Product Description
Fast, flavorful and fluffy—every Belgian waffle baked in Cuisinart’s Flip Belgian Waffle Maker is cooked to perfection in minutes. Designed with a rotary feature that flips 180° to evenly cook waffles inside and out, this kitchen essential bakes according to preference with a turn of the dial, from light to dark. Nonstick plates easily release a flawlessly formed Belgian waffle with deep pockets perfect for filling with fruit, meat, jams, whipped cream, and other toppings. A ready indicator light advises when the waffle is ready and prevents over- and under-cooking. Durable, brushed stainless steel housing complements any kitchen and wipes clean in seconds.
- Browning control knob adjusts to 5-settings for custom cooking from light to dark
- Bakes a restaurant quality, 1-inch thick Belgian waffle
- Green indicator light illuminates when unit is Ready-to-Cook and when cook time is done
- Easy-to-Handle rotary feature for even baking on top and bottom
- 1000 watts of power
1) If you are using the Joy of Cooking, you do not need to spray the waffle iron. There is plenty of butter in the waffle.
2) These things get ripping hot and stay that way for a long time. Watch your digits!
3) To ease cleaning, once you're done, turn the iron sideways - on edge - and let any left over oil from the button collect on the bottom plate.
Anyway, this iron takes about 5-10 minutes to get to heat and then can crank out waffles fairly quickly and consistently. No complaints at all, and I’m quite happy of the fond memories of weekend waffles I’m planting in my children’s heads.
Be warned if you are looking to try Liege waffles as they are likely as addictive as crack cocaine...
Update 4/5/22: Had this for 3 years now, still works like a charm—zero issues. Non-stick surface is blemish free, and it isn’t unit isn’t showing any sort of wear. Cleaning it basically had amounted to wiping down outside with damp rag and blowing out any crumbs from the cooking surfaces. On average, I use it about 1-2 weekends a month.
BOTTOM LINE: excellent product and Cuisinart maintains its reputation for reliability and durability.
We highly recommend this product. The 4 stars for temp may be 5 for another family. I personally preferred the turn dial option on our prior waffle maker. It seemed more accurate with more specific temperature changes. We cook at the number 4 but at times it's too long and other times it's just under. We're still figuring out this product.
The 4 stars for cleaning are ONLY because EVERY waffle maker is difficult. It's hard to clean when the pieces cannot be placed in the sink. We do NOT feel that this is cumbersome. It's merely an honest point that waffle eaters deal with and understand as part of the cooking process.
We would MOST definitely purchase this again and again and again...
You get the idea.
I had seen advance advertising for this new release from Cuisinart so decided to wait for its release instead of replacing our original with a cheapie. It turns out that I'm very glad we waited. Yes, as others have said, it does take up a fair amount of space, but thankfully we were able to juggle our food prep appliances (food processor, blender and a huge Margaritaville gizmo --huge, takes up a ton of room and is never used, but my husband insists it stay in place, but that's another story...) to fit this new individual in.
Over this past weekend, we gave it its maiden flight, and on the whole are very pleased, with a couple of minor caveats...1) The user guide recommends setting 4 as a good starting place for cooking time selection. We find that setting 4 too aggressive for normal waffles. We'd suggest starting out at setting 2 and working up from there -- and repeat the test with any new recipe you try. 2) Though the user guide has some great recipes, we strongly recommend that you purchase "Will it Waffle? 53 Irresistible and Unexpected Recipes to Make in a Waffle Iron" by Daniel Shumski. Even of you love waffles as much as we do, you probably won't make waffles often enough to justifty on a counter all the time. However, after reading this book of innovative, perhaps a bit wacky but generally wonderful recipes and prove that almost if not everything will "waffle", you'll definitely want this beautifully made appliance within very easy reach!
