Essential Equipment for Making Waffles

I recently updated our review of waffle makers, and to put them to the test I made over 25 waffles on six different machines. I relied on a few key pieces of equipment to make things a whole lot easier.

While you probably aren’t wrangling six different waffle makers on a leisurely Sunday morning, waffle making (especially for a crowd!) is equal parts art and science and is an exercise in organization. Things can get messy fast. Trust me.

Here’s everything you need for a seamless waffle-making experience.

Depending on the style and size of your waffle maker, the volume of batter it holds varies. But once you learn the sweet spot, using the same amount for each waffle will ensure consistent waffles and make sure each waffle cooks at the same rate. 

A liquid measuring cup is not only the ideal vessel for measuring but also for pouring your batter into the waffle maker.

Most waffle irons are made of nonstick materials, meaning that you should avoid using metal utensils on them. Our favorite tongs have silicone-coated tips, which won’t scratch your iron and will keep your fingers from getting burned when removing the finished waffles. 

From one recipe’s worth of batter, you’ll usually get at least two to three full waffles, depending on the size of your machine. Keeping a wire rack and a baking sheet nearby is the perfect setup for placing finished waffles; the air circulation will help them stay crisp. You can even pop them into a low-temperature oven to stay warm. 

I love silicone spatulas so much I wrote a whole article about them. My favorite benefit is using them to scrape bowls and containers to ensure no food is wasted. When making waffles, having one on hand is necessary to make sure no batter gets left behind in the mixing bowl. 

You can get wild with your waffle toppings, but maple syrup and butter are nonnegotiables. A butter storage container, such as a butter bell, keeps your butter fresh yet soft, making it easier to spread on your waffle. A plus: It looks cute on your table when you’re serving your friends or family brunch.

We recently instated a new Belgian waffle maker winner, the Breville Smart Waffle 4 Slice. It was incredibly straightforward to use and consistently churned out waffles that were crisp on the outside and moist on the inside.