Shopping for the best waffle makers with removable plates can have a certain obvious advantage over the regular waffle maker that doesn’t come with removable plates.
Those with removable plates will allow us to cook a variety of foods. That’s their main selling point. Or they’re simply easier to clean.
So, we get the waffle plates, which of course are the primary component we’re looking for.
But we might also get completely flat non-stick plates that transform the respective waffle maker into a sandwich maker.
We can make sandwiches, grilled cheese, panini, and maybe even eggs and pancakes, etc. So, we can also call this type of waffle maker a panini press by simply adding the non-stick flat plates that are included.
Other appliances that can be considered some of the best waffle makers with removable plates might also come with a grill plate.
And so, we might possibly be adding indoor grills to the list of appliances that such a simple and quite affordable appliance can be turned into by simply changing the plates. Of course, it’s going to be a very small indoor grill but it can still be good enough for a steak or a couple of burgers and some bacon. And maybe even some grilled veggies as a side dish.
Overall, reviewing some of these 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 appliances is going to be thoroughly interesting.
You might be surprised with just how versatile some of these affordable models are. And it’s going to be a joy to recommend some of the best.
Table of Contents
Best Waffle Makers with Removable Plates Reviews
I admit that this is going to sound really strange since we’re here looking for the best waffle makers with removable plates but bear with me please.
My top recommendation is the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine.
That’s what I meant by strange. The waffle maker from Dash doesn’t have removable plates. But I decided to compensate for that by including a wonderful package from Dash that consists of two mini kitchen appliances: a mini waffle maker and a mini portable grill that can also work as a sandwich maker, panini press for burgers, sandwiches, chicken, etc.
Also, the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine has one of the cheapest prices, even if it represents a package of two appliances. I also reviewed some other appliances from Dash when I wrote my reviews for the best pans for pancakes.
However, if you absolutely want to buy one of the best waffle makers with removable plates since that’s what you’re here looking for, I have a few recommendations.
One of those is the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Nonstick Plates. And we get two models in that series: single flip with ceramic grids and double flip. They’re not the cheapest but they’re pretty good.
Another recommendation is the OSTBA 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker Panini Press Waffle Iron Set that is more complex, quite cheap but it also comes with a pretty significant number of negative reviews so it’s not my top pick.
The Metine 3-in-1 Waffle Iron Panini Press Sandwich Maker with Removable Plates is quite nice.
Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates is the most expensive among all my recommendations but it’s also my top favorite.
1. Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates: One of the Best Waffle Makers with Removable Plates
The Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates is my most expensive recommendation for the best waffle makers with removable plates.
Even if the price is around $100, it’s an incredibly popular kitchen appliance. And a quite highly rated one so it’s definitely a top pick for me.
While I acknowledge that it’s quite expensive, I’m sure that it can be the perfect appliance for some people because the quality is top-notch.
Just as the name suggests, it’s perfect for people who want to make both waffles and pancakes by interchanging plates for both these delicious breakfast foods. Well, I can eat waffles and pancakes any time of the day so for me these decadent dishes are not only breakfast food.
Especially when we’re talking about fried chicken and waffles. Then it totally becomes a lunch or dinner food that I indulge in from time to time. Then I feel a bit guilty and switch to some steamed fish and veggies. And some beet juice or pineapple juice or some other type of healthy drink. It’s all about balance and I do love healthy foods and drinks when they’re done right.
Let’s get back to reviewing the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates because I’m very close to dumping my work and running to the kitchen to make some waffles.
Components
It is a 4-slice Belgian waffle maker – it includes a set of 4-slice Belgian waffle plates.
The 1-inch deep batter pockets for deep delicious waffles are fantastic.
And it also comes with a 4-slot pancake plate.
You’ll also be able to make some of the fluffiest pancakes.
Thus, with the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates we can make 4 waffles at the same time or 4 pancakes at the same time.
That’s a really good size even for people that need to feed a group of people.
Both sets of plates are nonstick coated removable plates.
And they’re dishwasher safe.
Besides the two sets of removable plates, for waffles and pancakes, we also get tongs and a recipe book.
The 3 year warranty is also very nice.