It was simple to unbox and nothing to set up. It was plug it in, turn it on and wait for the light to tell you it was hot enough to start cooking. I made up batter from a recipe I found on YouTube and brushed the griddle with some vegetable oil just to make sure they didn't stick. The cup it comes with is the perfect size; I filled it up and poured it onto the griddle and it turned out to be the perfect size! After filling the one size, we closed the lid and flipped it. It turns very easily and locks sturdily in place when you get to the opposite side. Filled the cup up again with batter and poured onto the griddle. Closed that lid and flipped again to the other side.
There is a bit of what looks like steam that comes off. It might be smoke but unlike cooking in a regular pan where the smoke comes off and smells up the whole place, this didn't smell at all. Funny, I didn't know how to tell when they were finished but there is an alarm that goes off when the waffles are ready. When I opened the lid, I was shocked at what I saw... the MOST perfect waffle I have ever seen. It was cooked thoroughly and even a little golden brown in some spots. No burns and not overcooked. Just simply cooked to perfection! We topped the first with some homemade whipped cream and berries, a little syrup and simply the most amazing waffle I've ever tasted. I saw a lot of negative reviews and really can't understand what people are complaining about. There was no drip of the batter and you can adjust the temperature to make it crispier if that's the way you want them I've read the people who say they are "serious" waffle eaters and I think they just don't know how to use it. While it's my first time making waffles and I'm not a frequent waffle eater, doesn't mean I can't appreciate GREAT waffles and this machine clearly makes restaurant quality waffles. We already did another batch today and we are going to start experimenting with other things you can cook up in a waffle iron (as we are finding on YouTube).
Looking for a replacement, my research ended with this Cuisinart. Perfect waffles every time. And these are not wimpy, thin waffles; they are one-inch thick Belgian beauties. The included measuring cup provides the exact amount batter for a perfectly formed waffle. The temperature slider yields soft or crispy waffles, depending on your preference. (I set it at slightly above the halfway point for a crispier waffle.) Each side has its own indicator light and tone. You pour in the batter on one side, flip it over and do the same on the other. When the waffle is done, the green light comes on and the iron beeps. Never any guessing. With two irons going at the same time, you can keep the hungry throngs satisfied.
My only concern had been that the irons can't be removed for washing. That turned out to be unfounded. I use nonstick spray, and the batter never sticks. Clean up is easy.
Couple caveats: It’s hard to clean. Very hard. Also, we eventually figured out that the “done” indicator comes on about a minute or two too soon. Still recommended, though.
3/4 cup batter
Setting 5 seemed the best browning both sides evenly
Recommend this product
You won’t be disappointed
There are so many variations of healthy waffles to make with sweet potatoes & spinach. I want one so bad but haven't splurged on myself yet.
My niece loves hers. And I highly recommend this as a great gift idea. Most ppl don't habe these. There are so many things you can create even a crispy waffle for dessert or ice cream.
Light tell you when to set, stop and ready. Pleased with ease of use. 5 temp adjustments. Easy to clean.
easy peasy lemon squeezy
Cuisinart purchased the Ware patent and now makes this same iron. It looks and works just like or original Ware waffle maker with the exact same construction materials (I compared them side-by-side).
For those that have had issues with the swivel mount breaking, I suspect it was because it was picked up by the handle or rotated hard in the wrong direction. I'm not going to judge why it failed for some. I pick mine up by the bottom frame with two hands, did the same with the original Ware Waffle Maker. The only parts that ever failed on that unit were that one of the bottom rubber pads broke off when dragged out of the kitchen cabinet used to store waffle maker.
So far we are very impressed with this Cuisinart version and expect it to last many, many years like our Ware version.
Note: our Ware waffle maker did get glazed over with burnt on cooking spray and waffle remnants. I wasn't fastidious cleaning the cooking grates on the original. So with the new Cuisinart I've carefully cleaned all cooking spray and food from the cooking grids after each use. Waffles slide out, no sticking and the Teflon coating is like new after two months of use. I hope to keep it that way.
It's a great double waffle maker. Take care of it (cleaning and handling) and it will likely last a very long time. Highly recommended!
My best friend and I ate a whole recipe of waffles by ourselves!!!!
