Home » Misc » Clean waffle maker

Clean waffle maker


How to Clean an Electric Waffle Maker

By

Jessica Harlan

Jessica Harlan

Freelance food writer, trained chef, and kitchen equipment expert Jessica Harlan has written eight cookbooks on topics such as quinoa and ramen.

Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process

Updated on 10/10/19

 The Spruce

Waffles are a welcome breakfast treat on a Sunday morning, but what's not welcome is the task of cleaning the gunked-up waffle maker. All of those crevices in the grid are prime batter traps and it can be frustrating.

The 7 Best Slow Cookers and Pressure Cookers of 2023

Don't give up on waffles just yet. Cleanup doesn't have to be a pain if you have a few tricks in your arsenal. Before you cook another waffle, commit these tips to memory.

Steps to Getting That Waffle Maker Clean

The trick to cleaning a waffle maker is timing. It should not be hot, but don't put it off or forget to clean it either. Make a habit of cleaning it as soon as it cools down and you should have no problems.

  1. Wait for the waffle maker to cool before cleaning.
  2. Use a dry paper towel or a damp cloth to wipe away crumbs and soak up excess oil drips on the grid plates.
  3. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior.
  4. To remove stubborn, baked-on batter drips, pour a few drops of cooking oil onto the batter. Let it sit a few minutes to soften, then wipe it away with a damp cloth or paper towel.
  5. Removable cooking plates can be gently washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed clean, and air-dried.
  6. Make sure your waffle maker is completely dry before putting it away.

The 8 Best Waffle Makers, According to Lab Tests

Don't Forget the Oil in the Grid

After every few uses, you will need to clean up oil that collects in the grid. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Wrap a small piece of paper towel around the pointy end of a chopstick.
  2. Moisten it slightly with white vinegar.
  3. Use it to wipe away the oil and residue within the grid.

5 Tips for Waffle Maker Maintenance

A good waffle maker that you know and trust is a great tool in the kitchen. With a few tips, you can keep it working and looking as good as new.

  1. Always refer to your instruction manual or the manufacturer's website for cleaning tips specific to your waffle maker.
  2. Nonstick waffle makers should only need a light coating of cooking oil before the first time they're used for the day (not before each waffle is made). It's better to use cooking oil either in a refillable spray bottle like a Misto or to brush it on with a pastry brush. Aerosol cooking sprays can leave a gunky residue on the nonstick surface. 
  3. Never submerge an electric waffle maker in water.
  4. Don't use sharp or metal tools to remove the cooked waffles or to scrape off caked-on batter. This may scratch the surface and create future problems with stuck waffles.
  5. If your waffles do begin to stick, make sure that you're greasing the grid with a proper amount of oil. Also, the butter in your batter will play a significant role. The more butter in your recipe, the fewer problems you'll have with stuck waffles.

How to Clean a Waffle Iron

By

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40 years' experience; writing for over 20 years.

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 02/25/22

The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

Project Overview

There's something magical about that crispy grid on a waffle that captures the pools of sweet syrup and melted butter. Sweet or savory, waffle batter tends to expand and pour out of the waffle iron while it's cooking. Sticky and baked-on batter is just one thing you'll want to clean off of your waffle maker.

How to Clean a Toaster and Toaster Oven Properly

How Often to Clean a Waffle Iron

A waffle iron should be cleaned after every use to remove food particles that can allow bacteria to grow. A more detailed cleaning after several uses will remove any excess oil that can turn rancid and spoil the taste of the next batch of waffles. If you only use your waffle iron occasionally, the deeper cleaning should be done before storing the appliance.

Cleaning a True Waffle Iron

Waffle makers and waffle irons tend to be interchangeable terms. But if you have a true non-electric waffle iron, it should be cleaned just as you would a cast iron grill or piece of cookware.

Equipment / Tools

Materials

The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

  1. Unplug and Allow to Cool

    Never attempt to clean a hot waffle iron. Allow it to cool completely and unplug the appliance to prevent any accidents.

    Washing Removable Plates

    If your waffle maker has removable plates like the George Foreman Evolve Grill, unplug the machine and allow it to cool. Wash the plates in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if recommended by the manufacturer. Follow the same tips for cleaning the outside and removing build-up for the plates as recommended below.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

  2. Brush Away Food Particles

    Once the waffle iron is cool, use a dry paper towel or a soft-bristled brush to remove any stuck-on food particles or crumbs.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

    Soften Burnt Batter

    If some batter is baked-on, dab it with a couple of drops of cooking oil. The oil will soften the hard batter after a few minutes and make it easy to wipe away.

