Let’s face it, not all waffle makers are created equal. Some give you limp, undercooked waffles, while others might be a hassle to clean.
What if I told you that you could have the best of both worlds: waffles that are crispy, golden, and delicious, along with the convenience of easy cleanup? Yes, it’s possible, and the secret lies in waffle makers with removable plates.
Take it from someone who has spent a lot of time looking for a perfect solution and since I’ve discovered these, making my favorite breakfast has become a lot easier.
Why removable plates, you ask? They make all the difference when it comes to cleaning up, trust me. Plus, many models come with interchangeable plates for more culinary adventures—think paninis, hash browns, or even doughnuts!
In order to help you as well, I’ve created a list of the best waffle makers with removable plates. I’ve weighed all the factors: from cooking efficiency and plate material to ease of cleaning and durability so that you can find the one that suits you the best.
1. Health and Home Waffle Maker
I bought this one a few months ago and I love it! It has three different plate options which include waffles, donuts, and eggettes. This makes it really handy as you can make different breakfasts every day (especially if your kids get bored easily like mine).
It can bake two waffles at a time in only three minutes! It is a very viable and time-saving option. It also saves space in your kitchen because you will not need a separate tool for making donuts or any other dessert.
The detachable plates can be washed in a dishwasher. They are also non-stick so the batter will not stick to the plates and it will be easy to clean them. All you have to do is wipe it with a wet cloth once it cools down. You can spray them with a non-stick spray beforehand if you want but it is not really necessary.
Another great feature is the indicator light. It has power on and a pre-heating light. It will let you know when the waffle maker is ready to cook and when it is on. The anti-scald handle makes it easy for you to carry it around and it is easy to store in your kitchen cabinets.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Non-Stick Coating |
| Color | Silver-3 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Health and Home |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Item Weight | 3.67 Kilograms |
| Style | Grill |
- Versatile Plates: Comes with three different plate options for waffles, donuts, and eggettes.
- Quick Cooking: Can bake two waffles in just three minutes.
- Easy Cleaning: Detachable, dishwasher-safe plates.
- Indicator Light: Features power-on and pre-heating lights.
- 2-Year Warranty: Offers peace of mind with a 2-year warranty.
- 110 Volts Only: Limited to 110-volt input.
- May not be as powerful as some other models.
2. Secura Upgrade
This model has a remarkable build. It is robust and sturdy. It may produce some smoke or a burning odor the first few times it is used but that is because it needs to burn down the protecting oils that were used during the manufacture.
So you don’t need to be alarmed if you see smoke coming out of it because the model is not faulty or malfunctioning. It has removable plates for cleaning it easily and a locking clip that makes sure that the waffle maker stays shut at all times. It prevents any leakage of the batter and it allows the batter to spread evenly along the surface.
It also has a button that will release the plates when you press it. The plates are to be removed and reinstalled. They can be washed in the sink or a dishwasher without any damage. The plates are also non-stick for effective and fast and easy cleaning. The plates have deep pockets that provide thicker and fluffier waffles.
It has two heavy-duty heating elements on both sides for efficient cooking. It gives the waffles a nice golden texture and cooks them perfectly. It has a power-on and a preheat indicator.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Manual |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Product Dimensions | 9.9″D x 17.1″W x 6.7″H |
| Wattage | 1000 watts |
| Item Weight | 4.1 Pounds |
| Included Components | User Manual, Waffle Maker |
| Style | Automatic |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
- Robust and Sturdy Build
- Easy-to-Clean Removable Plates
- Deep Pockets for Thicker Waffles
- Efficient Dual Heating Elements
- 360° Rotation for Even Batter Spread
- Initial Smoke or Odor
- North American Electrical Standards Only
3. Oster Belgian Waffle Maker
Belgian waffles are a little different than normal ones. They have deeper pockets that can hold a lot of syrup. They have a light texture and are crispier which is why they’re my favorite. You will need a product with a bigger and deeper grid.
