Waffle Makers

A waffle iron is a cooking appliance used to make waffles. It usually consists of two hinged metal plates, molded to create the honey comb pattern found on waffles. The iron is heated and batter is poured between the plates, which are then closed to bake the waffle. more...

Historically constructed with iron plates, most modern waffle irons are made of a conductive aluminum alloy coated with a non-stick coating.

Varieties of waffle irons

Traditional waffle irons are attached to tongs with wooden handles and are held over an open flame, or set on a stove. Most modern waffle irons are heated by an electric heating element controlled by internal thermostat. Many have a light that goes off when the iron is at the set temperature.

Some types of irons produce square waffles, while others produce round or triangular waffles. Still others are novelty shaped, to produce heart-shaped waffles or shamrock waffles. Some designs "flip" the waffle iron to invert the plates after the batter is poured. This action is said to result in lighter waffles evenly baked on the top and bottom, along with producing a crisp crust and tender interior.

Some waffle irons can also be used as a sandwich toaster, provided the waffle iron has removable waffle plates that can be replaced with flat sandwich grilling plates.

Similar to waffle irons are pizzelle irons. These are used to create a thin cookie, called a pizzelle, which are commonly found in Italy.

History

Although the Ancient Greeks cooked flat cakes similar to the waffle, the earliest waffle iron probably originated in Holland or Germany around the 1300s. These waffle irons were constructed of two hinged iron plates connected to two long, wooden handles. The plates were often made to imprint elaborate patterns on the waffle, including coat of arms, landscapes, or religious symbols. The waffles would be baked over the hearth fire.

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