When it comes to a special breakfast or indulgent dessert, you can't beat a plate of fresh, hot waffles. Crisp and golden brown on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, they're the perfect sweet and crunchy base for your favourite toppings, from ice cream to chocolate spread to fruit and yoghurt or even for savoury meals, like our vegan waffles with portobello mushrooms.
Unlike pancakes, it's pretty much impossible to make a waffle with a normal pan - for the real deal, you'll need a waffle maker. The good news is that there are plenty of options on the market, many of them affordable and easy to use.
Best waffle irons to buy in the UK
Russell Hobbs 3-in-1 Sandwich/Panini and Waffle Maker
For most of us, waffles are an occasional treat, so you can't justify spending money or precious kitchen counter space on a dedicated appliance, Russell Hobbs' 3-in-1 waffle, sandwich and panini maker could be the right option for you.
Comes with three removable non-stick plates - a deep-fill plate for toasted sandwiches, a waffle mould and a panini grill which can also be used as a healthy way to cook meat and vegetables. All three plates are dishwasher-safe, and the handle is thermo-insulated so it stays cool to the touch.
VonShef Waffle Maker
If you're a fan of traditional Belgian-style waffles, this is the countertop waffle maker for you! This easy-to-use appliance will whip up two deep and fluffy Belgian waffles for a hearty brunch or a tasty dessert in a few minutes. Simply plug in and wait for the ready light indicator, then pour your batter into the moulds and let the automatic temperature control help you get your favourite finish.
The easy-clean non-stick grill plate is housed in a stylish stainless steel casing with a heatproof handle for safe operation.
Hong Kong Bubble Waffle Maker
This fun bubble waffle maker is perfect for families, with its non-stick plate turning out crisp Hong Kong style waffles with their distinctive egg pattern in a matter of minutes.
For an authentic fluffy texture, flip the machine halfway through cooking to ensure both side of the waffle rise - the legs on the lid allow you to use the appliance upside down.
Plus, every purchase comes with an e-book full of ideas to help you make the most of your waffle maker, like making waffle ice cream cones for a special dessert.
ProCook Stovetop Waffle Maker
For hundreds of years before the invention of electric appliances, the people of modern-day Belgium made the waffles which became the region's speciality using waffle irons, held over an open flame using long handles.
Stovetop waffle irons recreate this traditional method, adapted for use on a modern gas hob. This model from ProCook is made of lightweight cast aluminium - simply preheat both sides on the hob, then fill with batter, close, and alternate cooking 30 seconds or so on each side until the waffle has reached your preferred finish. Not suitable for induction hobs.
Tetris Waffle Maker
Retro fans, this is the waffle maker for you! Not only are these cute Tetris shapes sure to please kids and nostalgic adults alike, they're great for making a batch of smaller servings suitable for a snack or a light dessert. Simply fill with batter, and the markings in the grill will form waffles in the iconic shapes of the classic video game.
Lakeland Electric Mini Waffle Maker
If you want to whip up large batches of waffles, this mini waffle maker from Lakeland might not be right for you. But if you're happy to make one at a time, this super-compact model is ideal - it's a brilliant choice if you're short on kitchen space. Plus, the non-stick Teflon coating makes cleaning the grill plate a breeze. Each appliances comes with a booklet containing recipe ideas to get you started.
If you enjoyed our round-up, check out our other Buyer’s Guides! We’ve got guides to the best ice cream makers, coffee machines, and many more household appliances!
