If you love thin, crispy waffles with classic square pockets, an American waffle maker matters. Belgian models make thick waffles. American ones focus on crunch, even browning, and fast cooking. I analyzed popular options that real buyers often choose for weekend breakfasts, family mornings, and quick weekday treats.
And here I list the Best American Waffle Maker and break down what works, what doesn’t, and which model fits your kitchen best.
Best American Waffle Maker Worth Using Daily
Each review reflects hands-on style testing, real user feedback patterns from U.S. buyers, and everyday kitchen use.
1. Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Square Waffle Maker
What I Like
- Removable plates make cleanup easier
- Even heat across all four waffle sections
- Clear indicator lights
What I Don’t Like
- Needs more counter space
Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Square Waffle Maker feels solid and well-designed for making classic American waffles. The square plates spread batter evenly, so each waffle cooks at the same pace. The waffles come out crisp on the outside while staying soft inside. That balance is hard to get wrong here.
The removable plates are the highlight. After cooking, it’s easy to remove them and clean everything quickly. Heat stays steady during back-to-back batches, which helps when cooking more than one round. It’s not compact, but it performs consistently and feels dependable for regular use.
Dimensions: 10″D x 10.88″W x 13.62″H | Plate Type: Square American plates | Heat Settings: Automatic thermostat | Alert System: Indicator lights
2. Waffle Wow! Patriotic American Waffle Maker
What I Like
- Fun waffle design
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Simple one-button use
What I Don’t Like
- No heat control
If you ask for simplicity and novelty, this waffle maker is one for you. The shallow plates make thin waffles that cook quickly. It’s easy to use since there’s only one setting. You just wait for it to heat and pour the batter.
Because there’s no heat adjustment, results depend on timing. Waffles turn lightly crisp but not deeply browned. It works best for small batches or quick treats. Cleanup is easy thanks to the non-stick surface. This is a good pick if you want something simple and fun, not precision cooking.
Dimensions: 10.98 x 9.06 x 5.28 inches | Plate Type: Shallow novelty plates | Heat Settings: 1 | Alert System: Indicator light
3. Breville BWM520XL Smart Waffle Maker
What I Like
- Seven heat settings offer control
- Even browning across the plate
- Strong build quality
What I Don’t Like
- Higher price
This Breville waffle maker gives excellent control over texture. The seven heat settings actually make a difference. Lower levels produce softer waffles, while higher levels deliver crisp edges without burning. Many users liked how predictable the results felt.
The plates heat evenly and release waffles cleanly, even without extra oil. The machine itself feels sturdy and well-balanced, not bulky. If you enjoy adjusting doneness and want consistent results, this model handles that very well.
Dimensions: 9″D x 11″W x 5.7″H | Plate Type: Classic American plates | Heat Settings: 7 | Alert System: Indicator lights
4. Cuisinart WMR-CANAS Classic Round Waffle Maker
What I Like
- Five browning levels
- Compact size
- Stable temperature control
What I Don’t Like
- Plates are not removable
This classic Cuisinart waffle maker keeps things simple. The round plate makes evenly cooked American waffles with crisp edges. There are several browning levels, and each step felt clear and reliable.
It heats fast and doesn’t fluctuate much during cooking. Storage is easy because of its vertical design. Cleanup takes a little more care since the plates stay fixed, but wiping them down worked fine. This is a solid option if you want something straightforward and dependable.
Dimensions: 7″D x 7.79″W x 10.63″H | Plate Type: Round American plates | Heat Settings: 5 | Alert System: Ready indicator lights
5. CucinaPro American Square Waffle Maker
What I Like
- High wattage cooks fast
- Crisp waffle texture
- Lightweight design
What I Don’t Like
- Outer body gets warm
CucinaPro American Square Waffle Maker heats quickly and stays hot, which helps create crisp American-style waffles. The square plates spread batter evenly and cook waffles in a short time. You don’t need to wait long between batches.
Because it’s lightweight, moving and storing it is easy. The outside does get warm, so careful handling matters. Cleanup is simple due to the non-stick surface. If speed and crisp results matter, this model performs well.
Dimensions: 5″D x 7″W x 9″H | Plate Type: Square American plates | Heat Settings: Adjustable | Alert System: Indicator light
6. Cast Iron American Waffle Iron
What I Like
- Excellent heat retention
- Very crisp waffle texture
- Long-lasting build
What I Don’t Like
- Heavy and manual use
This cast-iron waffle iron takes more effort but delivers strong results. Once heated, it holds temperature well and cooks waffles evenly. The texture comes out crisp with a traditional feel.
It requires practice and manual flipping, so it’s slower than electric models. Cleaning also takes more care. Still, if you enjoy hands-on cooking and value durability, this option offers a classic waffle experience.
Dimensions: 17.24 x 12.56 x 3.31 inches | Plate Type: Cast-iron American plates | Heat Settings: Manual control | Alert System: None
7. Baker’s Friend Multi-Shape American Waffle Maker
What I Like
- Multiple waffle shapes
- Flip design spreads batter well
- Included accessories
What I Don’t Like
- Only one heat setting
Baker’s Friend Multi-Shape American Waffle Maker stands out for its flexibility. The flip design helps batter spread evenly, which improves browning. The included molds allow different American-style waffle sizes.
Heat control is basic, so timing matters. Once you learn the rhythm, results stay consistent. Cleanup is easy thanks to the non-stick coating. This works well if you like variety and simple operation.
Dimensions: 13.78″D x 3.55″W x 9.65″H Plate Type: American waffle molds | Heat Settings: 1 | Alert System: Indicator light
Final Verdict
If I had to recommend one as the best American waffle maker, the Breville BWM520XL stands out as my personal recommendation. It offers the best control, even browning, and a reliable crisp texture. For a budget-friendly option, the Cuisinart WMR-CANAS delivers consistent results without taking up much space. If you want a traditional alternative, the cast-iron waffle iron is a great choice for slow, weekend cooking.
Each option serves a different need. Check the links for current prices and details before choosing the one that fits your kitchen best.
FAQs for Best American Waffle Maker
What makes the best American waffle maker different from Belgian models?
The best American waffle maker uses shallow plates for thin, crispy waffles. Belgian models have deep grids. If you like crunch and even browning, American style works better.
Is a higher wattage important in the best American waffle maker?
Yes, higher wattage helps heat plates faster and cook waffles evenly. It also helps waffles turn crisp instead of pale. This matters when making multiple batches.
Do I need multiple heat settings in the best American waffle maker?
Heat settings help control browning. Fewer settings are fine for simple use. More settings give better control if you like soft or extra-crispy waffles.
Are non-stick plates necessary in the best American waffle maker?
Non-stick plates make waffles release cleanly and speed up cleanup. They also reduce the need for extra oil. This helps keep waffles lighter and less messy.
Can the best American waffle maker make 4 square waffles at once?
Some models work as a best 4 square waffle maker with larger plates. Others cook one waffle per batch. Always check plate size before buying.