Oster® Belgian Waffle Maker

As I write this review, I just received my third Oster waffle maker. #2 is still working but it's well used and they were on Lightning sales today for $14.This is a very basic unit with a bit of a learning curve. There is no ON/OFF button, no timer, it's somewhat shallow and doesn't flip. The lightweight material used for the plates (guessing aluminum and Teflon) doesn't make the greatest waffles as compared to cast iron plates. The thermostat is cheap with proximal sensors only.However, it is cheap, can be stored vertically and does a decent job (if you learn how to work it).---------There are a few tricks that will lead to better waffles:1. Ignore the READY light. Preheat this Oster so that the plates get fully hot before using it. I usually turn mine on HIGH, wait a while, test the distal edge with a small drop of water and watch for a sizzle. No sizzle, wait some more. When those plates are fully hot, pour the batter (edges first, middle last) then reduce the temp to your desired setting. I can't stress -GET IT HOT- enough.2. I oil the plates just once before pouring the first batter (not before preheat or oil may burn). Just before I pour the batter, I give both plates a good quick spray of non-stick. The waffles will be less likely to stick and it helps gives the outsides a much better crisp. I treat my Oster like it has cast iron plates -- but that's just my preference because I like very crispy outsides and soft insides.3. Use a real waffle mix or make your own. Waffle mixes have a higher fat and sugar content which makes better waffle texture. Combo pancake/waffle mixes or just plain pancake mixes are going to be more like waffle shaped pancakes.4. Cold batter cooks differently than room temp batter. Cold takes longer for the fats to break down and for the sugars to caramelize. So, you will need to adjust your times and heat.5. Don't put the top plate down immediately. I let a little steam escape then lower the top. If your oiled plates trap steam, your middles will be a different texture than the edges. Because the batter lowers the temp of the bottom plate and not the top plate, the top plate will be hotter and hit hotter batter. So, the waffles will still cook evenly. I never time how long I wait but it's maybe 10 or so seconds.6. If your first couple of batches aren't great,be patient. You will need to experiment and practice. It took me a while before my waffle and cornbread results were perfected for my preference. For example, when my waffles weren't fully cooked in the middle and the outsides weren't crisping, I changed from 2% cold milk to 4% room temp milk, decreased milk content and replaced with room temp sour cream, added more sugar, changed to salted, room temp butter and replaced one whole egg with powdered whole egg. I kept notes using exact measurements and weights with changes (I worked in a bakery for 5 years).Upgraded from 4 stars to 5. Anything device that gives me years of good service and only costs $15 deserves 5 stars.--------------Update2/23/19 Units 2 and 3 still work fine, both are well seasoned and the non-stick is fully intact on both.

I really like this electric waffle iron. Convenient, compact and it's good when there is a temperature regulator.

I should preface this review with the fact that I absolutely LOVE waffles, and that I've never had a waffle maker before- In fact, for my entire adult life, I've walked past waffle makers in the store and never considered buying one. I felt that wafflers were for "other" people. People with money and great kitchens and Saturday brunches. Surely not for me. But, one day several months ago, we were wandering down the waffler aisle and I told my men- Husband & 2 boys- that I wanted a waffle maker for Mother's Day. Now, my husband is not a fan of waffles or shopping. So, Mother's Day arrived and I was presented with instructions to "Pick out any waffle maker [I] want!" But I'm pretty cheap, so I picked this one.My waffler arrived exactly on time, which was awesome- but the FedEx man seemed oddly disturbed by my outward display of appreciation. (I know I'm not the only one who does the Amazon Delivery Happy Dance while the delivery guy's still on the porch.)I opened the box and immediately read the instructions, which seemed pretty straightforward. I cleaned the hotplates with a damp cloth and then wiped them with a bit of vegetable oil on a napkin. Then, I made waffles.And I haven't stopped making waffles.I'm eating one right now.Here are some specs:-The waffle maker gets hot. Be careful.-Some reviews say that the lid is loose- OF COURSE it's loose; it needs to be able to slightly rise as the batter slightly rises. Come on.-The instructions call for 3/4 cup of batter, but I found that just over 1/2 cup works best for minimal seepage. Maybe 2/3 cup.-The instructions also call for a 3-5 minute bake time; I've found this to be true. Also watch for when steam stops billowing out & there's just a thin stream of steam. (You can open the lid to check after about a minute, when the top crust is sealed. You can stick a fork into a thick part of the waffle to check for doneness.)- When the temp is set right in the middle, the inside of the waffle is done just in time for the outside to be slightly crispy.-The waffles aren't Belgians, but they're not toaster-waffle-thin, either. Right in the middle.-The cinnamon roll thing works. We had them for breakfast. OM to the G.-If your waffler begins to get sticky, clean it well, make sure it's dry, and re-wipe with a bit of oil. (Re-season it)****I'm sure this waffle maker won't last for years and years. Maybe I'll upgrade to a sturdier, more expensive model eventually. But the price was right for this one. I recommend it.Here's a recipe:Preheat waffler to middle setting.Sift together:2 cups flour3 tsp baking POWDER1/4 tsp salt1-2 tsp cinnamon (Optional, of course, but come on.)In a different bowl, mix:2 whole eggs1/4 cup oil1 1/2 cup milk (anything heavier than whole milk, like cream, will make a heavier waffle)3 Tbsp sugar (I use 1 white & 2 brown)Vanilla to taste (I use 1 tsp)add the wet ingredients to the dry slowly while mixing with a fork.Pour 1/2- 2/3 cups batter in the middle of the waffle and bake 2-4 minutes.Easiest removal of waffles is with a fork poked into the side & with a slight twisting motion.Throw some chocolate chips on that bad boy & cover him with maple syrup.Enjoy <3Edit: On May 16, 2024, this waffler still turns out delicious waffle treats. Be well. <3

great product, easy to use, makes great waffles.

Love my waffles