waffle iron recommendation ?

[expatCanuck]

I have a loving family, health, an adequate job, and can entertain
a room full of people when I perform. Life is good.

But I think it would be better if I could make waffles.

I'd welcome recommendations for a good quality waffle iron --
ideally one with switchable plates so that the machine can double
for grilled cheese & such. ('Cause single-use kitchen utensils & appliances
are the root of all evil.)

Don't mind spending a couple of bills for good machine.

Thanks.

 

[airplanedoc]

Are you looking for a belgian waffle machine or the the standard square thin waffles?

I just use a frying pan for grilled cheese, no point getting out the waffle maker and cleaning to make a grilled cheese fry pan or griddle is much easier

 

[Alacrity59]

I've been looking for one of these too. The one I'm tempted to buy is a Black and Decker G48TD for around $40-50. The reason is that it looks almost like the old Sunbeam one that my mom had which kept going for years and years. Many a hot dog and bun grilled on that sucker and grilled cheese sandwiches as well. Mom's was not a non-stick deal and this is but apparently the non-stick aspect of this one is not to great. Apparently the outside of this thing gets plenty hot too . . again just like mom's.

 

[expatCanuck]

I do too ... but I'm also thinking along the lines of pressed sandwiches.
And I like the idea of grilling both sides at the same time.

And, as Alacrity59 has said ... there's the nostalgia of having one like Mom's.

 

[winkydink]

Round irons have better heat distribution that square ones. You want a heavy iron. Heavy = lots of thermal mass. Doesn't lose a lot of heat when you pour on the batter and reheats quickly for the next waffle.

For Belgians: VillaWare V2002 UNO Belgian Waffler - Round
For regular: VillaWare V2004 UNO Classic Round Waffle Maker Waffler

I have the Belgian Villaware. It makes fantastic sourdough waffles. I'll never eat another Eggo as long as I live!

 

[Trench]

As a member of this site, you're probably accommodated to the idea that the old-timey way is the best way.

http://www.amazon.com/Cast-Iron-Waffle/dp/B000KEJS5E

 

[Sammer]

As a member of this site, you're probably accommodated to the idea that the old-timey way is the best way.

http://www.amazon.com/Cast-Iron-Waffle/dp/B000KEJS5E

Actually, here's a link to a stove top waffler that's currently available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance

Anyone have experience with these? Been eyeing it for a long time...

 

[langod]

As a member of this site, you're probably accommodated to the idea that the old-timey way is the best way.

http://www.amazon.com/Cast-Iron-Waffle/dp/B000KEJS5E

Yep. I bought a 50s vintage electric waffle maker of the 'Bay a few years ago. Heavy grates and lots of power to make really crispy waffles. Of course, they didn't think about power consumption back then, so when I plug it in, my neighborhood browns out.......

I also have a early 50s Sunbeam T-20 "automatic elevator" toaster. No pop-up handle -- toast goes up and down slowly and smoothly by itself. Same deal as the waffle iron with the power, but it only takes about 30 secs to make toast!

 

[_JP_]

Come to think of it, the old Sunbeam is what Mom used to use. I'll have to look for it the next time I'm back at the old homestead.

 

[timmy]

Very nice looking Sunbeam W-2 on the bay.

 

[ouch]

Prepared some home made waffles for breakfast today. Of course, mine are imprinted with Tigger and Winnie the Pooh.

 

[David in Boston]

Prepared some home made waffles for breakfast today. Of course, mine are imprinted with Tigger and Winnie the Pooh.

That is so cool.

No, that is better than cool.

It is "way cool".

 

[ouch]

That is so cool.

No, that is better than cool.

It is "way cool".

That's what happens when you let your (then) five year old pick out the waffle iron.

 

[Phog Allen]

If you can get your hands on a used Golden Malted waffle iron, your search would be over. Now mind you, this is the commercial version. I suggest these irons for two reasons. First up they are built tough enough to last your lifetime and probably your kids as well. Second, they make SUPERB waffles and have a built in timer. You load the batter, close the lid and turn the iron over 180 degrees. Two and a half minutes later they are done. And usually to perfection.

Straight away this brings a few problems to mind. Price. These things are not cheap from what I gather. We had them where I work at university. From what I noticed, they were rock solid in reliability. And they were heavily used. They were set up in pairs in a self serve station and the students made their own. One thing I did notice is that beside every iron there was an aerosol can of non stick spray that was labeled Golden Malted. I suspect this was no different than most non stick sprays though I am unsure if it was the baker's kind that contained a bit of flour to make it stick better. I never noticed such things whilst I greedily pouring the batter for my waffles! I don't think it matters but they used the Golden Malted waffle mix as well. The irons were sort of a lend/lease thing as long as they bought Godlen Malted's mix. We recently saw a change in vendor and the quality of the product is not nearly as good. The whole overriding factor was not having to buy the non stick spray. Bollocks. The new ones stick anyway half the time. Supposedly you treat them once before the meal and it is good for many waffles. I don't buy it. I brought up the price issue because I think it may be possible to score one of these for a very good price. Most of these types of products rarely get reused by the original company. They have vendors who sell the equipment off for them on commission. I am going to have a look at buying a used on. The trouble is finding the vendors who liquidate the used items. Food service companies are notoriously hard to deal with for support on things like this. They want to sell you expensive packaged food, not used commercial kitchen equipment. They are fairly large too, covering a good size baking sheet with ease. I recommend this approach since the batter invariably runs out the sides a bit. Okay, just another over the top suggestion by the enablers at B&B. Seriously though, they are superb.

Regards, Todd

 

[troy1979]

Rome's 1100, the only problem is you have to use on a gas stove to get it hot

 

[Ferannia]

Does someone have a recipe for Luikse waffles, the same ones you can buy at Brussels railway station and all around the city, street sold waffels ? Not typical Brussels waffles.

Brussels waffles are soft, airy, spongy. What I remember from Belgium, there were heavier and chewier waffles, so called Luikse, famous Belgium waffles, with caramelized sugar atop and within.

Internet is full of different, and very different recipes for Luikse waffles. All of them suggest making a dense dough, as dense like a for a bread.
I remember people in Brussels around a central railway station pouring a very waterrish dough, kinda as for French pancakes, into their waffle irons, and getting heavy and never spongy waffels.

Thank you.