The best waffle makers you can buy

The Oster Belgian Waffle Maker produces perfect golden waffles for a great low price.

If you like big, fat, fluffy waffles — and want to make them easily and affordably — you may have found your match. With an 8-inch round baking plate, the Oster Belgian Waffle Maker makes an oversized, round Belgian waffle. Adjustable temperature controls keep you in charge of how crispy and golden your waffles will be.

The waffle maker has non-stick cool-touch handles and two indicator lights, so you know what's going on with your waffle. The stainless steel waffle maker comes with a limited one-year warranty, and it's the best-selling waffle maker on Amazon.

There are more than 3,000 user reviews on Amazon, most of which are highly positive. Buyers love how easy it is to clean, its low price point, and the different waffle settings you can use.

"It's a good, small waffle maker that makes great waffles. The waffles don't stick and come out crispy and brown," one buyer wrote.

Of course, for a $20 waffle maker, you can't expect perfection. Negative reviewers note that the lid feels shaky and the unit doesn't feel sturdy. A few people say that the unit doesn't heat up enough for their liking.

Pros: Affordable, adjustable temperature, indicator light

Cons: Not as high-end as some alternatives, may be flimsy

The All-Clad 2-Square Belgian Waffle Maker is a top-of-the-line appliance with all the bells and whistles to ensure you make perfect waffles every time.

Keep your whole family content with the All-Clad 2-Square Belgian Waffle Maker. This high-end waffle maker produces two lovely thick waffles every time. You can also get one that makes four waffles. The waffles measure 4.5-inches wide by 1-inch thick, so these are nice big Belgian waffles.

The waffle maker has seven different browning settings to accommodate all tastes. Regardless of which setting you pick, the advanced heating technology ensures consistent cooking straight through the waffle. A special steam-release system prevents condensation from building up, too, thus ensuring that your waffle comes out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

There's no guesswork here. LED indicator lights let you know when to pour your batter in and when your waffles are ready to eat. Don't worry: If you're not paying attention, the system beeps to let you know it's done.

With the nonstick cooking surface and a removable drip tray, cleanup is easy, too. When you are done, you can leave the gorgeous stainless steel unit on your counter or take advantage of the cord storage and the locking lid and turn it on its side for more compact storage. Like all All-Clad products, there is a limited lifetime warranty on this unit.

Of the nearly 300 user reviews on Amazon, and most are highly positive. "I make waffles weekly and even take my waffle maker on family vacations to the beach," one buyer wrote. "I need a new one every few years and hesitated spending so much for this one. I am glad I did. The waffles are thick and fluffy inside."

Professional reviewers, including those at Good Housekeeping and Best Reviews, give the All-Clad 2-Square Belgian Waffle Maker high marks.

Pros: Sturdy stainless steel construction, multiple browning options, special heating technology, LED indicator lights, easy to clean

Cons: Expensive, heavy

The Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is an affordable appliance that makes thin, crispy, American waffles.

If you're one of those folks who prefer more American-style waffles that are thin and crunchy with smaller pockets, then the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker is the best waffle maker for the job.

This brushed stainless-steel appliance has five browning setting and dual indicator lights that tell you when it's time to bake the waffle and when it is ready to eat. The round nonstick cook plate, with four quarters, produces one large, round, traditional-style waffle. Rubber feet keep the unit from sliding around and the lid is weighted so it doesn't pop open.

Cleanup is simple. After grids have cooled, brush crumbs from the grooves, and absorb any excess cooking oil by wiping with a dry cloth or paper towel. You may clean the grids by wiping with a damp cloth. To clean exterior, wipe with a soft dry cloth. After you are done, wrap the cord under the bottom of the unit and then turn it on its side for compact storage. It comes with a three-year warranty, as well as a recipe book.

There are nearly 4,000 user reviews on Amazon, with 61% giving it 5 stars. " Reviewers at Wirecutter, Your Best Digs, Best Reviews, and Best Products recommend the Cuisinart WMR-CA Round Classic Waffle Maker.

Pros: Affordable, heats up quickly, makes thin and crunchy traditional waffles, five browning settings, indicator lights, easy to clean and to store.

Cons: Somewhat flimsy

In less than two minutes, the Chef's Choice Pro Express Waffle Maker produces perfect waffles.

The Chef's Choice Pro Express Waffle Maker is the most advanced waffle maker in our guide. It's full of patented technology like the "Quad" baking system that lets you customize the flavor, texture, and color of your round Belgian waffle. But the big selling point here is that it will bake your waffle in less than 90 seconds. Yep, a minute and a half folks. That transforms this sturdy unit from a weekend warrior to an everyday appliance.

Baking and ready lights are enhanced by a "waffle-ready" beeper. The "floating" lid guarantees uniform waffle thickness and ensures easy cleanup. With a built-in cord storage compartment, the waffle maker can be easily stored in a space-saving, upright position. The waffle maker comes with a limited one-year warranty, as well as a book of recipes.

Of the more than 200 user reviews on Amazon, 73% give it 4 or 5 stars, citing the relative ease of using this waffle maker. But many users, even those who like the quality and style of waffles produced by the appliance, noted that the waffles turn out too thin and crispy to truly be considered Belgian waffles. That's just fine by American waffle fans, though.

Wirecutter chose this as its top waffle maker, while it's one of Best Products' picks.

Pros: Cook quickly, easy to use, lightweight and easy to store

Cons: Question about whether it really makes Belgian waffles

Go from breakfast to lunch without missing a beat with the Black & Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Maker and Grill, which makes waffles and grills other foods.

The Black & Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Waffle Maker and Grill is a waffle maker, a griddle, and a grill. All you have to do to switch from making waffles to frying up eggs and bacon is to change the nonstick reversible cooking plates. A unique 180-degree hinge also doubles the available cooking area, so you'll end up with two eight-inch-square griddles for pancakes, eggs, and bacon. Then you can switch it up again to grill a sandwich for lunch.

There are several variable heat controls to choose from. The grease run-off channels along the edge of this grill quickly and easily carry away excess oils. With its chrome exterior and stay-cool black synthetic handles, this appliance looks great on the counter, but you can easily wrap the cord and stand the unit upright for compact storage. It comes with a limited one year warranty.

Approximately 64% of the more than 3,600 user reviews on Amazon gave it 4 or 5 stars. Buyers love the convenience of being able to cook so many different types of food.

"I have used it to cook waffles, sandwiches, and hamburgers," one buyer wrote. "All have been cooked evenly and fully. The hamburgers were done in about 6-7 minutes and sandwiches in about 3-4 minutes. This cuts down on time since each side would have to be cooked in a skillet or open griddle." Negative reviewers complain that the unit is not very sturdy and the top plate frequently falls down.

Top 10 Reviews, Best Products, and Best Reviews also recommend the Black & Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Maker.

Pros: Versatile waffle-maker/grill/griddle combo, makes large waffles, accurate indicator light, affordable

Cons: Difficult to clean, flimsy construction