When it comes to a versatile food item that can be used in a wide variety of dishes, waffles might not be the first thing to come to mind, but they are an excellent and highly delicious choice!
Use them as a breakfast food with some fruit, pair them with whipped cream and chocolate syrup for an amazingly delectable dessert or even add some bacon, chicken, or eggs to create a scrumptious savory dish!
Waffles are a must-have food product that is not only tasty, but also incredibly easy to make.
You can go about making waffles in a couple of different ways. You can either use an electric waffle maker, or you can go for a cast iron waffle maker.
The only difference is that whilst electric waffle makers need electricity to function (if the name didn’t give that away already), cast iron waffle makers use a more traditional approach that involves cooking on a stovetop or over a fire.
There is much to be said for a cast iron waffle maker, as they can make outdoor activities, like camping, a lot of fun or change up your cooking routine if you have a fire pit in the backyard.
They are also particularly durable and tend to be eco-friendly, even if their maintenance and upkeep can be a little more tricky than their electric counterparts.
Cast iron waffle makers are still very much an essential part of any waffle lover’s kitchen! With that in mind, we are going to be taking a look at some of the best cast-iron waffle makers that are guaranteed to provide the tastiest waffles known to man! Let’s get started.
Skeppshult Waffle Heart Shape Maker
Skeppshult is a company that prides itself on excellent quality, artisanal cast-iron cookware, and its cast-iron waffle maker is no exception. The shape of this waffle iron is what catches the eye immediately, with five heart shapes built into the iron that allows you to make several adorable heart waffles at the same time.
This is a great feature if you want to make some fun waffles for the kids, surprise a spouse or partner on Valentine’s Day, or celebrate a birthday or an anniversary!
The different shape does not lower the structure of the waffle iron, with a slight concave shape that adds a level of stability. This is incredibly helpful when the appliance is being used on a stovetop.
This stability also minimizes any risk of injuries, as it helps to avoid slips and spills.
The non-stick, easy-to-clean nature of this particular waffle iron is always a useful feature, and it is also made with 8.25-inch virgin iron ore that doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals.
The Skeppshult heart-shaped waffle maker is also eco-friendly, and hassle-free when it comes to the cooking process, creating crispy waffles in a mess-free manner thanks to the anti overflow feature that the maker offers.
It is also a handy, practical waffle maker that can be used with a wide range of stoves, including electric and halogen ranges as well as gas and ceramic stoves.
The waffle iron will heat quickly- able to work well with high heat as well-, but it will also store and disperse heat much quicker than cookware that is made of other materials.
This cast iron waffle maker is certainly an excellent choice if you want to make some unique waffles that will amuse the kids whilst being perfectly delicious for adults and kids alike.
Pros:
- Charming heart-shaped design.
- The waffle iron is split into five sections so that you can make five heart-shaped pancakes in one sitting.
- Naturally nonstick.
- Eco-friendly.
- Versatile for various kinds of stove types.
- Durable and sturdy to avoid any injuries.
- Antique look.
- Works with high heat.
Cons
- You can only make heart-shaped waffles with this waffle maker, so it might not be the right design for you if you are not a fan of the shape!
Also available on AMIECO.com and PleasantHillGrain.com.
Chuck Wagon Waffle Iron
If you are looking for a cast iron waffle maker that would be great for camping- or just general outdoor use- then the Chuck Wagon waffle iron is a great choice.
The long, wooden handles will stay cool when cooking, whilst the leather hanging strap allows for easy stowage and carrying.
The portability of this particular waffle iron is a unique feature that makes it a more niche option in terms of appliances, but it could still very much be easily used in a kitchen environment.
The Chuck Wagon waffle iron is durable enough to withstand outdoor weather and be used with various kinds of stoves, whether it is over a gas cooker, a campfire, or a stove.
You don’t have to worry about any batter or other ingredients getting caught in the iron itself thanks to the natural no-stick element.
Even if you do accidentally make a bit of a mess when cooking, your clean-up process is made a lot easier thanks to the removable top and bottom of the waffle iron.
