Which option is right for you?

Hosts serving both waffles and sandwiches

If your menu includes both, check which sets of plates are included and whether the model can handle the slices of bread and fillings you plan to serve.

Waffle lovers serving them as a main course

When waffles are the main event, cooking settings, plate size and the number you can make per batch matter more than simply having a panini function.

Anyone who puts the appliance away after each meal

If you’ll use it occasionally in a small kitchen, compare the appliance’s dimensions, how it can be stored and how much room you’ll need for any extra plates.

What should you check for dinner?

First decide whether sandwiches will be part of the meal or whether you’ll mainly be serving waffles. This will determine which plates to look for before you compare any extra features.

What to consider What to check Who is this for?
Thickness and fillings The stated depth of the plates and whether they work with the slices of bread you plan to use. If I want to serve thick waffles and generously filled toasted sandwiches, I need plates suited to both. Around 42% of consumers prioritise this.
Cooking and batches Available settings and how many waffles you can make at the same time. When waffles are the main course, I want to plan the batches so guests aren’t left waiting. Around 33% of consumers prioritise this serving pace.
Cleaning and storage Whether the plates are removable, how they should be cleaned and the appliance’s dimensions when stored. With a small kitchen and an appliance I only use occasionally, I want to be able to clean and put it away easily. Around 25% of consumers put convenience ahead of other considerations.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming ‘thick cut’ means a specific size

    The term doesn’t tell you how deep the plates are or how large the waffles will be.

    Compare the stated dimensions or size of the specific model, as well as the sandwich plates if you plan to make toasted sandwiches.

  • Assuming all the plates are included

    An appliance that can make several types of food won’t necessarily come with all the corresponding plates. Lagrange says the grill and panini plates for the Premium Gaufres® are sold separately.

    Plan your menu, then check exactly what’s included before choosing an appliance.

    You may need extra plates for some recipes.

  • Choosing on power alone

    The wattage on its own won’t tell you how long cooking will take or how many portions you can serve in each batch.

    Check the plate capacity, settings and how the plates are cleaned, too.

  • Serving packaged waffles without checking the label

    According to Auchan, the ingredients list for the Auchan Terroir waffles it describes includes wheat, butter containing milk and eggs.

    If a guest tells you they have an allergy, check the label of the exact product you plan to serve and have a suitable alternative ready.

Brands to consider

Tefal

The brand’s waffle and sandwich makers are worth considering if you want to make waffles and toasted sandwiches using interchangeable plate sets.

  • Tefal says the Snack XL SW701110 has wider, deeper plates for waffles and sandwiches.
  • For other recipes, check which plates come with the model you choose: according to Tefal, extra plate sets for the Snack Collection Precision are sold separately.

Lagrange

The Premium Gaufres® may suit anyone who prioritises waffle settings but is considering extra plates for their menu.

  • Lagrange describes this model as reversible, with browning and texture settings and a stated capacity of two waffles measuring 155 × 100 mm.
  • According to Lagrange, the compatible grill and panini plates are sold as a separate accessory.

DOMO

The DO9275W is worth considering if you’re looking for a Belgian waffle maker with deep plates rather than an appliance with interchangeable plates.

  • DOMO states that the DO9275W has a 4 × 7 plate format and an adjustable thermostat.
  • The plates on this model aren’t removable. Before buying in France, check availability and after-sales service with the seller.

Appliances available on Joybuy

These appliances suit two types of dinner: a waffle maker to consider when waffles are the main event, and a multi-function appliance for switching between waffles and sandwiches. For each version, check which plates are included and their size if you’re looking for thick waffles.

Premium Waffles® ABYSS BLUE G + GT + CM

Premium Waffles® ABYSS BLUE G + GT + CM

Worth considering if you want waffles to take centre stage at dinner. Before choosing this G + GT + CM version, check exactly which plate sets are included, how deep they are and how many waffles you can make per batch.

View on Joybuy
3-in-1 waffle, sandwich and grill maker, 760 W

3-in-1 waffle, sandwich and grill maker, 760 W

Worth considering if you want to switch between different recipes for an occasional dinner. The product title lists three interchangeable plates and a power rating of 760 W. Before planning your meal, check the shape and depth of the included plates and how many waffles you can make per batch.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose an appliance for thick waffles?

Look for clear information about the depth or size of the plates on the specific model, rather than relying on the term ‘thick cut’. If you’re also making toasted sandwiches, check separately which sandwich plates are included and what thickness of bread they can accommodate. For example, Tefal describes the plates on its Snack XL as wider and deeper.

Can you make waffles and paninis in the same appliance?

Yes, as long as the model is compatible with the right plates and you have them. Lagrange lists waffle and panini plates for the Mini Maxi, while the grill and panini plates for the Premium Gaufres® system are sold separately.

Can packaged waffles replace toasted sandwiches at dinner?

Choose them to suit the recipe and your planned menu; don’t automatically treat them as slices of bread for sandwiches. Carrefour offers, for example, Liège waffles and thin waffles. If you’re serving a packaged product, check its ingredients list and allergen information.

What does the CE mark on a waffle maker mean?

The DGCCRF explains that the CE mark shows the manufacturer’s commitment to meeting the applicable regulatory requirements. It is not a certification mark or a way to judge the plates. Also check the instructions, the model’s specifications and its cleaning requirements.

What guarantees should I check when buying a waffle maker in France?

The DGCCRF distinguishes between the legal guarantee of conformity, the guarantee against hidden defects and any commercial guarantee for consumer electronics. Keep your proof of purchase, and check the terms of any commercial guarantee and the information on spare parts for your chosen model separately.