Waffles are a crowd-pleasing addition to any menu and a great profit maker. They can be enjoyed with a variety of toppings and are often associated with fond memories from childhood.
The best waffle makers are easy to clean and feature preheat and doneness lights or beeps. Some have moats to catch stray batter and detachable plates that can go in the dishwasher.
1. Belgian Waffle Maker
Belgian waffle makers create deeper, thicker waffles with a distinctively larger pocket and a crispier texture than regular American-style waffles. They can hold more toppings, such as fruit or syrup and are a staple at many breakfast cafes and restaurants.
While the exteriors of these machines come in a variety of colors and designs, they tend to have the same function. This includes a rotating feature to ensure evenly cooked waffles, and a lid to prevent spillage. Some models also have a light to indicate when the waffles are done and ready to eat.
Another important consideration is the type of waffles a machine produces, with most offering options like “regular,” “eggo,” or “Belgian.” Some models even allow users to customize settings to their preferences. These include browning levels, which help determine the final texture and color of the finished product, as well as cooking times, which can vary depending on the batter.
Other popular types of waffles to consider include the Norwegian-style, which are made up of distinct heart shapes that can be pulled apart at the indents; and bubble waffles, which are smaller than Belgian or American waffles and shaped like a small sphere. When selecting a model, it is best to choose one that creates the specific type of waffles you need for your business.
Lastly, it is worth considering how easy it will be to clean the waffle maker after use. Some models have removable plates, making them easier to wash. Others have drip trays to catch excess batter and minimize mess. Some have lock-in handles to keep the lid closed while waffles cook. This can be helpful for busy kitchens, as it reduces the time spent opening and closing the machine while preventing heat loss.
2. Panini Maker
The waffle iron is an essential kitchen appliance for cafes, restaurants and food stands. The machine can be used to make both Belgian and American waffles, and it’s also ideal for preparing paninis and other sandwiches, including meat and vegetable fillings.
To find the best commercial waffle or panini maker, consider your specific needs and the type of foods you plan to prepare with it. If you want to serve sweet desserts with your waffles, look for a machine with deep plates that can accommodate more batter than shallow ones. For more versatility, look for models with adjustable settings that allow you to customize browning levels for different types of food.
Many models are available with nonstick plates, which are easier to clean than other types of surfaces. You can typically wipe off excess batter using a washcloth, while more stubborn residue may need to be scrubbed with hot soapy water or an oven cleaner. Some waffle makers flip over the plates during cooking, which can help ensure even browning and a crispy texture.
For busy venues, you should consider a commercial waffle maker that can handle high output without slowing down or affecting the quality of your food. During our tests, we looked for models that offer quick cooking times, as well as efficient heating and cooling mechanisms to prevent burning or undercooking.
You’ll also want a commercial waffle maker with easy-to-use controls and features. A digital display and push-button timer will help you meet customer demand with ease. We also preferred units with sloped cooking surfaces to prevent fat from accumulating and spitting, as well as convenient draining cups for collecting grease.
3. Mini Waffle Maker
Whether you’re making waffles to order or in batches, you want a machine that cooks quickly and efficiently. Some models heat up in as little as a minute, so they’re ideal for quick breakfasts or brunches. The number of waffles a machine can produce at once is also important. Some make just one waffle at a time, while others can produce two or four. For larger operations or those that cater events, a model that can make more than one waffle at a time will speed up production and save you time.
When choosing a mini waffle maker, consider how much batter it can hold and whether it has an indicator light to let you know when the waffles are ready to be removed from the plates. You should also decide if you’d like to opt for a non-rotating waffle iron or one that rotates, and choose between a coated or uncoated baker. Coated bakers are typically best for settings that serve multiple users because they don’t require the use of cooking sprays. However, they aren’t as good at browning.
The design of the mini waffle maker is also worth considering, with some machines offering a unique riff on traditional ones. The Cuisinart model we tested, for example, looks a bit like a briefcase as it stands vertically and pours the batter through an opening in the top. It was a bit finicky and didn’t perform as well as other models in our tests, but it has the added bonus of being compact enough to fit in a small space. Other models have a wrap-around moat that cooks the overflow of batter and prevents it from leaking out onto the plates while the waffles cook.
4. Waffle Stick Maker
If you’re looking for a versatile commercial waffle maker, look no further than the waffle stick machine. With its nonstick coating and rotary feature, this appliance cooks up tasty waffles in less time than your standard waffle iron. Plus, it’s easy to clean.
Whether you’re serving a breakfast buffet in your cafe or making a quick snack in your hotel, the waffle stick maker can help you elevate your menu. This waffle maker creates flat, square-shaped waffle sticks that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. These delicious treats are perfect for dipping in syrup, topping with whipped cream, or filling with your favourite sweet fillings.
While there are many different types of waffle makers on the market, most work essentially the same way. They all heat up when you turn them on, and they have removable cooking plates that are typically dishwasher-safe. Most also come with adjustable settings to give you the option of changing up your recipe or adding a twist on classic waffles.
Some waffle makers flip the plates over during the cooking process. This helps ensure that the batter is spread evenly throughout each plate for a perfectly shaped waffle with a crisp exterior and fluffy interior. If you’re looking for a model that can produce both Belgian and American waffles, choose one explicitly labeled as such or opt for a waffle maker with shallower plates than the traditional Belgian variety.
A nonstick coating on a commercial waffle maker makes cleaning up your cookware easier than ever. This is especially important for businesses that serve large crowds of people, like hotels and restaurants. You can also find coated nonstick grids that don’t require a spray. Choosing between a coated and uncoated baker will depend on your preference and the type of waffle you’re creating, with coated grids often preferable in settings that have multiple users.
5. Waffle Cone Maker
The Waffle Cone Maker is a commercial appliance that creates sugar and waffle cones for ice cream treats. It has an audible timer to let you know the waffles are done cooking, and it also has a power and preheat indicator light. It also features adjustable thermostats to ensure the waffles are a perfect temperature, and it has cool-touch Bakelite handles.
Some models have changeable waffle plates to allow you to create different sizes and shapes of waffles. This flexibility helps you add variety to your menu and cater to customer preferences. Other options include rotary features, which help produce evenly cooked waffles and reduce overflow. Some even have a built-in moat that cooks up the batter overflow, eliminating spills and making clean-up easier.
Other features to consider include a removable drip pan that makes cleaning up easier, and the ability to create a wide range of types of waffles. You can choose between classic round or square waffles, Belgian waffles (which have deeper pockets and a crispier texture), Liege waffles (made with yeast dough), and bubble waffles (also known as egg waffles). The latter are an Instagrammable treat that originated in Hong Kong and are quickly becoming a global trend.
Some waffle makers have special batter dispensers that dispense precise amounts of batter to the waffle iron, ensuring consistent and accurate results. Some also have covers to protect the machine from dust and debris when it’s not in use, helping keep it hygienic and in good condition. There are also cleaning solutions specially formulated for use on waffle makers, to make removing stuck-on batter residue a quick and easy task. This is especially important when you have a large number of waffles to prepare on a regular basis.
