I researched the best ceramic waffle makers out there. My pick? The Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker. It makes delicious waffles and gives you the best bang for your buck.
One of my family’s favorite breakfast foods is waffles. It’s tough to beat fluffy waffles topped with fresh fruit and cream. But that requires a waffle maker.
The Presto Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker has the most consistent reviews and ticks off the most boxes while being very affordable.
Yet you may not want Belgian-style waffles. Maybe you prefer thinner ones or even Norwegian style.
Or, you may wish for temperature control or another specific feature.
Luckily, I’ve broken down the pros and cons of the best ceramic waffle makers. Which is the best ceramic waffle maker for your kitchen? Keep reading to find out.
Contents
Are Ceramic Waffle Makers Safe?
You can rest easy. Ceramic waffle makers are perfectly safe! Here’s why:
The two chemicals that get a bad rap for health and safety concerns are Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA). There is a difference between the two, which you can read about in the buying guide.
But almost all ceramic coating is PTFE and PFOA free. Instead, ceramic-coated waffle makers have a sol-gel sand formula that coats the cookware.
So you can use your ceramic waffle maker without worry. Of course, be sure to properly care for your waffle maker by following the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and avoiding metal utensils.
The Best Ceramic Waffle Makers: Reviews
Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker– Best Overall
This Presto Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker has a non-stick ceramic coating and a countdown timer with a digital display. The included built-in-timer is convenient for those who like to “set it and forget it.”
It’s also a flippable waffle maker, meaning you can evenly distribute the waffle batter and get perfectly cooked Belgian waffles. This Teflon-free waffle maker features upright storage, saving precious cabinet space.
It’s also easy to use. Simply preheat the appliance. When the red light goes off, you know it’s ready. Pour the right amount of batter and set to four minutes or desired time. Flip to even out the batter and let cook.
One thing you don’t want to do? Overfill your waffle maker. It can make clean up a much more difficult task. Otherwise, this waffle maker is easy to clean. Simply wipe with a damp towel.
Many customers recommend not seasoning this waffle maker. And you definitely don’t want to use non-stick spray. The residue will build up and actually make it more sticky. If your recipe or mix has oil in it, you should be good to go.
Pros
- Upright storage
- Easy to use
- Digital timer
- Affordable
Cons
- Plates are not removable
- Overfill spills are difficult to clean
Hamilton Beach 26031 Belgian Waffle Maker– Best for Easy Cleanup
When it comes to kitchen appliances, Hamilton Beach is an established brand. Hamilton Beach’s 26031 Belgian Waffle Maker features attractive copper-colored ceramic plates inside a durable stainless steel exterior.
The waffle plates have a DuraCeramic non-stick coating that’s PTFE and PFOA-free. They’re removable and dishwasher safe—a lot of reviewers like the removable plates for easy cleanup.
This waffle maker includes a removable drip tray, which is helpful if you have any spills or accidental overfills. Not that I speak from experience (*cough, cough*).
The Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker has an adjustable browning control, so you can choose if you’d like to make your waffle lighter or darker. Many customers wished it came with a countdown timer, though.
One complaint? Many people still needed oil spray because they had issues with sticking. They also said this waffle maker didn’t always produce evenly cooked waffles.
Still, this is the only waffle maker on the list with removable plates. It’s slightly pricier than other models, but this waffle maker is the best if you value easy clean-up.
Pros
- Easy to clean, removable plates are dishwasher safe
- Includes removable drip tray
- Browning control
- Attractive copper-colored cooking surface
Cons
- No timer
- Might still need oil or spray
- Slightly more expensive
Hamilton Beach Copper Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker– Best Budget Option
This ceramic waffle maker has some similarities to the other Hamilton Beach option on our list. It has copper-colored ceramic plates with a brushed stainless steel exterior.
It has adjustable browning control and indicator lights, so you know when it’s ready to start making waffles. It also stores upright, saving you precious counter and cabinet space.
