The Best Mini Waffle Makers: Tested and Rated (2023)

Waffles are one of the most popular breakfast dishes of all time. It's cheap, easy to make, and nutritious with the right ingredients. If you want to introduce waffles into your daily meals, you have it.best waffle ironin your kitchen is essential.

Full-size waffle irons like the Belgian or American (also known as classic) are the most popular. But there are many more types of waffle irons besides these two. In this Healthy Kitchen 101 Buyer's Guide and Review Roundup, we introduce you to the next big type of waffle maker: mini size!

What is a mini waffle?

The name already says everything there is to know about this type of waffle: they are small. Typically, a mini waffle is only 3-4 inches in diameter compared to full-size waffles, which can be over 7 inches.

Unlike the larger waffles designed to satisfy your morning hunger, these smaller waffles are made as a snack. You can make one quickly when you're hungry during the day (these waffles only take 3-4 minutes to cook) and make a quick meal.

But they also work as breakfast. Its small size makes controlling your portion much easier. And if you want to make your meal more satisfying, you can make several mini waffles and stack them in a tall pile like pancakes!

How do we test mini waffle irons?

Our Research, Test and Verification (RTR) team rigorously tests all of the waffle makers we have in the lab, including mini waffle makers, to amethodological test.

For this review roundup, we have selected the best models from our database. And to select "the best", our team carefully evaluated each template in three sections:Performance,Project, miEasy to use.

Performance

Whether a waffle maker is "good" is defined by how well it can make waffles.. Therefore, the performance test, in which we put each waffle iron to the test in our laboratory, can be considered the most important test of our methodology.

So far we have two waffle recipes to try for each waffle maker in the lab.

The first is the self-mix recipe. It represents homemade waffle batter that people can mix from scratch. This recipe was created by our chefs who have experimented with numerous cookbooks and cooking websites to find the simplest and most flavorful recipe possible.

Since the homemade recipe is pre-mixed dough, instead of mixing the dough from different ingredients, some people prefer to buy ready-made dough. You can make a fresh waffle batter in less than five minutes.

Premixed waffle batter cooks up much differently than the homemade recipe. We included this recipe in our review to make sure waffle irons can handle different types of waffle batter than the raw type.

Our in-house chef, Chef Tuyet, reviews the finished waffles.

Please note that the methodology may be subject to additional changes in the future. The process by which we rate each waffle maker is subject to change and recipes may be revised (or new recipes added!)

If there are any changes, we will update this article and notify you accordingly.

The performance represents 50% of the overall grade.

Project

When evaluating the design, we look at the overall appearance of the waffle iron (what materials it is made of, how well made each component is, etc.). Models with higher build quality not only look better, but also last longer!

Design accounts for 20% of a waffle maker's overall score.

Easy to use

A waffle maker should be easy to use. Ideally, the user should not have to read the instruction manual to learn how to use it to start and bake a waffle.

In this review, we take a look at each waffle maker, asking ourselves, "Is it easy to use?", "Is it safe to use?" and "Is it easy to clean up after a messy baking session?" - everything you'd wonder before deciding to buy a waffle iron.

Ease of use accounts for 30% of the overall score.

How our recommendations come about

In addition to the test results, when making our recommendations we also take into account the strengths of each model and the situation for which they are best suited.

The best mini Belgian waffles of 2023

Now that you know how the process works, let's get straight to the review summary!

1. Best Overall: DASH DMW001AQ Mini Waffle Maker

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The DASH DMW001AQ Mini has many of the features we look for in a great mini waffle maker. It's affordable, it has a great design, it's easy to use, and most importantly, the waffles it cooks are decently tasty.

The DASH DMW001AQ Mini's performance is only mediocre at scale, but compared to other mini waffle makers in our database, it's the most powerful model to date.

In two test recipes, the DASH Mini was able to consistently cook beautiful and flavorful waffles. They weren't restaurant quality, but they should have been more than adequate as breakfast waffles or light snacks.

Like most models in this class, the DASH Mini has a very simple design. There is no control panel, just an indicator light on top. It's as simple as a waffle iron. While this is technically inconvenient as it severely limits the flexibility of the waffle maker, considering the affordable price we really can't ask for additional features.

The quality of processing is questionable. We could scrape off the outer layer of paint on the top lid with just our fingernails. This is purely cosmetic damage, but it jeopardizes the durability of the waffle iron. Thankfully, we haven't found any design or durability issues with the DASH Mini yet.

The waffle plates are well made and coated with a PFOA free non-stick coating. We've extensively tested the non-stick coating and have never had to deal with a sticky waffle.

read our fullDetailed review of the DASH Mini Waffle Maker.