  3. Wipe Away Excess Oil From the Grid Plates

    If you can see excess oil, use a paper towel to absorb and wipe away the excess. Fold the paper towel into a square and use the point to get into each crevice. You can also use a paper towel wrapped around a chopstick to follow along each grid line.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  4. Prepare a Cleaning Solution

    Mix two cups of warm water and a few drops of dishwashing liquid. Wet a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge with the solution and wring it out so it is not dripping.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

  5. Clean the Surface Grids

    Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the grid surface making sure you get in-between each grid line. Rinse out the cloth in clean water and finish by wiping down the grids to remove any soapy residue.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  6. Clean the Outside of the Appliance

    Use the same cleaning solution to wipe down the exterior of the waffle maker. Follow-up with a rinsing wipe.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  7. Dry the Appliance

    Use a soft cloth to completely dry the inside and outside of the appliance. Never store a damp waffle maker.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena  

  8. Deep Clean the Waffle Maker

    Even if you have cleaned the waffle iron after every use, surfaces can still become sticky and need a deeper cleaning. Mix a paste of baking soda and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide (it may bubble slightly). Use a paper towel or pastry brush to coat the grid surfaces and even the outside of the appliance if it feels oily or sticky.

    Allow the paste to remain on the surfaces for an hour or longer. The paste may turn brown as it absorbs excess oil. Then use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste and the gunk. Use toothpicks to remove any build-up caught in seams or crevices.

    Allow the waffle maker to dry before storing it.

    The Spruce / Ana Cadena 

Tips to Keep Your Waffle Maker Clean Longer

How to Clean 7 Small Kitchen Appliances

How to clean your waffle iron

Get rid of leftover breakfasts with this handy cleaning guide.

Few small appliances provide as much delicious pleasure as a waffle iron. So why does this cool kitchen instrument play so little? Because it can be a bummer to clear!

Both inner and outer baking sheets are bound to accumulate food residue and grease, which must be removed after each use to prevent them from emitting bad odors or even burning your next batch. Unless the instructions for your electric waffle maker advise otherwise, regular dishwashing detergent should not be used to clean pans as it may gradually remove their non-stick coating over time.

But with the right tools and techniques, you can easily expel leftover dough and burnt fat - how you approach the job will depend on whether your unit has removable or non-removable baking panels. Consult the instructions if you're unsure, then read on to find out how to clean your appliance in a jiffy and let it take its rightfully popular place in your breakfast repertoire.

How to clean the removable panels of the waffle iron

Materials and tools needed to clean the removable panels:

  1. Plastic or rubber spatula
  2. Plain water
  3. Gloves
  4. Brush with soft sponge or soft bristles
  5. Drying rack

Step 1
Lift the lid of the waffle iron and use a plastic or rubber spatula to remove all waffles from the panels. Never use metal utensils that can scratch the non-stick coating found on many models.

Step 2
If your waffle maker has a temperature control, turn it to the off or 0 position. Then unplug the machine and let it cool down completely for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3
Empty the kitchen sink from the dishes, and then insert the plug into the drain hole. Fill the sink halfway with warm tap water.

Step 4
Remove each refrigerated baking plate by pressing the appropriate panel release button located on the outside or inside of the unit. For example, on a device with two plates, press the plate release button on the left side to remove the leftmost plate. When the plate pops out of the case at the base of the unit, lift it with both hands and immediately plunge it into the sink. Repeat this process for each panel. Let the panels soak in the water for 10 minutes to loosen grease and baked-on dough.

Step 5
After putting on the gloves, lift one panel out of the water bath and with the other hand gently rub the grooves and edges of the plate, using small horizontal strokes with a soft sponge or soft-bristled brush. Do not use scrapers or other abrasive cleaners that could damage the non-stick coating. Once the slotted side of the plate is clean, turn the plate over to the other side and wipe it gently. Rinse the top and bottom of the panels under warm running water to remove any remaining crumbs, then air dry on a dryer. Repeat this process to clean and dry each baking dish, then remove your gloves.

Note . Some models of waffle irons contain panels strong enough to be dishwasher safe. Always check the manual for instructions on safe cleaning methods. When in doubt, avoid washing your bakeware to prevent dents or other damage.