As well as that, this particular waffle iron comes with a handy cooking tip booklet that features some useful recipes for waffles.
This is another element of the waffle iron that makes it a fantastic choice for outdoor cooking and can be a great help if you are a bit of a cooking novice or are new to making waffles.
If you find yourself camping in an isolated place where there is no easy access to the Internet, having something small and portable to help you with your cooking can be lifesaving and save a trip that could otherwise be ruined!
Pros:
- A brilliant choice for camping or any other outdoor cooking activities.
- Wooden handles to avoid accidental burns.
- Non-stick.
- Removable top and bottom.
- Durable for outdoor weather conditions.
- The waffle iron comes with a recipe and cooking tip booklet.
- The leather hanging strap adds even more portability.
Cons:
- Best suited for those who do a lot of outdoor cooking and/or camping. Whilst it could be used indoors, it probably isn’t the most suitable
Also available on Orvis.com.
Rome Industries Old Fashioned Waffle Cast Iron
Another waffle iron that would be perfect for camping and outdoor cooking, the Rome Industries cast iron waffle maker is relatively lightweight- weighing 4 pounds- and well-sized- measuring at 10 x 6.8 x 1 inch- emphasizing its portable nature and making it easily able to be transported to a wide range of different places.
The nostalgic look of the waffle iron is not reserved for aesthetics alone, as it cooks waffles in a traditional rounded shape via a classic, hinged design.
This hinged nature- with two sides of the waffle iron being connected by the hinge- not only makes this a piece of cookware that is more traditional and retro, but one that is also incredibly easy to clean and keep secure whilst cooking or whilst traveling.
This particular waffle iron works best with a two-burner gas stove or camping stove, but it is versatile enough to be used indoors too.
Pros:
- The traditional design makes for good, old-fashioned rounded waffles.
- Excellent for camping and outdoor cooking.
- Easily cleaned thanks to the hinged design.
- Lightweight and well-sized for easy transportation.
- Hinges make for secure use whilst cooking and whilst transporting the waffle iron.
Cons:
- Best used with a 2-burner stove, which can be a little frustrating if you don’t have one of these kinds of stoves.
Also available on RomeIndustries.com and Walmart.com.
NordicWare 15040 Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron
NordicWare is another well-known brand that provides a wide range of kitchenware, including a fantastic take on the cast iron waffle maker. This waffle maker has a slight difference in that it utilizes aluminum rather than iron. It is exactly the same in the way that it functions, though, so it still qualifies for this list!
This old-fashioned waffle maker is perfect if you are looking for a way to create traditional waffles with the convenience of a modern-day appliance.
You can make four waffles at a time with this iron, simply by preheating the iron on an electric or gas stove stop (heating one side first and then the other), pouring in your batter, closing the maker, and flipping it over and your crispy and beautifully textured waffles will be done in around two or three minutes. It really is as simple and quick as that!
Measuring at 8 and a half by 8 and a half inches, you can be sure that your waffles will be well sized! As well as that, the stay-cool plastic handles keep you safe from any accidental burns, whilst the compact design and lightweight nature of the iron- measuring at 17 by 8 by 2 inches and weighing 2.7 pounds- makes for a highly compact waffle iron that is easy to store in a kitchen space of various sizes and is easily able to be transported without any hassle.
You will also get a handy waffle recipe with the iron to help you on your way to making the best possible waffles. This is useful if you are new to cooking, or new to making waffles in general, but also useful as a nifty reminder for more experienced cooks or waffle connoisseurs.
The 7.25-inch by 7.25-inch sizing of the waffle iron cooking surface is also a well-thought-out feature, allowing it to make thick and delicious waffles at a moment’s notice!
Pros:
- Can be used with any stovetop.
- Easy to store due to compact design.
- Well-sized cooking surface.
- Stay cool plastic handles.
- Lightweight.
- Traditional style.
Cons:
- Can only cook 4 waffles at a time, so consider a bigger size if this isn’t enough for you!
