We know that waffle makers can be up to a few hundred dollars. But who says that you have to spend that much.
It is possible to get the waffle maker that you want, even with the features that you desire for a lesser amount. It is also possible that more expensive waffle makers can have better features.
However, for those working on a budget, there are options for you. We have put together a detailed review of the best waffle maker under $50 in the article below. The list presents some of the most affordable yet highly rated waffle makers for you to choose from.
Top Rated Waffle Makers Below $50: Comparison List
They come in different colors, shapes and sizes. We have put together the comparative table below listing some of the most highly rated ones under $50. You can check it out.
11 Best Waffle Makers Under $50 – 2021 Reviews
1. Black Decker Stainless Steel Belgian Waffle Maker WMB500
This waffle maker creates perfectly sized 7.25-inch round Belgian-style waffles, which are perfect for one serving. It weighs 4 pounds and is very durable as the material is stainless steel. Its extra-deep grids make fluffy and thick waffles and leaveenough room for all your favorite toppings.
It also has non-stick plates which are easy to clean and allow the waffles to slide out easily. It is perfect for making different foods like grilled sandwiches, hash browns, brownies and even cinnamon rolls.
More to that, it has a ready indicator light which shows when the waffle maker is heated and ready for cooking. The extended handle also ensures that you do not get burnt when opening it while still hot.
In addition, it also has a vertical storage design that makes it quite convenient to store and saves on space. A cord storage feature is also added in its design for convenience.
Pros
- Vertical storage
- Non-stick plates
- Cool-touch handles
- Ready indicator light
Cons
- Spill-overs tricky to clean
2. Yabano 3-in-1 Detachable Sandwich Maker, Waffle Maker and Sandwich Grill
This is a 3-in-1 waffle and sandwich maker which comes with 3 detachable plates that are 21.5 by 14.5cm. It has the sandwich, waffle and grill plates which allow you to cook a variety of foods. These also include chicken and steak when you use the grill plate.
The sandwich maker heats up faster which saves you time as it makes sandwiches much faster. It also has a non-stick coating which prevents food from sticking.
Some of the features that make it standout are the anti-slip feet, the heat proof handle and the stainless steel case. It also has 2 indicator lights, that is the power on and pre-heat lights. They let you know if the plate is ready for cooking or if it has been switched on.
The detachable plates are easy to clean and also save you some counter space since it is a 3-in-1.
Pros
- 3-in-1 sandwich maker, waffle maker and grill
- Has power on and pre-heat lights
- Non-stick coating
- Saves on space
Cons
- Browns unevenly
3. DASH No-Drip Belgian Waffle Maker
This waffle maker has an even heating technology that makes perfectly cooked and delicious waffles. The dual non-stick surfaces ensure that there is even heating each and every time and provide consistent results. It also makes hash browns, paninis and even biscuit pizzas.
It comes in silver, and it prepares 4 warm and golden waffles without the dripping edges and sticky surfaces.It is also mess-free which means no spills or leaks from overflowing batter. This is because the built-in pocket sides catch any excess batter, making cleaning easy and prevents wastage.
It is also very easy to use and heats up in a short time. It is perfect for any breakfast, lunch and snacks. More to that, it is small and takes up little counter space. It also has a sleek design and color that matches any kitchen décor.
Pros
- Non-stick surfaces
- Even heating
- Mess-free
- Makes various foods
Cons
- Waffle plate is not removable
4. Homeart Burgess Brothers ChurWaffle Maker
This is the only churwaffle maker and makes perfect 3-inch churwaffles and waffles. It weighs only 3.82 pounds and is 12.28 by 9.13 by 4.99 inches.
A churwaffle is a combination of cornbread waffle and churro. It was invented by the Burgess brothers from their grandmother’s cornbread recipe. They added churro spices to the cornbread recipe and prepared it in waffle form.
The churwaffle maker is also perfect for all waffles and pancake batters. It makes 4 waffles at a time and has premium non-stick plates which make it easy to clean. It is also very easy to use and has great heat retention.
It can make no carb cheese waffles quite well and the waffles are crispy and perfectly cooked.
Pros
- Non-stick plates
- Makes 4 waffles at a time
- Only churwaffle maker
- Easy to use
Cons
- Has a smell that goes away after first use
5. Elechomes Non-stick Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Plates
It is made of premium stainless steel which makes it very durable. It alsohas double non-stick plates which ensure even and consistent heating. This waffle maker bakes 2 delicious waffles at a time for your family to enjoy.
It also comes with grids that are removable and are dishwasher safe, which is a plus. The non-stick plate coating makes it easy to pop out waffles and is easy to clean.
