6 Best Waffle Makers Under $100 of 2026

For those seeking uncomplicated waffle perfection, the Oster Belgian Waffle Maker delivers just that. Its core strength lies in its sheer simplicity, featuring an 8-inch round format ideal for classic Belgian-style waffles and a straightforward adjustable temperature control. This unit cuts through the complexity, focusing purely on getting a decent waffle onto your plate with minimal fuss, making it an excellent entry point for novice home cooks or anyone who values ease of use above all else. The cool-touch handle adds a layer of safety, ensuring comfortable operation even when the plates are hot.

Performance is straightforward and reliable for basic waffle making. While it offers adjustable temperature, it lacks the precise browning shade settings found on more advanced models, meaning dialing in the perfect crispness might take a little trial and error. The non-stick plates perform adequately, releasing standard batters without significant issue, provided they are properly seasoned or oiled. Its compact size makes it easy to store horizontally, fitting into smaller kitchen spaces without demanding much real estate. This Oster model handles standard batters well but might struggle with thicker or specialty mixes compared to units with more power or unique cooking modes.

Positioned as the “Best Simple” option, this Oster unit is a no-frills workhorse designed for fundamental waffle creation. It stands in contrast to models like the Cuisinart Classic Waffle Maker, which offers finer browning control and a longer warranty, or the Hamilton Beach with its specialized PFAS-free coating. The Oster is best suited for casual users who want a quick, easy breakfast appliance without needing advanced features or specific material considerations, offering a very accessible starting point compared to feature-rich alternatives.

The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker earns its “Best Classic” moniker by marrying traditional aesthetics with reliable performance. It excels at producing a single, large, deep-pocketed Belgian waffle divided into four quarters, just like you’d expect from a diner. A standout feature is the 5-setting browning control, allowing users to precisely tailor their waffle’s crispness, supported by intuitive dual indicator lights that signal when the unit is ready to bake and when the waffle is done. This focus on customizable results within a classic form factor is a major draw.

In practice, this Cuisinart model delivers consistent results across its browning spectrum. The ceramic nonstick surface proves effective for easy waffle release and simplifies cleanup, a key benefit for busy mornings. With 1-inch deep batter pockets, it effortlessly handles standard and slightly thicker batters, producing satisfyingly substantial waffles. While it doesn’t rotate or have a vertical design, its traditional clam-shell operation is familiar and dependable. It’s designed to stand on its end, offering a convenient, space-saving storage solution, a practical touch for any kitchen.

Compared to the ultra-simple Oster model, the Cuisinart provides significantly more control over the final product via its browning settings, positioning it for users who appreciate customization. While it doesn’t have the unique vertical design or specialty settings of the Ninja BW1001, its focus on classic functionality and precise browning makes it ideal for traditionalists. Its combination of solid performance, user-friendly controls, and compact storage offers excellent value for those seeking a dependable, classic waffle experience.

Stepping into the future of waffle making, the Ninja BW1001 NeverStick PRO distinguishes itself with a unique vertical design engineered for remarkably even heating and consistent results. This innovative approach tackles the common problem of uneven batter distribution, ensuring a perfectly cooked 1-inch thick Belgian waffle every time. With 5 shade settings, from soft and fluffy to delightfully crispy, and even a specialty setting for high-sugar batters like brownie mix, this unit offers unparalleled versatility for creative cooks. The included precision-pour cup eliminates guesswork, making batter filling mess-free and accurate.

Performance is where the Ninja BW1001 truly shines. The vertical orientation, combined with 1000 Watts of power, ensures rapid preheating and cooking. Audible and visual alerts eliminate the need for manual timers, guaranteeing your waffle is done to your chosen setting. The NeverStick PRO coating lives up to its name, providing exceptional food release and effortless cleanup, even with sticky batters. While the vertical design is novel and effective, it requires a slightly different pouring technique than traditional models, which might take a moment to adjust to. Its ability to handle specialty batters sets it apart from conventional makers.

As the “Best Overall” pick, the Ninja BW1001 occupies a premium space among its peers, offering advanced features and superior consistency. It provides a level of precision and versatility not found in simpler models like the Oster or classic horizontal units like the Cuisinart. Its unique design and specialty setting cater to users who want to explore beyond standard waffles and prioritize flawless results every time. While it represents a higher investment compared to basic or budget options, its performance and features justify the difference for the discerning waffle enthusiast.

