The BLACK+DECKER Waffle Maker is a versatile and affordable 3-in-1 appliance that functions as a waffle maker, grill, and griddle. It features nonstick reversible plates, a 180-degree hinge, and adjustable temperature controls. Ideal for occasional use, it adds convenience to your kitchen tasks.
After using the BLACK+DECKER Waffle Maker for a few weeks, I have quite a bit to share about my experience. This versatile kitchen appliance is designed to be a waffle maker, grill, and griddle all in one, and while it has some fantastic features, it’s not without its flaws.
Design and Features
The BLACK+DECKER Waffle Maker has nonstick reversible cooking plates that are easy to clean and durable. However, I must mention that these plates don’t stay on as securely as I would like. They can loosen when closing the unit, so I had to tighten the clip that holds the plates in place.
A handy tip: always keep the bottom piece with the longest spout on the bottom to avoid any mishaps with the plates.
The 180-degree hinge is a brilliant feature, doubling the cooking area and providing a large, flat griddle surface. This is perfect for making pancakes, eggs, and more.
The adjustable temperature controls add to its versatility, allowing you to customize the heat according to what you’re cooking.
Waffle Making Experience
Initially, I was quite disappointed. Using my standard pancake batter, I ended up with soggy waffles that were more like squishy pancakes with waffle imprints.
But then I found a game-changer: the “extra crispy waffle recipe” from Fifteen Spatulas. This recipe, which includes cornstarch, made all the difference. I cook the waffles on the high setting for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. The result? Deliciously crispy waffles that are perfect for breakfast or freezing for later.
Here’s my method: I cook each batch for 10 minutes, cool them, and then freeze them. They toast up beautifully later. For the best results, I use a coconut oil spray between batches to prevent sticking, and I’ve had no issues with waffles sticking to the plates.
Griddle and Grill Performance
As for the flat iron and grill functionalities, my experience was mixed. Making grilled cheese was straightforward, and the sandwiches came out crisp and tasty.
However, using it as a sandwich iron wasn’t as successful. The sandwiches, even with just cheese and bread, were too thick and ended up squished and lopsided.
The griddle surface is also not large enough for more than one sandwich per side if you’re using premium bread. Trying to cook multiple sandwiches resulted in uneven cooking due to the grooves, making it impractical for this purpose.
Ease of Cleaning and Build Quality
One of the things I really appreciate about this waffle maker is the removable plates, which make cleaning a breeze.
However, I wouldn’t recommend putting them in the dishwasher, as this might damage the non-stick coating. Hand washing has worked well for me, and I haven’t encountered any issues with sticking.
In terms of build quality, the product feels a bit cheap and flimsy. While it does work and gets the job done, it’s not the most robust appliance out there.
The materials and construction leave something to be desired, and it doesn’t have the heft or sturdiness of some higher-end models.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the BLACK+DECKER Waffle Maker is a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle waffles, grilling, and griddling, albeit with some limitations.
The adjustable temperature controls and reversible plates are excellent features, and with the right waffle recipe, it can produce great results.
However, the design flaws with the plates and the less-than-stellar build quality are notable drawbacks. Given its affordability, it’s a decent choice for occasional use, especially if you’re primarily looking to make waffles.
For more frequent or intensive cooking needs, you might want to consider investing in a more robust model.
