Your waffle iron and my waffle iron

I've heard two things from a lot of people.

The first: "Gee, I should really dig out my waffle iron."

Yes, you really should. It's in the back of the cabinet next to the flour sifter. You're welcome.

Now, along the same lines, we need to address a very serious issue. Because the second thing I hear from a lot of people is this:

"Gee, I should really get a waffle iron."

Which ... sounds like you don't already have a waffle iron.

Which can't be true.

Because waffles are delicious.*

And you seem like a reasonable person.

Ergo, you would enjoy delicious things.

Fancy latin term, you would have a waffle iron.

I have gotten a lot of requests for recommendations on waffle iron. 

Most of the recipes on this site were tested in a standard waffle iron, though some have also worked in Belgian-style models. Belgian vs. standard is a very personal decision, and, in seeking to remain above the fray, I recommend that you buy both. Ahem.

Check out my recommendations here. 

Many people want to know what kind of waffle iron I have. That is now addressed in the FAQ. (I have a circa 1985 Kenmore, which I have nicknamed Sparky. In all likelihood, it will not survive this blog.)

Finally, as I make recommendations and pronouncements, I think it is important to remember my credentials here, which I will state plainly so as to remove any doubt:

I am some guy on the Internet.

I'm some guy off the Internet, too. But that's not important.

What's important is that I hope you like your new waffle iron.

*Not that this blog is about waffles, mind you.

* * *

My thanks to Lifehacker. MetaFilter, Thrillist, Smitten Kitchen, Parent Hacks, BBspot, Guy Gourmet, The Presurfer, J-Walk Blog, Design Crush and others who have linked to Waffleizer in the last week or so. Some of those blogs I was already reading and some I was happy to discover. I've added several to my RSS feed — which I have less time than ever to enjoy because of this blog. 

Thanks very much also to those of you who have pasted this blog into your Facebook status, joined its Facebook page or tweeted about it in the last few days.

If you use Stumbleupon, Digg or Reddit, thank you for that, too.

All of this really helps to get the word out about the blog and I appreciate it.

Comments

[Heather I.]

I can't even remember now how I stumbled onto your blog, but I'm so glad I did. Waffles are one of my favorite foods, especially pumpkin and buttermilk. Can't wait to try your recipes!

[elena]

I've been enjoying this tremendously - and I second the recommendation for VillaWare waffle irons, though any waffle iron is better than not having one.

2 waffling suggestions: bacon-cornmeal waffles from Joy of Cooking, and waffled arancini (just make sure to coat the arancini with bread crumbs and use a well-oiled waffle iron)

[Naomi]

Waffleizer is brilliant, and by far the best food thing on the internet since scanwiches. You deserve more than 3%.

[HeidiRenee]

Love your blog! I can't wait to try that hamburger!

this is the one that Cooks Illustrated recommended - we got it - looks like it was made in the 80's - not fancy - but it has a temp control (most don't) and allows for really a hot surface that gets the waffles nice and crispy!

They also gave the tip never to heat up your syrup - because it soaks into the waffle too fast and makes it mushy - never realized the damage I was doing. Their yeast waffle recipe is the best ever, ever.

And this recipe here was one given to me by a Belgian grandmother - it's the real deal - these waffles are amazing with ice cream! (I use splenda because i have a diabetic son - but the recipe was originally w/ sugar - straight substitute)

http://www.recipezaar.com/Real-Belgian-Stiff-Dough-Waffles-No-Sugar-Added-275914

And I'm w/ Naomi - you deserve a cut directly from the company for re-engergizing the home made waffle industry itself!

[Daniel]

Good to hear. That Cook's Illustrated-recommended Black & Decker is the third one in the Waffleizer Amazon store, where I encourage readers to spend money like drunken sailors. And I'll file away that waffle recipe.

[Daniel]

Sometimes I worry that I spend too much time on the Internet. But clearly I have not been spending enough time on the internet if I haven't before stumbled upon Scanwiches.

That is just a delightful blog.

Thanks for the comment, Naomi.

[Naomi]

Throw out your tv, and focus on food blogs thats what I say!

[Erin]

That picture - that is MY waffle iron!!! It used to be my parents. They received it for their wedding! And then they passed it to me. It is over 30 years old and it was amazing!! And then I was stupid - I got a new one at my wedding and gave my old one to my sister. I have since returned my new one for a different model and now I'm convinced that they no longer know how to make awesome waffle makers. I'm going to secretly swap them the next time I visit my sister. I make waffles several times per month, and nothing compares to my old waffle maker!

[cookie]

uuummmm, yes, I love waffles. My first attempt was with a very antique waffle iron. I think I may have been 19, so that is my excuse. If anyone purchased this waffle maker from the thrift store, I apoligize for leaving the stuck waffle in it.... Sorry.

[pbfa]

I'm so happy I found your blog!! I live in a very small apartment, so as you can imagine, spacing is very limited. I constantly tell my boyfriend that I want a waffle maker and each time he'll give me a long lecture of how all appliances in the condo should serve more then one purpose. Seeing your creativity on your blog, I'm very happy to find that you can make tons of stuff on a waffle maker! I'm going to head out and buy one tonight! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[Isaac A]

All I got to say is why not try waffling brownie mix just an idea, great pics they make me hungry and dig out my waffle griddle for b.fast!

[Mrs. B]

I would love to get a waffle maker. My only problem is where to find a newer wafflemaker that does not have that non stick coating. I wish they would make one with cast iron plates. I think I am going to have to buy an old fashioned stovetop cast iron waffle maker. At least I never have to worry about the electric parts going out on me.

[Daniel]

You know, I'm with you. I would love something with cast iron plates myself.

[Jen]

I used to work in a cookware store. One day a woman came in asking for a "non-Belgian waffle iron". At the time, France was doing underground nuclear testing, and there was a movement to boycott French wines. Somehow, my brain just went straight to that, and I was trying to figure out what Belgium had been doing that would make this woman want to boycott Belgian products. Cuisinart had recently been sold to a S. Korean company, so some of our customers were asking for "non-Korean" food processors... so why not "non-Belgian" stuff?
Fortunately, a more seasoned staff member took over when she saw me going through all the boxes trying to figure out where all the waffle irons were made.

BTW, do you know how to make those fabulous Belgian waffles with the sugar crust on the outside? Soooo good.

[Daniel]

Thanks for the great comment.

I believe this recipe from Whipped is what you're looking for.

[My Kitchen in the Rockies]

This is so funny. I looked at the picture of your waffle iron and it is the same model my husband had been holding on to since he was in college (he just admitted that would be almost 30 years ago).
I have been urging him to get a new one but since he and the kids are in charge of the waffle baking at our house I never got heard. So, all I wanted to share with you is that it makes me feel a little better to know that our old waffle iron is not the only one still "alive" out there.

[mmh1]

I got the idea of starting a waffle blog this morning as I made my weekly breakfast of waffles. But, I thought I should see if there is anyone else out there with a waffle blog. And, I found you. I think I'll still start mine as I was thinking more traditionally of doing breakfast waffles but I'll certainly be linking your blog to mine. Looking forward to trying your waffled chocolate chip cookies.