For those prioritizing health-conscious cooking and durability, the Hamilton Beach Ceramic Belgian Waffle Maker stands out as the “Best PFAS-Free” option. Its defining feature is the Durathon ceramic nonstick coating, certified PFAS-free and engineered to be four times more durable than traditional nonstick surfaces, resisting cracking and peeling. This focus on material safety and longevity is a significant draw. It also includes adjustable browning control and indicator lights, offering essential features for tailoring your waffle’s finish.

This Hamilton Beach model consistently produces golden-brown Belgian waffles, with the adjustable browning allowing customization from light to dark. The ceramic nonstick surface performs admirably, ensuring waffles release cleanly for both easy serving and hassle-free cleanup with just a simple wipe. It heats up efficiently and maintains temperature well during cooking cycles. While it doesn’t have a rotating or vertical design, its traditional horizontal format is familiar and reliable. A key practical benefit is its ability to store upright, conserving valuable cabinet space.

Positioned by its commitment to PFAS-free materials, this Hamilton Beach unit appeals strongly to health-aware consumers. It offers similar browning control to the Cuisinart Classic but distinguishes itself with the specific ceramic coating durability and composition. While it lacks the rotating function of the Bella Rotating model or the unique design of the Ninja, its combination of reliable performance, adjustable settings, easy cleanup, and PFAS-free durability makes it a compelling choice. It provides a balanced feature set focusing on safety and longevity compared to basic nonstick options.

The bella Flip-n-Store Belgian Waffle Maker is a compelling contender for the “Best Budget Friendly” spot, proving you don’t need to spend a fortune for thick, diner-style waffles and smart design. Its innovative 180° flip feature ensures perfectly even heating and batter distribution, a technique usually found on more expensive models. It produces generous 7-inch, 1.5-inch thick Belgian waffles, satisfying cravings for substantial breakfast treats. The EverGood Ceramic Nonstick Coating, free from PFAS, PFOA, and other harmful chemicals, adds a valuable health and ease-of-cleaning benefit often missing at this price point.

Performance is surprisingly robust for its category, largely thanks to the flipping mechanism that promotes uniform cooking and browning across the entire waffle surface. The 1000 Watt heating element ensures quick preheating. The ceramic nonstick ensures waffles release smoothly, making cleanup significantly easier than with traditional coatings. Its “Fits-anywhere” design is not just aesthetic; the ability to stand upright for compact storage, saving up to 50% space, is a major practical advantage in smaller kitchens. While it lacks adjustable browning settings, it delivers a consistently cooked waffle when the indicator light signals readiness.

As the “Best Budget Friendly” option, this bella unit offers exceptional value by incorporating features like flipping and ceramic nonstick typically found in higher-priced competitors. It directly challenges simpler models like the Oster by providing the even cooking benefit of rotation and a safer coating. While it doesn’t offer the extensive browning control of the Cuisinart or the unique vertical design of the Ninja, its combination of thick waffles, even cooking via flip, easy cleanup, and space-saving storage makes it a highly attractive and practical choice for the cost-conscious consumer.

The bella Classic Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker earns its “Best Rotating” title by focusing on the key benefit of rotation for superior batter distribution and even cooking. This classic rotating design ensures that gravity helps spread the batter uniformly across the plates, resulting in consistently cooked waffles from edge to center. It boasts an impressive 9 browning control settings, offering extensive customization to achieve your desired texture, from soft and pale to deeply crispy.

In terms of performance, the rotating function paired with 1000 Watts of power delivers reliable and evenly browned waffles across its wide range of settings. The nonstick plates facilitate easy waffle release, and the inclusion of a dishwasher-safe removable drip tray is a significant advantage for managing spills and simplifying cleanup, a common pain point with rotating designs. Its large capacity is suitable for making multiple waffles for families or guests. While it rotates, it doesn’t offer the upright storage of the Bella Flip model, requiring more horizontal space when not in use.

This bella model is positioned as the go-to for users who believe the rotating mechanism is essential for the best waffle texture. It offers far more browning control than the budget-friendly Bella Flip and easier cleanup than many non-drip tray models. Compared to static horizontal makers like the Hamilton Beach or Cuisinart, its rotating action is the core differentiator, making it ideal for those prioritizing uniform cooking above all else. It offers a strong feature set focused on performance and cleanup for its category.