There is nothing like the taste of homemade waffles. Whether you enjoy the lighter Belgian style waffles or the regular American style waffles, a waffle iron is a great way for you and your family to indulge once in a while. With the right waffle iron, a beginner can find cooking homemade waffles as easy as an experienced home cook.
Traditional waffle irons have their challenges. One of the biggest is cleaning them. You can avoid this by investing in the best waffle maker with removable plates that you can find. Removable plates give you more options for what you can make with the iron as well as an easier cleanup job.
Now it is time to learn the difference between a Belgian waffle and an American or thin waffle. Belgian waffles are tall fluffy waffles with deep pockets and made of a light yeast-based batter. They can be round or square. They are usually fluffy but crispy in texture and require less heat than the standard American style waffles that are low, thin, and crispy. American waffles are usually square and remind you of the ones you can buy at the store. Some waffle irons with removable plates allow you to cook both. If you’re not particular about removable plates but want the best possible thin crispy waffles, take a look at our recommendations for the best classic waffle makers.
While a waffle maker takes care of breakfast, a panini press with removable plates will take care of your lunch.
You can find many removable plate waffle irons for both styles in the market, but there are 5 that we can recommend you check out. Read on to see what they are!
Table of Contents
[table id=17 responsive=”scroll” /]
What to Look for When Purchasing the Best Waffle Iron with Removable Plates
Instead of crowding your valuable kitchen storage with a griddle, electric grill, waffle iron and pancake maker, you can buy a good removable plate waffle maker to accommodate many of your cooking needs. If you have space issues, make sure its footprint is small enough to fit in storage and on your kitchen countertop. However, if you frequently have company over or you cook for a large family, consider getting a large electric griddle. You can’t make waffles on it but you can do lots of other things.
Some waffle irons are accompanied by additional or reversible plates that can be used to make Paninis, grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes, and eggs. While all plates are made of metal, some come with a non-stick coating to make removal of waffles and cleanup easier. Many of these plates are dishwasher safe. Be aware that these cannot be used to make crepes. You’ll need a special crepe pancake maker for that.
There are a few other things you should consider too. Some models help you to control the temperature or the browning of the waffles. Temperature and wattage has a huge effect on the texture of your waffles. If you like your waffles more crisp than other members of your family, this feature can be a crowd pleaser for all and everyone can get their desired waffle. Some machines also take a long time to heat up before you can start using them.
Check to see how many waffles the iron makes at a time. Round waffle makers usually make only one large one at a time. If your goal is to make many for your family, you may find more convenience in an iron that makes two or more waffles at a time or that has double grids. This will save you a lot of cook time.
Stainless steel and chrome handles may look great, but they conduct heat. If you want to forgo the mittens, invest in a waffle maker with a cool touch handle. Drip trays usually come with waffle irons that flip. Their function is to catch any excess batter that may spill over.
Finally, keep in mind that all these waffle makers have traditional non-stick grids that are not completely safe, especially when heated to high temperatures or when the non-stick coating starts to peel. If you want a waffle iron with ceramic coated non-stick plates that is completely non-toxic, then we have recommendations for that too.
Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Grids
Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian Waffle Maker 26031
Indicator lights tells you when the unit is on, when pre-heating is over and it’s ready for you to pour the batter on, and when the waffle is done. The deep grooves of the grids means the restaurant style waffle pockets can hold a nice amount of maple syrup, chocolate sauce or even fresh fruit and nuts.
The Durathon ceramic grids and drip tray to catch batter are all removable and easy to clean and dishwasher-safe as long as you wait for them to cool down first. The ceramic is 4 times more durable than traditional non-stick and is PFOA and PTFE free. The outside is made of brushed stainless steel and wipes clean. The handle is collapsible for easy storage.
Customers say this machine is just as good as a traditional waffle maker where the plates are not removable and that the waffles are evenly cooked. You have to spray the plates well with oil before the first waffle and very lightly before each one after that and they won’t stick.
The cord is a little short so you will have to find a place on your counter that is close to an outlet. Another thing to watch out for is that it does not beep once the waffle is ready so you’ll have to watch it, otherwise it will burn. All in all, this is probably the best Belgian waffle maker with removable plates that you can buy.
Pros:
- The grids are non-stick ceramic and safer than traditional black non-stick.
- The flip design makes evenly cooked waffles.
- Makes no mess and is very easy to clean.
Cons:
- The temperature control knob has a tendency to fall off.
- There is no beep to alert you when your waffle is done.
Cuisinart WAF-300 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates
The body is brushed stainless steel and the handles are cool to the touch. Two nonstick dishwasher-safe waffle plates make 4 waffles at a time and you can change them out to the 4 slot pancake plate if you want. Although it’s not designed to make eggs, you can easily use the pancake wells to make perfectly round eggs for a breakfast sandwich. The bottom grids slant inwards very slightly so if you over-pour the batter, the excess will drain out onto your countertop and not to the sides of the iron. This makes it so much easier to clean.
It can be stored upright to save room in your cabinet and it comes with tongs and a recipe book.
This versatile waffle maker is a hit with consumers and its loud beeper ensures you never burn your waffles and pancakes. The body of the iron does get very hot so care must be taken to only touch it by the handle.
Pros:
- It beeps to alert you when it’s done so you don’t have to watch it.
- Vertical storage saves space.
- Also good for making eggs.
Cons:
- No drip tray.
- Body gets very hot.