More to that, it is easy to use and has an indicator light that turns green when preheated and ready for use. It is a compact size waffle maker which stands upright and makes it easy to store. Its built-in cord storage function also keeps you away from messy cords.
Pros
- Makes 2 waffles at a time
- Grids are removable and dishwasher safe
- Non-stick plate
- Compact size for easy storage
Cons
- The waffles will stick if you forget to oil the grates
6. Disney Mickey Mouse DCM-12 Waffle Maker
This uniquely designed waffle maker bakes one 6-inch mickey mouse character waffle. It is lightweight weighing 2.5 pounds and 9.5 by 7.25 by 3.75 inches. It is also very easy to clean thanks to its non-stick plates, and has great heat retention.
The non-stick baking plates also make it easy to prepare food for your Disney fans and their friends. You can top the mickey waffles with chocolate, syrup, fruit, whipped cream, butter and even cherries, separately or all at once.
It also has a power indicator light that lets you know when the waffle maker is plugged in and hot. In addition to that, it is very easy to use and has non-skid rubber feet that ensure safety and stability.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Makes unique mickey mouse design waffles
- Easy to clean
- Non-stick
Cons
- MickeyMouse sticker blocks indicator light
7. Bella (13991) Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
This rotating waffle maker features 9 browning settings and a rotating function, to cook your waffles to the darkness you prefer.To add to that, it has a cool-touch handle that allows you to cook evenly with a flip of the wrist. The handle also folds which makes it easy to store.
It has a dishwasher safe removable drip tray that makes for easy clean up and protects countertops from messy batter. It comes with 3 non-stick coatings, the traditional non-stick, ceramic and copper titanium coating. These allow you to cook different foods and batters in your waffle maker.
It also has non-slip feet that slide open to help prevent accidents on the countertop. Also, the auto-locking mechanism holds the waffle maker upright as you pour batter in. The auto-lock also locks the waffle maker closed while it rotatesto prevent spills.
Pros
- Even cooking
- Dishwasher safe removable drip tray
- Folding handle for easy storage
- Non-stick
Cons
- Does not last long
8. Presto 03500 Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker
This waffle maker makes a 4-inch waffle that is fluffy, thick and tender. You can fill it with your favorite toppers.
Can be fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, butter and syrup, hush browns, sausage, hum and much more. It makes breakfast and desert to be extraordinary experiences with the endless topping options. It also takes lunch to a different level with chicken waffle tacos.
You do not need special batter for it as you can use store-bought waffle mixes or homemade mixes. It also comes with recipes for traditional waffles and more.
More to that, it is easy to use. Just pour in the waffle batter and close the cover to bake. The non-stick grids make it easy to remove the waffle bowl and to clean up.
Pros
- Non-stick grids
- Comes with recipes
- Can be filled with toppings of your choice
- Easy to use
Cons
- Non-stick surface only effective after oiling
9. KotiCidsin 3-in-1 Detachable Waffle Maker, Sandwich Maker And Sandwich Grill
This waffle maker has 3 detachable parts that are interchangeable and easy to remove and install. This way you can easily switch from a waffle maker to a sandwich maker or a sandwich grill as you so please.
It heats up easily and cooks in 5 minutes or less. It produces very delicious foods and can cook a waffle, sandwich, steak, bugger or roast.
It is also very safe to use and is stable. The high precision thermostat keeps the temperature stable and it is designed with non-slip feet and an anti-scald handle for safety. What’s more, the plates are dishwasher safe.
It also has LED indicator lights that show you when it is ready to use.
Pros
- Makes 4 waffles at a time
- Easy to use and clean
- 3-in-1 detachable waffle maker
- Plates are dishwasher safe
Cons
- The waffles are not as thick
10. KUTIME Emoji Smiley Pancake Griddle
This pan is made of food-grade aluminum materialand has 7 different and fun smiley faces that are attractive to kids. It is non-stick and you can use it to make fried eggs, omelets and pancakes together with your kids. It makes breakfast and snacks more interesting to your children.
It alsohas ceramic coating and is easy to clean, and all you need is a little oil. When cleaning it, do use a sponge or rag and not a scrubbing pad or steel wool.
It is suitable to use over a gas stove only. This is because of the 3-layer thickened pot bottom. It heats evenly and the external texture also prevents the food from overheating and burning.
The stay-cool bakelitehandle does not heat up as you cook and is light and does not warp or rust.
