Waffles are among favorite breakfast food in America and almost every household has at least one waffle iron. Recently, a new generation of this type of irons appeared, designed to make thin waffles, previously reserved for restaurants. Now you can make them in your home and surprise your family for breakfast.
Regular or Belgian waffles are fluffy and have a dense texture. They are similar to bread or cake in that manner. To achieve that yummy fluffiness, Belgian ones are often made with yeast or baking powder. To accommodate this, irons for Belgian waffles have deep indentations, to create large grid, ideal for cream or other toppings.
Thin waffles, on the other hand, are crispier and are more similar to cookies. That means irons have shallow indentations because there is far less waffle for them to imprint on. Thin waffles are usually around half an inch thick, so they cook faster. They also have distinctive texture compared to Belgian ones.
Thin waffles more resemble biscuits than waffles. Properly prepared, they are crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. Their surface is harder, so they aren’t as good as their Belgian cousins in absorbing toppings. You can only put smaller amounts of syrup or honey on them.
When getting a new iron, there are several things to consider. First is the size. Smaller irons make just one waffle at the time, making them slower and not really suitable for families. For people living alone or in smaller apartments, they can be ideal, since they also take up less space. Larger or double irons, churn out two at the time, saving a lot of time in the process. They can be a bit tricky to stove away.
Another important thing to pay attention to is how easy they are to clean. Most of the modern ones come with a non-stick coating. Combines with removable plates, they are extremely easy to clean, unlike some older models.
Additional bells and whistles include timer control, letting you know when they are ready. All models have an indicator light, telling when the plates are hot enough to start pouring waffle mass. Finally, some come with several settings, allowing you to choose the color and the texture. This can be a lifesaver, if you have different tastes in the family, each demanding waffles exactly how they like them. You can see various available models on sousbeurrekitchen.com.
1. Palmer Electric Belgian Cookie Iron Thin
With a heavy aluminum cast casing, Palmer Electric Belgian Cookie Iron Thin looks very sturdy and well-made. It comes with tubular heating elements, providing a large heating surface. The whole thing stands on three legs, making it stable and not prone to overturning. It can bake two waffles at the same time, which should save you a lot of time when making breakfast. The cover is made from stainless steel. It is easy to clean, all you have to do is wipe it with a damp cloth. An additional feature is a preset automatic thermostat, making sure that all waffles will be the same. It comes with a 5-year warranty. The downsides are that it is a bit heavy and it doesn’t have a nonstick coating.
2. Chef’s Choice 840 WafflePro Express Waffle Maker
The Chef’s Choice 840 WafflePro Express Waffle Maker can make five heart-shaped waffles at a time. This waffle maker is one of the top waffle makers available on the market, as you can read in this article. They are a bit on the small side, but they are perfect for kids. It has a nonstick coating on the baking surface, ensuring easy and smooth release. You can choose from two modes of baking, deep bake or crisp exterior/moist interior setting. Thanks to these, it is easy to use, providing you with a consistent quality s, regardless of how many you make. Another great feature is a floating top plate, which ensures all waffles have the same thickness and texture. It is a bit large, so it will take more space on your kitchen counter. It also lacks an indication when they are done.
3. Cuisinart Pizzelle Press
Packed in a stainless steel casing, Cuisinart Pizzelle Press will provide you with thin, crispy waffles every time. The appliance can make two at the time, making it a great time-saver. Its sleek design ensures that it will also look great on your kitchen counter, regardless of the design of your kitchen. It will churn out two waffles in just 60 seconds. For added fun, left and right waffles have different designs. Cuisinart Pizzelle Press has five preset settings for different levels of baking, making it easy to have an ideal texture and color. It does lack an indicator to tell you when they are ready and we would like to see removable plates. Other than that, it is a perfect thin waffle maker.
4. BLACK+DECKER Thin Waffle Maker/ Indoor Grill/Griddle
Black and Decker isn’t a name we normally associate with kitchen appliances, but they make some great ones. This Thin Waffle Maker/ Indoor Grill/Griddle is proof of that. The unit has a large 8-inch cooking surface, making it highly versatile. Apart from waffles, you can make all sorts of dishes. You can also open it, doubling your cooking area, as each plate can be used independently. Pancakes, eggs, and hash brownies are just some treats you can make in no time using this grill. Plates come with channels to drain excess oil and are removable, making them easy to clean. If we would have to find one thing we don’t like, it would be the price, as it is a bit expensive.
5. CucinaPro Non-Stick Pizzelle Maker
CucinaPro Non-Stick Pizzelle Maker is an absolutely beautiful and stylish waffle maker that can bake two of them simultaneously, each with a unique, flowery design. The casing is chrome-finished and looks very elegant. It makes perfect thin waffles, thanks to solid baking surfaces. It has an indicator telling you when the plates are heated enough to start baking. Unfortunately, it lacks indication when the waffles are done. Plates are non-sticky and a breeze to clean. They aren’t removable though, so you have to careful when wiping it. The added safety feature is steam guards, preventing accidental burnings.
