Our recommendations are made independently through Research & Testing. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links.

BELLA 13991 Classic vs Black and Decker WMD200B Double Side-by-Side Comparison

Matthew Lee
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
The BELLA rotating waffle maker with its glossy, metallic baking chamber positioned next to its instruction manual and shipping box.
The black BLACK and DECKER double waffle maker WMD200B next to its instruction manual and the shipping box it comes in.

Our Verdict

7.1
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    7.0/10
  • Design (20%)
    7.8/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    6.8/10
7.6
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.2/10
  • Design (20%)
    8.8/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    9.2/10

The Black and Decker WMD200B Double waffle maker and the Bella 13991 Classic share a double-sided design. Both are great for large families and those who have to bake a lot of waffles regularly by giving you the ability to cook two waffles at once.

Upon closer inspection, though, there are plenty of differences between them.

The Black and Decker WMD200B doesn’t have a browning control dial, while the Bella 13991 Classic does. Because of this, the Bella 13991 Classic will give you better control over the cooking process and make it easier to attain the right browning level for your waffle’s crust.

With the Black and Decker WMD200B, as it lacks a control dial, you have to time the cooking process precisely depending on your desired browning level.

In terms of design, while the WMD200B may not look as flashy as the Bella 13991 due to its all-black plastic exterior, its build quality is excellent. The Bella 13991 doesn’t do well in this segment due to having numerous build quality issues, like having dangerously loose lid hinges.

Not Great, Not Terrible

Bella Rotating Waffle Maker’s Performance

Black and Decker Double Flip Waffle Maker’s Performance: Tasty, but Uneven
7.0
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.9/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)7.2/10
6.2
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.1/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.3/10
6.9

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.1
BELLA 13991 Classic Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, coloration ranges from very dark brown in certain spots to light brown.
The bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, coloration ranges from very dark brown to light brown.
The cross section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, revealing the core with air bubbles and cavities inside.
A waffle baked for 7 minutes being torn down the middle by hands in order to test it for consistency and texture.
Color: 6.25
35% * 6.25 = 2.2
Texture: 6
25% * 6 = 1.5
Taste: 8
40% * 8 = 3.2
  • Heat Level: Maximum
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes

The coloration was decent despite the waffle’s wells looking slightly burnt, and some spots on the crust looked undercooked. It received only a passable grade due to having a low aeration rate. Fortunately, it picked up the slack with its tastiness.

Color (6.25) — 35%

  • Color tone: Very dark brown - Light brown (both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The crust was a bit dark, but there were no signs of charring. Dark spots mostly focused within the wells of the waffle. Outside the wells, the waffle mostly had a pretty light brown color.

But since it was darker than ideal, we couldn’t give it a higher score than a “good” 6.25.

Texture (6) — 25%

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Medium; air bubbles have begun filling the interior of the waffle. However, their sizes were small, and their numbers were few.

Air bubbles have begun to fill the interior of the waffle. Unfortunately, they haven’t developed to their full sizes just yet. All the bubbles we saw were small, concentrating mostly near the crust, while the core of the waffle was dense.

Taste (8) — 40%

  • Flavor: Sweet with a buttery aftertaste
  • Mouthfeel: Slightly mushy

Our chef rated the waffle highly, citing its sweet flavor and buttery aftertaste. And though the mouthfeel was a bit underwhelming, it didn’t seriously affect the waffle’s quality.

Black and Decker WMD200B Double Self-Made Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle cooked in 5 minutes.
The very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle cooked in 5 minutes.
The interior of a waffle with multiple air bubbles visible.
A waffle baked in 5 minutes being torn by hands to reveal the inner core during a texture test.
Color: 5.25
35% * 5.25 = 1.8
Texture: 6.5
25% * 6.5 = 1.6
Taste: 6.5
40% * 6.5 = 2.6
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The WMD200B’s performance was disappointing in this test. With the updated recipe, we had expected it to show better results. Unfortunately, the coloration, texture, and taste were still acceptable at best and mediocre at worst.