2. Best Runner-Up: CROWNFUL 4-Inch Mini Waffle Maker (CF-WM01)

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The CROWNFUL 4 Inch Mini Waffle Maker (CF-WM01) visually stands out from the rest thanks to its stunning appearance. The textured plastic top cover has a series of patterns made up of many concentric circles. On the front, a light wood handle contrasts with the rest of the design.

In addition to the beautiful design, the CROWNFUL 4-inch is also one of the best performing waffle irons in our database, second only to the DASH DMW001AQ Mini so far.

The 4-inch CROWNFUL did not perform very well. But compared to other Mini models in our database, it is among the best.

This model did well in the test with the automix recipe. Our chef rated the waffle made with it as decent in color and flavor. While the texture could be improved (it was quite mushy), it wasn't bad enough to completely ruin the quality of the waffle.

CROWNFUL did not fare as well when tested with Birch Benders Mix. The coloring was removed as a glitch as it seemed undercooked. But in other ways, like texture and flavor, CROWNFUL's waffle did well.

Overall, in terms of performance, the CROWNFUL is sufficient for quick breakfasts and light meals, but don't expect your waffle irons to produce gourmet-quality waffles.

As for the design, as we have already said, it is the most striking thing about the 4-inch CROWNFUL.

Despite being made of a relatively inexpensive material (plastic), the manufacturer has done a good job of making the waffle iron look much more expensive than it is. The top cover is made of structured plastic, which, in addition to the beautiful design, gives the waffle iron a very high-quality look. The handle is made from a single piece of light wood and completes the organic and aesthetically pleasing look of the waffle iron.

The waffle iron is easy to use as it does not have a control panel. All you have to do is wait for the indicator light on top to go out (indicating that the cooking plates are heated and ready to use) and pour in the batter.

While it makes the 4-inch CROWNFUL significantly easier to use, the lack of a control panel limits its versatility. You cannot precisely control the cooking process. Another complaint about the 4-inch CROWNFUL is that the entire waffle iron gets very hot after a baking session, posing a safety hazard.

read our fullIn-depth test of the CROWNFUL mini waffle maker.

Price at time of publication: $12.95

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3. Mejor valor: Wafflera personal Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B

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Compared to other waffle irons in our database, the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B lacks any outstanding functions or features. But it's on this list for a reason: for such a basic waffle iron, the Holstein HH-09125016B makes some decent waffles for the price!

Compared to other mini waffle makers in our database, Holstein Housewares is one of the best in terms of cooking performance. The quality of their waffles is comparable to the CROWNFUL 4-inch Waffle Maker.

But on our rating scale, the Holstein Housewares Waffle Maker scores average. It's still plenty for breakfast and snacks, but don't get your hopes up if you're looking for a mini waffle maker that serves up restaurant-quality waffles.

In terms of design, Holstein housewares have a simple plastic outer shell. It feels cheap as you would expect from a waffle in this price range. Fortunately, the build quality of the waffle iron is very good. The unit we received has solid hinges on the lid and the waffle plates are very well made.

The waffle maker has no control panel and only an indicator light on top. This severely limits the versatility of the device, but also makes the waffle iron very easy to use. Wait for the indicator light to go out, pour in the raw dough and close the lid. After a few minutes, lift the lid and take out the finished waffle.

Cleaning the waffle iron after baking is easy thanks to the non-stick coating. But sadly, the Holsteiner doesn't fare very well when it comes to safety. After two baking processes, the waffle iron surfaces will be so hot that you could hurt yourself.

read our fullHolstein Housewares mini waffle maker detailed test.

Price at time of publication: $16.70

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4. Best for Travelers: Nostalgia MWF5AQ MyMini Personal Electric Waffle Maker

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The Nostalgia MWF5AQ mini waffle maker doesn't have much that sets it apart from other mini waffle makers in our database. Its culinary performance was on par with the others on this list, as was its external design.

But upon closer inspection, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ has a better build quality than the rest. Every component, from the lid hinges and waffle panels to the exterior paint, is beautifully crafted, making it a good choice for travelers and hikers looking for something that won't fall apart on the trail.

The Nostalgia MWF5AQ can serve up edible waffles, but it is not guaranteed that the waffles will look, feel, or taste good. And indeed, in our performance tests, we found the Nostalgia Baked Waffles to be mediocre in two test recipes. They should be just as good as your basic breakfast, snack or camp food, but don't expect the waffles to be full of flavor or have a cloudy, fluffy texture.

But where the Nostalgia MWF5AQ excels is in its build quality.

