Best Thin Waffle Maker 2024

If you’re looking to make thick and fluffy waffles at home for you and your family, there are plenty of waffle makers on the market that will let you do just that. They make Belgian style waffles that have deep pockets so that you can load them with maple syrup, strawberries, butter, chocolate sauce or whipped cream. They’re usually crispy on the outside and light and fluffy inside. But what if you want to make classic thin waffles that are all around crispy? For that you will need the best thin waffle maker on the market, but surprisingly they’re few and far between.

The big advantage of classic waffles is that you can make them in large batches and freeze them for another day. Just bake them, let them cool and freeze them with wax paper in between. They can be reheated in a toaster oven or countertop toaster straight from the freezer.

While a few models claim to be a regular waffle maker and not Belgian, most of those are somewhere in between because they try to straddle both worlds by giving you the option of choosing a temperature and time setting for either one. However, more often than not, the pockets that these waffle makers have are too deep to really qualify. You can learn more about a Belgian waffle maker versus a regular thin waffle maker here. Therefore we have scoured the marketplace to find which exact models really do make thin waffles. Our picks for the best waffle maker for thin waffles all feature shallow wells, make thin waffles and make them evenly crisp.

If you want to make more than just waffles in your appliance, you could instead shop for a waffle maker that has removable plates that you switch out for grill plates for sandwiches. If Belgian waffles are more your style, then take a look at these double-sided waffle makers that make more than one waffle at a time. The ceramic plate waffle makers also tend to give you Belgian-style waffles.

 

 

Our Top Picks for Best Thin Crispy Waffle Maker

 

Best Thin Waffle Makers

Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker

A common problem people face when making waffles is that the batter will overflow onto the countertop when they close the lid. The Breville BWM520XL No-Mess waffle maker comes with a convenient moat that catches overflowing batter. The surface of the plates is non-stick, making this waffle maker effortless to clean.

Using this waffle maker, you can make your ideal waffle every time. There are 7 different heat settings, so you can achieve light fluffy waffles just as easily as you can make a crispy golden waffle. What most users like best about the Breville BWM520XL is that it has even heat distribution, so you don’t have to worry about biting into any raw pockets.

This waffle maker has an indicator light that lets users know when it’s heated to the right temperature and another light to let you know when the waffle is ready. It does also make a beeping sound to let you know when the waffle is ready, but it’s not loud enough to disturb people in the next room.

Pros:

No need to use oil on the iron plates.

Traditional waffle maker with modern features.

The lid comes with a locking mechanism to prevent accidents.

Moat makes for an easier clean-up.

Indicators take the guesswork out of making waffles.

 
Cons:

Not good for cooking thin batter.

Waffle won’t stick but is hard to remove without a fork, which should be silicone to prevent scratches.

Comes with just a 1 year warranty.

 

All-Clad WD700162 Stainless Steel Classic Round Waffle Maker

The absolute top rated thin crispy waffle maker is the All-Clad WD700162 that makes 6.5 inch diameter round waffles that are 1/2 an inch thick and has cross center grooves to make it easy to cut each into 4 quarters. It features 7 browning levels and a steam release method so that you get them perfectly crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

When the waffle is ready, it sounds an alert and the ready indicator light goes on. The surface is non-stick and releases a cooked waffle easily and is easy to clean. The outer surface is made of highly polished stainless steel and is also easy to wipe clean. There is also a power indicator light to let you know that the unit is on. When not in use, you can lock it closed with the latch and store it vertically if you’re short on space.

While this is not a low cost waffle maker, its quality and ability to give perfect results consistently justifies its price tag and makes it the best thin waffle maker on this list. However, just like most waffle makers, you should not try to make waffles without some oil in the batter, as they will stick otherwise, and the non-stick surface will start to peel early.

Pros:

Makes perfect single waffles consistently.

Stands up vertically for easy storage.

Timing for beeps when it is ready and when waffle is done are just right.

Sturdy stainless steel houseing.

Comes with a 2 year warranty.

 
Cons:

The word “Ready” is misspelled.

The lower heat settings are useless.

There are some complaints of it not heating evenly but you may have to ignore the beep and cook a bit longer.