Customers loved how easy it was to make Belgian waffles with this maker. There were some reports, however, of the waffles cooking faster in the pockets.
The significant difference between this one and other waffle makers is the lack of bells and whistles. This is a more basic option with no removable plates, no countdown time, and no flip feature.
The upside? Cost. While this ceramic waffle maker is more limited in its features, it’s more affordable. If you just want delicious waffles without the fuss, this is a good waffle maker for you.
Pros
- Easy upright storage
- Adjustable browning control
- Affordable, inexpensive
Cons
- Not as many extra features
- Reports of uneven cooking
Oster Titanium-Infused DuraCeramic Flip Waffle Maker– Best Flipping
Speaking of established brands, Oster has also been making small kitchen appliances for decades. The Oster Duraceramic waffle maker‘s black and white sleek look is attractive.
It features titanium-infused Duraceramic, which is supposed to make the non-stick ceramic coating harder and more durable. It is Teflon-free and scratch-resistant.
Customers rave about the ceramic non-stick coating. This Oster waffle maker also has an extra-thick grid, which means you can get fluffy, thick waffles. It also has a flip feature to distribute batter evenly.
The adjustable temperature control is helpful, and you can store the waffle maker vertically to save space.
This waffle maker does come with a slightly heftier price tag than others, and it doesn’t make Belgian-style waffles.
One of the biggest complaints about the Oster Duraceramic waffle maker was the timing. There is no beep or sound to signal that the waffle is done cooking.
Instead, it has a green light indicator that tells you when the waffles are ready. Many customers suggested leaving the waffles in the waffle maker for a few minutes after the green light comes on.
One helpful suggestion is to ignore the light indicator and wait for the steam to subside. Using this method should get you even crispier waffles.
Pros
- Titanium-Infused DuraCeramic is PTFE and PFOA free
- Flips for easy storage
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Attractive appearance
Cons
- More expensive
- Not as easy to clean
- Complaints of unreliable ready light indicator
Metine Electric Waffle Maker– Best Splurge
This Metine Electric Ceramic Waffle maker has an attractive, speckled ceramic cooking surface and a brushed stainless steel exterior.
The manufacturer is not very clear on the exact materials, however. They advertise the waffle maker as having a non-stick ceramic coating, but they do not state that it’s Teflon-free. (It is BPA-free.)
Still, if you absolutely want to avoid a Teflon coating, I would go with another option.
That being said, many customers loved how quickly the ceramic surface preheated. It comes with a temperature dial and indicator light to let you know when the unit is preheated.
The light is a little tricky, however. The red and green lights together signal that the waffle maker is preheating or is cooking. The green light goes off when the waffle maker is preheated or when the waffle is done cooking.
The timing takes a little getting used to, but it’s not difficult once you figure it out.
The directions suggest making a throw-away batch of waffles upon receiving your waffle maker. This will allow any chemical residue from the manufacturing to burn off. There might be a slight smell on that first use, but it should dissipate quickly.
The flip feature means you can get an even bake on your waffles. Many users recommended still using oil or a non-stick spray on the ceramic coating.
While this is one of the more expensive options, it has many features that make it an attractive choice.
Pros
- Flips for even cooking
- Speckled ceramic nonstick coating
- Adjustable temperature control
- Makes fluffy Belgian waffles
Cons
- Unclear on the material (might contain PTFE)
- More expensive
Euro Cuisine WM520 Eco-Friendly Waffle Maker– Best for Norwegian Waffles
You know those sweet, heart-shaped waffles that are so popular in Scandinavia? This Euro Cuisine model is the only ceramic waffle maker on the list that makes them. Designed with five heart-shaped waffle plates, it will give you the perfect waffle, Nordic style.
It has a PTFE and PFOA free non-stick cooking surface in a polished chrome housing. The adjustable temperature control allows you to choose the level of browning that suits you.
