Imagine waking up to the smell of perfectly golden waffles, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside. But then you look at your old waffle maker, and it’s a mess! Or maybe you’re trying to choose a new one, and the choices are overwhelming. You want waffles, but the thought of sticky batter and uneven cooking can be a real headache.
That’s where the magic of a griddle waffle maker comes in. These handy kitchen tools can transform your breakfast game, offering more than just waffles. They can cook pancakes, eggs, and even grilled cheese! But with so many different types and features out there, picking the right one can feel like a puzzle. Do you need non-stick plates? What about temperature control? It’s enough to make anyone want to stick to cereal.
This post is here to help you cut through the confusion. We’ll explore what makes a griddle waffle maker a fantastic addition to any kitchen and guide you through the important things to consider before you buy. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find the perfect machine for your waffle-making adventures. Let’s get cooking!
Our Top 5 Griddle Waffle Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Griddle Waffle Maker Detailed Reviews
1. DASH Multimaker Mini System – Waffle Maker with Six 4” Removable Plates & Storage Case: Waffle Iron & Griddle
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for some fun in the kitchen with the DASH Multimaker Mini System! This aqua-colored waffle maker is a 4-in-1 wonder, letting you whip up not just classic waffles, but also adorable heart-shaped and sunflower-shaped ones. Plus, it’s a mini griddle, perfect for cooking up eggs or little burgers. It’s designed for families and kids, making breakfast and snacks a breeze.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile, making different kinds of waffles and even acting as a griddle.
- Using it is simple. Just plug it in, add your batter, and a light tells you when it’s ready.
- The nonstick surface means your food won’t stick, and cleanup is a snap.
- The plates pop out easily, and you can even put them in the dishwasher, which is super convenient.
- It comes with a handy storage case to keep everything neat and tidy.
- It includes a recipe guide to give you great ideas.
What Could Be Improved:
- The mini size is great for individual portions, but might not be ideal for making a large batch of waffles quickly.
- While the griddle is useful, it’s quite small, so you can only cook a little bit at a time.
This DASH Multimaker Mini System is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for families who love creative and easy meals. It makes cooking fun and simple!
2. Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates
Rating: 8.5/10
Get ready for delicious, homemade Belgian waffles and fluffy pancakes with the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker. This waffle maker isn’t just for waffles; it also comes with pancake plates, giving you more breakfast options. Its brushed stainless steel finish looks great in any kitchen.
What We Like:
- It makes one large, classic Belgian waffle with deep pockets, perfect for holding syrup or fruit.
- You can also make four delicious quarter-sized pancakes at once.
- The 6-setting browning control lets you pick exactly how crispy you want your waffle.
- An audible alert tells you when your waffle is ready to eat.
- The nonstick grids make it easy to remove waffles and clean up afterward.
- Indicator lights show you when it’s ready to bake and when your food is ready to eat.
- It stands upright for easy storage, saving counter space.
- It comes with a recipe book to help you get started.
- The product is BPA-free for your safety.
What Could Be Improved:
- It only makes one large waffle or four small pancakes at a time, which might be slow if you’re making breakfast for a crowd.
- While the pancake plates are a nice addition, some users might prefer a dedicated pancake griddle for larger batches.
This Cuisinart waffle maker offers great versatility and ease of use for your breakfast creations. It’s a solid choice for anyone who loves fresh waffles and pancakes.
3. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Iron
Rating: 9.4/10
The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Iron, WM2000SD, Grill and Sandwich Press is a super handy kitchen gadget. It lets you make waffles, grill food, and press sandwiches. This means you can whip up lots of different yummy meals with just one appliance. It’s perfect for busy mornings or quick lunches.
What We Like:
- It’s really versatile because you can swap out the plates. You can make waffles, breakfast sandwiches, paninis, or even use it as an electric griddle.
- It helps you cook healthier meals. It has grease run-off channels to catch extra fat.
- Cleaning up is super easy! The non-stick plates come out and you can even put them in the dishwasher.
- The handles stay cool so you won’t burn yourself when you’re cooking or checking your food.
- It looks nice on your counter with its stainless steel parts. Plus, its small size means it fits easily in any kitchen, no matter how much space you have.