 

Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker

If you simply can’t justify the cost of the All Clad above then pick the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker for less than half the cost. Instead of 7 browning levels you get 5 but the results are still pretty good. This also makes a 4 quarter large round traditional style waffle on non-stick baking plates inside stainless steel housing.

The unit features a weighted lid so that there’s even browning. It should take just 2-3 minutes to get a golden brown waffle. There is a red indicator light to tell you that it’s ready for you to fill it with batter, and a green light to tell you when the waffle is done.

Don’t expect to get large waffles with this unit. They are medium in size but since they cook quickly, you’ll be able to make many in a short amount of time. Some users complain that the top is loose but that is part of the design. The green light also seems to come on too early, so in the beginning, it’s a good idea to test time by trying to lift the lid when the indicator turns green. If you meet with resistance, then leave it for a few extra seconds before trying again. The lid should lift more easily if the waffle is fully cooked.

Pros:

Preheats and makes crisp waffles fast.

Easy to use.

Makes waffles from different batter recipes equally well.

Stands on its end for storage.

Great value.

Comes with a 3 year warranty.

 
Cons:

Not the easiest to clean but a damp cloth while it’s still hot is the best way to do so.

No beep when it’s done and no power button.

 

Euro Cuisine WM520 Eco Friendly Heart Shaped Waffle Maker

If you enjoy waffles in a fun shape, then the Euro Cuisine WM520 Heart Shaped Waffle Maker is likely going to impress you. This 8-inch waffle maker cooks 5 heart-shaped waffles at a time that you can easily break apart and share, or eat as one big loveable waffle.

This waffle maker was designed for people who enjoy thin and crispy waffles. It has adjustable temperature control which makes it easier to get the ideal setting for the right level of crispiness. People who prefer their waffles on the darker side enjoy this feature.

Clean-up is incredibly easy with this device. The waffle cooks on non-stick ceramic coated plates that are PTFE and PFOA-free. However, it is recommended to use cooking oil or butter on the plates before putting the waffle batter in for cooking. This is also one of our top picks if you’re looking for a ceramic plate waffle maker.

Pros:

Easy to make a variety of different thin waffle recipes with great results every time.

Cooks waffles fast within 3 to 5 minutes.

Easy to clean.

Easy to store on its side.

Made from durable materials that are easy to clean.

 
Cons:

Bakes a little unevenly.

The housing can get very hot.

 

Dash Deluxe No-Drip Belgian Waffle Iron Maker Machine

You may be thinking “Hey, what is a Belgian waffle maker doing on this list?”. Hear us out before you discredit the Dash Deluxe No-Drip Belgian Waffle Iron. If you enjoy thin waffles, you can make thin and crispy waffles using this machine. Once you get the batter recipe perfected, you can make deliciously crispy waffles that will have you coming back for seconds. We explain how to make a regular waffle in a Belgian waffle maker.

This classic square waffle maker heats up in only a few minutes. You can cook 4 square waffles at a time, easily making crispy waffles for a crowd. While the grids are deeper, the consistent temperature allows users to make thick or thin waffles to their preference. You will have a perfectly thin waffle ready before you know it.

The Dash Deluxe No-Drip Belgian waffle maker is designed to make the waffle cooking experience easier for everyone. Safety was the top priority with this design, as it has slip-proof legs and an easy-lift handle. There is nearly no mess left behind as there are overflow channels to collect extra batter and bake waffle sticks from it so there’s no wastage.

Pros:

Even heat distribution for perfectly cooked waffles.

The green light lets users know when the waffles are fully cooked.

Sleek design that is attractive in any kitchen, but also easy to store so it doesn’t take up counter space.

Makes a variety of waffles, including thin, Belgian, and chaffles.

 
Cons:

Takes up to 7 minutes to cook crispy brown waffles.

No temperature or browning control.

The outer layer is made from plastic.

Comes with just a 1 year warranty.