This waffle iron is on the smaller side, with a diameter of 8 inches (20.3 cm). When you divide that area up into 5 sections, each heart waffle is pretty small. There were some reports of uneven cooking, as well.
Also, some customers complained that the waffles were too thin. This waffle maker is designed for lighter waffles, so if you want thick or Belgian-style waffles, this waffle iron is not the best option for you.
Pros
- PTFE and PFOA free ceramic coating
- Makes 5 heart-shaped waffles
- Adjustable temperature control
- Affordable
Cons
- Complaints of uneven cooking
- Not suitable for Belgian-style waffles
- On the smaller side
What to Know When Buying a Waffle Maker
Are non-stick waffle makers safe?
The only thing more important than having a waffle maker that can make good waffles? Having a non-toxic waffle maker. The best waffle makers should perform well and be safe to use.
Two products cause concern regarding non-stick: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA).
The more harmful of the two is PFOA. It has been linked to cancer in some studies on animals. The good news? The U.S. hasn’t allowed PFOA in cookware since 2015.
So when you see companies advertise their products as PFOA free, that practically means nothing. No one uses PFOA anymore.
PTFE, on the other hand, is in most ordinary non-stick surfaces. Many people refer to PTFE non-stick as Teflon, Dupont’s brand name for the product. PTFE is a synthetic resin that manufacturers bond to cookware to give it that slick, non-stick surface. Watch this video to see the process of how Teflon cookware is made:
While PTFE products are safe if properly made and cared for, they do come with some concerns. First, PTFE can release toxic gases when heated above 500°F (260°C). These gases can be harmful to humans and lethal to birds.
Another issue? Teflon can scratch and break down. Many times the non-stick surface coats an aluminum core. Food should not come into contact with aluminum while cooking.
So if that PTFE scratches or flakes? Well, Chemours (the company behind Teflon) claims ingesting Teflon is harmless. I expect they’re right, but I’d still rather not season my food with PTFE!
That’s why I always recommend using wooden and silicone utensils with Teflon.
But what about ceramic waffle makers?
That’s a different story. Ceramic non-stick coating rarely contains PFOA or PTFE. Ceramic options are generally non-Teflon waffle makers, which means they are safe for use.
So if you want the benefits of a nonstick coating and want a non-toxic waffle maker, ceramic is a great choice.
Is DuraCeramic toxic?
The titanium-infused DuraCeramic non-stick coating found in Oster products is a relative newcomer in ceramic cookware. Like a typical ceramic surface, it’s PTFE and PFOA free, making it safe for use.
A ceramic coating can handle higher heat than ordinary non-stick surfaces, and it is more resistant to scratching. Would I use metal utensils on ceramic? No. To be safe, I would stick with heat-resistant silicone or wooden tools.
The difference between traditional ceramic and DuraCeramic is in the durability. The manufacturer claims that its titanium-infused DuraCeramic is four times more resilient than conventional nonstick coatings and cooks food 20x faster.
The bottom line?
DuraCeramic is a natural ceramic coating that is environmentally friendly and safe for use.
What is a Belgian waffle maker?
When most people think of Belgian waffles, they think of perfect, fluffy waffles with loads of whipped cream, maple syrup, and fresh fruit.
And they would be correct.
When compared with traditional waffles, Belgian waffles have some distinguishing characteristics.
Belgian waffles are round and thick, with deep pockets. Their characteristic fluffiness typically comes from beaten egg or yeast, although many people use baking powder for a faster rise.
To make a Belgian waffle, you will need a waffle maker that can form the deeper pockets and accommodate the higher rise while getting that perfect waffle texture. You will also want one that has the classic round shape.
Most manufacturers will label their Belgian waffle makers as such. If in doubt, check the product description. A Belgian waffle maker will have round plates divided into four subsections and be at least one inch (2.5 cm) thick.
How do you use Belgian waffle makers?
To get perfectly cooked Belgian-style waffles, you need to know how to properly use Belgian waffle makers. First, you need to preheat your waffle maker. Most waffle makers have a light indicating when the waffle plates are preheated.
