Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker (26081)

Curated from 90 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: April 2, 2025

Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker (26081)

Brand: Hamilton Beach
Price: $32
Snoop Score:
3.7
Sentiment
3.3
Popularity
1.3
Technical
5.4

Snoop's Take

The Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker is a compact kitchen appliance designed to create restaurant-quality Belgian waffles with PFAS-free nonstick ceramic-coated plates and adjustable browning control. It promises quick, golden-brown waffles with a sleek stainless steel finish and easy clean-up. Consumer sentiment is a mixed bag with voices both in favor and critical of its performance. One user noted, "This one worked well for me," praising its reliability, while others complained, saying things like "waffle iron doesn't heat up... what part do I test and replace?" and critiquing the unexpected design of the bottom. These comments highlight divergent experiences regarding its heating consistency and overall design. In conclusion, while the waffle maker boasts modern features and a stylish design, its inconsistent heating performance raises a red flag. Expertly speaking, it is recommended for those who value customizable baking options and innovative design, but potential buyers should be aware of the reported heating hiccups.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Waffle Irons

This one worked well for me.

Positive Feedback

I’m just here to say this is not what I expected the bottom of a waffle iron to look like… I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this.

Negative Feedback
Product
3.7
Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker (26081)
Family Breakfasts
6 / 10
Quick and Efficient Mornings
5 / 10
Entertaining Guests
5 / 10
Customized Cooking Experience
5 / 10
See how this compares to all Waffle Irons

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Reliable performance
This one worked well for me.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Unexpected bottom design
I’m just here to say this is not what I expected the bottom of a waffle iron to look like… I don’t know what I expected, but it wasn’t this.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Ninja BW1001 NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle MakerNinja BW1001 NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker$69
9.7
DetailsBuy
KRUPS 4-Slice Belgian Waffle MakerKRUPS 4-Slice Belgian Waffle Maker$68
8.2
DetailsBuy
Cuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle MakerCuisinart WAF-F40 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker$119
8.2
DetailsBuy
Mueller Heart 5 Waffle MakerMueller Heart 5 Waffle Maker$29
8.1
DetailsBuy
Chefman Rotating Belgian Waffle MakerChefman Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker$33
7.4
DetailsBuy
Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle MakerCuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker$24
7.3
DetailsBuy
DASH Multi Mini Waffle MakerDASH Multi Mini Waffle Maker$39
7.0
DetailsBuy
Cuisinart Vertical Waffle MakerCuisinart Vertical Waffle Maker$54
7.0
DetailsBuy
Presto Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle MakerPresto Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker$59
6.9
DetailsBuy
DASH Flip Belgian Waffle MakerDASH Flip Belgian Waffle Maker$39
6.9
DetailsBuy
BLACK+DECKER Rotating Waffle MakerBLACK+DECKER Rotating Waffle Maker$39
5.9
DetailsBuy
Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless, SilverCuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker, Brushed Stainless, Silver$29
5.4
DetailsBuy
Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle MakerChefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker$24
5.3
DetailsBuy
DASH No-Drip Waffle MakerDASH No-Drip Waffle Maker$39
4.6
DetailsBuy
Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker (26081)Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker (26081)$32
3.7
DetailsBuy
Oster Belgian Waffle MakerOster Belgian Waffle Maker$23
3.0
DetailsBuy
Amazon Basics 2-Slice Waffle Maker with Non-Stick Coating, BlackAmazon Basics 2-Slice Waffle Maker with Non-Stick Coating, Black$15
2.9
DetailsBuy
DASH Mini Waffle Maker - 4” Waffle MoldDASH Mini Waffle Maker - 4” Waffle Mold$12
2.7
DetailsBuy
Cuisinart WAF-F30 Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker, Black/SilverCuisinart WAF-F30 Round Flip Belgian Waffle Maker, Black/Silver$47
2.1
DetailsBuy
BELLA Flip-n-Store Belgian Waffle MakerBELLA Flip-n-Store Belgian Waffle Maker$24
1.2
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Waffle maker design and model comparisons
i hate hate HATE how messy waffles can be and want something i can just pour some batter in and make easy waffles.
If you are interested in easy clean up, the vertical one that I have is an absolute dream.
'Best' depends on what you value most.
For a first-time buyer, I recommend the Hamilton Beach 26031 Flip Belgian Waffle Maker.
Waffle maker size and flip design debate
If you have room for one that flips or bigger, definitely go for it :)
We have a single for our daughter. We make a bunch of waffles then freeze them to be toasted at a
I have a double-sided waffle maker, but it's also a novelty Mickey Mouse waffle maker that flips and

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Creative alternative waffle recipes
My standard day-after-Thanksgiving breakfast is a stuffing waffle.
It also works great with mashed potatoes.
Also frozen hash browns.
Stuffing waffles are so good!!!!
Creative waffle maker hacks
Waffle maker hack Using a waffle maker to make a bunch of foods that aren't waffles.
There’s a book on this called “will it waffle?”
but will the book waffle?
I waffle, you waffle, he she we, waffle

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
General waffle maker recommendations and comparisons
I have a cuisinart one with removable plates, which is annoying to use but easy to clean and inspect the finish on the plates.
Here’s a whole review on waffle makers from Serious Eats.
I have a cast iron waffle maker and while it's cool it's really tedious to use and more of a novelty thing.
Waffle maker buying advice and features
I have an All clad one it's a beast it makes 4 waffles at a time it's huge and expensive but it works well.
The only “true” BIFL option is a cast iron stovetop waffle maker.
I think an easy plug in, heat up, make a quick one would probably be a better option.
If you need convenience... you can pick two.
Techniques for cleaning stuck waffle makers
Hopefully it’ll steam off 💜
First, you unplug it!
You use a wooden one so it does take off the non stick coating.
It should make quick work of it.
Debate on detachable plates and cleaning ease
My parents had one where the plates came off and could be turned over to be used as a sandwich press.
I have one like that as well. Are they not available anymore?
I've got an even cheaper Black and Decker one that comes with 4 different pairs of plates, one of which is a waffle iron.
Ingenius design.
Explore vintage waffle irons
Maybe you could find a vintage waffle iron on eBay? ☺️
Consider alternative waffle maker brands
Greenpan 4 waffle maker

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Debate on flipping vs non-flipping waffle makers and waffle texture
If you're making waffles from a batter then I would definitely recommend flipping.
I just wanted to say that I used to fucking love those waffles.
Former Belgian waffle business owner here.
Nonstick coating safety discussion
it's not something you should lose sleep over.
I can't think of anything you would need to cook at anywhere close to that temperature...especially waffles 😉
No, they're not safe to use.
So if they say that their new product is non-toxic, just remember that their old product killed people.
Non-toxic ceramic safety concerns
Unfortunately, it has been very difficult to find a non-toxic option.
Preference for cast iron waffle makers
Cast iron is the gold standard.

You May Also Like

Explore more Categories
Electric Pressure Cookers
Top Electric Pressure Cookers for Fast, Versatile Home Cooking
Top Electric Pressure Cookers for Fast, Versatile Home Cooking
Raclette Grills
Best Raclette Grills for Parties and Family Gatherings
Best Raclette Grills for Parties and Family Gatherings
Electric Slicers
Top Electric Food Slicers for Home Kitchens
Top Electric Food Slicers for Home Kitchens