, which makes the cooking process more convenient. It has an overheat protection function. Power: 1000 watts. The cooking time for a portion of waffles (2 pcs.) Is about 2 minutes. Price: about 1650 rubles.

Clatronic WA 3275

Another undoubted “market leader”, this time made from heat-resistant plastic. Bakes butter cookies in the shape of hearts. Cooking time - 3 minutes. The number of waffles - 5 pieces. Power - 850 watts. The diameter of the mold is 17 cm. Additional functions: ready indicator, adjustment of the degree of toasting, automatic cable winding. Price: approximately 1240 rubles.

Maxwell MW-1572 W

Miniature and compact model, easy to store and carry with a capacity of 700 watts. Equipped with power and cooking indicators. The coating of the plates is resistant to mechanical stress. The number of waffles is 2. Price: 790 rubles.

Vitek WX-1101

Well, in this original and cute device it combines bright design (its body has a spectacular orange-yellow color) and functionality. Its only minus is the small size and a limited number of wafers baked at a time (three pieces). Its power is 1100 watts. The kit includes: rubberized anti-skid legs, power and readiness indicators, as well as 100 wooden sticks. Price: 1620 rubles.

If you want to buy a waffle iron for thin waffles, then you should pay attention to the following models:

Orion OR-WM01

Great for home use, suitable for Viennese waffles. The power of this device is 900 watts. There are 5 heating modes. Good for making waffle cakes. Price: 930 rubles.

Ves Electric SK-A7

If you are deciding how to choose a waffle iron for making filling tubes, this option is ideal for this. In the equipment of the device there is a cone-molding. In more detail, the capabilities and features of the model are presented in the following video:

It demonstrates all the basic elements included in its package and tells how this waffle iron "behaves" in practice.

There are a lot of good options suitable for baking delicious, crispy wafers, so choosing from them a quality, easy-to-use thing is not difficult at all. And then, having fully appreciated the functionality and other advantages of this device, with its help you will prepare original and unusual desserts that will bring joy to your loved ones.