Be sure not to skimp on the preheating. Not cooking at a high enough temperature will get you soggy waffles. And you know what they say about never eating soggy waffles.
High heat will give you tasty, crispy waffles that you’ll actually want to eat.
Once the waffle maker is preheated, you’re ready to pour your batter. Make sure the batter covers the bottom plate to get thick Belgian waffles. Close the waffle maker and let it cook.
If you have a flip waffle maker, turn your waffles after a minute. Flipping the waffles helps ensure you get an evenly cooked waffle each time. Some waffle makers include a drip tray in case you accidentally overfill your waffle maker.
Pro tip: After cooking each waffle, place it in a warm oven at 250°F (121°C) to keep the waffle warm and crispy while you finish making the batch.
What is a waffle iron?
While there is technically a difference between a waffle maker and a waffle iron, most people use the terms interchangeably.
Traditionally, a waffle iron is a set of cast iron plates that cook waffles over an open flame or stove. A waffle maker, however, is an electric appliance that cooks waffles between two heated plates.
The concept is the same, but the materials and heat sources are different.
You might be asking:
Who would ever use an old-fashioned waffle iron? Cast iron waffle irons are great for campfire cooking or cast iron cooking enthusiasts. For everyone else, an electric waffle maker is your best bet.
What is a flip waffle maker and what difference does it make?
A flip waffle maker is a waffle maker that you flip at the beginning of the cooking process, after filling it up with batter. Many companies proudly advertise their flipping capability.
So what’s the big deal?
Flip waffle makers evenly distribute the batter, resulting in perfectly cooked waffles. Have you ever seen a waffle that looks like a piece of swiss cheese because it has so many holes?
Yeah, that’s the result of uneven batter. By flipping the waffle maker, you are making sure that waffle batter gets into every nook and cranny.
No more swiss cheese waffles for you. Unless you want a waffle made of swiss cheese. In that case, good luck.
What features should I look for in a ceramic waffle maker?
Ceramic waffle makers come with a variety of features. Some waffle makers have adjustable temperature control and a timer to help you get perfect, golden waffles.
Other waffle makers have removable ceramic plates and a drip tray to make clean up fast and easy.
When it comes to the shape, you can find waffle makers that make square-shaped waffles, round ones, or even heart-shaped waffles.
If you want thicker Belgian waffles, look for a waffle iron that is designed for Belgian waffles. If you like smaller waffles, you can purchase a mini waffle maker.
The bottom line is, when it comes to waffle irons, choose the features that best suit you.
What are thin waffles called?
Waffles come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. We’ve looked at the thick, round Belgian waffles. But what about thin waffles? Do they have a specific name?
Thin waffles go by many names. You might see any of the following:
- Traditional waffles
- American-style waffles
- Eggo-style waffles
- Non-Belgian waffles
- Old-fashioned waffles
- Norwegian or Scandinavian waffles (sweet heart-shaped waffles, thinner than classic waffles)
- Stroopwafel (which are thin, waffle-like cookies made into a sandwich with caramel or honey)
If you’re unsure how thick you want your waffles to be, consider what toppings you plan to use. Do you like to load up your waffles with syrup? I would opt for a thicker, Belgian-style waffle that won’t go soggy.
Do you want to use fresh whipped cream or fresh fruit? You might go for a thinner waffle that can provide a nice crunch to balance the softness of the whipped cream.
Do you just want a waffle-like cookie? You want Stroopwafel and should probably go with a thin waffle iron.
Ceramic Waffle Makers: What’s the Best?
What is the best ceramic waffle maker? In a nutshell, the Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker has excellent reviews and provides the best value.
If you want your kitchen to go all ceramic, not just your waffle maker, check out my ceramic cookware roundup.
Or, if you are looking for easy to clean waffle makers, check out my waffle maker with removable plates roundup.
