Nice waffle iron, which one? What waffle iron to buy?

Waffles are usually associated with seaside holidays. However, this is not a dish that can only be eaten outside the home. You might as well do it yourself. Having a waffle maker, you just need to prepare the dough and start the equipment in order to enjoy delicious soft waffles with selected additives - toppings or fruits in a few minutes. Check out what to look out for when buying a waffle maker.

Why make waffles at home?

By making your own waffles, you have complete control over their ingredients. The traditional dough contains both wheat flour and milk and sugar. However, not everyone can eat these ingredients or for some reason choose to limit their consumption. Having your own waffle iron at home will allow you to prepare the dough the way you like it. You can eliminate gluten, replace sugar with agave syrup or stevia, and replace cow's milk with a plant-based drink. By the way, you can try the salty version.

A good waffle iron - what is it characterized by?

Choosing a waffle iron depends on several factors. The most important are: power, the material from which the heating plates are made, the body and the ability to control the temperature. The best waffle irons are designed not only with aesthetics in mind, but also in such a way that the user can easily adjust the heating power and conveniently clean the device. Of course, design is important, but it should not overshadow the criterion of functionality.

Types of waffle irons

On the market you can find waffle irons designed for home use and professional ones. The latter are usually larger, and some of them have a rotation function to ensure even distribution of the dough. They differ from home waffle irons primarily in the best parameters that allow them to be used more efficiently. However, for occasional use, a good homemade waffle iron is enough.

There are also models with burners of various shapes that can be used for baking, such as bubble waffles.

The hob and its coating - what should it be made of?

The type of hob coating is a very important aspect that you should pay attention to when choosing a waffle iron. A plate that is heated to high temperatures should be covered with a non-stick layer that allows the waffles to fry well and the dough not to stick to the plates. Most often, Teflon is used for this purpose - a material used mainly for the production of frying pans. This is the safest solution that does not endanger the health of the user, and at the same time guarantees the practicality of the device. However, before buying, you should make sure that the equipment has the appropriate certificate confirming the quality of Teflon. Look for it in the product description and on the packaging.

It is also worth remembering that the use of sharp tools (such as knives) to remove wafers and remove dough residues can damage the Teflon layer, which will affect the usability of the equipment. Therefore, you should carefully clean the tiles, preferably with silicone or wooden spatulas.

When buying, you should also consider models in which you can easily remove or even replace the heating plates in case they are damaged. This is a very convenient option, especially when it comes to cleaning - you do not have to wash the entire device, fearing that water may get into an unwanted place.

Waffle iron power - what will be optimal for home use?

This setting determines the performance of the device. The higher the power, the easier it is for you to reach your desired temperature, so you can make the best waffles - slightly crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. If the power is not enough, the waffles may not be raw, but they will not have the desired consistency.

So how powerful should a good waffle iron be? The optimal device will be from 1000 W and above, although with a power of 800-900 W they can cook delicious waffles.

Is temperature control an important convenience?

If you like to experiment or want to keep things under control, choosing a temperature controlled waffle maker is a good idea. Thanks to the thermostat, you decide whether you want crispy waffles or softer waffles that day. You also don't have to worry about burning them.

Waffle iron body - what to look for?

The case largely determines the durability of the equipment. Therefore, if you are looking for a waffle iron that will last at least a few years, you should pay attention to models with a durable coating. The item that most often gets damaged or stressed in use is the handle, which usually has a clip or latch. It is its reliability that should be carefully checked to make sure that the waffle iron will continue to close without problems after several uses.

It is also important to pay attention to the thermal insulation of the case. High temperatures create a risk of burns, so the coating of the equipment must be protected from overheating.

Another important aspect is the wires, which are often too short, which means that the waffle iron must be placed close to the outlet. Therefore, before buying, it is worth checking the length of the cable.

How much does a good waffle iron cost?

The price of a waffle iron depends on the type, technical level, parameters, size, body and, of course, power. You can buy the simplest models even below PLN 100. More professional waffle irons usually cost a few hundred PLN more.

Choose equipment of suitable power and functionality, prepare the dough and enjoy delicious waffles at home!