Step 6
Place each clean and dry baking plate into the corresponding slot in the plate body at the base of the waffle iron, then push it down with both hands until you hear it click into the slot. Close the lid of the waffle maker and clean the outside of the machine using the "how to clean the outside of the waffle maker" procedure below.

How to clean the non-removable panels of the waffle iron

Materials and tools needed to clean the non-removable panels:

  1. Plastic or rubber spatula
  2. Plain water
  3. Paper towels
  4. Hand towels (2)

Step 1
Lift the lid of the waffle iron and use a plastic or rubber spatula to remove all waffles. If the device has a temperature control, turn it to the off or 0 position. Then unplug the waffle maker from the power source and let it cool completely for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2
Using a clean, dry paper towel or hand towel, run along the grooves and edges of each baking plate located at the base of the unit to absorb grease and flake off any caked-on dough.

Step 3
If there is any residue, soak the entire towel in lukewarm water, wring it out until damp but don't drip, then place the damp towel directly on top of the baking sheets and cover for three to five minutes. The heat from the towel will loosen the stubborn soot.

Step 4
Lift the lid of the waffle iron and use a damp cloth to make a second pass over the grooves and edges of each panel, wiping off any remaining residue.

Step 5
Take another clean paper or cloth towel, moisten it with warm water, wring it out and make a final pass along the grooves and edges of each baking plate in the machine to wipe it off. Leave the lid of the waffle iron open for at least 10 minutes to allow the panels to dry completely.

How to clean the outside of the electric waffle iron

Materials and tools needed to clean the waffle iron:

  1. Paper towels
  2. Hand towels (2)
  3. plain water

Step 1
With the inside panels cleaned and the unit cool, unplugged, and set to the off or 0 position, use a clean, damp paper or cloth towel to wipe the lid, handle, and waffle iron base. When wiping the base of the device, avoid electrical components such as the cord port and the cord itself. Never immerse the device in water; it can seep into the base and corrode the metal heating elements on the underside of non-removable panels, and is unlikely to dry out completely.

Step 2
Make a second pass over the lid, handle and base of the unit with a fresh towel to dry the unit.

Step 3
To store the waffle maker, close the lid, wrap the power cord around the power cord bracket (usually located at the base of the lid), then stand the unit upright on a flat, clean, dry surface where children or pets cannot reach end of the cord, and pull it down - the shelves of a tall cabinet are perfect.

Can the waffle iron be washed in the sink?

Because your waffle iron is an appliance, you can't just toss it in the sink to submerge it in soapy water. This is not safe and may damage the waffle iron.

Who invented the waffle iron?

The modern version of this ancient kitchen utensil was invented by Cornelius Swartwout 150 years ago. He created a tiled version of the waffle iron that turned easily and was less likely to burn the cook's hand.

In fact, we celebrate Swartwout's invention every August 24th on National Waffle Day, which coincides with the date his patent was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office in 1869.

What is the difference between a Belgian waffle and a normal waffle?

Belgian waffles are thicker and often larger than regular waffles because they are made in a waffle iron with deeper grates. Belgian waffle dough is also made a little differently than regular waffles, often with baking powder or egg white to make the dough light and fluffy.

revealing the secrets of the best electric waffle irons for the home

Society

Today we will determine how to choose the best electric waffle iron for the home, go over the most popular models that received positive customer reviews in 2021.

Of course, a waffle iron is not one of the most essential household appliances in your kitchen. But still, you see, it’s quite nice instead of a traditional sandwich or scrambled eggs to treat yourself to breakfast with fresh fragrant waffles or literally in 10-15 minutes to organize a delicious tea party for suddenly arriving guests. It sounds like an advertisement, but it's true: with the purchase of a modern electric waffle iron, you just need to spend 3-5 minutes preparing the dough, and then just pour it into a household appliance and take out the finished pastries from it in a couple of minutes. If we add one or more toppings to waffles - syrup, fruits, berries, sauce and other components, then we get not only a tasty and healthy snack, but also a full-fledged dessert or even a whole dish. But only under one condition - the waffle iron must be of high quality and reliable. Today we will determine how to choose the best electric waffle iron for the home, go over the most popular models that received positive customer reviews in 2021.

What are waffle irons?

