Difference Between a Waffle Iron and Waffle Maker?

Faith Durand
Faith DurandSVP of Content
Faith is the SVP of Content at Apartment Therapy Media and Editor-in-Chief of Kitchn, and the author of three cookbooks, including the James Beard Award-winning The Kitchn Cookbook. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and two daughters.
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published Feb 10, 2010
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Q: Is there a difference between a waffle iron and a waffle maker?

I’ve been wondering about this for some time and I just came across the waffle recipe in one of the best of 2009 articles. Is one stronger than the other (their names make it sound like it)? Will you get the same result?

I have a waffle maker I think, but if the iron will make something even better, I may consider investing in one later on.

Sent by Debbie

Editor: Debbie, we think that the two terms are often used interchangeably. But, strictly speaking, a waffle iron is a gadget that makes waffles over the stove or campfire, like the model from REI pictured above:

• GSI Waffle Iron, $17.93 at REI

A waffle maker, on the other hand, refers to an all-in-one waffle-making system, with its own internal source of heat. It’s like an electric griddle for waffles.

• UNO Round Belgian Waffler, $59.99 at Sur La Table

We have only used the second sort of waffle device, so we can’t speak to the differences. But we have been wanting to try yeasted waffles in an old-fashioned cast iron waffle iron for a long time now!

Readers, any thoughts on waffle irons vs. waffle makers?

Next question?

Related: A Fast Way to Bake Cookies: Use a Waffle Iron

(Images: REI; Sur La Table)

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