Waffles are a favorite treat in many countries around the world, either as snacks, desserts, or breakfast foods. The batter recipe may vary, such as whether it uses baking powder or yeast for leavening. The shape and size can also be quite different. Therefore, when shopping for waffle makers, the first thing one must determine is the type of waffle one desires to make.

Plate sized waffles with large squares are usually referred to as Belgian style waffles. True Belgian waffles use a yeast batter, but the term is normally used to refer to the physical characteristics of the waffle regardless of the batter. In addition to the larger squares, Belgian style waffles are normally thicker and crisper.

American style waffles are typically a thinner type, and the batter is usually made with baking powder. They can be shaped as rectangles, squares, or circles, and both the waffles and the squares are not as large as the Belgian variety.

Most waffle makers are built exclusively to cook waffles, although you can make sandwiches with them also. A waffle sandwich has the pockets pressed into the bread, but otherwise they are similar to grilled sandwiches. Some waffle makers come with a variety of inserts that can be used to prepare other types of foods. For instance, some feature a griddle for pancakes or sandwiches and others may have a grill for meats. There are also inserts that make waffles in the shape of flowers, cartoon characters, or other designs.

Storage and operating space available need to be considered when shopping for a waffle maker. Some styles, such as those that flip the waffles, have more height than others. Naturally, the larger irons will also need more room to use or store.

A non-stick interior makes both the release of food and clean up easier. Many cooks also prefer a skirt to collect any dripping batter and a timer with bell. A dial to adjust the heat is desirable, particularly for units that can be used for many different functions, such as grilling meat. A temperature indicator to show when the desired temperature has been achieved is also a nice option to have.

While butter and syrup are the most popular waffle toppings, many are consumed plain, and powdered sugar or whipped cream and fresh fruit are common toppings. Waffle batter is almost identical to cake batter, so basically anything that pairs up well with cake can be applied to a waffle. Chocolate syrup, ice cream, and frosting are often accompaniments for waffles. Some people use a batter that is less sweet to make a type of bread to add interest to stews, salads, or soups.

Ben runs a website dedicated to waffle recipes that also has lots of tips on how to purchase a waffle maker. You can also find many different waffle recipes for those of you that already own a belgian waffle maker.

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