8 Best Waffle Makers for Crispy Waffles (November 2026)
The best waffle makers for crisp waffles include the Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker Pro for easy shade selection, the Breville BWM620XL Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice for precise browning choices, and the All-Clad 4-Square Stainless Belgian Waffle Maker for four deep-pocket waffles.
On this page (5 sections)
The best waffle maker for crispy waffles is the Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker Pro for simple shade selection, with 5 settings and a separate specialty setting. For finer browning choices, consider the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice; for a rotating design, choose the Presto FlipSide.
Crispness comes from a mix of browning control, waffle thickness and how you handle each batch after cooking. We compared the controls and features of these 8 models to help you match a waffle maker to your preferred style.
If waffles soften while waiting, see our advice on keeping waffles crispy after cooking. For timing, use our guide to how long waffles should cook in a waffle iron.
Our picks at a glance
-
1
Best for easy shade selectionNinja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker Pro
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for precise browning choicesBreville BWM620XL Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for four deep-pocket wafflesAll-Clad 4-Square Stainless Belgian Waffle Maker
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itBreville BWM604BSS Smart Waffle 4-Slice
Best for four waffles with Breville controls - 5
Check itBreville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker
Best for classic round waffles - 6
Check itPresto FlipSide Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for a rotating cook - 7
Check itCuisinart Round Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for round Belgian waffles - 8
Check itOster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker
Best for simple temperature adjustment
Which waffle makers are best for crispy waffles?
The best fit depends on how much browning control you want and how many waffles you cook at once. The Ninja leads for clear shade selection, while Breville offers the widest numbered browning range.
Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for: waffles with a crisp finish. It considers browning options, relevant cooking features, waffle format and batch size.
| Product | Best for | Shade control | Waffle style | Design | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker Pro | easy shade selection | 5 shade settings and 1 specialty setting | 1-inch Belgian waffles | Vertical | 9.1 |
| Breville BWM620XL Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice | precise browning choices | 8.8 | |||
| All-Clad 4-Square Stainless Belgian Waffle Maker | four deep-pocket waffles | 8.5 | |||
| Breville BWM604BSS Smart Waffle 4-Slice | four waffles with Breville controls | 8.3 | |||
| Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker | classic round waffles | Classic, circular | 8.2 | ||
| Presto FlipSide Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker | a rotating cook | 180-degree rotating | 7.9 | ||
| Cuisinart Round Belgian Waffle Maker | round Belgian waffles | Round Belgian | 7.6 | ||
| Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker | simple temperature adjustment | 6.9 |
Best waffle makers for crispy waffles by use
These picks cover different routes to crisp waffles, from a simple shade dial to multiple browning choices or a rotating cooking position. Choose the control style that fits how you cook.
Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker Pro: Best for easy shade selection
- 5 shade settings
- Specialty setting for high-sugar batters
- Vertical design
- Audible and visual alerts
Five shade settings let you adjust from soft to crispy, and alerts signal when cooking is done. Its vertical design is made to heat evenly.
Pros
- Five shade settings
- Specialty setting for high-sugar batters
- Audible and visual alerts
Cons
- Makes thick Belgian-style waffles
- Does not offer a listed number scale for shade levels
The Ninja BW1001 is the easiest fit if you want to choose a shade without sorting through a long menu. Its 5 shade settings range from soft and fluffy to crispy, and an additional specialty setting is intended for high-sugar batters such as brownie and cake mix.
The vertical design is engineered to heat evenly. It makes 1-inch Belgian waffles, so expect a thick waffle with deep pockets rather than a thin, classic round style.
A precision-pour cup helps measure and pour batter. Audible and visual alerts signal when the waffle is done, which can make timing easier while you prepare toppings or another batch.
Choose it if clear shade options and alerts matter more than a large batch. For tips on keeping the finished surface crisp at the table, read how to keep waffles crispy after they come out.
Breville BWM620XL Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice: Best for precise browning choices
- 12 browning settings
- Waffle IQ cooking-time adjustment
- A Bit More button
- No-mess moat
Twelve browning settings provide a wide choice from light to dark. Waffle IQ adjusts cooking time to the selected style and color.
Pros
- 12 browning settings
- A Bit More button
- No-mess moat
Cons
- Makes 2 slices at a time
- More controls to choose from
The Breville Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice suits cooks who want more steps between light and dark. Its 12 browning settings provide the broadest numbered range among these picks, and the A Bit More button adds extra browning without restarting the cooking cycle.
Waffle IQ adjusts cooking time for the selected style and color. The available styles include Belgian, Classic, Chocolate and Buttermilk, plus a custom option.
This model makes 2 slices at a time. Its no-mess moat helps contain batter that spills over the cooking plates, while the LCD shows the cooking cycle's progress.
Choose it if you value detailed browning choices and don't need four waffles in one batch. If you're comparing it with a larger Breville model, our guide to best waffle irons for home kitchens covers other formats.
