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Best Mini Waffle Makers

Updated January 2023
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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
DASH Mini Maker
DASH
Mini Maker
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Small but Mighty
Bottom Line

A mini waffle maker with a small price tag that gets the job done and cooked evenly in our tests. A good choice for novice chaffle makers.

Pros

Heats up in just a few minutes and has a nonstick surface. Compact size makes it lightweight and easy to use and store. Very affordable; backed by a 1-year warranty.

Cons

Has a chemical or plastic smell at first that tends to fade as you use it. Some units quit working after a few weeks or months of use.

Crownful Mini Waffle Maker
Crownful
Mini Waffle Maker
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Budget Friendly
Bottom Line

A great price point, durable feel, and compact design, this is a standout pick.

Pros

The exterior stays relatively cool even when you are making multiple waffles at a time. Heats up to the right temperature fairly quickly. The wooden handle is easy to hold and gives the maker a quality look.

Cons

The hinges for the lid aren't as sturdy as other choices.

DASH Multi Mini Waffle Maker
DASH
Multi Mini Waffle Maker
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Best for Large Households
Bottom Line

Being able to make multiple waffles at once allows this mini-maker to shine, and it was less messy than other models in our tests.

Pros

Allows four waffles to be made simultaneously with a batter catch tray for two waffle sticks. Contains two non-stick surfaces for easy cleanup. Has a compact design when closed for better storage.

Cons

The design allows steam to escape in places near your hands.

Disney Mini Mickey Waffle Maker
Disney
Mini Mickey Waffle Maker
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For Fans
Bottom Line

A fun choice for making breakfast time unique due to the shape of the waffles.

Pros

Produces a single mickey mouse-style waffle in minutes. Cooks waffles evenly. It has an included latch for the lid to keep users from accidentally opening it. Comes with rubber feet.

Cons

Can be fairly hard to clean the cooking surface.

Cuisinart Mini Belgian Waffle Maker
Cuisinart
Mini Belgian Waffle Maker
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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Multiple heat settings allow this maker to create perfect waffles with ease.

Pros

The stainless steel exterior allows the interior to get hot while the outside stays cool to the touch. Has two heat settings that allow for waffles to be crispier. The indicator lights are easy to understand.

Cons

It is on the pricier side when compared to other options.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

64
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75
Consumers
Consulted
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Researched
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Buying guide for best mini waffle makers

Freshly made waffles from a waffle maker will perk up even the dreariest morning. Even if you have a tiny kitchen, you don’t have to miss out on the fun. A mini waffle maker is perfect for small spaces like single rooms, studio kitchens, kitchenettes, and shared spaces. They’re also surprisingly versatile and can be used to make things like cookies and cinnamon buns.

Before you add mini waffle makers to your shopping cart, consider a few factors. If your kitchen has a defined color scheme, you might want a mini waffle maker that suits it. From a functionality standpoint, size is important. So are heat settings, how quickly the waffle maker can heat up, the amount of power it will use, and its price.

mini waffle maker with coffee press
Kids can get in on the fun of making mini waffles, too. Just make sure they have adult supervision since they could burn themselves on a hot iron.

Waffle history

Waffles date back to Ancient Greece and possibly even before then. Greeks cooked flat cakes between metal plates, each of which had a long handle. These early waffles were called obelios and were likely sweeter and flatter than waffles as we know them now. Obelios were eventually adapted by the Catholic Church as flat wafers depicting biblical scenes and imagery.

But we have the Dutch to thank for the waffle as we know it today. Around the 1500s, the Dutch started using rectangular metal plates instead of round ones. These became known as wafels and gained worldwide popularity. Once wafels arrived in the U.S., people began eating them with maple syrup. It was an American named Cornelius Swartwout who patented the waffle iron in 1869.

How to use a mini waffle maker

The first thing you’ll want to have ready is your waffle batter. You can buy a prepackaged mix or make your own. Making your own waffles isn’t too involved: you just need eggs, flour, milk, oil, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cooking spray.

Once your batter is mixed and ready in a bowl, set it aside, and plug in your mini waffle maker. If it has an indicator light, wait for that to turn on. Then you’ll know the iron is hot and ready to cook. Carefully pour or spoon the batter onto the hot iron. Close the lid. An indicator light will go off to let you know the waffle is done. Open the lid, remove your waffle, and enjoy!

There are plenty of waffle batter recipes available. Don’t be afraid to further customize them to your liking (for example, using a vegan substitute for eggs).

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How big are mini waffle makers?

A normal waffle maker creates 7-inch diameter waffles. The standard size for a mini waffle maker is 4 inches. Some mini waffle irons make even smaller sizes. For example, you might buy an iron that makes four 1-inch mini waffles at once.

Mini waffle makers are best suited for solo use, whether you’re a working professional, college student, or teen. If you eat waffles often (and a lot of them), a full-size waffle maker is your best bet.

How do I know when my waffle iron is hot enough?