Features
The square shape is wonderful and it maximizes cooking space so that we can make 4 waffles/4 pancakes at the same time, while this Cuisinart maintains a decent size that will fit very well even in small kitchens. You won’t have problems with finding a place for it in your kitchen.
I love that the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates comes with 6-setting temperature control.
It allows us to cook our waffles and pancakes to the color, the browning we desire. You can experiment with these 6 temperature levels and see which level is best.
We get a red light for Heating.
And a green light for Ready.
These are also called Ready to Bake/Ready to Eat indicator lights.
We also get an audible alert, which can be helpful to people who cook various foods at the same time.
Recipes
In the user manual we’ll come across a cooking chart.
Of course, the waffle plate is only used to cook waffles.
However, the pancake plate can be used to make: pancakes, eggs sunny side up, eggs scrambled, bacon, and cooked sausage.
The recipes included in the user manual are for a variety of waffles, including savory cheddar-chive waffles and chicken and waffles, and for a few pancakes, and breakfast sandwiches.
The recipes absolutely cover the basics so I’m satisfied with what we get.
All in all, the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates can totally be one of the best waffle makers with removable plates for those who can afford the price. It’s totally amazing.
2. DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine: The Cheapest Waffle Maker
I am perfectly aware that the Dash Mini Waffle Maker + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine doesn’t have removable plates. In fact, we have a package that contains two different appliances.
However, if you don’t get removable plates but you definitely want something that cooks different foods, then the alternative is to buy two mini appliances that might meet your culinary needs for one of the cheapest prices.
Of course, if you want to, you can only buy the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles if the mini grill doesn’t interest you.
Some might say that I shouldn’t review these two mini appliances in an article looking for the best waffle makers with removable plates.
It might be so. But there are two truths that make these Dash mini appliances so amazing. And they’re the reasons for which I really couldn’t help myself and I had to recommend them.
My first reason and the most important one is the very high ratio of positive reviews to negative reviews. Most waffle makers with removable plates come with a pretty high rate of negative reviews and that doesn’t sit very well with me.
This Dash mini maker brings peace of mind to me as a reviewer and lover of a variety of all kinds of kitchen appliances, including the best waffle makers with removable plates. Of course, you should also check out a few of those negative reviews but I am still pretty satisfied with that ratio.
The second reason is the cheap prices.
The DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles is incredibly cheap. It will cost around $15.
Furthermore, the whole package of two mini appliances, the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine costs under $30, which is incredibly cheap as well.
These are some unbeatable prices.
Components
Since the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine is an affordable set that consists of two different appliances I’m going to analyze them separately.
DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles
This mini waffle maker from Dash comes with dual non-stick cooking surfaces. They heat evenly for consistent, delicious results.
We’ll be able to make 4 inch waffles so the size is not all that small.
It can be used to waffle other ingredients: cookie dough, hash browns, and keto chaffles.
The 4 inch cooking surface heats in minutes.
The DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles doesn’t include temperature levels.
We just plug it in and we’re done. The fact that we can’t control the level of browning might be a slight con for some people.
We can just let the waffles cook until we’re satisfied with their doneness. Then you can time how long that takes and you’ll know when it’s time to check up on your waffles.
It includes an indicator light. When the cooking surface reaches the optimal cooking temperature, the Indicator Light will automatically shut off. When the light shuts off, that’s when you can pour your batter.
Before pouring the batter, spray the cooking surface with a small amount of non-aerosol cooking oil.
We also get a recipe guide. The recipes included are: classic waffles, pizza chaffle, paleo waffles, banana bread waffles, chocolate tacos waffles.
The recipes are not many but they all sound pretty amazing.
Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine
Dash describes their Mini Maker Grill as the perfect miniature grill to serve up hot meals and snacks quickly and conveniently.
Of course, the plates look like grill plates in miniature with a 4 inch diameter. The Mini Waffle Maker has waffle plates with a 4 inch diameter.
We get 4 inch dual non-stick surfaces. The two grill surfaces heat evenly for easy burgers, paninis, grilled cheese, breakfast sandwiches, etc.
As you can easily see, the Dash Mini Maker Grill is a lot more versatile than the Dash Mini Waffle Maker. That’s to be expected.
And it’s why I believe that the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine is one of the best waffle makers with removable plates even if we don’t get removable plates. But we get 2 different appliances that serve a variety of cooking needs.
