The best waffle maker in NZ overall is the Breville Crisp Control Waffle Maker, which turns out five heart-shaped waffles per batch on cast aluminium non-stick plates and holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating from 265 owners on The Good Guys AU. If bench space is tight, Cuisinart’s Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker stands upright to save room, and if you’d rather skip the appliance altogether, the Nordicware Stovetop Waffler needs no power point at all.
We’ve compared nine waffle makers available in NZ, from budget multi-function presses through to premium stainless steel Breville models, covering Belgian, heart-shaped and stuffed waffle styles, so you can match one to your kitchen and your breakfast routine.
Quick comparison
| Waffle Maker | Best For | Waffles per Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Breville the No-Mess Waffle Iron Maker | Premium Round Waffles | 1 (large round) |
| Breville the Crisp Control Waffle Maker | Best Overall | 5 (heart-shaped) |
| Cuisinart Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker | Best Vertical / Space-Saving | 1 (round) |
| Cuisinart 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker | Best for Families | 4 (square) |
| Sunbeam Vertical Waffle Maker | Best Value from a Major Brand | 1 (round) |
| Healthy Choice 3 in 1 Sandwich Maker, Waffle Maker, Panini Press | Best Multi-Function (Budget) | 2 |
| Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker | Best Interchangeable Plates | 2 |
| Nordicware Cast Aluminum Stovetop Belgian Waffler | Best Stovetop (No Electricity) | 4 (stovetop) |
| Durapres Fill n’ Flip Waffle Maker | Best for Stuffed Waffles | 1 (stuffed or classic) |
1. Breville the No-Mess Waffle Iron Maker – Premium Round Waffles
Breville’s No-Mess Waffle Iron Maker is built from brushed stainless steel with die-cast aluminium cooking plates, giving it a solid, appliance-store feel rather than a flimsy budget one. The standout design touch is the No-Mess Moat running around the edge of the plate, which catches any batter that overflows during cooking and bakes it off separately instead of letting it drip down the sides of the machine.
It bakes one large, classic round Belgian waffle at a time, with seven browning settings running from light and soft through to dark and crispy. Appliances Online reviewers rate it 4.1 out of 5 across 124 reviews, with especially high marks for build quality and value, and several owners specifically call out how little cleanup it needs compared with older waffle irons.
At $196.55 it’s the most expensive machine on this list, and the trade-off for that no-mess convenience is a fairly large footprint that needs its own spot in the cupboard. For anyone who wants one big traditional waffle rather than several smaller ones, though, it’s hard to beat.
Pros
- Virtually no batter overflow mess
- 7-level browning control
- Thermal Pro even-heat plates
- Strong build quality reviews
Cons
- Premium price
- Only makes one large waffle per batch
- Larger footprint than compact models
Key specs: 900W, 7 browning settings, makes 1 round Belgian waffle, 3.14kg, PFOA-free non-stick plates.
2. Breville the Crisp Control Waffle Maker – Best Overall
The Crisp Control Waffle Maker is Breville’s most popular waffle iron for a reason: it turns out five heart-shaped waffles in one go, on cast aluminium plates with a proper non-stick coating, all wrapped in a compact stainless steel body that doesn’t take over the bench.
A variable temperature dial gives fine control over browning, from soft and fluffy to genuinely crisp, and wide sealing edges around the plates help stop batter escaping. It’s also the best-reviewed waffle maker in this guide, rated 4.6 out of 5 across 265 owner reviews on The Good Guys, with an 89% recommend rate.
The only real compromise is the heart-shaped format, since each individual waffle is smaller than a full round Belgian waffle, so it suits sharing a batch rather than one big single-serve waffle. For most NZ kitchens, though, it’s the easiest all-rounder to recommend.
Pros
- Excellent owner reviews (4.6/5, 265 reviews)
- 5 waffles per batch
- Easy-to-clean non-stick plates
- Adjustable browning dial
Cons
- Individual waffles are smaller (heart shape)
- Fixed heart shape only
Key specs: 1000W, 5 heart-shaped waffles per batch, variable browning dial, cool-touch handles.