The Oster Belgian waffle maker fulfills all these needs and gives you fluffy and crispy waffles in minutes. I bought it for my sister two weeks ago and she adores it. To be honest, we all do. The grid has a diameter of 7 inches which is good enough.
The waffle can be cut into four pieces. There is an opening at the top of the product through which you can pour the batter. The waffles will come out perfectly crispy and golden. You can open it easily with the push of a button. The handle and button are safe to touch and prevent any burns.
The waffle will slide out easily because of the non-stick plates which are PFOA and PTFE-free. These are chemicals that were used in non-stick cookware and they can be a cause of cancer and other diseases. But this product is free from such chemicals and ensures full safety.
It is easy to wipe the plates clean. It is also easy to store it because of its compact design. This is a vertical tool and hence, does not take much space.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | Durable, flexible, anti-shock, slim fit, lightweight |
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Oster |
| Product Dimensions | 4″D x 10″W x 8″H |
| Wattage | 1080 watts |
| Item Weight | 1.52 Kilograms (3.35 lbs) |
| Included Components | Waffle maker |
| Style | Nonstick |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
- Easy to Use: Intuitive controls for hassle-free cooking.
- Non-Stick Plates: Easy release and quick cleanup.
- Indicator Lights: Know when it’s ready to cook.
- Compact Design: Saves counter space.
- Versatile: Suitable for various batter types.
- Limited Capacity: Makes one waffle at a time.
- No Timer: Manual monitoring is required.
4. Hamilton Belgian Waffle Maker
Its exterior is made from stainless steel which provides durability and beauty. It looks stunning and will give your kitchen a modern look. It has the flip feature which spreads the batter nicely and gives you fluffy waffles.
After pouring the batter, flip it to mix the batter and get thicker waffles.
Flipping the waffles during cooking makes them fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. You’ll get restaurant-styled waffles at your home in no time! The plates are made of ceramic and are non-stick.
You will not have to scrape the waffle off the plates; it will slide out easily in perfect shape.
The grids are removable for ease of cleaning. It also has a removable drip tray for effortless cleaning of the waffle maker after use. You can clean them in a dishwasher or a sink. It has a dial on top which adjusts the browning.
You can get light or dark waffles in a couple of minutes. It also has a light indicator that lets you know when the waffle maker is on and when it is ready to cook.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Feature | No |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Flip for thick, healthy waffles |
| Brand | Hamilton Beach |
| Product Dimensions | 10.5″D x 16″W x 9.25″H |
| Wattage | 800 watts |
| Item Weight | 6.38 Pounds |
| Included Components | Waffle Baker |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
- Stainless Steel Exterior: Adds durability and a modern look to your kitchen.
- Flip Feature: Ensures the batter is evenly spread for fluffy waffles.
- Ceramic, Non-Stick Plates: Makes it easy to remove waffles and clean up.
- Removable Grids: Allows for effortless cleaning.
- Adjustable Browning Dial: Customize the crispiness of your waffles.
- No Mention of Warranty: The product details did not specify any warranty information.
5. Cuisinart Waffle Iron
This waffle maker by Cuisinart is very fun to use because it completely rotates to 180o and spreads the batter on all sides. It is important to flip the batter to get waffles that are crispy on the outside and light on the inside.
It distributes the batter very evenly and gives it a crispy exterior. It has a stainless steel exterior which is very modern and a good look for your kitchen. It is also very easy to clean from the outside.
It is an iron with a detachable drip tray. The drip tray is very useful because it collects any extra batter and prevents any mess. It is very easy to clean. One can just toss it in the dishwasher or wash it in the sink. It has many great features also. The top of it has a browning adjust dial and two indicator lights.
The lights indicate when the waffle maker is on and when it is preheated. After you pour in the batter, you have to flip the waffle maker and you will see another light indicator on the other side. This indicator will glow when the waffles are done and ready to take out.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Manual |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Product Dimensions | 9.75″ depth x 15.63″ width x 9.63″ height inches |
| Power | 1000 watts |
- Rotates 180° for even batter.