The fact that it makes two at a time is exceptionally helpful whether you have company or not.
It is extremely easy to use and clean up.
We bought these since they are double sided. I love this iron.
double waffle maker. It works well. It bakes evenly on both sides to the shade we like. No complaints! It does have a 3 year warranty too.
Great job.
This model is designed better than that one was. First off, this doesn't have the same lock as the other, and that old machine would sometimes accidentally get locked while using and the waffle would explode. This one locks down into place, but it unlocks by itself as steam builds up (see the close up picture).
This machine is so sturdy and cooks the waffles evenly - light and crispy, just the way I love them! The picture of the waffle was the very first one out of the maker.
The little cup that comes with it for pouring batter is the perfect amount for a waffle that doesn't spill over the edge.
This also has a place to roll the cord underneath the unit. Woo hoo! I love this!
*A little tip for you - Don't use cooking spray. The lecithin in it will leave ugly yellow stains all over your pretty waffle iron (that would be my previous model). I am now using a pastry brush to brush butter onto the grates, and it is much less messy and works perfectly.
Before I ordered this, I did ton of Googling to discover the most dependable waffle iron, and this one popped up on every list. You definitely can't go wrong with this one. Also, Cuisinart's customer service is amazing. They will replace your unit with a brand new unit if it breaks (I've done this with other appliances).
Happy customer right here!
If you want a double waffle maker, there aren't many options especially in one with a smaller footprint. This one does have nice features.
First the ready lights are on the pans. You flip the light to the top and take out your waffle. Refill, close and wait for the next one. That being said you might try to not be so fast on the fill that both are essentially ready at the same time. Other machines have the ready indicator light on the base. Not sure how you know which pan is ready on those.
This one has an on/off switch. Not all of them do. Not essential, but nice if you plan to keep it out or even set it up early.
The Cuisinart also has an adjustable darkness setting. They recommend 3, we needed it a little higher (darker). Could be the high altitude of our location. At 6000 ft we also have to increase the amount of flour. This dial does have a silver color but is definitely cheap plastic. While there is a whole lot of plastic in the machine, I feel like making this particular dial a little more sturdy would help the entire machine to feel a little more like it matches the overall price. Plastic isn't necessarily bad, this particular part just feels a little flimsy. Maybe a sturdy solid black higher quality black dial would increase the user's feel of the machine.
What this machine doesn't have is an overflow tray. I tried a dinner plate but it wouldn't fit. I found a shallow pie plate fit perfect if this is something you feel you need. That being said, using the included bapper scoop, I really didn't have more than a couple of small drips. I mentioned earlier that you don't want to fill both to quickly so they aren't ready exactly at the same time, but giving it a few seconds allows it so set up a bit so it doesn't run out. Other users referred to the flipping redistributing the batter, but I don't see that. It isn't like a frying pand that you can swirl around. It only flips one way, so I don't see this happening unless you put more batter on the side that will flip to the top which would have to be opposite on every other waffle. I think the flipping is just a way to start the timer and also save space on the footprint and still cook 2 waffles at one time.
If you want to make extras and freeze them, they heat up great in the toaster oven or air fryer and even stay crispy. In the microwave they will come out soft.
I also used the machine to make waffle shapped corn bread. Came out perfect. One box will make 2 not quite full circles very quick. It can be cooked on a lower setting than the one used for waffles as it came out a couple shades darker.
The box it came in has a convenient foam shape in it so I can put the waffle iron in when traveling to protect it.
I'm extremely happy with this waffle maker.
Skip buying the cheaper models and get this one. You will not regret it.
One-waffle makers don't keep up with the demand of even two people, much less more. This two-waffle maker is perfect. Each of us gets one while more cook.
The cooking surfaces should be seasoned before the first use--a simple matter of brushing on a light cooking oil or spraying the surfaces with grill oil (NO FLOUR kind)--but after that, we haven't had to clean the surfaces at all. Only if we overfill with batter is there any need to clean up. Waffles come right off. Oil in the batter does the trick.
