All you need is the right waffle maker and you’re ready to cook. Top chefs know this. If they could have only one dedicated cookware appliance in their kitchens, many would choose a commercial waffle maker. Why? Because most other dedicated small kitchen appliances are at best a convenience, at worst a gimmick and a counter hog. But using one of the best commercial waffle makers is essential to consistently getting evenly baked waffles with golden brown exteriors, soft, fluffy interiors and deep pockets that can hold lots of fruit, syrup, ice cream or whatever topping you desire. All of the best commercial waffle makers have features that make this possible - non-stick plates, temperature- and browning-control knobs, LED indicator lights and audio signals.
Conair WMK600 Double Belgian Waffle Maker: $99.93, Amazon
At under $100, the Conair Double Belgian Waffle Maker is a real bargain. But low price doesn’t mean low quality. It has the important features found in more expensive machines. Customers rave about the consistent crisp exterior and light, fluffy interior of waffles made with the Conair. They also praise the waffles’ deep holes that hold plenty of their favorite toppings. Waffles cook quickly, and cleanup is speedy as well. There is no more economical way to please a waffle-craving crowd.
Waring WMR300 Belgian Waffle & Omelet Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel: $129.99, Amazon
What if not everyone wants a waffle for breakfast? That’s no problem with the Waring Belgian Waffle & Omelet Maker, also known as the Breakfast Express Plus. Not only can it make restaurant-quality waffles, but it can make perfect omelets as well. Not sure which to cook first? There’s no need to fret, as it can cook both dishes at the same time. And it also can cook pancakes, frittatas, eggs and grilled sandwiches.
Waring Commercial WW200 Heavy-Duty Double Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker: $377.91, Amazon
The Waring Commercial WW200 Heavy-Duty Double Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker brings muscle and brawn to the kitchen counter top. Heavy-duty die-cast commercial construction gives it durability. Its triple-coated nonstick plates are not only easy to clean but have embedded heating elements so temperature and heat distribution are perfect every time. The vertical design saves space but still allows two waffles to be cooked simultaneously, but also independently, as each waffle has its own LED lights and audio signal.
Waring Commercial WW250B Heavy Duty Double Side-by-Side Belgian Waffle Maker, 208-volt: $524.30, Amazon
The Waring Commercial WW250B Heavy Duty Double Side-by-Side Belgian Waffle Maker brings the look and feel of a restaurant kitchen to the home kitchen counter top. Its heavy-duty die-cast construction makes it both durable and easy to clean. The side-by-side cooking elements with separate convenient handles give easy access to both waffles. Each cooking element has its own on-off switch, thermostat control, LED indicators and audio signals, so each waffle is truly independently cooked. And up to 60 can be baked per hour.
Waring (WW250) 50 Waffle/Hr Belgian Waffle Maker: $636.32, Amazon
When a crowd wants breakfast, only a high-capacity waffle maker will do. The Waring 50 Waffle/Hr Belgian Waffle Maker is such a machine. Its heavy-duty die-cast construction means that it’s up for the job. The side-by-side cooking elements have completely independent controls, allowing this waffle maker to in essence function as two separate waffle makers, allowing each waffle to be custom made. Everyone gets a waffle just as they like it.
Waring Pro WWM1200SA Double Belgian-Waffle Maker, Black: $139.99, Amazon
The Waring Pro Double Belgian-Waffle Maker is a sleek unit with a brushed stainless steel exterior that looks great on any kitchen counter top. But good looks aren’t all it has going for it. It’s a no-nonsense machine that will make two perfectly baked extra-deep 1-inch thick Belgian Waffles that can easily hold everyone’s favorite toppings. The vertical design saves counter space but doesn’t skimp on cooking prowess. This powerhouse will feed a hungry crowd fast.
Chef's Choice 850 Taste-Texture Select WafflePro Belgian Waffle Maker: $316.18, Amazon
If time is of the essence, this is the waffle maker to choose. It can bake four deep-pocket waffles in 90 to 120 seconds so no one goes hungry for long. Fast heat-up and quick recovery assure that there is little down time when baking waffles. The QuadPlus baking system allows baking time and temperature to be adjusted independently, so each waffle can be custom-made to desired crispiness and interior texture.
Which ever of 2016’s best commercial waffle makers you choose, you may well turn breakfast into everyone’s favorite meal. But waffles aren’t just for breakfast any more, and you may find yourself using your waffle maker for lunch, dinner and dessert as well. The only limit is your culinary creativity.