Choosing the Best Waffle Maker For Your Family

By Wilson G Myer

A waffle is basically made with a batter, and then cooked with a waffle iron that has been expressly patterned in order to give the waffle a characteristic and distinctive shape. Variations are usually made either via the differences in batter or even by the shape of the iron used.

Pilgrims brought waffle making to America in 1620 since Europeans traditionally made waffles. Thomas Jefferson used to hold waffle frolics or waffle parties. In the Middle Ages people made waffles by using two metal plates that were equipped with a hinge, as well as wooden handles. This was placed over a fire, and subsequently flipped to cook both sides of the waffle but at the time they were called wafers.

There are a variety of types of waffles and waffle makers. For example, Belgian or Brussels waffles are wider and deeper than the American waffle. These debuted in America at the 1964 World's Fair in New York. Belgium is also the home of the Lige waffle.

Some waffles are meant to be topped or filled, then folded in half. For example, Hong Kong style waffles are round and cooked in four quarters, and typically filled with peanut butter. Similarly, Dutch Stroopwafels are topped with a sweet and succulent mixture of butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and syrup.

Swedish style waffles are made from a heart shaped waffle iron, and filled with sour or whipped cream, along with fresh berries or jams. In Norway, salted varieties of waffles topped with brown or bleu cheeses are also available.

Nowadays, waffle makers are electric appliances with a non-stick coating, and most have light signals that indicate when the iron is hot enough to pour on the batter. The lights even tell you when the waffle is fully cooked. USA waffle makers come in a vast array of different shapes and styles, including cartoon characters such as the always popular Mickey Mouse character from Disney, as well as hearts, flowers, and other cute shapes. Children especially love waffles in fun shapes.

Apart from choosing the shape of your waffle iron, you'll want to consider other features. For example, if you want to conserve space, you may choose a waffle iron in a compact, side-storing model, as well as a retractable cord. Or, you might want a waffle iron with all of the bells and whistles, like the ability to grill meat, make Panini and other grilled sandwiches, or an electronic model with an easy to read LED display and beep signals to let you know when to add batter, and when the waffle is ready.

Depending on how often you plan to use your waffle maker, you can buy one online or go in-person to a department store. If you intend to buy a model with many modern features or if you plan to use very frequently, your best bet is to buy a professional model from a restaurant supply store. Keep in mind that once you start making waffles, your family is likely to ask for more! Waffles can be a healthy and tasty part of your family's balanced breakfast.

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