The waffles are consistently good and evenly browned. We've found that, using Krusteaz, a good temperature indicator to set the iron on is 4, and then we let the baking go on for about a minute past the timer beep. Perfect.
I love this maker so much I bought a spare one to keep in the garage in case something happens to the first one. Our daughter-in-law loved ours so much she got one for her own family.
Cuisinart bought this maker from Waring, and the only differences in the two are that Cuisinart's version (no doubt manufactured in the same place) doesn't have an on-off light in the on-off switch, and that the maker says Cuisinart instead of Waring on the lid. Big deal.
Buy one.
The ability to heat set different time/heat levels (whatever the "doneness" dial does) is really helpful. I'm sure you'll have to sort out your own settings, but I know what a done "ready to serve" waffle setting is as well as a "slightly underdone so it can be reheated without burning" setting is as well.
Be sure to spray the plates BRIEFLY with non-stick spray to get a good clean release from them, but other than that, it's a fill and flip waffle making factory.
We did a lot of research on YouTube and Florenmolamarts before getting this one. One good feature is the 1-6 temp control. You need that.
We have had our new waffle maker for about a week now. We have to take a break.
Ah, one big Tip I can share. Get Namaste waffle mix here on Florenmolamarts.https://www.Florenmolamarts.com/gp/product/B000LKZA36/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
During our research, we found out that Disney uses this brand. Yes, it says Gluten free. Don't let that discourage you. You would never know. It tastes just like the funnel cake's or Elephant ears at the state fair. the waffles are crispy on the outside (use setting 4) and soft and chewy on the inside.
Good luck and remember you can put cheese, ham or other stuff in your waffle. It is all good.
Preparing batter is just as simple as using a measuring cup and mixing. Tweaking a techie by adding cinnamon or nutmeg spices or using vanilla or almond extract adds a little flare to the waffles.
We were a little cautious as to the quality of the waffle maker especially compared to commercial makers we've seen at hotels while traveling, but this unit has exceeded expectations. The base does feel a bit flimsy, but is not enough of a concern to be a detractors.
We've always shared responsibility of making breakfast, but were confined to using a single spot in the kitchen (only so much room by the stove). But now, the family can share more space in the kitchen and really make it a group effort.
Waffle time is family time.
OK SO, The ready lights turn on when it heats up. When you put the batter in and flip it over to cook, the other ready light (the one that tells you when the waffle is done) goes off after 30 seconds no matter what the setting is on. The waffles are not done at 30 seconds. I’ve worked I kitchens and no waffle is done in 30 seconds. I have an egg timer now I use for 3-5 minutes which is how long it takes depending on the temp.
THE TEMP: it does get hotter but the waffles still come out semi soggy and no crunch at any setting. I’ve made 5 waffles with 3 different batters on 4 different settings and timers. All Came out the same.
It’s easy to clean and does the job but not for the 65$ I paid after tax. OH, AND AGAIN IT DOES NOT MAKE A BEEP OR NOISE TO INDICATE ITS READY TO COOK OR DONE COOKING 😑
So, after three years of relatively constant use (at least 3-4 times per month because I make large batches), my Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker (2 sided) is still working great. We love everything about it. Clean up is a bit of a hassle, but that's why I also make large batches because I don't have time in the morning for cleanup.
I do not use this to do any of the other recipes in videos. I see folks cooking with cheese and sauces and all that. Well, that's really not me. I bought this with one purpose in mind and only use it for that. So, for me, clean-up is really easy. For other stuff, I pull out a frying pan. So, I really can't tell you about that side of it.
Original Review Written in 2020: I've always wanted a waffle maker -- even better -- Belgian Waffle maker. But I was worried it would not be used after a while, and clean up in the past for all these sorts of things was horrible. Not with this one. Every week I'm making a batch because my son absolutely loves them. I usually make a bunch and freeze them for the week because of schedules and work. I've made some from scratch; but I have to admit that most of the time it's easiest to use a mix (Krusteaz Belgian Waffle Mix, is my preferred).
