The Only Cast Iron Waffle Maker You Will Ever Need

SomethingSwanky is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Cast iron waffle makers are fantastic tools for making a quick and hearty meal to start your day off right.

Waffles themselves are stuffed with nutrients like Vitamin A and fiber that will fuel your body and keep you feeling full for hours, and cast iron really is the best material for making them properly and efficiently.

In most of my product review posts, I go through a variety of good options for the product type. When writing this post, however, I identified my absolute favorite cast iron waffle maker of all time and then couldn’t see any reason to include more options. But if you insist, here’s a link to the article I wrote on the best double waffle maker..

The [amazon link=”B00004W4UE” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgium Waffle Iron” /] really does it all, and I’m confident when I say it’s the only cast iron waffle maker you will ever need.

So, you can think of this post as a love letter to that particular waffle maker, including information about why a cast iron waffle maker is a genuinely great investment.

Table of Contents

What You Need to Know About Cast Iron Waffle Makers
The Best Cast Iron Waffle Maker
How to Use a Cast Iron Waffle Maker
Cast Iron Waffle Maker FAQ
Waffle Recipes

What You Need to Know About Cast Iron Waffle Makers

First, let’s talk about what I think is the best tool for making breakfast: the cast iron waffle maker.

What is a Cast Iron Waffle Maker?

Cast iron waffle makers are standalone (non-mechanical) waffle presses that are extremely durable and easy to take care of because of their material.

They generally consist of two cast iron plates, a top and a bottom that are connected by a hinge that allows the cook to clamp the plates together. The plates each have a heatproof handle to carry the waffle maker while it is closed.

Of course, the plates have matching waffle-pattern indents that accommodate waffle batter and allow it to cook when the waffle maker is placed over a flame or other heat source.

Cast iron may be heavy, but it is perfect for stovetop cooking in nearly every other way. It has an extremely high heat tolerance, it has superior heat distribution, it has a naturally nonstick surface (if seasoned regularly), it’s easy to clean, and it will last for many years without succumbing to wear and tear if maintained properly.

Why Choose a Cast Iron Waffle Maker?

Reasons to get cast iron waffle maker include:

They take up minimal storage space, and much less than an electric waffle maker
They’re easy to clean, both because they are small and because cast iron is nonstick as long as it’s seasoned properly. In most cases, you just need to wipe the cast iron down with a paper towel and you’re done.
Cast iron has better heat distribution, resulting in evenly-cooked crispy waffles with a fluffy interior every time
Since they’re not electric, they can be used outdoors. Trust me, camping trip waffles are the best waffles.
They’re very durable, both because cast iron is extremely strong and because they don’t have mechanical parts that can break.
They’re aesthetically pleasing in comparison to other kinds of waffle maker. The sleek black cast iron is much prettier than the garish plastic most electric waffle makers are made from.

What to Look For When Buying a Cast Iron Waffle Maker

Size

How many waffles do you need to cook at one time? Different waffle makers have different numbers of individual waffle molds in them. And don’t forget that you’ll have to store your waffle maker when it’s not in use.

The Handle

It’s very important the handle feels nice in your hand. Remember that you’ll have to flip the heavy waffle maker over by the handle during cooking, so it’s crucial you are able to get a good grip.

Good Quality Cast Iron

You should definitely make sure the waffle maker you buy is 100% cast iron and not a blend. Pure cast iron doesn’t vary much in quality, although “vintage cast iron” has slightly better nonstick properties than the modern stuff. It’s also ideal to get pre-seasoned cast iron, as that will save you some elbow grease down the line.

No Small Parts

Make sure the waffle maker has no add-on parts like segmented casing or latches that could stop working or fall off over time. Plain old cast iron cookware can last for generations, and any gimmicky add-on parts will drag the lifespan of the device down drastically.

Price

Unfortunately, the price tag is a limiting factor for most of us. Make sure you get something good quality, but try to get something simple to keep the price down.

The Best Cast Iron Waffle Maker

Without further ado, my review of the best cast iron waffle maker on planet Earth, the [amazon link=”B00004W4UE” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Waffle Iron” /].

When I say it’s the only cast iron waffle maker you’ll ever need, I mean it in more ways than one. Not only will you fall in love with it and never want to use another model, but you’ll also never have to buy another one because it’s so incredibly durable.

It’s no surprise that the cast iron is strong since the material is nearly indestructible, but the sturdy feel and smooth functionality of the hinge between the plates (the part of cast iron waffle makers that is usually the first to break) is simply amazing. Nordic Ware makes many of the best-quality cooking products I’ve ever seen, but they outdid themselves with this design.

[amazon fields=”B00004W4UE” value=”thumb” image_size=”large” image_align=”center” image_alt=”Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Waffle Iron”]

You may have noticed that this product is not actually cast iron but cast aluminum. The reason I’ve been talking about cast iron this whole time, though, is because the two materials look and feel exactly the same. They have the same non stick coating and the same top-of-the-line heat retention.