- Stainless steel exterior.
- 1-inch deep plates for thick waffles.
- Easy to clean removable plates.
- Foldable handle for easy storage.
- Requires 1000 watts.
- No mention of a warranty.
6. AICOOK – Medium Belgian Waffle Maker
This is a very robust and well-built model by AICOOK. It is made from high-quality stainless steel and has high durability. It can flip 1800 degrees which ensures even spreading of the batter.
The flipping action makes the waffles extra fluffy and thick, and who doesn’t want that? If the batter is distributed evenly then it will require less of it to fill the plates.
It comes with dual heating elements on both sides so the waffle is cooked equally from both sides. It is not left undercooked or overcooked in some spots. The double-sided heating can make wonderful golden waffles, hash browns, Paninis, biscuit pizzas, and even sandwiches.
It has deep pockets to make thick and proper Belgian waffles.
It has light indicators that let you know when to pour the batter and when to take out the waffles when they are done. Read the instructions manual carefully to learn the indicators better. It has a modern design and a user-friendly interface.
There are features that are preferred by newbies and pros alike. It has a temperature control dial on the top and you can adjust it accordingly. The plates have a non-stick coating. They also have an anti-leaking channel that prevents the extra batter from spilling.
Even if some extra batter spills, it collects on the drip tray below the waffle maker. The tray and removable and can be rinsed in a sink or dishwasher.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Special Features | Manual |
| Color | Stainless Steel |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
| Product Dimensions | 9.75″ depth x 15.63″ width x 9.63″ height inches |
| Power | 1000 watts |
- High-quality stainless steel
- Dual heating elements
- 180-degree flip feature
- Versatile cooking options
- Easy-to-use indicators
- Teflon-coated plates
- Requires learning indicators
7. Ostba waffle iron
This iron with removable plates is a remarkable product. It is not only a waffle maker but also a sandwich maker and a grill. It has many uses and it serves the purpose of three different tools. It comes with three plates, each of which has a separate use. They can be used to bake waffles, make sandwiches, and grill chicken and perfect steak.
It is a very versatile product that can help you fulfill your needs. Make healthy breakfast in the morning, delicious snacks and the evening, and grilled meat for dinner. All the plates are non-stick and removable.
They are easy to clean in a dishwasher and a sink as well. It can make two square waffles and two sandwiches at once. The upper and lower sides both have a heating element to cook the waffles evenly. It quickly heats and cooks the waffles in no time.
This 3-in-1 product has a compact design that is easy to store.
Its compact size also makes it easy to carry it around. It is portable and you can use it in your yard when you want to have a little picnic. The waffles are crispy on the outside and tender from the outside.
It has power and a preheat light indicator so you know when the waffle maker is left on and when you should pour the batter.
| Feature/Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | OSTBA |
| Power | 750W |
| Functionality | 3-in-1 (Sandwich Maker, Waffle Iron, Panini Press Grill) |
| Plates | 3 Detachable Non-stick Plates |
| Safety Features | LED Indicator Lights, Cool Touch Handle |
| Ease of Cleaning | Detachable plates that are dishwasher safe |
- 3-in-1 Versatility: Waffles, sandwiches, and grilling.
- Quick Heating: Cook waffles in 3-4 minutes.
- Easy to Clean: Removable, non-stick plates.
- Compact and Portable: Easy to store and carry.
- 2-Year Warranty: Added peace of mind.
- Limited to Square Shapes: Only makes square waffles and sandwiches.
- Requires 120V Outlet: Not suitable for all international outlets.
Buying Guide
If you have decided to buy a waffle maker then there are a few things you should consider before choosing the best tool for you.
Heat
You know a waffle is done when it is golden from the edges and has a certain crispiness to it. The center should be light. A good maker will give you an evenly baked waffle from all sides.
The one you choose should have even heat distribution so that there are no hot spots on the waffles.