Directions: I use a very light spray of Pam, because the oil wasn't as efficient and Pam gives it a lighter, more complete coverage. I also make sure the batter is able to flow of a spoon, rather than being thick. BUT not too watery. I find this helps move the batter around better for a more complete waffle. I do not necessarily like a crunchy waffle, so I start with it on "3." However, as I cook more waffles, I find I need to turn it down to almost "2" because the temperature continues to rise. A silicon set of tongs makes removal very safe and easy -- kids can help on that end.
Pros: Easy clean-up, very simple to use, perfect waffles every time. I've added chocolate chips to batter and fruit and nothing sticks and it's very easy to just wipe it out once cooled.
Cons: If you do use a little too much Pam, you'll find it drips down the back, the temperature setting could be more accurate (but not a huge issue), maybe a slightly longer cord would be nice too. As you can see, I really do not have many cons here. This thing has been perfect so far. Unlike some of the other posts, I've not seen any of the problems with the plastic on the back melting or anything...so I can only imagine that they have since addressed the issue? I bought mine a few months ago and we have used it regularly since, without issue.
Suggestions for Cuisinart: Accessories would be nice!!! Like a case/cover to protect it when it's on the counter or put into a cabinet. But I would especially love to see an 8" round waffle freezer storage box -- maybe to hold 3 or 4 waffles? That would make my day (especially ecofriendly)!!!
All-in-all, I completely recommend this waffle maker to anyone...well, waffling about which one to get.
I found a low carb fluffy waffle recipe, it turned out wonderful. Search online for: Light ‘N Fluffy Waffles gluten free, is on gnom-gnom website.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup almond flour
1/4 cup coconut flour
1 tablespoon psyllium husk ground
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
1 cup water
1/4 cup grass-fed butter or coconut oil
3 tablespoons erythritol or xylitol*
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3 eggs lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
Whisk together in a medium bowl almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk and xanthan gum. Set aside.
Heat up water, butter, sweetener and salt in medium pot (or Dutch oven) until it just begins to simmer. Lower heat to low and add in flour mixture, mixing constantly to incorporate. Continue to cook and stir until the dough pulls away from the pan and forms into a ball, 1-3 minutes.
Transfer dough back to the bowl and allow to cool for 5 minutes. The dough should still be warm, but not hot enough to scramble the eggs.
Add in one egg at a time, mixing with an electric mixer until fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract and baking powder. The final dough should be very elastic.
Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes and heat up waffle iron on high in the meantime.
Grease waffle iron well and spoon in the batter. It will be thick, so spread it out using a wet spatula (or wet the back of a spoon). Close waffle iron and cook for 8-12 minutes on high until fully golden and cooked through.
To crisp up the waffles further (this largely depends on your waffle iron), you'll need to toast the pieces on low in your toaster or in a skillet over low heat. This will draw out the moisture from the coconut flour and give you nice and crisp edges.
The waffles can be stored in an airtight container at room temp for 3 days. And the dough can be kept in the fridge for a day or two.
*I made it today, it's fluffy & doesn't taste eggy at all.
Enjoy. 😊
I grudgingly, I tried it out after the chorus of chirps begging for me to "try it out". Oh I wish for the days when it was just stinky cologne.
Ok, it's obviously bigger than the normal single maker. Looks awkward but not ugly- but it's not going to sit on my counter.
Gets hot really quick, green light indicates when ready, load the batter, close and let it cook. If you want 2 turn it over and open other side. The griddles are independent of each other. The both will be same and both will come on regardless. The only thing that is independent is the indicator light of ready and done. So if you wait 2 minutes to load other side, it will correctly let you know when that side is done. I hope that's clear.
The flipping couldn't be smoother, loading batter is just like any other. Both sides cook the same as the other. the flipping makes it nice to oil bottoms and be able to coat top also with the flip.
Cleaning- Non-stick is awesome. So far doesn't appear to be degrading at all. The batter will still creep if there is too much. I haven't found one that doesn't. Overall it's not as big a PITA as I had remembered.