3. Cuisinart Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker – Best Vertical / Space-Saving
Cuisinart’s Vertical Waffle Maker stands upright rather than lying flat, which means it takes up a fraction of the bench space of a normal waffle iron while you’re using it, a genuine advantage in smaller NZ kitchens.
It makes one round Belgian waffle at a time on brushed stainless steel plates with a proper non-stick coating, and a 5-setting browning knob plus an audible ready alert take the guesswork out of timing. It’s also extremely well reviewed, sitting at 4.7 out of 5 on The Good Guys AU and 4.5 out of 5 on Harvey Norman NZ, with owners describing the results as crispy on the outside and fluffy inside.
At 4kg it’s not lightweight, and the vertical design means it still needs clearance above it to open, so check cupboard height before buying. Otherwise this is one of the best-reviewed machines in this whole guide.
Pros
- Small bench footprint (vertical design)
- Very highly rated by owners
- Audible ready alert
- Easy-pour design reduces mess
Cons
- Needs headroom to open upright
- Makes one waffle per batch
- Relatively heavy at 4kg
Key specs: 240V, 5 browning settings, vertical space-saving design, 3-year warranty.
4. Cuisinart 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker – Best for Families
Rather than one big waffle, Cuisinart’s 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker bakes four square Belgian waffles side by side in a single cycle, which makes it the fastest way on this list to feed a full family breakfast without standing over the machine refilling it.
The die-cast aluminium plates carry a proper non-stick coating, there are 5 browning settings, and a locking lid plus indicator lights take the guesswork out of when to open it. It’s a genuinely popular model too, holding an outstanding 4.83 out of 5 average across 817 customer reviews at NZ retailer The Home Store.
It’s a larger, boxier unit than the vertical or single-waffle options here, so it needs a dedicated storage spot, and the plates aren’t the deepest-pocket design if you like very thick Belgian waffles.
Pros
- Bakes 4 waffles at once
- Outstanding review average (4.83/5)
- Locking lid and indicator lights
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Bulkier than single-waffle machines
- Shallower pockets than deep-fill designs
Key specs: 240V, 5 browning settings, 4 waffles per batch, 3-year warranty.
5. Sunbeam Vertical Waffle Maker – Best Value from a Major Brand
Sunbeam’s Shade Select Vertical Waffle Maker brings the same space-saving upright design as the Cuisinart model above, but at a similar price point from one of the most recognised small appliance brands in NZ and Australia.
A 5-level shade selector and an auto-detect batter timer with its own LCD countdown display mean it tells you exactly when to stop pouring and when the waffle is ready, taking a lot of the guesswork out for first-time buyers. Owners on ProductReview.com.au rate it 4.6 out of 5, praising the mess-free top-loading design and consistent results.
A couple of reviewers noted the power cord sits awkwardly if the machine is placed hard against a wall, and the plates aren’t removable for deep cleaning, so it’s worth giving it a little clearance on the bench.
Pros
- Auto-detect batter timer with LCD display
- 5-level browning control
- Well-reviewed, established brand
- Vertical space-saving design
Cons
- Plates aren’t removable for cleaning
- Cord placement can be awkward near walls
Key specs: 1000W, 5-level shade selector, LCD timer display, vertical design.
6. Healthy Choice 3 in 1 Waffle Maker – Best Multi-Function (Budget)
For anyone who doesn’t want a dedicated waffle-only appliance taking up cupboard space, the Healthy Choice 3-in-1 swaps between sandwich, waffle and grill plates, so one machine covers toasted sandwiches, waffles and grilling in the same footprint.
The plates lock in securely, cool-touch handles make it safe to handle mid-cook, and warming and ready indicator lights show when it’s up to temperature. At $71.08 it’s one of the more affordable ways onto this list if waffles are only an occasional use for you.