Color (35%) — 5.25/10

  • Color result: Very dark brown (Top)—Very light gold (Bottom)
  • Color distribution: Uneven

The BLACK+DECKER WMD200B still suffered from uneven heating, a problem we already noticed in the first rounds of testing. The top side of the waffle was so well-cooked that some spots looked charred. Meanwhile, the bottom was several shades lighter. The odd difference in coloring made the waffle look very unappealing.

Texture (25%) — 6.5/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Medium level. Bubbles were beginning to form but hadn’t finished developing

The aeration rate was low. Nonetheless, we still saw plenty of air bubbles spread throughout the interior of the waffle. And while there was a degree of mushiness to the waffle, it wasn’t so bad to the point of being limp and soggy.

Taste (40%) — 6.5/10

  • Taste: Sweet and flavorful. A hint of bitterness from the burnt spots.
  • Mouthfeel: Soft. Burnt spots give the waffle a dry texture.

Flavor-wise, our chef gave the waffle a passable score. Although the flavors were there, the bitterness from the burnt top crust ruined the overall taste profile of the waffle. Plus, the unremarkable texture of the waffle didn’t do the WMD200B any good in this section.

7.2

Birch Benders Mix

6.3
BELLA 13991 Classic Birch Benders Mix Video
The golden top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The golden bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing its internal core filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle baked for 8 minutes being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency and texture.
Color: 8
35% * 8 = 2.8
Texture: 7.8
25% * 7.8 = 1.9
Taste: 6
40% * 6 = 2.4
  • Heat Level: Maximum
  • Cooking Time: 8 minutes

In this test, the Bella waffle maker did a slightly better job, but not by a lot. 

Coloration is visibly improved with a more even, prettier coloration. Unfortunately, because the waffle is peppered with air pockets, it has several discolored spots. The texture is decent, but its aeration level is still low, resulting in a mushy texture. The mushy texture is one of the reasons why our chef didn't give the waffle a high score on the taste test.

Color (8/10) — 35%

  • Color tone: Light gold (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The crust on both sides of the waffle maker had a beautiful golden-brown color. On the crust were large formations of air bubbles, which had a pale yellow color of undercooked batter. Besides ruining the overall look of the waffle, they also messed with the color palette.

Texture (7.8/10) — 25%

  • Texture: Good
  • Aeration level: Medium; air bubbles have begun to develop, but they haven’t reached their maximum sizes

The waffle has filled out well with a thick, soft interior. It has a medium aeration rate, evidenced by the many tiny air bubbles within its core. The bubbles were in the process of forming and expanding, but the aeration process was cut short before it could reach completion. Thus, while the waffle was soft and spongy, it was still too moist on the inside to receive a higher score.

Taste (6/10) — 40%

  • Flavor: Sweet and slightly savory, cloying in undercooked parts
  • Mouthfeel: Soft and spongy for the most parts, mushy in certain spots

As a whole, the waffle’s flavor profile was decent. It had the signature sweet and slightly savory taste of the Birch Benders mix. However, certain parts of the waffle were undercooked and gave it an off-putting cloying taste, which negatively impacted its scoring on this test.

Black and Decker WMD200B Double Birch Benders Mix Video
The dark brown top crust of a waffle baked in 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
The pale yellow crust of a waffle baked in 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
The pale yellow crust of a waffle baked in 7 minutes and 30 seconds.
The waffle is being torn by hands to test its consistency and texture.
Color: 6.3
35% * 6.3 = 2.2
Texture: 5
25% * 5 = 1.3
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes 30 seconds

Coloration is better with a more eye-catching golden brown tone. The color is distributed uniformly across the whole waffle. Despite not having a high aeration level, the waffle still attains a soft and spongy texture, albeit slightly mushy. Our chef rated the waffle’s taste as good, citing its sweet flavor. But she clocked a few points due to the taste of raw batter still being present.