Waffle irons for thin and thick waffles, as well as Hong Kong waffle machines and multifunctional devices, are usually distinguished by their type. The dimensions and other characteristics of the models largely depend on this. So, an electric waffle iron, designed for thin waffles, also called Dutch waffles and easily rolled into tubes, is distinguished by cells of small depth, while the working surface area is quite extensive. In turn, devices for baking thick waffles - Viennese and Belgian - are endowed with deep cells, separated by a thick outline. The cells for baking Hong Kong waffles resemble thick hemispheres. Wafers of this type have gained popularity in Russia relatively recently, so devices for their preparation are rarely found in stores: as a rule, they serve for commercial use in catering establishments. Yes, and these units are much more expensive.

Finally, multifunctional devices are models with increased power, interchangeable panels and advanced culinary possibilities. Having a waffle maker from the 3 in 1 series or more in the arsenal, the hostess can easily cook any of the listed types of waffles, as well as tartlets, "nuts", "complex" sandwiches and much more. But such a unit will, strictly speaking, no longer be called a waffle iron, but a multi-baker device. Answering the question which device is better - a waffle maker or a multi-baker, we can say that both devices are equally good. If your needs are limited to cooking waffles and are not too keen on being able to cook meat, sandwiches and other dishes using a minimum number of kitchen appliances, then it should be borne in mind that a highly specialized appliance still does a little better. with its main purpose.

What are the main criteria for choosing a waffle maker for your home?

As you know, the most simple household appliances have the lowest cost, and are also endowed with minimal functionality. The electric waffle iron is no exception. As we have already mentioned, you just need to turn on the device, wait a bit, pour the dough, and then literally in a couple of minutes you will get a ready-made waffle. Many budget devices do not even have an indication on the case indicating that the device is connected to the electrical network. If you are a perfectionist, you should pay attention to more expensive models. In this case, you must be prepared to pay extra for additional functionality. One way or another, there is a certain universal selection of characteristics of household electric waffle irons, after analyzing which, you can choose a model that can satisfy the needs of even the most demanding gourmets and demanding home cooks.

Dimensions. The size and weight range of household electric waffle irons begins with compact models that can bake one medium or two small checkered sweets at one time. Devices of medium dimensions are used for the simultaneous preparation of goodies for 2-4 people. If your family consists entirely of waffle connoisseurs or you often host large groups of friends and relatives, then you should opt for an oversized unit that is not afraid of such a scale of activity.

Power. This indicator affects the speed of preparation of the product. The higher the power, the faster and better your waffles will be baked. For domestic use, as a rule, it is enough that the power is determined by values ​​​​in the range of 600-1200 watts. Waffle irons with a rating above 1200 W are designed for professional use.

Heating control. Many models of waffle irons are endowed with a thermostat, with which you can adjust the intensity of heating of the working panels. This allows the hostess to experiment with different types of waffles and toppings, as often culinary recipes involve baking at different temperatures. Typically, devices of this kind are a little more expensive, but the features provided compensate for this insignificant overpayment.

Number of servings and shape of wafers. Most often, standard waffle irons with a square or rectangular work surface are used to produce two servings of waffles. Compact cook one serving of pastries per person. But waffle irons that have a round shape can bake 5-6 sweets at once, for example, in the shape of triangles or hearts.

Body material. Typical waffle irons are produced in a plastic case, metal and mixed. The first of them are the most budgetary, heat up less and suggest a variety of colors. However, contrary to popular belief, they are no less strong and durable. The latter also have a long service life, but are heavier and more expensive, and also often tend to heat up during operation. Models with a "mixed" case containing a certain amount of metal inclusions have not only increased impact resistance, but also a more stylish appearance. One way or another, the main requirement for the case is its thermal protection.

Non-stick coating. Like a regular frying pan, it is customary to endow the working surface of the waffle iron with Teflon or ceramic protection against burning. However, it is worth noting that the Teflon layer demonstrates less resistance to damage, while the ceramic layer not only provides maximum reliability, but is also safe for health, although it is endowed with worse non-stick properties.

Additional features. If you want to choose a really convenient, high-quality, functional and, most importantly, safe waffle maker, you should also pay attention to such auxiliary functions as the sufficiency and informativeness of the indicators, the presence of auto-shutdown for prolonged non-use, and overheating protection.

The best electric waffle irons 2021: top 10 rating according to FAN

With a sufficient variety of electric waffle iron models, you can easily choose a device that perfectly meets the quality requirements and your personal preferences. Let's hope that our top 10, made up of models of various price categories and "specializations", will help you make your choice as soon as possible in order to receive positive emotions from everyday use of a new household appliance in the very near future.