 

Chef’s Choice 854 Classic Pro 4-Square Waffle Maker

For a mid-priced unit, the Chef’s Choice 854 Classic Pro 4-Square Waffle Maker will give you four 4″ by 4″ and 1/2″ thick square waffles in about 2-3 minutes. This is the best classic waffle maker that makes square ones instead of round. You can adjust the browning level and choose if you want crispness only on the outside or all the way through. When you see the ready to bake indicator light come on, you fill the plates while taking care not to overfill. The top lid closes evenly over all the waffles because of the unique floating hinge, ensuring that their thickness is uniform. When the waffles are ready, you’ll hear a beep and an indicator light will turn on. They’ll release easily from the plates and they’ll be evenly browned all over.

The unit is easy to clean and store, as the cord wraps around the base and it can be stored on its side once the lid is latched down.

If you prefer to make just two waffles at a time but each being slightly larger at 5″ by 5″, then the Chefpro WafflePro Model 852 has the same features.

Pros:

Has LED lights to indicate baking and ready to bake and a beep to indicate waffles are ready.

Makes 4 square classic waffles of uniform thickness at a time.

Very fast – each batch takes around 2.5 minutes.

Inbuilt cord storage and lathcing handle for convenient storage.

Slightly overpriced.

Comes with a 2 year warranty.

 
Cons:

Uneven heating .

Takes up a lot of counterspace.

Waffles may be too thin for some.

Comes with just a 1 year warranty.

 

Thin Waffle Maker with Removable Plates

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Maker with Nonstick Reversible Plates

Technically, this is 3 devices in one. When you’re not using the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Maker to make delightful crispy waffles, you can use it to toast a panini sandwich or fry bacon and eggs. Since this device comes with removable plates, it’s easier to clean up once you’re done making waffles.

This shallow waffle maker is a better choice for group meals because you can make up to 4 servings at a time. There is also an adjustable temperature control to get the right level of golden brown to your waffles every time you make breakfast. Each waffle is a 4 x 4-inch square and the average cooking time is within 5 minutes.

However, when making the waffle batter keep in mind that this device doesn’t have a locking feature on the lid. The batter could rise to create a thicker waffle. Since there is extra rising room in the waffle maker, you have the option to cook crispy thin waffles or thick and fluffy waffles.

There is a small groove to lock the cord in for more organized storage when the device isn’t in use.

Pros:

You can use one device to make all of your favorite breakfast foods.

Easy to cook old-fashion waffle recipes.

Cooks multiple waffles faster.

Great value for the cost of the 3-in-1 waffle maker.

Comes with a 2 year warranty.

 
Cons:

Non-stick surface wears out after several uses causing waffles to stick to the surface.

Removable grids are not dishwasher safe.

Small handle that gets very hot to touch.

Many users have difficulties locking the top plate in place because the clamps are of poor quality.

Less heat towards the hinges, resulting in slightly uneven cooking.

The griddles on this waffle maker do not fit as closely as they do on other devices.

 

How to Choose the Best Classic Waffle Maker

On this page, we introduce you to some of the best waffler makers for thin waffles. However, there are a few features that you should look out for when choosing the perfect waffle maker for your kitchen.

Shape and Size

The size of your waffle maker will determine how many waffles you can make at a time. If you’re only cooking breakfast for yourself a single waffle maker is a great choice and it won’t take up much space at all. But if you’re cooking for groups of people you may want to consider one that cooks 4 square or 2 large round waffles at a time. The former type typically have a larger footprint, while the latter are usually a little tall.

You will also need to choose your shape preference, round or square. While standard thin waffle makers are typically square, you can also find a variety of round waffle makers with deeper pockets. However, if you want to make breakfast more fun there are also many different shaped waffle makers, like animals, hearts, and licensed characters.

Temperature Control and Settings

Everyone enjoys their waffles cooked to a different level of crispiness. Make sure the waffle maker has temperature controls so you can make your waffles exactly how you like them every time. This is even more important for thick Belgian-style waffles because you want to ensure that the inside is cooked all the way through without burning the outisde. More expensive models may even have custom settings for different types of batter.

Not all models have an audible alert to tell you when to remove the cooked waffle but if it does have one, you can safely multitask in the kitchen without worrying about burning your waffles.