Also available on NordicWare.com and Walmart.com.
HAWOK Cast Iron Waffle Iron Waffle Maker with Pot Holder
Another compact style of waffle iron that is well suited for two-burner stoves, the HAWOK waffle iron offers a traditional cookware product for all occasions.
The lightweight nature of the HAWOK makes it perfect for camping or outdoor cooking, fitting easily into a backpack or RV thanks to the 6.7-inch cooking head and the 12-inch overall size.
That being said, it could easily be integrated into a kitchen space thanks to that functional, compact design.
This particular choice of waffle iron is accompanied by a potholder to add another layer of helpful practicality to the piece.
The holder can help to ensure that no accidental burns occur when using the waffle iron, but it also emphasizes the portable nature of the product- should you wish to take it with you to the great outdoors- by offering a product that is easy to take with you and that will keep you safe from soaring temperatures should you wish to cook some waffles outdoors.
HAWOK’s take on the classic waffle iron is a simpler choice, but it does the job excellently and at a very affordable price too! It is certainly a must-have for those who enjoy cooking outside or cooking whilst camping.
Pros:
- Compact design makes it easily able to fit into various spaces.
- Perfect for camping.
- Comes with a potholder to avoid burns.
- Affordable price.
- A well-sized cooking surface.
Cons:
- There are probably better choices if you want a waffle iron that will mainly be used at home.
Also available on Haokeinc.com and Wayfair.com.
Lot 45 Cast Iron Waffle Maker
This is another great choice of cast iron waffle maker, this time coming from the Lot 45 brand. Lot 45 has created a very versatile waffle maker that could easily be used both outdoors whilst camping or indoors as an everyday kitchen appliance. It is particularly well-sized for both indoor and outdoor use, with the cooking surface measuring 6 inches wide and 6 inches tall and the handle measuring at 4 inches tall.
The waffle maker is made from molded cast iron, which offers an equal level of heat and evenly balanced retention and distribution of heat as you cook, whether it is on a gas stove, a campfire, or a two-burner camp stove.
The Lot 45 waffle maker is relatively simple to use, too. All you will need to do is fill up one side of the iron with batter, close both of the lids together, and then flip the iron over and let it cook.
A potholder is recommended to be used whilst using the iron to cook, but this particular iron doesn’t come with one included.
The final product should be some highly delicious grid waffles, no matter whether you cook them outside or inside!
Whilst we are on the subject of cooking outside, the Lot 45 waffle iron is perfectly lightweight for campfire-cooked waffles.
Due to the well-sized nature of the appliance, it should be able to fit on top of most small camp stoves and can easily be transported around to all kinds of outdoor locations that you might use for camping, such as campgrounds, lakes, and cabins.
Wherever you choose to take it, you are sure to make some scrumptious waffles in no time thanks to this handy household appliance.
Pros:
- Versatile enough to be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Well sized.
- Easy and efficient to use.
- Lightweight.
- Durable.
- Portable so that it can be used for outdoor cooking and camping.
Cons:
- Does not come with a potholder.
Also available on Walmart.com and Wayfair.com.
Buyer’s Guide
Those are just a few excellent options when it comes to a cast iron waffle maker, all of which offer delicious waffles of fabulous quality that can be made both in the kitchen and whilst camping.
There are several elements that you should consider before you can make an informed decision as to what waffle maker you want exactly, as the last thing you want is to invest in a waffle maker that doesn’t offer the features that you were looking for.
That’s what this handy buyer’s guide is for! We are here to go through some of the key features that change from waffle iron to waffle iron.
Some customers might favor certain features over others, which could potentially change their purchase. We’re going to make that decision easier for you with this buyer’s guide, so let’s get started.
Size and Space
Size is an important issue for two reasons that you need to think about: your available space, and the number of waffles you want to be able to make! If you have the space for it in your kitchen- and you are partial to making a lot of waffles at once- then consider investing in a larger waffle iron with substantial capacity.