The gripe, that can't be helped with the features is only it's awkward shape and size for storing, but is it worth it?
Well, since I hate waste of any kind including storage, most of my appliances get dual purposes. This one has made oodles of cheese sandwiches, eggs, and the best hash browns (that's where the oiling is so useful).
Yeah, it's worth it. I've grown fond of it, I don't get bothered if the request is waffles.
Another trip tip to using these units and minimizing your cleaning is to wrap everything in foil prior to cooking. Especially when you’re doing a lot, you don’t want to always have to be worrying about spilling. Just remove the foil and your accidents and the unit is clean.
Temperature control is obvious. If you would like your waffles more done, without it, you just have to wait longer without temperature control.
Finally, this waffle iron died. I purchased another (from Florenmolamarts) that made a number of "square" waffles. It also had an overflow feature that kept excess batter in the machine. My thought here was that with a number of "smaller" waffles, more people could eat sooner. The overflow feature worked, but, some waffles on the edges were less done and NO temperature control nor ON/OFF switch.
So, I purchased yet another round waffle iron from Florenmolamarts. But, it also did not have temperature control nor an ON/OFF switch. I decided I need to do more research and just gave away this iron without ever using. Then, I purchased this iron which solves of all the problems for me.
By making two waffles at a time, more people can eat at the same time (like me, for example, since I'm the waffle cook). It has the temperature control feature I was looking for as well as an ON/OFF switch. At first, I was surprised that it didn't come with an overflow catch tray. But, if you just use the supplied measuring cup, there isn't any overflow. I also thought that the waffles were cooked "uniformly". That is, the edges were cooked the same as the middle.
So, spend a little more, maybe, and eat sooner. We seldom have more than two additional people for breakfast, but, with a single waffle maker everyone is finished before I sit down to eat.
I use it on a weekly basis, sometimes several times per week. It gets abused as a sandwich maker (yes, use two slices of toast, put some cheese in between, waffle it to get grilled cheese sandwich). It also got abused to make some thing out of the 'will it waffle' book, including pasta and mashed potatoes. It also handled Liege waffles ok, thought I think it could be a bit hotter to caramelize the sugar perls faster ... Most of the time, I make standard breakfast waffles, and it works perfectly, every time. Cleaning is easy, I just hose it off over the sink. Again, this is a great product. I did not use it carefully at all (it's cheap anyway), but it works flawlessly. Seems like there is still a lot of Waring Pro in the product, and Cuisinart hasn't cheapened out the design just yet.
UPDATE:
A couple of month later, the iron always remains tilted on one side. Somehow it doesn't snap in place like before. A bit of an annoyance, but otherwise functionally still working well.
Suggestions:
• Trust the instructions and design. The procedures and function work together like a dance, and produce a perfect waffle -- golden crispy on the outside and soft in the center. It's almost a shame to add syrup to your newly baked creation. One change we recommend is to increase your batter volume, adding about 1.5 of the provided measuring cup.
• Very light seasoning is all you need, and any excess oil will seep out. The nonstick plates are high quality.
• We find that with the InspiredTaste.net recipe a heat setting of about 3 3/4 is perfect (of course various recipes and doneness preferences will require that you test and adjust). Make sure to allow the plates to come back to temperature after seasoning or your first batch will be underdone. The on/off switch and adjustable temperature dial are really nice features, and enable fine-tuning.
Great product and we definitely recommend.
First off, this thing does make great waffles, and quickly too! I didn't time it but I would say it was about 5-6 minutes from pouring the batter in to taking the finished waffle out. Initially I used setting 3 but I felt it was a bit pale and soft for my liking. I tried another batch on setting 4 and I think it was about right. Next time I think I will try 5 just to see how that comes out. If it makes any difference, this was with Aunt Jemima Buttermilk Complete pancake & waffle mix (no eggs or milk needed - just water & oil).