Cooking Time

One of the advantages of making thin waffles is that they are ready within a few minutes. Always review the cooking time before deciding on a waffle maker. A good rule of thumb is that any waffle maker that takes longer than 5 minutes to cook a thin waffle isn’t worth purchasing.

Heat Distribution

Both the top and bottom grids should be equally heated or you’ll end up with just one surface being properly cooked and crisp. The embedded heating elements should create no hot spots and evenly cook each waffle from the center to the edges.

Ease of Cleaning

The non-stick surfaces on most modern waffle irons make cooking and cleaning a breeze. The dishwasher or running water can be used to wash removable grids.

However, any waffle maker will have crevices, gaps, and corners in places that will collect batter and crumbs. It is highly recommended that you purchase an easy to clean waffle maker. You need to check if you can reach every corner with a damp cloth or paper towel on a fixed model.

An additional feature that’s worth looking for is a runoff channel surrounding the grids. This can collect small amounts of batter that overflow when you close the lid of the appliance so that you don’t have to deal with messy drips onto your countertop.

Build Quality

In order to bake delicious waffles, the material of the plates and grids is very important!

You can choose from aluminum, cast-iron, etc., and choose what non-stick coating you’d prefer – Teflon or ceramic that may be infused with titanium or copper. 

Once cast iron devices are heated properly, they can maintain a constant temperature for a long time. Preheating cast-iron units, however, takes a long time.

Aluminum is a lightweight, efficient, and quick-heating material. Stainless steel takes slightly longer and is heavier, but is more long-lasting. If you purchase an aluminum or steel waffle maker, you should be careful not to choose a cheap non-stick coating because you want it to be scratch-proof.

Ceramic or ceramic-coated grids are extremely durable and non-toxic because they are PFOA and PTFE-free and safe when subjected to high heat.

Waffle makers with nonstick coating are easy to maintain and create perfect waffles every time. When cleaning the plates, be careful not to put them into the dishwasher, as that might damage the nonstick coating.

One of the most popular materials used for making the body of these waffle makers is steel. Such devices are easy to clean and are durable.

Budget

One of the most important things that you should consider is your budget. Waffle makers come in different price ranges, which makes it easier to find a good waffler maker on any budget. Of course, waffle makers with high-tech features or ones that make multiple waffles at a time will be more expensive, but anyone on a tight budget can still find a quality standard thin waffle maker in their price range.

 

How to Make Thin Waffles

Many first time waffle cooks have a few common problems making thin crispy waffles. One is overestimating how much batter should be poured into the plates. Since the pockets in a thin waffle maker are shallow, there is a greater risk that the batter will overflow and create a mess when you close the lid. It helps if you have the right consistency of batter as well and making one that’s specifically intended for crisp waffles. Pour just enough to cover the base of each waffle plate.

You can’t get good waffles if you use pancake batter because pancakes are not meant to be crispy or as light as waffles. A good waffle batter has just a touch more sugar to help caramelize and brown the exterior of the waffles. Instead of adding whole eggs straight into the batter, separate the whites from the yolks and only add the yolks at first. Whip the egg whites separately into peaks and fold them into the batter right before you pour the batter into the hot waffle maker. This helps make light and airy instead of dense waffles and also helps crisp them up more than Belgian waffles. The Food and Wine Magazine has a great recipe for crispy thin waffle batter.

The plates have to be completely hot when you pour the batter on so that the exterior immediately starts cooking and crisping up. A plate that is not hot will make limp and soggy waffles.

You also need a bit of oil to grease the plates but don’t use the spray type. These tend to harm the non-stick property of the plates over time and the waffles will soon start to stick instead of being released easily once cooked. Instead, just lightly brush the surfaces with cooking oil. The batter should also contain some fat to prevent sticking to the plates. If you must add fruit to the waffle while cooking, don’t add chopped ones or very juicy pieces, as they’ll add moisture to the batter, making the waffles soggy. Try to use whole berries and just drop them on top of the batter instead of mixing them into the batter.

You should ensure that each waffle is thoroughly cooked before trying to remove them, as undercooked ones will stick. When done with the whole batch, let the waffle maker cool and wipe the plates clean with just a damp cloth.