If you are short on space, you don’t necessarily have to opt for a smaller model. Instead, you could look for a multipurpose kitchen appliance that can make waffles and that also has other functions. When all else fails when it comes to space, a small waffle iron might be your only choice.
That doesn’t mean that you can’t make a ton of waffles if you want to, though! Just make sure to stock up on extra ingredients so that you can make double the batter.
All you have to do then is make a few different batches of waffles, which shouldn’t be too difficult as cast iron waffle irons tend to have very quick cooking times.
Your limitations in terms of size and space will likely change the kind of waffle iron that you will be able to get, but it doesn’t mean that you will have to settle for less in the long run.
Budget
An important factor in pretty much every purchase that we make as human beings is budget, and of course, waffle markers are no exception to this!
Before you even start looking through the various kinds of cast iron waffle makers that are available, set yourself a budget and make sure that you are able to stay sensibly within that budget.
The last thing you want is to accidentally overspend because you didn’t set out a budget. Once your budget is firmly in place, you are well on your way to deciding on the right cast iron waffle iron for you.
Quality
If you don’t want to have to send your waffle iron back within a few days of using it, you are going to need to invest in the best quality one that you can find.
This ties back into the budget point, as you don’t want to end up overspending by buying the most expensive product because you assumed it was the best.
Luckily, when it comes to cast-iron waffle irons, higher prices don’t necessarily mean higher quality. A lot of excellent cast iron waffle makers can be purchased for less than $50.
Not only that, but cast-iron waffle makers tend to be sturdy, durable, and built to last, no matter how often you use the appliance.
A good way to check the quality of a product is by going through the customer reviews, as they are frequently the most honest way of finding out the flaws of a product!
Functionality
We briefly mentioned earlier that there are some kitchen appliances that have multiple functions, and if you can invest in an appliance that also has waffle ironing capabilities, this could be a great way to save on space- as we said above- whilst also giving you a chance to take on other cooking challenges.
Some common appliances that can double as waffle makers are toasted sandwich presses or panini makers.
Simplicity
Simplicity is key when it comes to most appliances, and the same can be said for waffle irons.
There is nothing worse than an overly complex kitchen appliance that elongates the cooking process unnecessarily or just makes everything so much more difficult! That is the beauty of cast iron waffle makers.
Their traditional nature- in that they don’t rely on electricity for use- makes the process of making waffles ten times simpler than some of the more complex machines.
All you ever really need to do is pour in the batter, close the iron, flip it and cook!
Most cast iron waffle makers utilize the same, simple process, but if this is a particularly important feature, keep an eye out for the waffle irons that keep the process as simple as possible.
Cleaning
Cast iron waffle irons might scare some potential buyers away, who think that they will have to spend hours scraping away at their kitchen appliance just to get it clean.
This is far from the case, as most waffle irons can be cleaned relatively quickly by hand or even in a dishwasher if you opt for a waffle maker that has removable grids!
Being able to pop off the grid and stick it in the dishwasher is a wonderfully simple process, but you can also place it in warm, soapy water too to wash it by hand quickly and easily.
Look for cast iron waffle makers with removable grids if you want to significantly speed up the cleaning process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a waffle maker?
We touched on this briefly in the buyer’s guide, but let’s get a little more detailed as to how to go about cleaning a cast iron waffle maker.
First off is to recognize that most of the time, it is best to clean a cast iron waffle maker straight after you have used it to ensure an effective clean with no leftover residue.
There are a few different ways that you can go about this, so let’s go through a couple of methods.
Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
This is an excellent way to get particular stubborn stains off of a waffle maker. Here is what you will need to get the job done:
- Hydrogen Peroxide.
- Baking Soda.
- A dishcloth/clean rag/paper towels.
- Soft-bristled brush.
- A spoon.
- Toothpicks.
- Make sure that the waffle iron has completely cooled down after use.
- Wipe away any residue- such as crumbs or oil- that is loose on the iron.
- Create a paste-like mixture out of the hydrogen peroxide and the baking soda by mixing them together.