In fact, cast aluminum is even better than cast iron pans because it is lighter, it holds heat longer, and, believe it or not, it’s even stronger. This model looks strong and gorgeous just like any cast iron (or cast aluminum) waffle maker should, and the aesthetics are only accentuated by the sleek, cool, and comfortable handle made from phenolic resin. When using it, you can sense that you’re cooking with a truly good quality product that you’ll be able to pass down to your children and they to their children.

This waffle maker ends up being used by one of the members of my household almost every day. And even though we’ve had it for over half a decade, I can’t remember a single time it didn’t produce evenly-cooked and perfect waffles. I’m talking about that brown and crispy on the outside, creamy and fluffy on the inside waffle goodness that no electric waffle maker I’ve seen is able to capture.

I also love how large and deep the “wells” in the waffles are. It lets you really customize your dining experience, because it allows for a lot of your chosen topping or garnish, like maple syrup, cream, or nuts.

I could talk about the ways in which the [amazon link=”B00004W4UE” link_icon=”none” title=”Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Waffle Iron” /] beats out the competition all day, but I think it’s time to move on.

I can guarantee, though, that the price tag of this item is an absolute steal, considering that you could easily use it thousands of times over the rest of your life and get great results every time.

How to Use a Cast Iron Waffle Maker

Cast iron waffle makers are actually very easy to use. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide.

Heat the waffle iron on the stove
Turn the stove on medium heat and put on the waffle iron. Heat one side for about 2.5 minutes, then flip it and heat the other side, lightly rubbing the end of a stick of butter on the iron as it heats to make sure it’s coated. Repeat this process until both sides are at 425 degrees Fahrenheit or until the iron begins to steam. This usually takes about 10 minutes total, so you can do step 2 while you’re waiting.
Make your chosen batter
There are hundreds of great waffle batter recipes out there, and most of them are quite easy to whip up in a few minutes.
Pour the batter in
You want to fill the waffle mold until it seems like adding anymore would cause spillage. It may take you a few times to get the amount to add just right, but it should be about three quarters of a cup. The batter should begin bubbling almost immediately.
Close and cook
Close the waffle maker when the batter starts to bubble and cook for two minutes.
Flip the waffle maker
Get a good grip on the handle and flip the waffle maker quickly. You’ll need to use an oven mitt unless your model of waffle maker has a heatproof grip
Cook for two more minutes
Then remove from heat and enjoy.

Cast Iron Waffle Maker FAQ

Can you use a cast iron waffle maker in the oven?

Yes! When I’m in a rush to get ready for work and get my kids ready for school in the morning, this is a good way to make nearly perfect waffles with hardly any effort.

First, preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Then pour the waffle batter into the waffle maker, close it, and stick it in the oven. Let the waffles cook in the oven for about eight minutes, turning the waffle maker at the four-minute mark. After eight minutes, open the waffle maker to check if they look done enough for your tastes. Whenever they look and feel finished, you can take them out.

Can you cook anything else in a waffle maker?

Yes, you can make lots of other things in a waffle maker and the waffly pattern gives them a fun new texture! Some examples of my (or my family’s) favorites include:

• Fried potatoes
• Quesadillas
• Brownies
• Stuffed waffles
• Corn bread
• Paninis
• Chocolate chip cookies
• Baked Apples
• S’mores (with marshmallows and chocolate inside!)
• An omelet
• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Bacon

Do you need to season a cast iron waffle maker?

Yes, seasoning a cast iron waffle maker helps it to maintain its nonstick properties. When you get your waffle iron, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and coat the inside of the waffle maker with oil. Put the oiled waffle maker in the oven for 30 minutes. It’s normal for this to cause a lot of smoke, so remember to turn on the oven vent or open a window. Repeat this process three times to allow the oil to cook into the waffle maker and strengthen its non stick coating.

To maximize the lifespan of your cast iron waffle maker, season it every few months.

How do you clean a cast iron waffle maker?

Within 10 or 15 minutes of cooking (the sooner the better), use a soapy sponge or washcloth to wipe the gunk off the waffle maker. Cast iron is pretty delicate, so be sure not to use the abrasive side of the sponge or any other rough cleaning tools.

For tougher debris that won’t come off with a soft sponge, apply the following method:

1. Mix equal parts baking soda and salt with just enough water to create a paste.
2. With a cloth, gently rub the paste all over the surface of the waffle iron.
3. Let the paste sit for a minute before washing it off with water.
4. Try the normal cleaning process again using only soap and a sponge.

Why do my waffles taste eggy?

Because your batter is too heavy. To take care of this issue, you’ll need to froth the egg whites before folding them into the batter. That means that before you add the eggs, separate the whites from the yolks and only add the yolks. Beat the egg whites in a bowl until they are frothy. Then fold the frothed whites into the batter. It sounds like a lot of work, but it really takes the eggy taste out of waffles!

Mine is already taken, but I’ve heard she has many siblings looking for loving homes that will give them the care they deserve.

The Only Cast Iron Waffle Maker You Will Ever Need