You may think a waffle maker is a single use item, but the truth is it can be used for more than just traditional breakfast waffles.
Hash brows, cinnamon rolls, leftover stuffing from Thanksgiving, you name it, you can put it in a waffle iron.
The trick when you are learning how to use a waffle maker for more than just waffles is learning the proper temperature so the food will not stick to the waffle maker.
Believe me, the first time I tried to make hash browns in a waffle maker was a disaster. I spent hours trying to clean the plates of my waffle iron, and it was never the same again.
That's why when it was time to get a new waffle maker, I got one with removable plates.
Removable plates make your waffle maker easy to clean. This is important for general kitchen cleanliness, but also if someone in your home has food sensitivities.
So if you're looking for a easy to clean waffle maker with removable plates, look no further.
In This Guide
Best Waffle Irons with Removable Plates
Here are the best options around when it comes to waffle irons with removable plates:
There are three major things to be concerned with when picking the perfect waffle iron with removable plates.
First, is your budget. Unfortunately, the feature of removable plates tends to come with a premium price tag compared to regular waffle makers.
Second is the shape of waffle you would like: round or square.
Last but not least, the question is do you want to do more than just make waffles? Several of the best waffle irons on this list come with multiple plate options.
Now let's take a closer look at these removable plate waffle makers.
Secura 360 Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker
If you're looking for the most cost effective solution when it comes to finding an easy to clean waffle maker, this is it.
The best part of it is the this Secura waffle maker comes with all the premium features you would expect from a much more expensive model. It has both power and ready lights so you know when your waffle iron is at the right temperature.
The base also separates completely from the waffle maker for an even easier cleanup besides removing the plates.
This model makes a round waffle, and rotates 360 degrees for the perfect waffle each and every time.
Get more information on Secura 360 Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker
Health and Home 360 Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
If you are a fan of round waffles, this Health and Home Belgian waffle maker is also a strong contender when it comes to removable plates for easy cleanup.
It makes a 7 inch Belgian waffle in just 3-5 minutes, and also rotates to help the batter spread and cook evenly.
Get more information on Health and Home 360 Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker
Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates
Can you ever go wrong with a Cuisinart appliance? The answer is no! This waffle maker is a great option that makes four nice sized square waffles at one time.
Square waffles add a great flare to breakfast sandwiches and ice cream sandwiches, if you've ever thought of using waffles that way. I have, and it is something the whole family enjoys for breakfast or dessert.
It also comes with pancake plates to help you make the perfect pancake every time! These plats have round indentations for perfectly shaped pancakes.
The pancake grates are also great for making paninis and toasted sandwiches, as long as you are ok with the fact that there are not any grill lines on it, and can conform to the round shape.
Get more information on Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates
Yabano Waffle Maker Grill and Sandwich Maker
Hate single use appliances? Many of us do. This is a waffle maker, grill, and sandwich maker all in one with removable plates.
If you're looking for the most plates and the most features, this is by far the best waffle maker with removable plates for you, but it comes with one major drawback.
This waffle iron makes two square waffles at a time, compared to the Cuisinart models that make four square waffles each.
Other than that, this is a great model with an indicator light to let you know when it has heated up enough for cooking.
Get more information on Yabano Waffle Maker Grill and Sandwich Maker
Cuisinart Griddler with Waffle Plate Option
My next recommendation isn't a waffle maker at all! It is the Cuisinart Griddler, which is one of my all time favorite countertop appliances.
This little grill can do it all. Meats, veggies, steaks, paninis, you name it.
it is versatile appliance I leave on the counter all the time since I use it so much.
It also comes with an option to purchase waffle plates to go along with the grill plates it comes with.
Here's the model of the griddler we looked at, plus the waffle plates...and a couple of other variants of the Cuisinart Griddler if you're looking for more features.
We looked at the base model Griddler since it does everything you need it to, but there are also advanced models with digital displays and sleeker features available.
The waffle plates fit perfectly into the Griddler after you remove the grill plates.
Like our other options, this provides a super easy cleanup.
The only downside to the Griddler waffle plates is they make a slightly thinner waffle than their counterparts.
While some people really enjoy their thicker waffles, this also be seen as a benefit if you plan on making sandwiches with the waffles.
Sometimes a two waffle sandwich can be a very heavy meal, but the Griddler waffles are a nice balance.
If you're looking for more flexibility but thicker waffles, then be sure take a look at the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates which we also reviewed in this guide.
Get more information on Cuisinart Griddler with Waffle Plate Option
Picking the Best Waffle Maker with Removable Plates
While this choice may be daunting at first, be sure to think about the following things we talked about:
- What shape waffles do you like?
- Do you really want a single use appliance?
Let's look at all of these waffle maker with removable plates for easy cleaning one more time:
Secura 360 Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker. The truth of the matter is that there aren't too many of them when it comes to round waffle makers with removable plates.
If you like square waffles, there are many more options for you.
When it comes to Cuisinart appliances, we all know you can't go wrong.
Our first option is the Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates. If you are all about waffles and versatility, this is the option for you. You'll also get pancake plates which have slots for the batter.
Another versatile option is the Yabano Waffle Maker Grill and Sandwich Maker which comes with three types of plates, but only makes two waffles at a time.
Finally is the Cuisinart Griddler with Waffle Plate Option. The Griddler comes with flat and grill plates, and you can purchase the waffle plates to use along with it for waffles. These waffles are not as deep as a traditional waffle maker, so that is something to consider.
Square vs Round Waffles
There's a pretty hot debate out there on square vs round waffles. The fact of the matter is you make a waffle with the same batter no matter what, so it really comes down to your personal preference.
Round waffles can be easily partitioned into four triangular slices, for things like sandwiches, and for sharing.
Square waffles are generally smaller than round waffles, so you may find yourself eating more of them. They are also great for breakfast sandwiches and to eat ice cream between them.
There's no right or wrong type of waffle, they are all equally delicious, and you can find a waffle maker with removable plates to make either.
Things You Can Put in a Waffle Maker
Now that you've got a easy to clean waffle maker, there's no limit to the things you can put in a waffle maker.
Here are a couple of our favorites:
- Cinnamon rolls
- Stuffing from turkey or chicken
- Bacon
- Cake batter
- Tater Tots
- Brownie Batter
- Omelettes
Don't quite believe me? Here are some great recipes for things you can put in a waffle maker:
And don't miss this guide to 30+ foods you can put in a waffle maker.
When you have a waffle maker with removable plates for cleaning, there is no limit to what you can put in it!
Last update on 2022-08-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Albany says
I love making waffles and this list was incredibly helpful in choosing which one best fits my needs and my budget. Thanks for sharing!