The thought of owning a waffle maker can be a bit daunting for some because they don’t know exactly how to use a waffle iron.
This guide is for anyone, who is keen to invest in a brand new waffle maker or want to learn some hacks on how to make better use of his or her modern kitchen appliance.
In general, waffle irons are easy to use. Most waffle makers are quite basic with two indicator lights; a ‘power on’ and a ‘ready’ -light plus a knob to control the temperature.
More advanced (and expensive) waffle makers also have an audible alert and a setting to control the waffle color from light brown to dark brown.
Read our buying guide to find the best waffle maker for you.
My post will show you step by step how to use your waffle iron.
Step One
If you have a brand new waffle iron, you need to prepare it before you make your first waffles.
Preheat the waffle maker at the highest settings for a few minutes. Leave the lid closed.
You will notice a bit of smell which will be most likely from the nonstick plates. After 5 minutes, turn the waffle maker off and unplug the appliance.
Once the waffle maker is cooled down, use a damp cloth and gently wipe the cooking plates.
Now, the waffle iron is ready to be used to cook the first batch of waffles.
For waffle recipes, be sure to check out my post The Best Waffle Recipes – Get Inspired.
Step Two
Preheat the waffle iron; choose your preferred setting
It is best to put the waffle maker on a flat, heat-resistant surface. I like to put mine on the stove.
Plug it in, turn it on and preheat the waffle iron. While the waffle maker preheats, the lid remains closed.
If there is a temperature control, set it to your preferred temperature.
It takes around five minutes until the waffle maker reaches the suitable temperature to cook the batter.
Step Three
The ‘ready light indicator will tell you when it’s time to put the batter onto the plates. Some waffle makers have an audible alert as well.
Depending on your waffle maker you may need to grease the cooking plates with some oil or butter. Most waffle makers have a nonstick surface, so no greasing is required. It is best to check the instruction booklet for more information.
Open the lid, grease the plates (if necessary) and carefully pour the batter onto the cooking plates.
Breville No Mess waffle maker with overflow catcher
Only fill the grids to two/third because the batter will be doubling in size. If you put too much batter in, the batter will flow over the sides.
A fantastic waffle maker with overflow protection is the Breville No Mess Waffle Maker. Read my review here.
Step Four
Once the batter is in, close the lid and let the waffle iron do its magic. It takes around three to four minutes until the waffle is ready.
Either your waffle iron has an indicator light that will tell you when the waffle is cooked. If not, you need to keep a close eye on the waffle maker.
The waffle is ready
Signs for a cooked waffle are
- No more or only a bit of steam escapes from the waffle maker
- When you open the lid, the waffle doesn’t stick to the plates
- The waffle has a golden brown color.
Step Five
Once the waffle is cooked, use a plastic or silicon utensil to take the waffle out. Place it on a plate and serve with your favorite toppings.
Ready to put the toppings on!
Pour in the next batch and cook until you used all the waffle batter.
Top Tip: Don’t stack the waffles on top of each other; they will get soggy. Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
Extra Tip: Any left over waffles can be reheated in the toaster or wrap them in plastic and put in the freezer. Take them out when needed and reheat in the toaster as well.
Step Six
When you are finished cooking, unplug the waffle maker and let it cool down. Wipe the exterior and interior with a damp cloth.
Read more about it in my guide How To Clean A Waffle Iron.
Finally, store the waffle maker away until your next waffle cooking session.
Wrapping It Up
I hope my guide on how to use a waffle iron was helpful to you.
Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.
I’d love to hear from you.
Thanks. I didn’t know how to do any of this – especially filling it 2/3. I made a big mess last time.
Hey Brian, I am glad my guide helped. Happy baking and cooking! Cheers, Jane
I acquired an old Black Angus Waffle Iron. There’s a learning curve to this. I sprayed the plates but had a hot mess. I suspect I didn’t leave it long enough. Not sure what temp to use, I guess it’s trial and error. Your tips are helpful especially for new irons.
Thank you so much, Debbie. It might be time to upgrade to a new waffle iron. 🙂
Do you cool waffle iron with lid up…or down?
Hi Linda, I leave the lid up. I feel like that way the waffle iron cools down quicker. Cheers, Jane