Waffles are a delectable dish and a great way to jumpstart your morning. But their delicate nature can make them difficult to perfect. However, with the right waffle maker filling technique, you can begin making the perfect waffles in no time.
Here are a few tips on how you can fill a waffle maker for the perfect waffles:
- Heat the waffle maker up to 365°F (180°C).
- Do not use non-stick spray.
- Use a measuring cup to pour the batter.
- Pour the batter from the center.
- Clean your waffle maker after every use.
This article will walk you through how to properly fill a waffle maker for the perfect waffles. I’ll also share my top three picks for the best waffle makers and show you how to troubleshoot waffle-making errors.
Heat the Waffle Maker Up to 356°F (180°C).
The ideal temperature for cooking waffles in a waffle maker is approximately 356°F (180°C).
Cooking them at a temperature that is too low will cause the waffles not to cook properly, and you will end up with a gooey mess on your hands.
On the other hand, turning the temperature up too high will cause the waffle to cook too quickly.
When this happens, you will end up with a beautiful crisp waffle on the outside with a mushy center.
The goal is to achieve a perfect balance, and an evenly heated waffle maker is the first step in doing so. Cooking your waffles at 356°F (180°C) will give them a lovely crisp on the outside while maintaining a light and fluffy inside.
Do Not Use Non-Stick Spray.
A good waffle maker comes equipped with a nonstick coating. Unfortunately, adding non-stick spray to an already nonstick surface causes a nasty build-up that is next to impossible to remove. As you continue to do so, the surface will become more sticky, and your waffles will get sticky and burn.
So, ditch the can! If you absolutely insist on adding a nonsticking component, opt for something less harsh like melted butter.
Use a Measuring Cup To Pour the Batter.
Before pouring the batter into the waffle maker, transfer the batter into a measuring cup or a bowl with a spout.
You need to do this because it will give you more control over how you pour the batter, which is an important factor in making perfectly even waffles.
Some people may suggest using a ladle, spoon, or ice cream scooper, but these are all very messy ways of filling your waffle maker. If you’re truly looking to create a perfect waffle, then you need a spouted measuring cup.
Pour the Batter From the Center.
For the best results, fill the waffle maker from the center. The batter naturally expands out to the outer edges of the griddle evenly, which allows you to judge when to stop pouring. If you do it this way, you will end up with perfectly even waffles with no spillage to wipe up.
When using a waffle maker for the first time, it can be tempting to fill each quadrant individually. However, not only is this less efficient, you’ll quickly realize that it makes the waffles uneven, and the possibility of overfilling is easy.
The amount you pour will be determined by the size of the waffles you are making. Here is an example.
| Types of Waffles | Amount of Batter per Waffle (Cups) |
| Belgian Waffle (thick) | ¾ cup (approximately 96 g) |
| American Waffle (round) | ⅓ cup (approximately 43 g) |
| Brussels Waffle (square) | 1 cup (approximately 128 g) |
Clean Your Waffle Maker After Every Use.
You cannot make perfect waffles with a filthy waffle maker.
Making waffles can be a messy job, and if you are not proactive about keeping your equipment clean, the problem will only get worse. Additionally, because waffle makers can’t be submerged in water, they can be a little tricky to clean.
Here’s the most effective way to do so:
- Unplug the waffle maker.
- Wipe off grease and surface-level dirt with a dry paper towel.
- Dampen a cleaning towel or sponge and wipe down the waffle maker.
- For remaining residue, use a waffle iron cleaning brush or a small toothbrush-sized cleaning tool.
For a comical illustration of this method, watch this Youtube video on How To Clean a Waffle Iron from Well Done, a channel about everything food-related:
Waffle Making Troubleshooting Tips
When you try something new, you are destined to have issues, even when you think you’re doing everything right. It is okay, so don’t give up. Your perfect waffles are just around the corner.
Here are some common issues you may experience and some tips to overcome them.
The Waffles Are Sticking
If the batter is sticking to the waffle maker, it might be the batter that’s the issue, not the waffle maker. It’s possible that there wasn’t enough oil added into the mixture rendering the batter extremely sticky. Try adding another portion of oil to your mixture.
Another culprit could be that you are simply opening the waffle maker too soon. In this case, the inside of the waffles hasn’t finished cooking, and the two sides become separated.
If your waffle maker doesn’t have a timer or indicator light, or they’re leading you astray, you can determine when the waffles are done on your own by waiting for the steam to stop.
The Batter Runs Over the Sides
Likewise, an issue with the batter running over the sides could also be a consistency issue.
If your batter is too runny, it will be easy for you to misjudge how much to pour. To fix this, add a tablespoon of flour as needed to thicken the mix.
On the other hand, it may be an issue of using the right tools.
Using a regular mixing bowl can also cause overfilling. Swap it out for a measuring cup or bowl that has a spout, which will help you better direct your flow of batter and assist you with pouring the right amount.
The Waffles Aren’t Rising
The egg whites in a waffle mixture are primarily responsible for the rising effect.
If your waffles aren’t rising, you may try separating the egg whites and whipping them before adding them to the batter to get the fluffy waffles you desire.
However, if you’re still having issues and you have followed the recipe and these instructions exactly, then the issue may lie with your waffle maker itself. In that case, you’ll need to inspect it for repairs or possible replacement.
Top Picks for the Best Waffle Makers
Poor waffle-making is not always a reflection of the cook as much as it is the machine. While any waffle maker can make waffles, not all of them can make them perfectly.
Here are some of my personal favorites found on Amazon.com to help you get started.
For Simplicity: Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker
The Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker is my pick for those looking for a straightforward waffle maker.
It sports a latching lock and a built-in moat that catches any batter that may spill over. Its standard, no-flip design makes it incredibly easy to use, which also comes with a measuring cup for guess-free filling.
For Best Overall: Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Iron
My best overall pick for waffle makers is the Cuisinart WAF-F20 Double Belgian Waffle Iron.
With this beauty, you can make two 1-inch (2.54-cm) Belgian waffles at the same time, making breakfast a breeze for singles or large families.
It can be rotated 180° for even cooking, and it also comes equipped with two indicator lights and three audio tones to let you know when it’s time to serve up those perfect waffles.
For Best Value: BELLA Classic Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker
My pick of waffle makers for the best value is the BELLA Classic Rotating Non-Stick Belgian Waffle Maker.
Not only will this gem not break the bank, but it will help you make some great waffles. It features a removable drip tray and nonstick coating for fuss-free cleaning and browning control to add the perfect crisp to your breakfast.
For Best All-in-One: Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Maker
My pick for the best all-in-one waffle maker is the Black+Decker 3-in-1.
This waffle maker gets its name from its waffle making, grilling, and sandwich-making capabilities, which is as easy as swapping out the removable non-stick plates!
Also, its compact design makes it easy to take anywhere so that you can enjoy your waffles on the go.
Hi all! I’m Cora Benson, and I’ve been blogging about food, recipes and things that happen in my kitchen since 2019.