Waffles are great to have for breakfast. There are different waffle makers you can use in your kitchen, but the ceramic type stands out.
These kitchen appliances are safer than traditional non-stick waffle makers because they are made using more natural materials. They don’t have harmful chemicals like PTFE and PFOA.
Therefore, if you happen to scratch the surface of the plates, you won’t ingest toxic chemicals. With that in mind, here are the best ceramic waffle makers to consider buying. Read more!
In this post:
Things to Check Before Buying Ceramic Waffle Makers
1) Style of Ceramic Waffle Maker
These are different ceramic waffle maker styles:
Belgian Waffle Maker
Belgian waffle makers create the classic waffle shape, which is thick with large squares and deep pockets.
These appliances are very popular because the waffles they make can hold lots of syrup or melted butter in the deep pockets.
Two-Sided Waffle Maker
A two-sided waffle maker can make 2 square waffles simultaneously. Because of this, they are usually larger than the Belgian type and are suitable for big families.
However, they also need more storage space and can be quite expensive.
Waffle Maker with Flip Feature
These units require to be flipped halfway to distribute the batter for even cooking. You won’t find the middle section undercooked.
That said, this is a feature, and it can be found in any of the two styles above.
Our Tip: Whichever style your buy, the one with a flip feature is better because it will give you properly baked waffles.
2) Ceramic Surface
Though all these products have a ceramic coating on the cooking surface, the specific chemical composition of this material varies in each one.
Some have a titanium-infused DuraCeramic coating, which is scratch resistant for maximum durability, and easy to clean.
Also, there is Durathon, which contains aluminum to increase strength and the ultra-durable ceramic copper titanium coating. Whichever you pick, ensure it is non-stick and highly durable.
3) Durability
In addition to checking the durability of the ceramic surface, you should look at the sturdiness of the waffle maker’s housing.
For instance, Hamilton Beach’s 26031 features Durathon ceramic plates, then it tops this off with a tough stainless-steel housing. This makes it highly durable.
A material like chrome is also strong, but not as sturdy as stainless steel. Its main advantage is shininess, which creates a beautiful, elegant finish.
4) Even Heat Distribution
This feature is mostly available in waffle makers that flip. The goal is to have the batter cooked evenly on both sides, and flipping turns the iron halfway through.
First of all, this helps to distribute the batter evenly inside, and secondly, it ensures the middle section & edges receive the same amount of heat. Therefore, we recommend flipping ceramic waffle makers like Presto’s 03510.
5) Ease of Cleaning
Most waffle makers with ceramic plates are easy to clean because the material is non-stick. You just have to unplug it, leave for some time to cool down, then wipe the plates using a paper towel.
However, nothing beats the old-fashioned cleaning using soap and water. Unfortunately, you can’t dip the appliance in water or clean it in a dishwasher.
That said, some have removable dishwasher-safe plates. These are easier to clean and more hygienic. The perfect example is Hamilton Beach’s 26031.
6) Safety
You wouldn’t want any accidents in your kitchen when operating a ceramic waffle maker. To avoid this, there are certain you need to look for.
An auto-locking lid would come in handy to prevent spilling. On the other hand, non-slip feet will keep the unit steady on the countertop as you pour in the batter, or flip the plates. These features are available in Bella’s 14608.
Aside from that, there is the issue of health safety. Look for a waffle maker with PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic plates, which means they do not contain harmful chemicals.
7 Best Ceramic Waffle Makers
Here is our list of top 7 ceramic waffle makers in 2023:
1) Best Overall: Presto 03510
- Diameter: 7 inches
- Material: Stainless Steel, Ceramic
Presto’s 03510 stands out as the best in this ceramic waffle maker review due to its professional flipping design, a dual-function base that locks in a vertical space-saving storage position, and digital timer.
The appliance is held by a set of hinges on a stationary base, which allows you to flip it 180º. This enables you to spread the batter evenly inside when the plates are locked, creating crispy waffles that are tender inside. A large, insulated handle is attached to the casing for easy turning.
While you can flip this base from one side to the other, it is also lockable at the vertical position (90º). You can store it in a very small space in this position after use.
A countdown timer with a digital display is built in to show you when the baking time is up. On the downside, the grid plates are not removable for dishwashing. However, they are easy to wipe.
Pros:
- Flips 180º for even baking
- Lockable vertically for compact storage
- Large, insulated handle
- Countdown timer with a digital display
- Easy to wipe
Cons:
- Non-removable plates
2) Best Inexpensive: Oster CKSTWFBF10W-TECO
- Material: Synthetic, DuraCeramic
Affordability is the biggest advantage you get with this Oster waffle maker. Despite its low price, the unit has a flip operation that ensures you make evenly cooked waffles.
What’s more, it features titanium-infused DuraCeramic grids that release the cooked waffles easily without flaking. This coating is PFOA and PTFE-free for safe use. Also, it cooks up to 30% faster and lasts up to 4 times longer than non-stick surfaces.
A removable drip tray is fitted to collect any particles that drop from the plates for easy cleanup. The plates can be flipped vertically for compact storage, and there’s a cool-touch handle to keep your hands from burning when flipping.
