While we love a good buttermilk pancake, there’s something magical about all the nooks and crannies you find in a waffle. Whether they’re thin and crispy classic waffles and thick or fluffy Belgian waffles, they taste best when served hot and fresh out of a waffle iron. Pile on fresh berries and maple syrup, crispy fried chicken, or spicy glazed bacon and you have a next-level meal, perfect for a weekend brunch.

When you make your own waffles at home, your kitchen can transform into the most wonderful place (with the best smells!). If this sounds up your alley, you should consider buying a waffle maker.  In this article, we will introduce you to 4 waffle makers in detail so that you can make the right choice.

All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker

All-Clad’s Round Classic Waffle Maker came out on top for performance and ease of use. It scored top marks across the board for doneness, crispiness, tenderness and consistency with both boxed mix and from-scratch batter. It was easy to use with the turn of a smooth, ergonomic knob and a large handle, and the red and green indicator lights that corresponded with audio alerts to let you know when your waffles are done.

This iron features seven clearly-labeled browning settings and has nonstick plates for ease of waffle removal and cleanup. One thing to note is that the stainless steel body got hot during testing.

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker

The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker offers a straightforward, slim design that made great boxed and fresh waffles. The waffle maker features five browning settings that are controlled with a sliding lever and red and green indicator lights help you know when it’s ready to cook and when your waffle is done. All the bells and whistles of a pricier pick at a fraction of the cost.

It does not have a ready sound indicator, however, so we recommend staying nearby during cooking to ensure your waffles don’t overcook. While the exterior gets hot, the handle stays cool to the touch. This waffle maker has a relatively slim design and can be stood up for storage.

Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Square

Breville’s Smart Waffle Pro is one of the brand’s most popular waffle makers. Depending on the style you buy, it can make two or four waffles at a time. The two-square product earned one of the highest overall scores. Don’t want to choose between a classic or Belgian waffle? This pick, though expensive, is extremely feature-rich, including four versatile presets for Belgian, classic, chocolate and buttermilk waffle recipes. From there, you can also choose one of 12 different shade settings, and even add “a bit more” time at the touch of a button if the waffle isn’t cooked to your exact desired preference.

The waffle maker has deep, 1-inch pockets and a moat around the plates to collect any excess waffle mix, which can help prevent batter from pouring onto your countertops. One especially unique feature is the waffle maker’s ability to adjust the cooking time based on the temperature of the plates.

Cuisinart Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker

The Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker is a must for families. It can make two waffles at a time, which reduces the amount of cook time to feed a crowd. It features a ready indicator light and variable shade settings. This model features nonstick plates and offers a large drip area that’s easy to clean. Its rotating design is reminiscent of waffle makers you’d find in professional kitchens and hotel breakfast buffets.