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.
If you want to alternate between thick waffles and toasted sandwiches at a dinner with friends, look for a waffle and sandwich maker with deep waffle plates and sandwich plates to suit your menu. If waffles are the centrepiece, consider a reversible waffle maker with cooking settings instead. In either case, check which plates are included, how many waffles you can make per batch and how much storage space you’ll need: the term ‘thick cut’ doesn’t tell you any of this.
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.
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.
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.
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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
The brand’s waffle and sandwich makers are worth considering if you want to make waffles and toasted sandwiches using interchangeable plate sets.
The Premium Gaufres® may suit anyone who prioritises waffle settings but is considering extra plates for their menu.
The DO9275W is worth considering if you’re looking for a Belgian waffle maker with deep plates rather than an appliance with interchangeable plates.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.