The Dash Mini Maker Grill also works on the model of just plug it in and go.
Once the light turns off, we know that the plates are hot enough for us to cook whatever we want.
We can even attempt to grill a steak. It’s all good until it fits the size of the 4 inch grill plates.
The recipe guide features: pesto chicken panini, sausage, egg & cheese breakfast sandwich, grilled cheese english muffin, bacon cheeseburger, grilled apples, grilled spiced pineapple, peached with ice cream, grilled portobello caps, veggie burgers, Cubano sandwich, grilled pizza, blackberry bacon sandwich, quesadilla, salmon burger, crab cakes, turkey burger, s’more biscuit.
I just love how useful the Dash Mini Maker Grill can be. It can be so amazing for small kitchens, for single people and for students who are on a budget.
The price for the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine is perfect.
3. Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker
The Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker is a bit of an exception among these many wonderful recommendations for the best waffle makers with removable plates. What makes me say that?
The thing is that this Hamilton Beach maker has indeed removable nonstick plates but that’s it.
What I’m trying to say is that the removable waffle plates are designed that way so that they can be washed easily in the washing machine.
But not because they can be exchanged with some other type of nonstick plates.
They’re removable just for easy cleaning and that’s it.
However, the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker with Removable Nonstick Plates is not transformed into a sandwich maker or panini press or any other appliance. It’s simply a waffle maker and that’s it.
Another thing that I should mention is that the price is not exactly the cheapest. It’s above $50. It’s certainly not cheap.
Components
As I’ve mentioned we only get a single set of removable nonstick plates. And these are used only for making waffles. This Hamilton Beach model is only a waffle iron and not something else by including a second or third set of plates.
We also get to choose between two types of Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Makers with Removable Nonstick Plates.
The slightly more affordable one is a single flip with ceramic grids. Personally, I would say that I prefer this one because I really love the idea of ceramic appliances, whether we’re talking about air fryers, rice cookers or this waffle maker. I even love ceramic heatproof bowls that can be used in the oven.
Apparently, the Durathon ceramic nonstick grids are four times more durable than traditional nonstick. They won’t crack or peel. Moreover, what I love is that they are PTFE and PFOA free.
And that’s why I like this single flip with ceramic grids from Hamilton Beach among the two types.
The second type is the double flip. I can also see the appeal of a double flip but it’s slightly more expensive than the single flip, ceramic grids.
Well, we’ll have to sacrifice the ceramic nonstick coating if we want to save time and make 2 waffles at once.
Hamilton Beach mentions that we can cook waffles for one or the whole family with their versatile Belgian waffle maker with removable plates. The double flip model can be used to make 1 or 2 waffles at a time. In theory, we can feed everyone faster.
The “D” shaped handle is easy to hold, lock, and flip.
This double flip model also comes with indicator lights. They show us when the power is on and when the plates are hot enough to add the batter.
Features
The removal plates for both models are easier to clean and they are dishwasher safe.
The same goes for the drip tray.
Of course, let these removable components cool before placing them in the dishwasher for cleaning.
We get an adjustable browning control that allows us to make our waffles however we want from light to dark.
Cons
A lot of the negative reviews about the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker are related to the fact that this appliance heats unevenly, there’s barely any browning, and this waffle maker is painfully slow.
Users mention that a waffle should be brown and crispy on the outside. But some users mention that this Hamilton Beach is only good if we like blond waffles that are not crispy.
On the other hand, there are many pictures from users that show that their waffles made with this Hamilton Beach have the desired color and crispiness.
As always, some buyers absolutely love the Hamilton Beach Belgian Waffle Maker, while others are quite disappointed with their experience. It just depends if you’re ready to take a chance on it.
Personally, I much prefer the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates that I reviewed above.
But it’s a bit more expensive than this Hamilton Beach. So it’s also a matter of how much you’re willing to spend on one of the best waffle makers with removable plates.
Moreover, the one from Cuisinart can be a better choice for people with larger families because it cooks 4 waffles or 4 pancakes at the same time.
4. OSTBA 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker Panini Press Waffle Iron Set
At first glance, the OSTBA Waffle Iron Set can be perceived as being absolutely amazing. An overall kitchen appliance that offers a lot of value for a price under $50.