- The ready indicator light tells you exactly when it’s time to start cooking.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for single servings or small families, it might not be ideal for cooking for a large crowd at once.
- Some users might wish for even more plate options to expand its cooking capabilities further.
This BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 appliance is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking fun and easy for everyone.
4. Yedi Total Package 6-in-1 Digital Indoor Grill
Rating: 9.1/10
The Yedi Total Package 6-in-1 Digital Indoor Grill is a kitchen game-changer! It’s a grill, waffle maker, panini press, and griddle all in one. You can cook anything from breakfast to dinner with this versatile appliance. It even comes with a deluxe accessory kit to help you make amazing meals.
What We Like:
- It’s super versatile, working as a contact grill, waffle maker, panini press, full grill, full griddle, or even half grill/half griddle.
- You can control the top and bottom temperatures separately, giving you lots of cooking options.
- It heats up really fast, so you don’t have to wait long to start cooking.
- Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable drip tray that’s dishwasher safe.
- The included egg rings are perfect for making fluffy pancakes or sunny-side-up eggs.
- The spatula/tongs combo is handy for flipping food and draining grease.
- All the plates (grill, griddle, and waffle) are dishwasher safe and PFOA free.
- Yedi offers a 1-year replacement warranty and a 90-day return policy, so you can buy with confidence.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the digital controls are easy to use, some users might prefer simple knobs.
- The dimensions of the plates (12.7 inches by 8.8 inches) might feel a bit small for very large families or parties.
This Yedi grill is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking easier and more fun with its many features and accessories.
5. MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for super fast meals with the MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System! This amazing kitchen gadget lets you cook waffles, grill burgers, and make yummy pressed sandwiches. It’s a real game-changer for busy weeknights.
What We Like:
- Cooks meals in just minutes, saving you time.
- Comes with grill and waffle plates for lots of meal options.
- Plates are easy to remove and can go right in the dishwasher.
- Opens flat for a griddle-style cooking surface.
- The non-stick surface makes cooking and cleaning a breeze.
- A drip tray catches grease for healthier, less messy cooking.
- Includes everything you need to get started, even a recipe guide.
What Could Be Improved:
- We wish it had more plate options, like a grill press plate.
- It can take up a bit of counter space when stored.
The MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. It makes cooking fun and fast, and cleanup is a cinch!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Griddle Waffle Maker
Ready to bring delicious waffles and savory griddle treats to your kitchen? A griddle waffle maker is a fantastic appliance that can do both! This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs. We’ll cover what to look for, what makes a good one, and how to get the most out of it.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a griddle waffle maker, keep these important features in mind:
- Reversible Plates: This is the biggest selling point! Look for a model with plates that flip. One side should have waffle grids, and the other should be a flat griddle surface. This lets you make both sweet waffles and things like pancakes, eggs, or grilled cheese.
- Temperature Control: A dial or buttons that let you set the heat are very helpful. Different foods cook best at different temperatures. Being able to adjust the heat means you get perfectly cooked meals every time.
- Non-stick Coating: This is a must-have! A good non-stick coating makes it easy to remove your food without sticking. It also makes cleanup a breeze.
- Indicator Lights: Most waffle makers have lights to show when they are on and when they are ready to cook. This takes the guesswork out of knowing when your appliance is hot enough.
- Compact Storage: Some models are designed to stand upright or have cord storage. This saves space in your kitchen cabinets.
Important Materials
The materials used in a griddle waffle maker affect its durability and how well it cooks.
- Housing: The outer shell is usually made of plastic or stainless steel. Stainless steel looks sleeker and is often more durable, but good quality plastic can also be long-lasting.
- Cooking Plates: The cooking plates themselves are typically made of aluminum. Aluminum heats up quickly and evenly. The non-stick coating on top is usually a Teflon-based material or a ceramic coating. Ceramic coatings are often seen as more durable and PFOA-free, which is a plus for health-conscious buyers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a griddle waffle maker great or not so great.
- Heat Distribution: A good griddle waffle maker heats the plates evenly. This means your waffles will cook to a golden brown all over, and your griddle items won’t have hot or cold spots. If the heat isn’t even, some parts of your food might burn while others are still raw.