The only problem is the lack of a timer to let you know when baking is finished. On the bright side, there is an adjustable temperature control knob that enables you to make waffles to your liking.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Flips for even cooking and compact storage
- Safe, non-flaking titanium-infused DuraCeramic grids
- Removable drip tray
- Adjustable temperature control knob
Cons:
- Lacks a timer
3) Best Heart-Shaped: Euro Cuisine WM520
- Diameter: 8 inches
- Material: PTFE & PFOA-Free
This 8-inch wide WM520 has uniquely designed plates that bake 5 heart-shaped waffles at a time. Not only will this give you a delicious breakfast, but it will also create a beautiful meal to help you start your day on a high note.
These plates are PTFE and PFOA-free, making this one of the best non-toxic waffle makers. Though they are not removable, cleaning is easy. Simply let it cool down, then brush the crumbs away and finish off by wiping using a paper towel.
A durable chrome exterior protects the internal circuitry from damages and you can store the appliance vertically. You also get an adjustable temperature control knob and a cool-touch handle.
However, the unit does not have a tilting mechanism for even cooking.
Pros:
- 5 heart-shaped waffle plates
- Non-toxic and easy to clean
- Durable chrome exterior
- Adjustable temperature control knob
- Cool-touch handle
Cons:
- Cannot be tilted
4. Best Flipping: Hamilton Beach 26010R
- Material: Stainless Steel, Ceramic
As the best flipping ceramic waffle maker, Hamilton Beach’s 26010R makes thick 0.87-inch waffles that are evenly baked, just like you would get in a restaurant.
On top of this, it has an adjustable browning control feature that lets you make light or dark waffles, depending on your preference.
A set of indicator lights are fitted at the top to let you know if the power is on and when to pour in the batter. On the lower side is a drip tray, which collects any drippings for mess-free use. This component is removable and top-rack dishwasher-safe.
On the downside, the unit lacks a timer to countdown the remaining period before the waffle is ready.
Pros:
- Makes thick 0.87-inch restaurant-quality waffles
- Adjustable browning control
- Power and ready-to-pour indicator lights
- Removable and dishwasher-safe drip tray
Cons:
- Lacks a timer
5. Most Durable: Hamilton Beach 26031
- Material: Stainless Steel, Ceramic
With its Durathon ceramic non-stick plates, Hamilton Beach’s 26031 is the sturdiest unit because these components are 4 times more durable than traditional non-stick. The material won’t crack or peel and is perfectly safe (PTFE and PFOA free). What’s more, the waffle maker has a tough stainless-steel housing that is built to last.
Aside from that, if you are looking for a ceramic waffle maker with removable plates, we highly recommend this one. The grids and the drip tray underneath can be removed for easy cleanup in a dishwasher.
Convenient indicator lights are fixed on the upper side to let you know when the power is on and when to pour in the batter. The only issue is the price. This product is quite costly.
Pros:
- Durathon ceramic non-stick plates
- Tough stainless-steel housing
- Removable and dishwasher-safe plates
- Convenient indicator lights
Cons:
- Expensive
6. Elegant: Oster CKSTWF1502-TECO
- Diameter: 8 inches
- Material: PTFE & PFOA-Free
Looks do matter and this piece from Oster has an elegant polished chrome housing that stands out and complements kitchen décor. The Teflon-free waffle maker has an adjustable temperature control knob that allows you to make light & fluffy or crispy waffles.
A titanium-infused DuraCeramic coating enhances the plate’s durability, scratch-resistance, and ease of cleaning due to its non-stickiness.
That said, this coating won’t flake or peel, and cooks up to 30% faster than regular non-stick coatings. You also get a cool-touch handle and thick feet to suspend the hot waffle maker above your kitchen counter.
However, the unit cannot be flipped to cook the waffle evenly on both sides. Also, it lacks a timer to show you when baking time is over.
Pros:
- Elegant polished chrome housing
- Temperature control knob
- Titanium-infused DuraCeramic coating
- Cool-touch handle
- Thick feet
Cons:
- Cannot be flipped
- Lacks a timer
7. Safe: Bella 14608
When it comes to safety, Bella’s 14608 features an auto-locking lid that keeps the contents inside the waffle maker from falling out when you flip it over. On the other hand, non-slip feet on the underside prevent dangerous accidents in your kitchen.
On the inside, an ultra-durable ceramic copper titanium coating provides a durable cooking surface that can withstand metal cooking utensils without scratching. This material is 8 times more durable and cooks up to 30% faster than regular non-stick coatings.
That said, the unit rotates for even cooking, and this comes in handy considering it makes thick 1-inch Belgian waffles. A drip tray is fitted underneath for mess-free use. On the downside, the plates are not removable for easy cleaning in a dishwasher.
Pros:
- Auto-locking lid
- Non-slip feet
- Ultra-durable ceramic copper titanium coating
- Flips for even cooking
- Includes a drip tray
Cons:
- Non-removable plates
Conclusion
As we round up, Presto’s 03510 takes the top spot as the best ceramic waffle maker due to its 180º flipping design. It can be easily turned to spread the batter inside for even cooking, or positioned vertically for compact storage. Also, it includes a digital countdown timer.
Hamilton Beach’s 26010R gives you the best flipping design, though, as it makes evenly cooked 0.87-inch-thick restaurant-quality waffles. What’s more, it has adjustable browning control to set the desired crispiness.
You should also check out Euro Cuisine’s WM520 because it bakes heart-shaped waffles. Who said they must be circular or rectangular?