However, that perception of everything being amazing about this OSTBA falls away when we check out what some buyers are saying about their experiences with using it.
While a considerable amount of reviews are quite negative, there is also a good percentage of 5 star reviews and we must take both the good and the bad into account.
However, even though I’m trying to maintain a balanced view about the OSTBA 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker Panini Press Waffle Iron Set, in the end I can’t say that I completely love it.
I like it a lot. And I like it enough to consider it one of the best waffle makers with removable plates. But I don’t love it enough to consider it a top pick.
I still believe that some potential buyers might want to give it a try but it’s definitely not my top pick.
I much prefer the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine even if they are two separate appliances but this package of two mini appliances can meet a lot of needs. And their price is unbeatable. I love these two from Dash.
Let’s talk about features, what it offers, and what cons it might have so that you can decide if it’s what you want or not.
Components
The main selling point for the OSTBA 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker Panini Press Waffle Iron Set are its components, its 3 sets of removable plates.
It includes 3 sets of plates:
- waffle plate
- grill plate
- sandwich plate
It’s a panini press, a waffle maker, and an indoor grill. All is easily accessible by just easily changing these plates.
Moreover, the waffle plate and the sandwich plate are divided in two so we can make two waffles or two sandwiches at the same time. It’s a decent size.
The grill plate doesn’t need to be divided so we have enough space to grill some burgers or even a pretty big steak.
These plates are also dishwasher safe. However, if you want to maintain the nonstick coating for longer, you can wash them by hand.
Features
We get 2 indicator lights: red and green.
The green light stays on until the machine reaches the setting temperature. When it turns off, you’re ready to cook.
The red light is always on.
There are no different temperature levels. It’s a plug in and go. With the exception of Dash, I usually love appliances that offer a knob for selecting different temperature levels. The OSTBA 3-in-1 Sandwich Maker Panini Press Waffle Iron Set doesn’t offer us that option.
Cons
One important complaint is that the waffle plates are thin so we won’t get fluffy, delicious waffles.
I’m not a big fan of thin waffles and that’s why I like the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates so much. Those plates come with a 1 inch depth that is really great.
Moreover, users report that this OSTBA takes too long. Even if you don’t have a problem with the thin waffles, the slow cooking time is not fun.
5. Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Sandwich Maker
Just like the OSTBA model that I reviewed above, the Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle, Grill & Sandwich Maker is another model that offers an affordable price, an impressive number of plates that ensure that we can cook so many different foods by simply changing the removable plates.
However, just like the OSTBA, this Black+Decker also features a pretty significant number of negative reviews. And so, it’s not a top pick, either.
I like it but you should be aware that there’s a chance that you’re going to love it and keep it for cooking numerous meals. Or you’re going to return it because you don’t like it at all or there’s something wrong with it. Just be prepared for both scenarios to happen.
That’s just the way it is with all these picks for the best waffle makers with removable plates. And I’m not happy at all. That’s why the DASH Mini Maker for Individual Waffles + Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine is actually my favorite. Although, I totally understand that that package of two mini appliances is not going to be for everyone. Still, it’s always good to have multiple options that we can check out.
Components
It comes with interchangeable, removal plates for waffles, grill, and sandwich. That’s why it’s a 3-in-1 appliance.
The 3-in-1 compact design is definitely nice.
The waffle plates are divided into 2. The same goes for the sandwich plates.
On the other hand, the grill plates are not divided because there’s no need for that. They’re big enough so that we can even grill a pretty big steak.
Features
All the plates are non-stick and dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. However, I prefer washing all my nonstick cookware by hand because I always try to prolong the life of that nonstick coating as much as I can.
Once again, just like it was the case with the OSTBA that I reviewed above, this Black+Decker also doesn’t come with temperature control.
We plug it in, the green light turns on to show that it’s heating. The green light turns off when preheating is done and that’s how we know that we can start cooking.
The red light always stays on to show that the appliance is plugged in. Plug it out when you’re done cooking because it doesn’t turn off otherwise.
Cons
When it comes to negative reviews, the complaints are related to the fact that it is underpowered with no temperature control and that it takes forever to cook waffles.
