Share this article
Ok - so you want to make waffles at home. But, do you have enough kitchen countertop space or not? Finding the perfect waffle maker in Singapore usually comes down to how much counter space you have and how “pro” you want your Sunday brunch to feel.
At its simplest, a waffle maker is a specialised kitchen appliance designed to cook batter between two heated, patterned plates. Think of it as a “textured sandwich press” specifically for batter.
They consist of two metal plates (usually aluminium or cast iron) coated with a non-stick surface. These plates have a distinct grid pattern—the “honeycomb” look—which creates those deep pockets perfect for holding syrup, butter, or toppings.
There are two main styles you will see in Singapore: Belgian Waffle Makers (very deep grids and produce thick, fluffy waffles), and Classic and Traditional Waffle Makers (thinner, heartier waffles (similar to those found at neighbourhood bakeries like PrimaDeli).
Breville The Smart Waffle Pro, $358
Widely considered the “Rolls Royce” of waffle makers, this Breville The Smart Waffle Pro (BWM640) machine is perfect for those who take their breakfast seriously. It features an intelligent LCD display with a countdown timer and five specific batter settings (Belgian, Classic, Chocolate, Buttermilk, and Custom).
The “No-Mess” moat is a brilliant design feature that catches and cooks any overflowing batter, preventing sticky spills on your counter. It also uses “IQ heating” to distribute heat evenly across the plates.
It is significantly more expensive than other models and occupies a fair amount of counter space, making it a “splurge” item for large kitchens.
Cuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker, $201
This Cuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker (WAF-V100) machine reimagines the traditional design by standing upright. You pour the batter through a spout at the top, which then flows down to fill the plates evenly.
Its primary advantage is the tiny footprint it leaves on your kitchen counter. Because it relies on gravity, it creates a very consistent thickness and practically eliminates the risk of leaks from the sides.
You must get the batter consistency just right; if the batter is too thick, it may not flow all the way to the bottom, resulting in an incomplete waffle.
Russell Taylors Belgian Waffle Maker, $25.56
A staple on platforms like Shopee and Lazada, this Russell Taylors Belgian Waffle Maker (WM-25) offers a solid, middle-ground option for the average Singaporean home.
It features an adjustable temperature control knob, which is rare for its price point. It is reliable, aesthetically pleasing with its stainless steel finish, and heats up very quickly.
It lacks the sophisticated “overflow” features of higher-end models, so you need to be very precise with your batter measurements to avoid a mess.
PowerPac Waffle Maker, $24.80
For those who miss the thin, fragrant pandan waffles found at neighbourhood bakeries, the PowerPac Waffle Maker (PPT252) is a nostalgic favourite.
It is incredibly affordable and produces the thinner, “stall-style” waffles rather than the thick Belgian kind. It is compact and very easy to operate with simple indicator lights.
The build quality is basic, and it doesn’t have adjustable heat settings, so you have to manually time the cooking to prevent burning.
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $41.45
The Dash Mini Waffle Maker has gained a cult following for its “kawaii” size and sheer simplicity. It produces a single 4-inch waffle.
It is the most portable and affordable option on the list. It is perfect for individuals, students, or parents making fun-sized snacks for children. It also heats up in less than two minutes.
It is not suitable for feeding a crowd, as making enough waffles for a family of four would be quite time-consuming.
Cornell 3-in-1 Sandwich & Waffle Maker, $38
Similar to the Tefal but at a lower price point, Cornell’s 3-in-1 Sandwich & Waffle Maker (CSME1105S) is a staple at local retailers like Harvey Norman and Courts.
It comes with interchangeable plates for waffles, donuts, and sandwiches. The plates are non-stick and detachable, which is a massive plus for hygiene.
The latch can feel a bit flimsy if you overstuff your sandwiches or waffles, so it requires a gentle hand during operation.
Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker PRO, $79.99
Ninja has entered the waffle market with a vertical waffle maker called the Ninja Belgian Waffle Maker PRO (BW1001) that is similar to Cuisinart - but with their signature “NeverStick” coating.
The non-stick coating is exceptionally durable, and it features an audible alert that beeps when your waffle is perfectly done, removing the guesswork.
Like the Cuisinart Vertical, it is less versatile for “thick” batters that include heavy mix-ins like chocolate chips or fruit pieces.
Kenwood 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker, $87.90
Kenwood 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker (SMP84) offers a robust, well-engineered multi-maker that feels slightly more “heavy-duty” than the budget 3-in-1 alternatives.
It has a 180-degree hinge that allows it to open flat, and the 700W heating element provides a consistent bake. The plates are easy to click in and out.
It is more expensive than the Cornell or PowerPac multi-makers, and some users find the waffle plates produce a slightly flatter waffle compared to dedicated Belgian machines.
Which brand is the best waffle maker?
In the Singaporean market, Breville (often branded as Sage in the UK, but Breville here) is widely considered the gold standard. Their “Smart Waffle” Pro models have precise browning controls and a wrap-around moat to catch overflow—a lifesaver for avoiding sticky counters.
How do I use a waffle maker?
Using one is quite straightforward, but timing and temperature are your best friends.
- Pre-heat the machine: Plug it in and wait for the “ready” light. Most machines take about 3–5 minutes to reach the correct temperature. Even if it’s a non-stick model, a tiny bit of vegetable oil or melted butter on the plates helps with browning.
- Pour the batter: Pour your batter into the centre of the bottom plate.
- Pro-tip: Start with less than you think you need (about 1/2 to 3/4 cup). If you pour too much, it will ooze out the sides and create a mess!
- Close and Wait: Close the lid. If your machine has a “flip” feature, turn it over immediately to help the batter spread evenly. Do not open the lid for at least 2 minutes. Opening it too early can tear the waffle in half.
- Watch the steam: A great trick is to watch the steam coming out of the sides. When the steam stops or significantly slows down, your waffle is usually done and crispy.
- Remove and Serve: Use a silicone or wooden spatula (never metal, as it scratches the non-stick coating) to lift the waffle out. Serve immediately while it’s hot and crunchy!
Is pancake mix the same as waffle mix?
In short: No, but you can swap them with a little “modding.”
While the base ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder) are similar, waffle batter requires more fat (oil or melted butter) and often an extra egg.
Waffles need to be crispy on the outside and airy inside. If you use straight pancake batter, your waffles might turn out soft, dense, or “floppy.”
If using a pancake mix box, add 1–2 tablespoons of oil or melted butter to ensure they crisp up and don’t stick to the plates.
Does waffle increase blood sugar?
Yes. Traditional waffles are high-glycemic foods because they are primarily made of refined white flour and sugar, topped with honey or syrup. This causes a rapid “spike” in blood glucose levels. For a diabetic, this can be particularly challenging to manage without adjustments.
What kind of waffles can diabetics eat?
You don’t have to give them up entirely, but the “classic” recipe needs a makeover. Focus on fibre and protein to slow down sugar absorption:
- Flour Swaps: Use almond flour, coconut flour, or wholemeal flour instead of white processed flour.
- The “Secret” Ingredient: Adding Greek yoghurt or protein powder to the batter helps stabilize the glycaemic response.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use Stevia or Monk fruit erythritol instead of white sugar.
- Toppings Matter: Skip the maple syrup. Opt for fresh berries (lower sugar fruit), nut butters (healthy fats), or a sprinkle of cinnamon.