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A Waffle House waffle is thin, golden and crisp at the edges, with a soft, slightly sweet middle. Most home waffle makers are built for thick Belgian waffles, so they give you something fluffy and deep instead. If you want the diner version at home, the right Waffle House waffle maker matters as much as the batter.
We picked these waffle makers by looking at plate shape, waffle thickness, heat control and thousands of buyer reviews. Three of our four picks make a thin, classic-style waffle, and all of them work with our copycat Waffle House waffle recipe.
Quick Picks
| Pick | Best for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker | Best overall | Check price |
| FineMade 7-Inch Classic Waffle Maker | Best budget | Check price |
| Cuisinart 4-Slice Square Waffle Maker | Best for families | Check price |
| Dash Mini Waffle Maker | Best mini | Check price |
What Makes a Waffle Taste Like Waffle House?
- Thin, not thick. Waffle House waffles are classic American style, not Belgian. Shallow grids give you more crisp edges and less fluffy center.
- Round shape. The classic Waffle House waffle is a full circle cut into quarters by the grid.
- High, even heat. Diner irons run hot. That is what gives the outside its golden crunch.
- A sweet cream batter. The batter has a little sugar and butter in it, so it browns fast. Good heat control stops it from burning.
1. Best Overall: Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker
This round, stainless steel iron makes a thin, classic waffle with the same full-circle shape you get at Waffle House. Its five-setting browning dial is the real reason it wins: sweet cream batter browns fast, and the dial lets you go from light gold to deep, crisp brown without burning the outside.
- Good for: anyone who wants the closest match to a Waffle House waffle.
- Keep in mind: it makes one waffle at a time, so feeding a big family takes a while.
- Check the price on Amazon
2. Best Budget: FineMade 7-Inch Classic Waffle Maker
This small 7-inch iron is a simple way to start making waffles at home without spending much. It has ceramic nonstick plates that are PFAS-free, so the waffle releases easily and the plates wipe clean.
- Good for: students, small kitchens and first-time waffle makers.
- Keep in mind: it has no browning dial, so watch the first waffle closely to find the right cooking time.
- Check the price on Amazon
3. Best for Families: Cuisinart 4-Slice Square Waffle Maker
This is the one Belgian-style pick on our list. It makes four square waffles at once, so the waffles come out thicker than the Waffle House version. But if you are feeding a family, cooking four at a time beats waiting on a one-waffle iron. It has adjustable browning settings, a ready light and stainless steel housing, and it stores upright to save cupboard space.
- Good for: weekend breakfasts for four or more people.
- Keep in mind: the waffles are thicker and fluffier than a true Waffle House waffle. For a thinner result, pour a little less batter.
- Check the price on Amazon
4. Best Mini: Dash Mini Waffle Maker
The Dash Mini makes a single 4-inch waffle in a few minutes. It is cheap, light and takes up almost no counter space. It is also a favorite for kids, because each waffle is a perfect hand-sized round.
- Good for: kids, single servings and waffle sandwiches.
- Keep in mind: the waffles are much smaller than a Waffle House waffle, so plan on two or three per person.
- Check the price on Amazon
How to Choose a Waffle Maker
Classic vs Belgian
Belgian irons have deep pockets and make thick, airy waffles. Classic irons have shallow grids and make thin, crisp ones. For a Waffle House-style waffle, choose classic.
Browning Control
A dial lets you pick light, medium or dark. Sweet batters brown quickly, so a dial helps you avoid a burnt outside and raw middle.
Nonstick Plates and Cleanup
Nonstick plates release the waffle cleanly. Removable plates are easier still, because you can wash them in the sink.
Indicator Lights
A ready light tells you when the iron is hot enough. Pouring batter into a cold iron is the most common reason home waffles turn out pale and soft.
Tips for a Crisp, Diner-Style Waffle
- Let the iron heat fully before the first waffle.
- Brush the plates with a little melted butter, even if they are nonstick.
- Do not overfill. Pour just enough batter to reach the edges of the grid.
- Do not open the lid early. Wait until the steam mostly stops.
- Want a pecan waffle? Sprinkle chopped pecans onto the batter right after you pour it. See our Waffle House pecan waffle guide.
FAQ
What kind of waffle iron does Waffle House use?
Waffle House uses heavy commercial irons built for restaurant use. You can get a very similar result at home with a classic, thin-style round waffle maker.
Can I make Waffle House waffles in a Belgian waffle maker?
You can, but they will come out thicker and softer. For the thin, crisp texture, a classic waffle maker works better.
Why are my homemade waffles soft instead of crispy?
The iron is usually not hot enough, or the lid was opened too soon. Let the iron fully preheat and cook until the steam slows down.
Do I need a special batter?
Any good waffle batter works, but a sweet cream batter with butter and a little sugar tastes closest. Try our copycat Waffle House waffle recipe.
Waffle Menu Guide is not affiliated with Waffle House, Inc. Product picks are based on features and buyer reviews.
