Buy waffle irons cheaply: Consumer tips
The batter is placed on the lower, already heated plate, pressed together with the lid, and then baked between the two plates.
The prepared waffles can have different shapes depending on the model of the device, with the heart shape being the most well-known and widely used variant. The waffle iron is powered by electricity or gas. While electric models are used in home settings, gas-powered waffle irons are more commonly found in the gastronomy sector, as they are larger and more expensive. Additionally, there are so-called combination devices. These can be used to make not only waffles but also sandwiches.
What waffle shapes are there?
As already mentioned, the most well-known and widely used waffle shape is the heart shape, consisting of five separable parts shaped like hearts. In gastronomy, however, waffles are more often offered in a rectangular shape. The same applies to pre-made and sealed waffles from the supermarket (usually Brussels waffles made from butter dough). Belgian waffles, for example, also have a rectangular shape. They are thicker than heart-shaped waffles and are made with a yeast dough. More exotic shapes, which are also made from butter dough, can be represented with various motifs. There are waffle irons shaped like a favourite football club or a comic character. Many popular motifs are available, especially for children.
What should I consider when buying?
Before purchasing, one should consider which waffle shape they want to bake with the iron and how many waffles they want to bake at the same time (larger devices can bake several waffles side by side at once). There are some features that allow for more comfortable and precise baking. One such feature is temperature control. This is often achieved with a knob and is stepless. This has the advantage that the degree of browning and baking time can be individually adjusted according to preference. The wattage can also be crucial for the baking time. In most cases, a high wattage results in a shorter baking time. Common devices range between 800 and 1200 watts. For operation, there are often indicator lights. These indicate different stages depending on the model. One light may show whether the device is switched on or not, and the second light indicates whether the waffle shape is currently heating up. For easy handling, a non-stick coating is also important, so that the waffles can be released more easily. Another advantage of the non-stick coating is easy cleaning. Some shapes can be removed from the device and are dishwasher safe. Almost everyone who has baked waffles once knows the problem that if there is too much batter in the shape, it overflows a bit at the sides. An overflow edge can prevent contamination of the surface. This overflow edge runs around the device and catches the excess batter. Furthermore, the material is an important purchasing criterion. Higher-quality waffle irons are usually made of stainless steel. They are robust and also look good. However, devices made of plastic are more common, as they are significantly cheaper and easier to clean.
