You know how they say breakfast is the most important meal of the day? Well, you’re about to start swearing by that statement. Seriously—with a waffle maker, you may even resist hitting snooze to allow yourself enough time to cook up the well-balanced meal you deserve to properly kickstart the day, every day.
Plus, waffle makers are great for cooking so much more than homemade Eggos. They’re surprisingly versatile cooktops (you haven’t lived until you’ve tried ultra-crispy hash browns or quesadillas made in one). Some styles even come with interchangeable plates for you to switch out when you want to cook up bacon, eggs, or even your go-to breakfast sandwich.
So, what’s the best waffle maker out there? First, we’ll review the top factors to consider before clicking “add to cart,” then share our 15 favorite finds, based on their cost, reliability, versatility and how much counter space they’ll eat up.