Color (35%) — 6.3/10

  • Color result: Golden brown (Top) - Pale gold (Bottom)
  • Color distribution: Even

In the pre-made mix test the coloration was better compared to our self-made recipe. The top side achieved a beautiful golden brown color that was spread evenly throughout the waffle. The indents had slightly darker coloring, but they weren’t burnt or charred.

The bottom of the waffle was a lot less impressive. It had a pale yellow, almost white color, which seemed to point to the waffle being undercooked.

Interestingly, the same disparity in coloration between the two sides of the waffle can be observed in other performance tests that we’ve done with the WMD200B.

Texture (25%) — 5/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low level, bubbles were tiny in size.

The aeration level is low. The waffle was filled with small bubbles, which created a soft and spongy texture. However, because the batter hadn’t been fully developed, the core of the waffle still felt a little mushy and moist when touched.

Taste (40%) — 7/10

  • Taste: Sweet and flavorful, but with a hint of raw batter due to the undercooked bottom
  • Texture: Soft at the top, pulpy at the bottom.

Our chef rated the waffle “good”. The WMD200B brought out the waffle's sweet and slightly savory flavor.

Unfortunately, the undercooked bottom impacted the mouthfeel of the waffle, which was pulpy compared to the soft and consistent top side.

Bella Stainless Steel Waffle Maker’s Design

Black and Decker Double Flip Waffle Maker’s Design: Cheaper Than it Looks
7.8
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)7.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)9.0/10
  • Control Panel (10%)8.5/10
8.8
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)10/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)9.5/10
  • Control Panel (10%)0/10

What’s in the Box of the Bella 13991 Rotating Waffle Maker?

What’s In the Box of the Black and Decker Rotating Waffle Maker?
The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
  • Bella Classic Rotating Waffle Maker (13991) 
  • User manual
  • Drip tray

The box includes the waffle maker, a user manual, and a drip tray.

The all-black Black and Decker double waffle maker WMD200B next to its removable drip tray and instruction manual.
  • Waffle maker
  • Drip tray
  • User manual

In the shipping box, you will find the waffle maker, a drip tray, and a user manual. Everything is nicely packaged in plastic wraps and foam blocks.

Dimensions

The Bella rotating Belgian waffle maker (13991) with measurements marked next to it. The height is 7.3 inches, length is 16.7 inches, and width is 7.7 inches.
  • Length:
    16.7" (42.4 cm)
  • Width:
    7.7" (19.6 cm)
  • Height:
    7.3" (18.5 cm)
  • Weight:
    5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)

The Bella 13991 is more difficult to store due to its rotating design, which brings its height to 7.3 inches. Fortunately, Bella makes storage less annoying by making the handle foldable. The waffle maker's footprint can be reduced with the handle folded and the body rotated vertically.

The Black and Decker WMD200B waffle maker with measurement markers to the side, showing the height as 7 inches, the length as 13 inches, and the width as 7.5 inches.
  • Length:
    13.0" (33.0 cm)
  • Width:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Height:
    7.0" (17.8 cm)
  • Weight:
    7.3 lbs (3.3 kg)

The body is bulkier and larger than standard models, which might make storage a challenge. The WMD200B is heavier, too. At 7.25 pounds, it is easily twice the weight of your average waffle maker. Most of the additional weight comes from the extra pair of waffle plates.

7.0

Build Quality

10
The Bella 13991 rotating waffle maker mid-turn. In the frame is the rotating shaft that allows the baking chamber to rotate.
The Bella 13991 rotating waffle maker mid-turn. In the frame is the rotating shaft that allows the baking chamber to rotate.
The Bella 13991 waffle maker in its standard rest position with the control panel facing upward.
BELLA 13991 Classic Build Quality video

The Bella 13991's body is made from stainless steel with a mirror finish, which gives it a somewhat premium look. However, we noticed that the mirror finish could be smudged easily and is highly susceptible to scratches. However, a much more serious issue was the extremely loose lid hinge. Whenever it's opened or adjusted, the lid wobbles dangerously.