It’s worth being upfront that independent review scores for this model are mixed and based on a small number of reviews, noticeably lower than every other pick in this guide, so it suits buyers who mainly want the flexibility of interchangeable plates rather than waffle performance alone.
Pros
- 3 interchangeable plate sets in one appliance
- Affordable entry point
- Cool-touch handles
- Compact for storage
Cons
- Below-average owner review scores (small sample size)
- Not a dedicated waffle specialist
Key specs: 900W, 3 interchangeable plate sets, cool-touch handles, compact design.
7. Philips 5000 Series Sandwich Maker – Best Interchangeable Plates
Philips’ 5000 Series Sandwich Maker takes a similar interchangeable-plate approach to the Healthy Choice above, but from a brand with a longer track record in small kitchen appliances and noticeably stronger owner reviews.
Panini, sandwich (cut-and-seal) and waffle plate sets all clip in and out for dishwasher cleaning, and the Easy Lock closing system keeps things secure mid-cook. It’s rated 4.4 out of 5 across 53 reviews on The Good Guys AU, with owners specifically calling out how easy the removable plates are to clean and how little space it takes to store upright.
At 750W it’s a touch less powerful than the dedicated waffle irons on this list, so waffles take slightly longer to crisp up, which is the trade-off for getting three appliances in one.
Pros
- 3 interchangeable plate sets (waffle, panini, sandwich)
- Dishwasher-safe plates
- Strong owner reviews (4.4/5)
- Compact vertical storage
Cons
- Lower wattage means slightly slower crisping
- Waffle plate is one of three, not the main focus
Key specs: 750W, 3 plate sets, dishwasher-safe, vertical storage, 2-year warranty.
8. Nordicware Stovetop Belgian Waffler – Best Stovetop (No Electricity)
Every machine on this list plugs into the wall, but the Nordicware Stovetop Belgian Waffler is the exception, a cast aluminium waffle iron you flip by hand directly over a gas, electric or ceramic hob.
Its interlocking two-pan hinge makes four deep-pocket Belgian waffles at once, and the cast aluminium construction with a stay-cool phenolic handle is built to last, backed by a genuine 10-year warranty. Owners on Nordicware’s own site rate it 4.6 out of 5 from 61 reviews, and the recurring theme is remarkable longevity, with several people reporting 40 to 60 years of use from the same pan.
There’s no non-stick coating in the modern sense and no timer or browning dial, since it relies on manual flipping and a bit of practice to get consistent results, and at least one reviewer did report theirs failing after around two years. For anyone happy to trade convenience for a genuinely old-school, powered-by-nothing-but-your-stovetop option, it’s a solid pick.
Pros
- No electricity needed, works on any hob
- Makes 4 deep-pocket waffles at once
- Exceptional reported longevity
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- No timer or automatic browning control
- Takes practice to flip and cook evenly
- Not a modern non-stick coating
Key specs: Stovetop use (gas, electric or ceramic), cast aluminium, makes 4 waffles, 10-year warranty.
9. Durapres Fill n’ Flip Waffle Maker – Best for Stuffed Waffles
The Durapres Fill n’ Flip is built around one genuinely different trick: a removable ring that turns it from a normal waffle iron into a stuffed-waffle maker, sealing fillings like Nutella, fruit or custard inside the waffle itself rather than adding them on top afterwards.
Designed with celebrity chef Curtis Stone, it runs at 800W with non-stick plates, cool-touch handles and a ready-to-cook indicator light, and stores upright to save bench space. Early owner reviews on The Good Guys and Harvey Norman are positive, particularly for the stuffed-waffle feature, though the review count is still small.
At least one reviewer felt standard, non-stuffed waffles don’t crisp up quite as much as they’d like straight out of the machine, an easy fix with a minute or two in an air fryer afterwards, but worth knowing before buying if crispiness is your main priority.