Pros
- Has 7 different smiley faces for attractive foods
- Non-stick
- Heats evenly
- Easy to store
Cons
- A little hard to turn the cakes over
11. Dash Mini Waffle Maker
It makes more than waffles. It makes hash browns, paninis and also biscuit pizzas. It is great for kids.
This waffle maker is compact and lightweight. It weighs a 1.39 pounds and is 5 by 2.8 by 6 inches. It is perfect for a small kitchen, dorm room or RV travelling. It is quick and easy to use and heats up in just a few minutes. You can make several waffles in it in a short time.
The dual and non-stick surfaces make it cook evenly for consistent results. It also takes up very little counter space and matches any kitchen décor perfectly. To add to that, a recipe book comes included in the package.
It has indicator lights that let you know when it is ready to use and when your food is ready.
Pros
- Makes different foods
- Lightweight
- Even cooking
- Takes up a little counterspace
Cons
- Does not last long
The Buyer’s Guide for Waffle Makers Below $50
Choosing waffle makers is not always easy. But worry not, here’s a short guide to help you as you decide on which maker to choose.
How Many Waffles Can It Make at A Time?
Different waffle makers make different numbers of waffles at a time. There are waffle makers that make one waffle while others make up to 4 at the same time.
Depending on your family size, choose one that serves you best. If it is just you, a single waffle maker is okay. But if you have more people to feed, consider one that makes more than a single waffle at a time.
Non-Stick Plates
Non-stick plates are very important in a waffle maker. This is because they prevent food from sticking and allow the food to slide out with ease. They are also very easy to clean with a simple wipe down. You will therefore end up spending less time cleaning the waffle machine.
Overall, a waffle maker with non-stick plates delivers the best results when making waffles.
The Indicator Signals
Ensure that you look at the indicator signals when buying a waffle maker. They show you when the waffle maker is on and also let you know when your waffles are ready.
It is therefore very important to consider buying waffle makers that have such indicator signals like a countdown timer, indicator lights or audible sounds.
Easy Heating and Heat Retention
You need to purchase a waffle maker that heats easily and retains the heat for a longer time. With this feature, even a waffle maker that makes a single waffle at a time can make you several waffles in a short time. But if you buy one that takes some time to heat up, it may take you a while to get the meal ready.
Material Used
Some waffle makers break down after a short period of use. It is important to buy a one that can serve you for a long time without breaking down. To ensure you get the most out of your waffle maker, ensure the material used to make it is a long-lasting material.
Consider purchasing a waffle maker that has been constructed using stainless steel material. It will not only look good on your kitchen countertop, but it will also serve you for a longer period of time.
Storage
Something else you may need to keep in mind is the storage space the waffle maker is going to take up. If you are keen on space, then the size of a waffle maker and how it is stored is something you should consider. Some can be stored vertically, hanged or folded.
Consider choosing one that works well with your space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We came across some questions commonly asked when it comes to waffle makers. We shall attempt to answer a few. Hope you’ll find this section quite informative.
Why are homemade waffles not crispy?
If you find that your waffles are not crispy, the problem could be moisture. Moisture is needed to make your waffles tender. If the moisture is too much, the extra moisture will soften the waffle’s outer crust which will make it less crispy.
Also, when you use buttermilk, it can result into less crispy waffles. This is because buttermilk tends to make heavier batter, which in turn makes less crispy waffles.
Are waffles better with oil or butter?
If the batter is thinner, generally it results into a crisper waffle. With this in mind, you will find that liquid fat, like vegetable oil, delivers the crispest waffles. If you compare it to solid fat, like butter, which is not as thin, your waffles may not be as crisp as you would desire.
However, it is important to note that the more the fat you use, the better. For example, 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil are suitable for a five-waffle recipe.
The Best Overall
Our waffle maker of choice under $50 is the Black Decker Belgian Waffle Maker WMB500.
It is very easy to use, very easy to clean, and very durable. This waffle maker has non-stick plates which make it very easy to clean, and it is made of stainless steel. It heats up easily and creates 7.25-inch round Belgian-style waffles which are the perfect size for one serving.
More to that, it heats evenly and takes less than five minutes to cook. It also has a cool-touch extended handle that stays cool and ensures you safely open the waffle maker when hot.
In addition, it has a ready indicator light that shows you when the waffle maker is pre-heated and ready to cook. This waffle maker also has a sleek design that saves you on cabinet space and allows for vertical storage in the cabinet.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day however, what is important is that your waffle maker gets the job done. All the waffle makers we have shared above ensure that you have a delicious meal for you and your family.
A small waffle maker can make such a huge difference in your kitchen. We hope that our list of the best waffle maker under $50 helps you make your choice.