Some waffle makers have a flip function that helps to cook the waffle from both sides. It will also help if the waffle maker has a heating iron on both sides so the waffle is cooked evenly from top to bottom.
Shape and size
The shape and size of the maker are an important factor. The size depends on the size of your family. There are models that make four small waffles at once. Some make two waffles at once and some make one big waffle that can be divided into portions.
You can choose models in different shapes too.
They can be in the shape of a square, a circle, a heart, a cartoon character, etc. The cartoon-shaped waffles catch the eyes of young children and they are entertaining as well! There are some waffle makers with removable plates that have the plates for making other dishes like donuts and eggettes as well.
Easy to clean
A maker with removable plates is generally easier to clean. If the plates can be washed in a dishwasher or the sink, then even better. The job of cleaning it will become even easier if the plates are non-stick.
The waffles will slide out effortlessly in non-stick plates and there will be no batter left stuck to the sides.
It is also easy to clean non-stick plates. Just wipe the maker with a damp cloth and you are good to go. It doesn’t get much simpler than this! Some models also come with a measuring cup which will prevent any extra batter from spilling.
This will not make any mess and will save you some time.
Indicator
A waffle maker with a light or sound indicator is a lifesaver! You can put in the batter and do some other work without having to peek at the waffles every minute. If you open it mid-cooking then the shape and the texture will be affected.
If you are a multi-tasker then a sound alarm would be great for you. Some models light up when it is preheated or when the waffles are done. Read the instruction manual carefully to understand the features of the product that you purchase.
An indicator is a bonus feature that provides safe and complete cooking.
Storage
Storage can be a bit of an issue for some people. You obviously don’t want a product that hogs all the space in the kitchen. So it is best to get one which is compact and does not take up much space.
If you have a small space then buy a smaller product that can easily fit in that space.
Some of them come with foldable handles and some can also be hung vertically. There are some models that have built-in storage space for the cord so that it doesn’t tangle. There may be hooks to wind the cord and keep it in one place after use.
FAQs
Can I use metal utensils on the non-stick plates?
It’s generally not recommended to use metal utensils on non-stick plates as it can scratch and damage the non-stick coating, affecting its performance over time.
How long does it typically take for these to preheat?
While the preheating time can vary between models, it usually takes about 5-10 minutes for most waffle makers to reach the desired temperature.
Do these come with a recipe book?
Some models may include a recipe book or guide, but this varies by manufacturer. You can also find numerous recipes online to suit your taste.
What is the easiest waffle maker to clean?
Secura Upgrade is the easiest one for cleaning. As the plates are non-stick, you won’t have to scrape the waffle off the grid as it will slide out easily. To wash off the grease, just remove the plates and wash them in a sink or a dishwasher.
The plates can be removed easily by pressing a button and they are very easy to reinstall too.
Can you wash a waffle iron in the sink?
A waffle maker is an electric appliance so you cannot wash it in a sink. It will be damaged if you do so. However, you can clean the plates in the sink if they are removable and wipe the exterior with a paper towel.
Can I use these products for commercial purposes?
Most waffle makers with removable plates are designed for home use and may not be suitable for heavy, commercial use. For commercial purposes, it’s best to invest in a waffle maker specifically designed for that level of usage.
Summary
To sum up, a waffle maker with removable plates is a game-changer for anyone who loves waffles but dreads the cleanup process. The convenience of being able to remove the plates and wash them separately simplifies the entire waffle-making experience, allowing you to focus more on enjoying your delicious creations.
The added benefit of interchangeable plates also offers versatility, enabling you to make more than just waffles.
From personal experience, I can say that investing in a high-quality waffle maker with this feature has revolutionized my weekend brunch game. I remember the first time I used my new Health and Home Waffle Maker; the plates popped right out and went straight into the dishwasher.
It felt like I had discovered some sort of culinary cheat code. No more scraping off burnt batter or awkwardly trying to wipe between the crevices of a fixed plate!
So, whether you’re a waffle fan or someone who simply enjoys a leisurely breakfast, these models are a worthwhile investment.