- Use the spoon to spread the paste across the plates of the iron, focusing particularly on the areas where the caked-on batter is the most stubborn.
- Depending on the severity of the stain, let the paste soak in. If the stain is particularly bad, let it sit for over an hour. Anything else should be alright to sit for an hour or so.
- Use your dishcloth, paper towels, or a clean rag to wipe the iron clean. This should at least take away most of the residue, but if not, all you need to do is repeat the process.
- To catch any smaller and trickier crumbs, use some toothpicks or a brush with soft bristles to get right down deep into the cracks.
Once thoroughly dampened, gently place the paper towels onto the waffle iron and close it. You will only need to wait a few minutes for the steam to start working on any caked-in gunk. Again, this method might not be for everyone due to the heat of the steam, but if you do pick this cleaning style, then be sure to watch the waffle iron intently whilst the steam does its thing to avoid any accidents.
The Steam Method
You can also use the steam method to clean off a waffle maker. Here is what you will need to do this:
- Water
- Paper towels
- Optional clean sponge.
- This method starts differently from the previous ones, as you will need to make sure that the waffle iron is hot when you clean it via this method.
With this in mind, be very careful if you choose to use the steam method! Soak a few paper towels in water and wring them out. Keep wringing until they are no longer sodden. Ideally, they will be damp. - Once thoroughly dampened, gently place the paper towels onto the waffle iron and close it. You will only need to wait a few minutes for the steam to start working on any caked-in gunk.
Again, this method might not be for everyone due to the heat of the steam, but if you do pick this cleaning style, then be sure to watch the waffle iron intently whilst the steam does its thing to avoid any accidents. - After a few minutes, the residue should have loosened significantly. Turn off the iron and whatever you do, do not forget to give it some time to cool down!
Once it is completely cool, wipe the waffle iron down. You should be able to get any leftover gunk off easily with a paper towel or- if the stains are still being a bit stubborn- a damp sponge and some cooking oil.
How do you clean a waffle iron with removable plates?
Again, we did briefly touch on this above in the buyer’s guide, but we are going to take a more in-depth look at how exactly you can go about cleaning a waffle iron that has removable plates. You can opt to place them in the dishwasher, but the method we are going to look at is a handwashing technique. Here is what you will need:
- A clean dishcloth.
- A soft-bristled brush or a non-scratch sponge.
- Dish soap (make sure it is a gentle brand).
- Make sure that your waffle iron is not hot. If it is, wait for it to cool down. Once it is completely cool, remove the plates.
- Fill up your kitchen sink with warm and soapy water, making sure to use gentle dish soap.
- Submerge the plates.
- Grab your sponge, or your soft-bristled brush, and start washing the plates. Make sure that if you use a sponge, it is safe to be used with non-stick surfaces.
Be sure to put in your best efforts with your scrubbing to get rid of all the extra stubborn batter stains that are set deep. - Remove the plates from the water and dry them off with a dishcloth. If there are any batter bits still left on the plates, use the soft-bristled brush and a dab of cooking oil to remove them.
How can I make a waffle iron last longer?
Make sure that your cast-iron waffle iron is always kept clean to ensure its longevity. Read the guidelines of the specific model that you have before you decide on a cleaning method that will be safe for your waffle iron.
That being said, you can utilize the methods that we mentioned above to keep your iron squeaky clean, as they are relatively generic and don’t include any harsh cleaning products!
Not only that, but a clean and shiny waffle iron will keep your waffles super tasty.
When looking through various cleaning methods, make sure to keep your distance from any aerosol cooking sprays- they can often leave a sticky residue behind that can be incredibly difficult to clean- and oil sprays, as they can feature propellants.
As we said above, cooking oil is a great way to get any difficult stains off of the grids of waffle irons. Whatever you do, though, do not use anything sharp to remove any caked-on batter from your waffle iron.
This could lead to damage and scratches that can be harmful to the non-stick integrity of the iron and ultimately ruin the longevity of the waffle iron in the long run.
