If you like desserts, but you also like simple and quick recipes to make, then perhaps a waffle maker could be a valid ally for you. These large biscuits, the waffles, in fact, similar in flavour to the classic waffles, are rich in taste and also beautiful to see or present.
They can be purchased ready-made, but preparing them is a lot of fun, and more genuine. Usually, they are accompanied with chocolate, whipped cream or ice cream, but also in syrups, fruit and honey.
They are delicious desserts that many people love to eat outside, but that with a waffle machine you can cook directly at home. If this is exactly what you are looking for, follow the guide we have prepared to help you choose the best product for your needs.
Here we had selected some of the best waffle makers that are listed below.
Buying Guide to Select the Best Waffle Makers
After the overview offered in the previous lines, you surely know what to expect from a waffle maker. Also, you have discovered some of the most interesting models on the market.
However, there are many other aspects that you will need to keep in mind. For this reason, we have prepared this guide to action. Pay attention to what you will read in the next lines.
The Importance of Temperature
Of course, the first discriminating factor in choosing a plate is represented by the plate! It must be made of cast iron and guarantee excellent thermal inertia, i.e. the ability to vary, more or less quickly, its temperature.
It is essential that the device allows a wide temperature regulation, say from a minimum of 50 to a maximum of 300 degrees centigrade.
This is because, if it is true that the average cooking temperature of a waffle is about 180 degrees, depending on the type of dough and the preferred browning, you may need to raise or lower it.
The resistance must be integrated into the plate to guarantee the best heat penetration and homogeneous diffusion so that the whole surface heats up in the same way. This allows obtaining desserts cooked evenly, without raw or burnt parts.
Finally, the thermal insulation of the resistance prevents the heat from dispersing, contributing in turn to the goodness of the result.
The motor that manages everything must have good power and all the best brands on the market offer 1,200-1,400 watt appliances, a value below which we recommend not to go down.
Any Kind of Shape
The various appliances available on the market often offer the possibility of replacing the plate to obtain waffles with different textures.
Being able to disassemble the plate, first of all, facilitates cleaning operations, so that it is extremely simple to remove all traces of food after use.
In principle, there are two types of waffle, which took their name from the two most important cities in Belgium: Brussels and Liège.
The former has a crisp surface, are softer internally and have grates with larger squares, the latter has a more consistent dough and denser textures.
Of course, there are dozens of variations on the theme, with the various manufacturers. They have given free rein to the imagination by offering plates thanks to which heart-shaped waffles, four-leaf clover, rhombus and so on are obtained.
Some Optional
Compare prices and technical characteristics of the models available on the market. Beyond the simpler plates that simply “churn out” waffles, in pairs or four at a time depending on the size, there are also more function-rich appliances.
There are, for example, models equipped with a timer or capable of automatically rotating the plate, to guarantee uniform cooking of both sides of the cake. The rotation, among other things, makes it easier to detach the waffle from the plate.
The price range also varies depending on the material with which the body of the appliance is made: plastic models are cheaper, steel ones cost more but ensure a longer life.
If you like making these little treats at home, you may also be interested in a fast and easy to use popcorn machine.
But we have many other pages with all the accessories and utensils that are used in the kitchen: refractory stones, various types of pots, stone pans, etc. Discover them on our website.
How to Use the Waffle Iron?
We decided to tell you about something really tasty: the gauge! What is that surprised expression on your faces? Don’t you know what it is? Instead, yes, you know, who knows how many times you have eaten them.
Are we still not there? Waffel, ladies and gentlemen, neither more nor less than waffel called by the original name. In the end, it is always about waffles, and however you want to call this dessert, you will need the plate for cooking.
Here we had shared the video guide on how to use waffle maker take a look at that before moving on.
The Batter
We spare you the historical notes that would bring us even to ancient Greece, but in any case, it is better to start from scratch, that is, the batter.
Some prefer to add all the ingredients in the first person but to do it faster and with results that are still appreciable, we suggest relying on the preparations found in the supermarket.
Heat the Plate
As you prepare the ingredients needed to make the batter, take the opportunity to heat the waffle iron. This will save you time. The plate must be on a level with no slopes because the batter is liquid and could “run” anywhere.
In any case, to be more relaxed, you can put a sheet of absorbent paper under the plate to collect any dough that will come out. Much depends on the model, but in general, an indicator light thinks about when the appliance has reached the temperature necessary for cooking the waffles.
Brush with Oil
The plate is covered in non-stick material, but for greater scruple it can be useful, using a brush, to create a very thin oil patina. In this way, we will be sure to lift the waffel without the slightest problem.
Precisely because the plate is non-stick, the use of metal utensils that could damage the coating and compromise the non-stick is not recommended.
Pour in The Batter
We are added at the time you pour the batter. It is not a complicated operation, but attention must be paid in any case, in particular to the quantity which must not be excessive; otherwise, it will escape.
The batter should be poured, possibly, using a spoon. Everything must be done slowly, making sure that the dough is distributed evenly on the surface. At that point, the plate can be closed.
The Cleaning
After enjoying delicious waffles, stuffed to your liking, it’s time to clean the plate. It is something that we recommend always to do, after each use, to avoid the residue.
To clean, just use paper towels to pass carefully after everything has cooled down. If desired, the absorbent paper can also be moistened with a little water, but avoid using soap because rinsing the plate is to be avoided.