- Durability of Non-stick Coating: A high-quality non-stick coating will last a long time. If the coating wears off quickly, food will start to stick, making cooking and cleaning difficult. Always follow the care instructions to protect the coating.
- Build Quality: Look for a sturdy appliance. A well-built machine will feel solid, and the plates will flip smoothly. A flimsy machine might not last as long or cook as well.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a griddle waffle maker is usually simple and fun.
- Easy to Use: Most models are plug-and-play. You preheat them, add your batter or food, and cook. The indicator lights tell you when it’s ready.
- Versatility: This is where the griddle waffle maker shines!
- Waffles: Make classic breakfast waffles for a weekend treat. You can also make sweet potato waffles or even savory cheddar waffles.
- Griddle Side: Cook pancakes, eggs, bacon, or grilled cheese sandwiches. It’s perfect for making a quick breakfast or a simple lunch.
- Snacks: Try making quesadillas or even small grilled chicken breasts.
- Cleanup: With a good non-stick surface, cleanup is usually just a quick wipe with a damp cloth after the appliance has cooled. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that can damage the non-stick coating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is a griddle waffle maker?
A: A griddle waffle maker is a kitchen appliance that has two sets of reversible plates. One side has waffle grids, and the other side is a flat griddle surface. This allows you to make both waffles and other foods like pancakes or eggs.
Q: How do I clean my griddle waffle maker?
A: Always unplug the appliance and let it cool down completely. Then, wipe the cooking plates with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn bits, use a soft brush or a plastic spatula. Never use metal utensils or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the non-stick coating.
Q: Can I make savory waffles with a griddle waffle maker?
A: Yes! You can absolutely make savory waffles. Many recipes use cheese, herbs, or even cornmeal for a delicious savory twist. You can also use the griddle side for things like cornbread batter.
Q: Is it hard to flip the plates on a griddle waffle maker?
A: Most modern griddle waffle makers are designed for easy plate flipping. They usually have a simple mechanism, like a latch or a handle, to help you switch between the waffle grids and the flat griddle. Check the product description or reviews to see how easy the plate change is.
Q: What kind of batter should I use for waffles?
A: You can use any standard waffle batter recipe. These typically include flour, eggs, milk, sugar, butter, and baking powder. You can also find many recipes online for different types of waffles, like Belgian waffles or gluten-free waffles.
Q: Can I use cooking spray on my griddle waffle maker?
A: It’s generally best to avoid aerosol cooking sprays on non-stick surfaces. The propellants in these sprays can build up over time and damage the non-stick coating. Instead, you can lightly brush the plates with oil or melted butter before cooking.
Q: How long does it take to cook a waffle?
A: Cooking time can vary depending on the waffle maker’s heat and the batter recipe. Typically, it takes about 3 to 5 minutes for a waffle to cook to a golden brown color. The indicator light will usually tell you when it’s done.
Q: Can I use metal utensils with my griddle waffle maker?
A: No, you should never use metal utensils with a griddle waffle maker. Metal can scratch and damage the non-stick coating, making it less effective and potentially unsafe. Use wooden, silicone, or plastic utensils instead.
Q: What are the benefits of a griddle waffle maker over a regular waffle maker?
A: The main benefit is versatility. A griddle waffle maker can do what a regular waffle maker can, plus it can also be used as a mini-griddle for cooking other breakfast items or sandwiches. This means you can make more types of meals with just one appliance.
Q: How much counter space does a griddle waffle maker take up?
A: They vary in size, but most are relatively compact. Many models can be stored upright, which saves valuable counter or cabinet space. When in use, they sit on the counter like any other small kitchen appliance.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Scott Fischer, the voice behind SliceItRight. My passion for food started in my grandmother’s kitchen, where I learned the art of slicing, dicing, and creating delicious meals. Over the years, I’ve explored everything from the perfect kitchen gadgets to mastering culinary techniques, and I’m here to share all of it with you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced home chef, my goal is to make cooking easier, more enjoyable, and a lot more fun. So, let’s slice it right and cook up something amazing together!