All-Clad 4-Square Stainless Belgian Waffle Maker: Best for four deep-pocket waffles
- Makes 4 waffles
- 6 browning levels
- Deep pockets
- Removable dishwasher-safe plates
Four deep-pocket waffles can be cooked in one batch, with 6 browning levels to choose from. Removable plates are dishwasher-safe.
Pros
- Four-waffle capacity
- Deep pockets
- Removable dishwasher-safe plates
Cons
- Larger batch size may be more than a small household needs
- Only 6 browning levels
The All-Clad 4-Square is a fit for households that want to cook four deep-pocket waffles in a batch. Six browning levels offer a smaller but useful set of choices, and the deep pockets leave room for toppings.
Its removable nonstick plates are dishwasher-safe, which gives cleanup a different approach from fixed-plate machines. Automatic alerts signal when it's time to pour batter and when waffles are ready.
The unit stores upright, a practical detail if counter or cabinet space is limited. Its four-waffle capacity may be more than you need if you usually cook for one or two people.
Choose it when serving several people matters as much as shade control. If cleaning is a deciding factor, compare options in our guide to waffle irons that are easy to clean.
Breville BWM604BSS Smart Waffle 4-Slice: Best for four waffles with Breville controls
- Makes 4 square waffles
- 5 darkness settings and a manual option
- No-mess moat
- Thermal Pro even heat
This 4-slice model combines five darkness settings with a manual option. Its no-mess moat helps contain batter spills.
Pros
- Four-waffle capacity
- Manual option alongside five settings
- No-mess moat
Cons
- Fewer numbered browning settings than the 2-slice Smart Waffle Pro
- Large unit at 14 lb
The Breville Smart Waffle 4-Slice combines a family-size batch with a manual option and 5 darkness settings. It suits cooks who want four square waffles at a time and like having a choice between preset browning and manual control.
Its Thermal Pro feature is designed to distribute heat across the cooking plates. A no-mess moat helps control batter spills, and a ready light signals when it's time to pour.
Compared with the 2-slice Smart Waffle Pro, this model makes twice as many waffles but offers fewer numbered browning settings. Pick it for batch size and simpler shade choices; choose the 2-slice model if finer numbered control matters more.
Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker: Best for classic round waffles
- 7 browning settings
- Makes one classic round waffle
- No-mess moat
- Thermal Pro even heat
Seven color settings suit buyers who want browning choices in a classic round waffle maker. A moat helps keep excess batter off the counter.
Pros
- Seven browning settings
- Classic round waffle shape
- No-mess moat
Cons
- Makes one waffle at a time
- Classic style rather than deep Belgian waffles
The Breville No-Mess Waffle Maker makes one classic circular waffle and offers 7 browning settings. That combination suits buyers who want several shade choices but prefer a thinner, classic waffle over a thick Belgian style.
The no-mess moat helps keep excess batter from the counter. Breville's Thermal Pro feature is designed to spread heat across the cooking surface, and the nonstick coating supports release from the plates.
It makes one waffle per batch, so allow more time when serving a group. Choose it for classic shape and adjustable browning, then use the next waffle to fine-tune your preferred color.
Presto FlipSide Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker: Best for a rotating cook
- 180-degree rotating design
- Ceramic nonstick grid
- Makes a 7-inch Belgian waffle
- Locks vertically for storage
The rotating design turns 180 degrees to spread batter, and its ceramic grid makes a 7-inch waffle. It locks upright for storage.
Pros
- Rotating design spreads batter
- Ceramic grid
- Vertical storage position
Cons
- Makes one waffle at a time
- No adjustable browning levels are specified
The Presto FlipSide suits cooks who want a rotating waffle maker. The unit turns 180 degrees to spread batter, and its ceramic nonstick grid makes a 7-inch Belgian waffle with four sections.
The grid is described as extra-thick, while cool-touch handles let you rotate the maker. Its base locks in a vertical position for compact storage.
The product information does not specify adjustable shade levels, so it offers less explicit browning control than models with numbered settings. Choose it if the rotating design is the main feature you want, and review the reasons Belgian waffle makers flip to understand how rotation affects batter distribution.
Cuisinart Round Belgian Waffle Maker: Best for round Belgian waffles
- 6 browning settings
- 1-inch-deep batter pockets
- Audible alert
- Stands on end for storage
Six browning settings cover a range from light and fluffy to golden crisp. Deep pockets suit toppings, and the unit stands on end for storage.
Pros
- Six browning settings
- Audible ready alert
- Compact upright storage
Cons
- Makes one large waffle at a time
- Round Belgian style may not suit buyers who want thin waffles
The Cuisinart Round Belgian Waffle Maker gives you 6 browning settings for a large, round waffle with 1-inch-deep pockets. Its control range is useful if you want to adjust from light and fluffy toward golden crisp.
Indicator lights and an audible alert signal when it's time to bake and when the waffle is ready. The machine stands on end for storage, and its ceramic nonstick plate is described as PFAS-free.
It cooks one large waffle at a time, so consider your usual batch size. This is a straightforward pick if deep pockets and a round shape matter more to you than a 4-waffle capacity.
Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker: Best for simple temperature adjustment
- Adjustable temperature control
- 8-inch round plate
- Power and ready lights
- Cool-touch handles
An adjustable temperature control gives you a way to aim for crispy or light waffles. The 8-inch round plate is divided into four sections.
Pros
- Adjustable temperature control
- 8-inch round plate
- Cool-touch handles
Cons
- No number of temperature settings is specified
- No audible ready alert is specified
The Oster CKSTWF2000 is a simple option if you want an adjustable temperature control rather than a set of numbered browning levels. Its product description specifically says the control can suit light and fluffy or crispy waffles.
The 8-inch round plate is divided into four quarters, and power and ready lights indicate when the unit is on and ready. Cool-touch handles help when opening and closing it.
The control's number of settings is not specified, so you may have less guidance than with models that offer several labeled shade levels. Choose it if a basic adjustable control and round plate match your routine.
How should you choose a waffle maker for crispy waffles?
Choose a waffle maker with adjustable shade or browning control if you want a repeatable way to aim for crispness. More settings provide more choices, but the best fit also depends on waffle style and how many you make at once.
Which browning controls help make crispy waffles?
A labeled shade range makes it easier to adjust from one batch to the next. The Ninja offers 5 shade settings, the Cuisinart has 6, and the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice has 12 browning settings.
An adjustable temperature control, such as the one on the Oster, gives another way to change the cook. Follow the maker's instructions and adjust in small steps, since batter and portion size also affect the result.
Should you choose a Belgian or classic waffle maker?
Pick Belgian plates if you like thick waffles with deeper pockets, as on the Ninja, Presto and Cuisinart models here. Choose a classic round model such as the Breville BWM520XL if you prefer a thinner style.
A thicker waffle can have a tender center even when the outside is crisp. For more on the shape and plate differences, read Belgian vs American waffles.
How many waffles should a crispy waffle maker cook?
A 2-slice or single-waffle maker can suit smaller batches and give you room to adjust between waffles. A 4-waffle machine reduces the number of rounds when several people are eating.
The All-Clad and Breville Smart Waffle 4-Slice both make four waffles at a time. Consider available storage and serving size alongside browning features.
Do flip waffle makers make waffles crispier?
A flip design turns the cooking surface to spread batter, but rotation alone doesn't guarantee a crisp finish. The Presto FlipSide rotates 180 degrees and has no specified adjustable shade levels, so it offers a different cooking approach from models with labeled browning controls.
If choosing a flip model, use its instructions and check the waffle's progress as recommended. For a fuller explanation, see why Belgian waffle makers flip over.
How can you keep waffles crisp after cooking?
Place waffles on a wire rack in a single layer so steam can escape. Stacking hot waffles traps moisture between them and can soften the crisp surface.
For several batches, keep finished waffles warm in a low oven while leaving space around each one. See our guide on keeping waffles warm and crispy for serving tips.
Which waffle maker should you choose for crispy waffles?
Choose the Ninja if you want 5 clear shade settings, or the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice if you want the most numbered browning choices. Pick the All-Clad or Breville 4-Slice for larger batches, and the Presto when a rotating design matters most.
For more options by shape and use, browse our best waffle irons for home kitchens. If your main concern is the cooking surface, compare classic waffle makers for thin, crisp waffles.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for easy shade selection
Ninja BW1001 Belgian Waffle Maker Pro
9.1/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
Best for precise browning choices
Breville BWM620XL Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice
8.8/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for four deep-pocket waffles
All-Clad 4-Square Stainless Belgian Waffle Maker
8.5/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What makes a waffle maker good for crispy waffles?
A waffle maker with adjustable browning or shade settings gives you control over how dark the waffle cooks. Models with more settings offer finer choices, while a rotating design can help spread batter across the cooking surface.
The batter and cooking time also affect the finish, so use the machine's guidance and adjust gradually.
Which waffle maker has the most browning settings?
The Breville Smart Waffle Pro 2-Slice has 12 browning settings among these picks. That gives you more numbered choices than the Ninja's 5 shade settings, though the Ninja adds a separate specialty setting for high-sugar batters.
Choose by the controls and waffle style you'll use most.
Can a Belgian waffle maker make waffles crispy?
Yes. A Belgian waffle maker can cook waffles to a crisp finish when it offers shade or browning control and you select a darker setting.
Belgian models make thicker waffles with deeper pockets, so the center and exterior may have different textures.
For thin, classic waffles, see our guide to classic waffle makers.
How do I keep waffles crispy after cooking?
Move cooked waffles to a wire rack instead of stacking them, since trapped steam can soften their surfaces. If you're making several batches, keep finished waffles warm in a single layer in an oven set to a low temperature.
Our guide explains more ways to keep waffles crispy after they come out.
Does a waffle maker's temperature setting guarantee crisp waffles?
No. A temperature or browning control gives you a way to adjust cooking, but the result also depends on batter, portion size and cooking time.
Start with the machine's instructions, then make small changes.
Our guide to the best temperature for a waffle iron covers the factors to consider.