Regarding the hinge, it is made of plastic. It looks relatively beefy, but my only concern would be if it gets brittle from the heat over time. For that, there would be not much one could do about that. With this said, I can tell by looking at it that it would be best to be gentle with it when opening the lid. Although there is a "stop" to keep the lid from opening too far, this stop places the hinge into a position where there is no more slop available. In other words, if one were to open the lid with too much force or try to extend it open more than it is designed, it will most certainly be putting strain on the hinge. I intended to treat it gently for this reason. If I do have a hinge break down the road then I will definitely update this review.
I tried a half dozen different box mixes, some scratch recipes, etc..They were ALL pretty good..But none were my elusive TN waffle!
So I broke out on my own..Mixed this with , that, the flour I liked, the flavorings, a pinch of this, a pound of that. Then I put it all into the best damn waffle maker I have EVER USED! And guess what? Even BETTER than my TN waffles!!
I have owned at least 5 waffle makers, some were OK, others got two whole uses before saying hello to Ben, my junk man that I save all my old TVs, ranges, etc that still work but needed a up grade for.
This one? I made room on my kitchen counter for it's permanent home!! It's super easy to clean! And even easier to use!
It comes with a 2/3 cup measure..Or something. Fill it to the top!! Never mind the fill to here line on it!! Fill it up? Spray the iron good with oil, put it in, set it for level 5, when it beeps you will have. Perfectly cooked waffles!
Granted, it WONT be my super secret, better than a TN waffle..But until you can figure one of those out..This will just have to do ya!!
Holy moly, is this machine easy to use! You unpack it, wipe down the inside waffle grids with a damp paper towel, plug it in, then turn it on to heat. I set it at number 4. It takes a good five minutes or more to heat up initially. It beeps six times once it is ready, and the green indicator light comes on. It does this for each side.
I used a silicone pastry brush to lightly oil it with grapeseed oil and used the included scoop to pour in the batter, which should be thicker than pancake batter. You want it to be like a thick milkshake in consistency, just barely able to pour. Then I evened the batter out with a silicone spatula (or you could use a wooden spoon) and closed the lid. Make sure to use only as much batter as the enclosed scoop. If you use more batter, it will ooze out and the lid will open. Also make sure the batter is thick, not runny like pancake batter. This is very important for proper operation.
Then you turn the handle which flips the top over. Fill the other side the same way, then turn over again. The machine has a green indicator light for each side which comes on when the waffle is ready and it beeps. It's the same green indicator light that comes on when it has heated up to the correct cooking temp.
I found a recipe online called The Bestest Waffle Batter. It says to separate and whip your egg white but my mixer battery is dead so I just added the eggs to the milk and half of the oil called for. I used only half the sugar too. The waffles were fabulous! The recipe made 5 waffles. We ate 3 and froze 2 for a quick brekky another day. Anyway, here's the recipe as I made them.
2 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar
2 eggs,
1⁄4 cup oil
2 cups milk
Directions
Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large bowl.
Mix together the eggs, milk, and oil and stir slightly.
Add to dry ingredients and mix well.
This is going to be on my gift list for birthdays and such this year!
Update, two days later:
This morning we had the two waffles that had been frozen Sunday. Unwrapped them, nuked them on a plate for 30 seconds, the tore them each in half then toasted in the toaster. Absolutely FANTASTIC!
Butter tip: Melt a half a stick of butter in a small pitcher. It is the easiest way to butter the waffles!
You're gonna want waffles for breakfast every morning.
The iron seems to get hotter than the old Oaster we used. The waffles cook quickly and evenly, and come out a nice golden color. I recommend adding a tsp or so of peanut oil to the iron just before pouring in the waffle batter if you like your waffles to have a bit of crispiness to them -- the peanut oil basically fries the waffle batter. The nonstick surface makes this unnecessary for purposes of cleanup, but I think the oil improves taste and texture.
We've used it about 10 times since we bought it, and I have no concerns about build quality so far. I'll update if I experience a problem, but so long as this review remains unedited, you may assume I haven't encountered an issue.