Cuisinart and Hamilton Beach have a knob that controls the temperature and that’s what sets them apart. Of course, they’re also more expensive. But I think that the inclusion of a knob for temperature control is very important for a waffle maker.
Of course, cooking shouldn’t take a lot of time either. Who wants to wait for their breakfast waffles to take forever until they’re done?
6. Metine 3-in-1 Waffle Iron Panini Press Sandwich Maker with Removable Plates
Just like the OSTBA and the Black+Decker from above, this appliance from Metine also comes with 3 removable plates.
The difference is that this Metine waffle maker is slightly bigger. And a bit more expensive.
Components
Once again, we get 3 non-stick sets of plates that can be switched at will.
There’s a waffle plate set, a sandwich plate set, and an indoor grill plate set.
The waffles and the sandwich plates are divided into two.
Features
The main difference and one thing I really like about the Metine 3-in-1 Waffle Iron Panini Press Sandwich Maker with Removable Plates is that we get 5 gears temperature control.
Finally, it’s nice to see a 3-in-1 waffle, sandwich & grill appliance that comes with temperature control.
The Metine 3-in-1 Waffle Iron Panini Press Sandwich Maker with Removable Plates comes with 5 gears for temperature control.
1-3 gears are good for grilled fruits and vegetables.
4-5 gears are good for grilled meat, waffles, cheese, pie, etc.
7. All-Clad Gourmet Digital Waffle Maker with Removable Plates
Let’s talk about the fact that there exists a waffle maker with removable plates that costs about as much as the most expensive air fryers, as much as the best French door toaster ovens, about as much as the KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer, and the list can go on.
So, the All-Clad Gourmet Digital Waffle Maker with Removable Plates has a price just under $350. That’s outrageously expensive.
I chose to review the All-Clad Gourmet Digital Waffle Maker with Removable Plates not because I consider it to be one of the best waffle makers with removable plates but because I seriously don’t think that people should consider it.
If you want a very good appliance and you have a pretty generous budget, then I recommend checking out the Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates. Definitely not this All-Clad.
The outrageous price wouldn’t be enough reason to not consider it among the best.
On the other hand, the high percentage of negative reviews from buyers is reason enough to not like it enough.
Some users call it unsafe to use. For others it didn’t work at all.
One buyer mentions that getting the plates in and out is difficult, which makes the removable plates a burden instead of a blessing. Moreover, the fancy digital controls are not intuitive and over engineered. The same user states: “And it beeps continuously so forget enjoying your coffee while waiting on your waffle.”
I definitely recommend checking out the negative reviews if you think of spending almost $350 on something you might think is one of the best waffle makers with removable plates.
Features
The removable plates are designed like that so that they’re easier to clean.
However, we don’t get extra plates for sandwiches or pancakes or a grill plate like it’s the case with some of the appliances I reviewed above.
Thus, we only get a set of removable plates that makes 4 deep-pocketed, square-shaped Belgian waffles.
The plates are coated with a PFOA-free nonstick material that helps waffles come right out.
We get 6 recipe settings: classic, Belgian, berry, chocolate, butter milk, gluten-free.
And 7 browning settings.
I definitely prefer the All-Clad Classic Stainless Steel Round Waffle Maker over this one that is almost 3 times more expensive, even id the classic model doesn’t have removable plates.
Best waffle makers with removable plates FAQs
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
1. Can you remove plates from Cuisinart waffle maker?
The Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates comes with 2 sets of plates. One set transforms into a waffles maker and the other transforms into a pancake maker that can also be used to make delicious sandwiches. We can make 4 waffles or 4 pancakes or 4 sandwiches at the same time, which is amazing. It’s highly versatile.
2. How do you clean removable waffle iron plates?
Personally, I clean the removable plates that come with my waffle maker by hand because I want to preserve the nonstick coating for as long as I can. Once they’re cooled down I clean them with warm water, soap, and the gentle side of the sponge. Since they’re nonstick, cleaning removable waffle plates and all the other plates that are included should be effortless.
3. Is there a waffle maker with removable plates?
As we saw in this article, there are plenty of waffle makers with removable plates. The Cuisinart WAF-300P1 Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates is my top choice as one of the best waffle makers with removable plates but there are other models to check out if the price is too high for you.