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler with Waffle Plates
The brushed stainless steel-housed griddler includes a floating style lid that makes it a contract grill and panini press, and the reversible and removable non-stick baking plates allow for a full grill, full griddle and half grill/half griddle. You also get two waffle plates for Belgian waffle making in this bundle. All the plates are dishwasher safe and the griddler comes with an integrated drip tray, scraping tool and recipe booklet. You can control the temperature with a knob, and an indicator light shows you at what stage of heating it is in.
Most customers say that this little appliance is great value for money given that you can do so much with it. The only small flaw with it is that when using the appliance as a griddle or grill, the top lid does not get as hot as the bottom lid, so you have to lift the lid halfway through cooking and flip your sandwiches, steaks or hamburgers for an even sear. This is not a problem you’ll have for waffle making as long as you fill the grids up fully.
You can also use the griddle plates instead of the waffle plates to make flat waffles that can then be wrapped around a cone to make waffle cones.
Pros:
- Many ways to use it.
- Individual temperature controls for top and bottom plates.
- Very easy cleanup.
Cons:
- Top heating element doesn’t get as hot as bottom one.
- Doesn’t beep when it’s done.
KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker
The temperature dial od this 1200 watt appliance gives you 5 browning settings. It takes the guesswork out of waffle making, as the indicator lights tell you when it’s on, ready to use, and done. There’s also an audible beep to let you know when the waffles are done. You only need a quick spray of oil on the plates at the very beginning and none for subsequent batches.
When you’re done, the waffle plates can be placed in the dishwasher and the body wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Storage is convenient too, as there’s a handle lock, cord storage, and the ability to stand it upright.
Pros:
- Evenly baked waffles.
- Cleaning is super easy.
- Makes 4 large waffles at a time.
Cons:
- Makes only waffles.
- The sides of the appliance get quite hot.
Secura 360 Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker
This unit can be rotated 360 degrees when the iron is lifted up by its cool-touch handles so that the batter inside is evenly distributed. The lid can be locked into place to ensure no messy spills when doing so. It has two indicator lights on the top and bottom. A red one to show that it is on and a green indicator light to tell you when it’s ready for the batter to be poured in.
There is no indicator light to tell you when it’s done baking, so you should use the first few tries to experiment with the exact number of minutes needed to get your waffles just the way you like it. A good indicator for the first try is when the steam stops emitting. Don’t forget to set your own timer!
The non-stick grids are easy to detach for cleaning in the dishwasher. When you first use this waffle maker, turn it on and let it be for about 15 minutes. It will give off a smell and will smoke a little. This is normal and will subside soon enough and be ready for you to oil up the plates and add your first batch of batter.
Pros:
- Flipping features ensures even thickness and doneness.
- Easy to clean.
- Inexpensive.
Cons:
- No temperature control.
- The locking clamp on some units may be hard to open.
American-Style Waffle Irons with Removable Plates
George Foreman GRP4842P Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
Temperature is controlled with an easy to use button and digital display interface that allows you to control temeprature and time and even has a cool Sear function to give you a last burst of 500F searing heat for 90 seconds. The regular temperature range is 325-450 degrees F.
One cool feature that sets this apart is the tilt angle. This feature makes it easier to cook healthy meals, as excess fat and oil drain into the drip tray. All the trays are dishwasher safe and there’s a cool touch release button to safely remove them even when hot.
This waffle maker is bigger than the other models. Therefore, it will take up more room in storage and on your counter.
Pros:
- Very easy to clean.
- Top and bottom plates heat up evenly.
- Can grill for 5 people at a time.
- Excess fat drains away.
Cons:
- A lot of small spaces that get dirty if the batter overflows.
- Ceramic plates need to be soaked in water for a bit before putting in the dishwasher.
T-fal SW6100 EZ Clean Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker
The sandwich plates make delicious pocket sandwiches and delectable grilled cheese sandwiches that your family will love for lunch. The other waffle makers do not have this particular plate.
Of course, at this low price point, don’t expect advanced features. This is a simple kitchen appliance that gets the job done without a fuss. So there is no temperature control and you have to watch the timing to prevent burnt waffles and sandwiches.
Pros:
- Makes waffles very fast.
- Compact and good for small kitchens.
- Great for making grilled cheese and pocket sanwiches.
Cons:
- No temperature control and you have to time it yourself.
- Batter will flow off the edges if you over pour.
FAQs on Waffle Makers with Removable Plates
Yes, when compared to waffle makers that don’t flip or rotate, a rotating waffle maker will usually make waffles that are more even in thickness and evenly cooked. This feature also helps crisp the waffle on the outside and keep it fluffy on the inside.
No, the plates on the Dash Mini are not removable.
There are 2 reasons for limp or soggy waffles.
The first is too much moisture. This happens if the waffle iron isn’t hot enough before you pour the batter in. A hot plate turns moisture into steam that can escape quickly as it cooks instead of getting trapped inside. So have patience and let the iron heat up fully. It should sizzle when you pour the batter on. Don’t be tempted to check if the waffle is done too early. If there’s no indicator to let you know then wait until you see no steam escaping.
The second reason might be your batter recipe. If you use buttermilk, it tends to make heavier waffles, which are more difficult to keep crispy for more than a few minutes after they’re done. They also need more time to cook. Try swapping half of the called for buttermilk with whole or 2% milk so make a thinner batter that’s easier and faster to crisp up yet still has a rich flavor. You may even swap out all the buttermilk with milk.
If you find that the above two remedies still don’t work, try popping the waffles into a hot oven or toaster for a few seconds to get rid of any moisture that may be trapped in them.
Why can’t one unit have varied plates for pancakes / sandwiches / waffles / AND pizzelles??