Hamilton Beach HB Belgian Waffle Maker

This Hamilton Beach (model #26009) Waffle Maker (Proctor Silex is the same company) is really great! It makes evenly cooked, light and fluffy, crisp one-inch waffles (3.5 inches x 4.5 inches in size). The non-stick coating works perfectly and the unit's small size guarantees even heating will not be a problem. (The 4x5 in the title of this review refers to the number of depressions in the waffle. Traditionally, 3x5 is a Brussels Waffle, 4x6 is a Liege Waffle. Both are Belgian. Most waffle makers in the U.S. are either round or square, not rectangular. Ergo, they cannot produce Belgian Waffles. But this Hamilton Beach model is as close as I could get. Unless I spend $800 on a 50lb. cast iron unit from a restaurant supply company. Not likely.)

Of course, creating a great waffle depends on more than just the waffle maker. For instance, I always brush on a light coating of refined almond oil (smoke point = 495 degrees F.) before the first batter-pour**. If I smell burning oil...Read more

This waffle maker broke on the first use. Unfortunately, the store we bought it from wouldn't take it back because they had stopped carrying it by the time we got around to using it (about six months after we bought it). My guess is they stopped carrying it because everyone was returning them broken. Anyway, it's a good price, but not for one use! Try another brand!

Received this as a Xmas gift. Unit is small and compact- fits anywhere.
I've used it once to make 12 waffles (which took some time, no biggie. I cleaned the kitchen as I eyeballed the waffles being cooked), and I've used it another 3 times to make 6 waffles each time. I made whole wheat, flaxseed cinnamon waffles and they turned out great. They didn't stick and came out nice and easy when it came time to popping them out (I used a plastic fork to not scratch the unit). The recipe I use says to spray a little bit of EVOO spray on the grid so that waffles don't stick. I simply added a little EVOO in the mix and that has worked like a charm every time.
**Cook the waffles thoroughly bc if you don't and try to open the unit the waffles will split in half. I cooked my whole wheat waffles for 7mins on Med. 2 are enough to fill my boyfriend to the rim when I add fruit on top.
** Yes, steam does rise out of the front of the unit when cooking do not be alarmed.
** Use...Read more