Pros
- Unique stuffed-waffle function
- Designed with a well-known chef
- Cool-touch handles, upright storage
- Positive early owner reviews
Cons
- Standard waffles can be less crisp than dedicated waffle irons
- Review sample size is still small
Key specs: 800W, removable stuffing ring, upright storage, 2-year warranty.
How to choose a waffle maker in NZ
Waffle shape and size. Round Belgian waffles are the classic choice and usually have the deepest pockets for holding syrup and toppings, while heart-shaped and square 4-slice designs suit sharing a batch across a family. Decide whether you want one large waffle at a time or several smaller ones in a single cycle.
Vertical vs horizontal footprint. Vertical waffle makers like the Cuisinart and Sunbeam models here stand upright to save bench space while cooking, which matters in smaller NZ kitchens, but they need clearance above to open. Horizontal models sit flatter and are easier to fit under low cupboards.
Non-stick coating and cleaning. Look for PFOA-free non-stick plates, and check whether they’re fixed or removable and dishwasher-safe. Multi-function machines with interchangeable plates, like the Healthy Choice and Philips models, are generally the easiest to clean thoroughly.
Browning control. A dial or multi-level shade selector lets you dial in exactly how light or dark you like your waffles, and an audible or LCD ready alert takes the guesswork out of timing, which matters most for first-time buyers.
Dedicated vs multi-function. A dedicated waffle iron generally gives better, more consistent results and faster heat-up than a 3-in-1 sandwich press or grill that also happens to make waffles, so decide whether versatility or waffle quality matters more for your household.
Wattage and heat-up time. Most dedicated waffle irons in NZ run between 900W and 1000W, heating up in a few minutes. Lower-wattage multi-function machines around 750W take a little longer to reach full crisping temperature.
Verdict
For most NZ kitchens, the Breville Crisp Control Waffle Maker is the easiest all-rounder to recommend, backed by the strongest owner reviews in this guide and a compact stainless steel design. Anyone wanting one large, traditional round waffle without any batter mess should look at the Breville No-Mess Waffle Iron, while families feeding several people at once are better served by the Cuisinart 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker.
If bench space is the priority, both the Cuisinart Vertical and Sunbeam Vertical waffle makers save room by standing upright, and anyone who wants a genuinely different result should try the Durapres Fill n’ Flip for stuffed waffles or the Nordicware Stovetop Waffler for a no-electricity, old-school option that’s built to outlast every appliance on this list.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a Belgian waffle maker and a classic waffle maker?
Belgian waffle makers have deeper pockets and thicker plates, producing a taller waffle with more room for syrup and toppings. Classic or American-style waffle makers use shallower plates for a thinner, denser waffle that cooks a little faster.
Why do my waffles stick to the plates?
Sticking usually happens when the plates haven’t fully preheated, when too much or too little batter is used, or when a non-stick coating has worn down over time. A light brush of oil or melted butter on the plates before the first use of the day usually solves it.
Can I use pancake batter in a waffle maker?
Plain pancake batter can work, but it tends to produce a softer, less crisp waffle than a dedicated waffle batter, which usually contains more fat and sometimes whipped egg whites for structure. For the best texture, use a recipe or mix designed specifically for waffles.
Is a vertical waffle maker better than a horizontal one?
Vertical waffle makers save bench space while cooking and often pour batter more cleanly, which is handy in smaller NZ kitchens. Horizontal models are generally more compact for storage and sit better under low cupboards, so the better choice comes down to your kitchen layout rather than waffle quality.
How do I clean a waffle maker properly?
Let the plates cool slightly, then wipe them with a damp cloth or soft brush to remove crumbs before they harden. Never submerge an electric waffle maker in water, and check whether your model has removable plates that can go in the dishwasher, which makes deep cleaning far easier.
How long does a waffle maker take to heat up?
Most dedicated waffle irons in this guide take around 3 to 5 minutes to reach cooking temperature, signalled by a ready light or audible alert. Lower-wattage multi-function machines can take a little longer, so it’s worth checking the indicator rather than guessing.