Most quality mini waffle makers come with an indicator light. Located on the surface of the lid, the light signifies when the waffle iron is hot. That means it’s ready to cook the waffle batter. It light also lets you know to work carefully with the waffle maker, since a hot iron means you can easily burn yourself.

The light may also indicate when your waffle is done cooking. However, some mini waffle makers make a beeping noise instead.

It should take about five minutes to cook a mini waffle in an iron.

A note about wattage

A typical waffle maker uses 800 to 1,500 watts. Most mini waffle makers won’t exceed 1,200 watts. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the appliance.

It’s important to know the wattage of your iron because a high-wattage mini appliance will heat faster and cook faster.

If you plan to use your mini waffle maker often, you may find it worth investing in one with at least 1,000 watts of power. However, if you're energy conscious and don’t mind a little wait (or if you plan to use the mini waffle maker in a small personal space, like your room), a lower wattage is fine. You’ll save a few bucks on the waffle maker price and your electric bill.

a mini waffle maker
STAFF TIP
Waffles are as versatile as they are delicious. Maple syrup and fruit are the classic waffle extras, but don’t forget about sweets like cinnamon sugar, peanut butter, nut butter, honey, and chopped nuts. If you’re more of a savory fan, try serving your waffles in a breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese, and protein. Or, top them with an avocado and an egg sunny side up.
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What colors and shapes are available?

Color

No matter what your favorite color is, chances are you’ll be able to find it in a mini waffle maker. These days, mini waffle makers come in all kinds of colors and also prints. There are bright pastels, vibrant neons, and printed patterns.

Some of these patterns are seasonally themed. Others have year-round appeal.

Dash mini waffle makers in particular are known for their near-endless variety of colors and prints.

Special shapes

Don’t feel as if you have to stick with the traditional waffle shape. There are mini waffle irons that make heart-shaped waffles, spiderwebs, honeycombs, snowflakes, and an assortment of other shapes. These are great to look into if you’re hosting a themed event… or, if you simply want to brighten your days with some playfulness. There are also appliances that make waffle bowls, which are great for ice cream sundaes.

Specialty waffle maker

Occasionally, you’ll stumble upon mini waffle makers that don’t make traditional waffles. There are waffle makers that imprint designs on an otherwise normally shaped waffle, such as a smiley face. You’ll also see a few waffle sticks, which are dippable by hand. Some even make churros, the popular Mexican pastry.

Do these waffle makers come with a warranty?

Most mini waffle makers come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. Check the user’s manual for details, since warranties always have caveats and special conditions.

How much do mini waffle makers cost?

Inexpensive

Mini waffle makers are easy on the wallet. On the lower price end, you can expect to spend $5 to $12. Any mini waffle makers under $10 are likely on sale. There’s no shortage of options in this range, but most of them won’t include heat setting options.

Mid-range

For $12 to $20, expect to see more mini waffle makers with specialty shapes. Think of spiderwebs, honeycombs, and pop culture characters. Other mini waffle makers in this price range will offer variations such as waffle sticks, waffle bowls, and churros.

Expensive

You can find an efficient quality mini waffle maker for under $20. That means most mini waffle makers over $20 have pop culture references or are otherwise made by special manufacturers.

Read your instruction manual thoroughly before use.

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Tips

  • Explore the range of possibilities. You can use a mini waffle maker for more than just making waffles. For example, you make grilled cheese sandwiches, scramble eggs, and other desserts. Check social media platforms to see the creative ideas that other people come up with.
  • Maintain, maintain, maintain. Mini waffle makers should be cleaned regularly. Some waffle irons have removable plates, but that’s less common with miniature ones. To clean the mini waffle maker, unplug it first. Use a warm, soapy washcloth or sponge to wipe down the waffle iron and cover. Dry it thoroughly before reusing it. Avoid abrasive cleaning agents, which can affect the nonstick surface that many mini waffle makers come with.
  • Make the most of the recipe book. Some mini waffle makers have recipes in their user guides. Check these out for inspiration, and feel free to add your own twist.
waffle maker and batter on the counter
When you lift up a mini waffle maker’s lid while cooking, your hand should open it from the side instead of the front. If you open it from the front, you could get burned by the hot steam.

FAQ

Q. Are mini waffle makers allowed in dorm rooms?

A. Rules will vary depending on the school. Typically, most plug-in kitchen appliances aren’t allowed in dorm rooms. But if you have access to a communal kitchen, you can definitely bring your mini waffle maker there.

Q. Is it possible to make waffles without a waffle maker?

A. Absolutely. You can make waffles on a stovetop in a skillet or a grill pan. They’ll still be tasty, but they won’t be as precise as with a waffle iron (or as easy, for that matter).

Q. Are mini waffle makers worth it?

A. If you love waffles or want to step up your breakfast game, a mini waffle maker is worth the investment. Waffle-making is easy and fun, and you can use the appliance for other food crafts as well.