Desperately seeking Waffle Iron

[kb0nes]

I have been looking to purchase a waffle iron for a time now. I have looked at all the usual kitchen stores and all they want to sell are those Belgian waffle makers. I want one that makes traditional waffles, the 3/8"-1/2" thick variety. I'm not hung up on either round or square although the round ones are aesthetically more pleasing.

So I took to Ebay to see what there was out there and there are zillions of them. Any recommendations on one that works well (cooks evenly etc.)? Added plus if the grids are removable for cleaning.

I ran across a Westinghouse WSA24 which I have to say is VERY handsome in a low profile Deco kind of way. They are listed as 750 watts which at first seems low but it is for a 7" round waffle. Does anyone have any first hand experience with one of these?

I'm open to other recommendations too, perhaps a Sunbeam to match my toaster and vacuum coffee pot(s).

Thanks!

Phil, KB0NES
Burnsville, MN

 

[polkanut]

Check out your local thrift and second-hand stores, or estate sales.  Estate sales where the owners are elderly might yield your best results if vintage is what you desire.  Don't let the low wattage fool you.  Once an older waffle iron gets up to the right temp, they work great!  Especially if it's seasoned properly.

 

[passatdoc]

Best iron I ever owned

...is my current iron, a Hamilton Beach Flip 'n Fluff iron for making Belgian waffles. It was built with bottom legs on both sides, so you fill with batter, then flip it over and cook for five minutes. The flipping action makes the waffle taller, plus it creates an air bubble under the waffler for crisper texture.

The advantages of this model were:

1. You get the advantage of flip action without either the high price or the large footprint.

2. Cost was only $23 at Amazon, so I bought three more for relatives and friends.

3. Stands upright to store, so you don't have issues with a big footprint. Takes up the same space as a large paperback book.

Unfortunately, they are no longer made. Most of the flip action irons are like the Waring one: bulky and hard to store. I believe Presto makes a single round iron that stands up to store and the AMazon ratings seem pretty good:

http://www.amazon.com/Presto-03510-FlipSide-Belgian-Waffle/dp/B000TYBWIG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343402960&sr=8-1&keywords=presto+waffle+maker


 

Average rating is 4.5 stars. The Hamilton Beach Flip n Fluff makes two large rectangular waffles. While the Presto's output per cycle is lower, it seems to score well in terms of compact size and moderate price.

The Hamilton Beach is pictured below. The top and bottom of the unit are identical with counter legs on each side. No hinge as on the Presto model. You fill it, flip it over, and let it bake for five minutes.

 

[thomasortega]

Here in Brazil Black & Decker still makes the traditional dual side waffle grill/grill.
Simple and reliable, exactly the same way as 30 years ago it's square and allows to make up to four standard square waffles.
You can also use the other side as a standard flat grill and can be used open too.

The website also has a demonstration video.

http://www.blackanddecker.com.br/bdprod/cata/listProdDeta.asp?prodCodi=G48&idGrup=FORN&idCate=GRIL

 

[franksdad]

My wife and I bought a new Black and Decker waffle iron on sale at Macy's on July 14th.  It is labled a Belgin waffler but the grills are not that deep.  We've made waffles in it twice and have been very pleased with the results - fluffy inside with a crispy outside.

View attachment franksdad++7-27-2012-13-51-37.jpg

 

[vintagekitchen]

Black and Decker or vintage Westinghouse. I have a vintage Westinghouse that works great, and my best friends mom in highschool had a Black and Decker that was almost identical to the one in the link above. The only difference between it and my Westingouse is that the Black and Decker has the removable/reversible grids, to use it as a sandwich press, or open the waffle maker all the way flat, and use it as a griddle.

 

[rp2813]

Sunbeams from the 50's and 60's receive high marks from many on this forum.  I found one at a local thrift store for $10 and am quite happy with it.

 

[xraytech]

I rarely make waffles, bu do have 2 irons.
One is a Hoover Waffle iron/griddle. it makes 4 waffles ad hsreversible plates to be a sandwich press, I've never used it yet.

The iron I do use is my Rival Pizzelle Maker and Waffle Baker with removable plates coated wih Tefon II. It make 2 waffles and reverses to make two pizzelles. It is a late 70s model and can be found on ebay from time to time. I actually have 2.

 

[bajaespuma]

Mes deux centimes

I think the older waffle irons, traditional and Belgian, WITHOUT the Teflon coating on the plates make waffles with a better crust. I love waffles-they make me very happy.

 

 

[firedome]

I'll second that...

recommendation for Sunbeam '50s to '70s, got one new in 71 and LOVE it! USA made quality appliances the way we used to take for granted. We have lost a lot.

 

[frigilux]

I bought a Chef's Choice WafflePro Express, which was the top choice of America's Test Kitchen (Cook's Illustrated). It's an excellent waffle maker. Retail price is $69.

 

[launderess]

If You Go For Vintage

Try to get one that is NIB or has low usage, with older and or units that have been run hard the thermostats may require attention (recalibration). You also want to check the wiring including the cord. Vintage appliances most always used cloth cords and they can fray or otherwise become damaged after years of use.

Personally one prefers older waffle irons for the same reason one likes vintage clothes irons and other appliances that self heat; they get much hotter than modern *safety* controlled/designed offerings. Mind you this requires one use extra caution when using these appliances especially when wee ones are about. Every single outer surface of my vintage Son Chief/Modern Maid waffle iron becomes very hot during use, including the handles. A child or even adult can get a very nasty burn if not careful.

 

[tolivac]

Yes,go vintage over the newer waffle machines-Have a few Sunbeams I bought at yard sales-the BEST ones.Look in yard sales and thrift shops.Even though the machine is old-it will have many years of life left in it.

 

[abcomatic]

Universal vintage, mid-30's

I use my grandmother's Universal made in the early to mid 1930's. It takes a bit to heat it up and is very hot while you are using it, but the results are wonderful.

 

[launderess]

Best Thing About These Vintage Waffle Irons

Along with many other appliances that were self heating is their fast recovery times.

What they may have lacked in insulation they made up for in blasting heating power. So one can crank out waffles for instance faster than one's family can wolf them down.

 

[combo52]

Arvin Model 3550 Waffle iron

Phil I have the a fore mentioned beautiful Arvin waffle iron, this is the same model waffle iron that our parents got for a wedding present. I would be happy to send it to your for fast approaching birthday if you haven't gotten one already, I have three different waffle irons and do not ever use this many. John.

 

[bajaespuma]

Here's a Kenmore on eBay:

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[kb0nes]

Arvin Model 3550 Waffle iron

John,

 

I'll take you up on the offer of the Arvin! I remember using that waffle iron years ago and I recall it did a decent job. I liked the removable grids on it also. Is the 3550 model identical to our old one or slightly different? I remember the faceted glass jewel so that you could see if the element was glowing

 

I did score a nice looking Westinghouse WAS-24 on Ebay but it hasn't arrived yet. It is sold As-Is untested without a cord, so it may not work, although I bet it will. It is a handsome unit with its Deco styling and I do like the round waffles. The square ones from the Arvin would be good frozen for the toaster later.

 

Thanks,

 

Phil