Electric waffle maker for baking Belgian waffles Kitfort KT-1611

This appliance, made in a cheerful yellow case made of durable plastic, will be a great helper in your kitchen. The device is designed for baking Belgian waffles, the panel has a non-stick coating, which makes it easier to care for the waffle iron. The dimensions of the model allow you to bake two servings of delicacies at the same time, however, the device does not take up much space on the kitchen table. Ease of use and comfort of preparing waffles is also ensured by the presence of an operation indicator and a compartment for a power cord.

Electric waffle maker for Viennese and Belgian waffles GFGRIL GFW-022

This budget waffle maker has modest dimensions, designed to work in a small kitchen. However, at the same time, the unit has enough power for high-quality and fast baking of Belgian or Viennese waffles with a diameter of 10 cm. The stylish appearance of this kitchen appliance is largely due to the combined plastic case with metal inclusions. For convenience of baking there is an indicator of work. Among the shortcomings, users note a not very comfortable handle, which heats up during cooking.

Waffle iron CENTEK CT-1453

Do you want to have tasty and well-done Belgian waffles on your table in sufficient quantities? This budget waffle maker will be happy to help you. A simple and understandable instruction will tell you how to use this household appliance correctly and not get burned when working with it. The waffle maker heats up quickly and bakes no less quickly, which allows you to please a company of four sweet teeth with goodies in one go. The model will last a long time due to the use of high-quality materials. There are non-stick coating, operation indicator and temperature control.

Waffle iron REDMOND RSM-M1406

This reliable waffle iron with non-stick coating and mechanical control, understandable even to a non-specialist, allows you to easily and quickly bake Belgian waffles, as well as toast various dishes - sandwiches, pancakes and much more. It even comes with a recipe book with colorful illustrations. The body of the model is combined, which not only testifies to its high strength and durability, but also provides an original appearance. The waffle maker has protection against overheating and electric shock, as well as a temperature regulator.

Waffle iron AIRHOT WE-1B

The model is used for making Belgian type waffles. At one time, using this device, you can get four sweets with a thickness of 12 mm at once. Approximate cooking time is 2-3 minutes. The waffle iron is extremely reliable, as its body is made of metal, and the material of the working surface is cast iron, supplemented with a non-stick coating. True, this significantly makes the waffle iron heavier, its weight is 7.2 kg. The control is simple, mechanical, however, the model is endowed with a timer, a regulator for the degree of heating of the working panel and an on indicator.

Waffle iron BORK G700

This not too cheap, but high-quality model allows you to quickly bake delicious and fluffy Belgian waffles in one go, designed for two servings. In addition, the waffle maker has many additional modes and degrees of frying, each of which works perfectly. For ease of use of the device, a non-stick coating, temperature control and a display are provided. True, users note the long heating of this waffle iron model. Strictly speaking, this does not apply to disadvantages, since you can first turn on the device in the network, and then start preparing the dough.

Waffle Maker FIRST AUSTRIA FA-5305-2

This powerful sandwich waffle maker allows you to bake delicious Viennese waffles for up to 10 servings at once. The presence of a non-stick coating will save the hostess from the inconvenience both in the process of work and in the subsequent care of the device. The model is easy to operate, has a shock-resistant combined body and is complemented by a temperature controller and an on indicator. And thanks to its small dimensions, the waffle iron can be easily placed even in a small kitchen. Among the shortcomings, users note the inconvenience of washing the wings of the waffle iron, since the panels are non-removable.

Electric waffle maker for Hong Kong waffles Hurakan HKN-GES5HK

This model allows you to quickly and efficiently bake Hong Kong waffles that are still quite rare for our country and are used mainly in trade and catering enterprises. The body of the waffle iron is made of stainless steel, and the material of the working container is cast iron. Despite its professional purpose, the device is easy to use and easy to maintain. The model is complemented by an adjustable thermostat that allows you to display the desired degree of heating in the range from 50ºC to 300ºC. The power consumption of the device is 1.4 kW.

Device with replaceable panels Moulinex SW611812

The model works well and does not cause any particular complaints throughout the entire period of operation. In addition to quickly baking Belgian waffles for two portions, it is designed to toast sandwiches and even grill meat. The body of the model is combined, and its design is simple and does not involve controls. There is a non-stick coating and a compartment for easy storage of the power cord. True, some housewives complain about the fragility of the latch: if you do not handle it too gently, then it may soon break off.

DeLonghi Waffle Grill SW12AC.

Learn more