Using a sandwich maker instead of a traditional waffle maker is something many people wonder about when they want to make waffles but don’t have the right appliance. While it is possible to make waffles using a sandwich press, there are some important differences to consider before substituting one for the other.
Key Differences Between Sandwich Makers and Waffle Makers
Sandwich presses and waffle makers may seem similar at first glance, but there are some key differences in how they are designed and function:
- Waffle makers have deeper, larger grids with deeper pockets compared to a sandwich press. This allows them to hold more batter and create thicker waffles with crispy outer shells and fluffy interiors.
- Waffle makers heat from both the top and bottom to cook the waffle evenly. Sandwich presses just heat from the top plate.
- Waffle makers have non-stick coating and grids designed specifically for batter flow and shaping. Sandwich presses have flat plates optimized for pressing and toasting sandwiches.
- Waffle makers can get hotter, often reaching over 400°F. Many sandwich presses only reach around 300°F to avoid burning the bread.
- Waffle makers have adjustable hinges to accommodate different batter thicknesses. Sandwich presses have fixed heights.
The Challenges of Using a Sandwich Press for Waffles
With the design differences in mind, there are a few challenges you’ll likely encounter trying to make waffles with a sandwich maker:
- It’s hard to get the right batter consistency. Thinner batters spread too much and leak out the sides. Thicker batters don’t fill the smaller grids evenly.
- The shallow grids and lower heat can result in uneven cooking. The exteriors may be done while the interior is still uncooked.
- The flat grids don’t shape or hold the batter like a waffle maker, resulting in misshapen and irregular waffles.
- It can be hard to remove waffles cleanly as they may spread out and get stuck.
- Waffles are often smaller in size or yield depending on the sandwich press plate size.
Tips for Using a Sandwich Maker for Waffles
While not ideal, it is possible to make passable waffles using a sandwich maker. Here are some tips to improve your results:
- Use a thicker, denser batter. Increase the flour and reduce the liquids slightly from a typical waffle recipe.
- Fill the top and bottom separately so batter fills all the grids evenly.
- Reduce batter if too much is leaking from the sides. You may get fewer waffles per batch.
- Close gently and don’t press down hard, which can make the waffles overly thin.
- Check frequently and remove as soon as the exterior seems cooked through to avoid over-browning.
- Use a thin spatula to gently remove waffles as soon as they are done.
- Adjust heat and cook times as needed based on how cooked the interiors turn out.
- Expect waffles to be flatter and less evenly shaped than with a real waffle iron.
Advantages of a Real Waffle Maker
While it’s possible to improvise with a sandwich press, using an actual waffle maker has some clear advantages:
- Waffle makers are designed for perfect batter flow and shaping.
- The non-stick grids make waffle release and browning easy.
- Adjustable hinges accommodate different batter consistencies.
- Heating elements on both sides cook waffles evenly throughout.
- Higher heat creates a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
- Most can make 4-8 waffles at a time, yielding more consistent batches.
- Specialized features like rotating plates or browning controls make waffle making easy.
Waffle Maker Recommendations
When selecting an actual waffle maker, look for one with features to suit your needs:
| Waffle Maker Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Non-stick coated plates | Ensures easy release and clean-up |
| Adjustable temperature settings | Allows customization for different batters and preferences |
| Indicator lights or audible alerts | Signals when waffles are ready and finished cooking |
| Rotating/flipping mechanism | Distributes batter evenly for consistent browning |
| Removable plates | Allows for easy cleaning |
Here are some top-rated waffle maker options to consider:
| Waffle Maker | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker | Dual cooking plates, browning control, audio beep |
| Chefman Anti-Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker | Quad cooking, overflow channels, non-stick |
| Dash Mini Maker | Compact size, lighter weight, simple operation |
| All-Clad Belgian Waffle Maker | Rotating design, steam release, stainless steel plates |
| Oster DuraCeramic Waffle Maker | Natural ceramic coating, flip rotation, adjustable browning |
The Bottom Line
While it is possible to improvise waffles with a sandwich press in a pinch, results will be better using an appliance designed specifically for waffles. Actual waffle makers have a number of advantages thanks to their design, heating elements, non-stick plates, and special features. Investing in a quality waffle maker, whether a basic model or one with bells and whistles, is worth it for easy, consistent homemade waffles any time you like.
So in summary, for optimal waffles it’s best to use a real waffle iron rather than trying to substitute with a sandwich press. But if you don’t have a waffle maker handy, it’s good to know you can still make fairly decent improvised waffles in your sandwich grill if you follow some tips to work within its limitations.