The outer layer of paint is durable, unlike the paint on the DASH DMW001AQ, which simply peels off when you scratch it with your fingernails. We also found the hinges on the waffle maker lid to be solid. They do not wobble or come loose when we move the lid.

Its durability and compact, lightweight form factor make it a very good choice for travelers and hikers who need a compact and sturdy waffle maker to take with them when they travel. The Nostalgia MWF5AQ will be able to deliver hot, fresh waffles anywhere as long as there is a power source. The durable design ensures it won't fall apart on the go.

Like other mini waffle makers, the Nostalgia does not have a control panel. Instead, it has a plug and play design. Plug it in, pour in the batter as soon as the plates are hot, and you'll have a piping hot waffle in 4-5 minutes.

When working with the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, you must wear oven mitts or you risk burns. The waffle iron becomes dangerously hot after just one cooking process.

read our fullFull review of Nostalgia Mini Waffle Maker.

Price at time of publication: $15.18

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Why trust us?

The products we buy and test are financed out of pocket. To keep our reviews neutral, we do not accept corporate sponsors or free review units in exchange for positive reviews.

Our test procedures are data-driven, transparent and co-developed. We establish most testing procedures internally and consult external experts if necessary. Each test is rigorous and transparent; We detail the process, provide the data and present clear evidence.

While testing home appliances, we have a team ofprofessional cooksto help us evaluate test results, including taste tests where necessary.

Things to Consider When Buying a Mini Waffle Maker

Can't decide on a model? Here are some things to consider when looking for a new mini waffle maker to buy.

portability

The biggest selling point of mini waffle irons is their portability (which is how these waffle irons got the nickname "mini"). A good size mini waffle ironshould be no larger than a baseball and fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. If so, it works anywhere from a small kitchen drawer to a backpack or luggage.

non-stick coating

Today even the cheapest waffle irons on the market come with a non-stick coating. The most popular type is PFOA-free nonstick, and we strongly recommend that you opt for this type. PFOA or perfluorooctanoic acid is a very harmful chemical for the environment. It can also be acarcinogenic.

However, many manufacturers do not disclose the formulation of their nonstick coating, which can make it difficult to choose a good model to buy if you are concerned about the environment.

Security

Safety is always a concern when it comes to mini waffle irons. Due to their small size, they get very hot after just one cooking process. For this reason, the manuals for most mini waffle makers recommend the use of oven mitts when handling the appliance.

For travelers, carrying oven mitts can be a waste of space and a hassle. So ideally, a mini waffle maker should have a cool-touch handle that allows the user to comfortably and safely make waffles without wearing gloves.

heating and cooking time

Many users, especially travelers and hikers who use mini waffle makers as part of their on-the-go kitchen kit, want convenience and speed. What does it meananythingit is important that everything is done quickly, from heating the dish to baking a ready-made waffle.

From the moment you plug it in, it shouldn't take more than5 minutesfor the waffle iron to heat up and be ready.

After pouring the batter, you should also have a waffle ready.5 minute mark.

Preis

Mini waffle irons are very cheap. Even "premium" models don't go above $50. But you usually don't have to spend more than $30 to find a model that performs decently (check out the DASH DMW001AQ Mini).

Frequently asked questions about the mini waffle maker

Can you get a mini waffle iron through airport security?

Mini waffles are very popular with travelers, so a common question is whether they can get you through airport security. The answer is yes (at least in the US).

In accordance withTSA GuidelinesAs long as it fits in your bag, you can bring a mini waffle maker on board in your carry-on or checked baggage.

Are there protective covers for the mini waffle irons?

There is! this bag ofbeauty flyerIt is suitable for the DASH Mini waffle maker.

But you should only buy it if you are concerned about the safety of your waffle iron. For most people, even travelers, it should be fine as long as you pack the waffle iron well, even if you do some high-intensity adventures. Either way, these waffle irons are pretty sturdy.

What type of power source can a mini waffle maker be plugged into?

Powering the mini waffle maker can be problematic if you don't have access to a regular electrical outlet. Mobile power banks don't have the power to power a waffle iron, not even a mini device. Better with a gasoline or propane generator.

Add them to your gear-to-buy list if you're planning a desert expedition and want fresh waffles on the way.

Diploma

A mini waffle iron can be the perfect travel companion, but its small size can also make a great snack maker at home.

This is the best-selling mini waffle iron in our databaseDASH DMW001AQ Mini. Affordable, capable, and with good design and build quality, we hope it meets the needs of the majority of consumers.

But the other waffle makers on this list are also worth considering. Each of them has its strengths and drawbacks. Evaluate the pros and cons well before making your choice!