The back hinge of the Black and Decker WMD200B rotating waffle maker’s baking chamber. Two metallic cabling sleeves are snaking around the back.
The back hinge of the Black and Decker WMD200B rotating waffle maker’s baking chamber. Two metallic cabling sleeves are snaking around the back.
BLACK+DECKER Double Build Quality video

The exterior of the waffle maker is made from black plastic. While durability is a definite concern, plastic is lighter and less thermally conductive, thus safer than metal.

Other parts of the waffle maker, like the base, the handle, and the hinges, are all solidly constructed. We especially like the metal-clad cabling connecting the heating elements and electronics. The metal cladding ensures durability and protects from electrical leakage.

9.0

Waffle Plates

9.5
A close-up of one of the Bella 13991’s waffle plates. The plate has a Belgian-style patterning and a black non-stick coating.
A close-up of one of the Bella 13991’s waffle plates. The plate has a Belgian-style patterning and a black non-stick coating.
An overview of the Bella 13991’s double waffle plates.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    44.18 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The waffle plates are cast aluminum coated with a layer of PFOA-free Teflon. In all of our tests, the non-stick coating worked perfectly. The waffles slid cleanly off the plates without leaving messy residue behind.

A small anti-spill moat runs around the perimeter of each plate. The moat is too small to catch big spills, which isn’t particularly helpful.

An overview of the Black & Decker double flip waffle maker WMD200B’s cooking plates.
An overview of the Black & Decker double flip waffle maker WMD200B’s cooking plates.
Close-up view of one of the Black and Decker WMD200B’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
  • Number of Plates:
    4
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    36.32 inches
  • Plate Length:
    6.8" (17.3 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    6.8" (17.3 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast iron
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The waffle plates are made from cast iron and boast a layer of proprietary non-stick coating. BLACK+DECKER hasn’t elaborated much on its non-stick formula. However, they did tell us that the coating is: “stable, inert, non-reactive, and PFOA-free”.

The waffle plates are not removable.

8.5

Control Panel

0.0
A close-up on the Bella 13991 waffle maker’s control panel, with the two indicator lights and the browning control dial in frame.
A close-up on the Bella 13991 waffle maker’s control panel, with the two indicator lights and the browning control dial in frame.
BELLA 13991 Classic Control Panel video
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    No
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    Yes

The temperature dial turns smoothly but doesn’t have any specific temperature notches or settings. Instead, there are only “Min” and a “Max” labels on either side. The user can tune the dial to any arbitrary point in between.

You will find a red POWER button under the dial, which shines when you plug in the waffle maker. The blue READY button beside it will light up when the plates are thoroughly heated and ready for use.

  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    No
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    No

The BLACK+DECKER WMD200B does not come with a control panel.

Instead, it has a series of indicator lights. One is a red POWER light, which comes when you plug in the waffle maker. The other is a green READY Light, which lights up when the waffle maker reaches the correct cooking temperature.

You will find the lights at the waffle maker's top and bottom.

As it lacks any real control features, we cannot give it any points for this section.

Bella Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker’s Power Cord

Black and Decker Double Flip Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
The power plug of the Bella 13991, highlighting the Type-A prongs.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.2 ft (0.7 m)
  • Cable Management:
    No

The power cord is relatively short, so you may have to use an extension cord. There is no cable management feature on the Bella 13991.

A close-up view of the power plug of the Black and Decker WMD200B double flip waffle maker.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.0 ft (0.6 m)
  • Cable Management:
    No

The power cord is very short, measuring only around 24 inches. Be sure to keep the waffle maker close to a power outlet. If not, use an extension cord.

There’s no cable management feature on the waffle maker.

Drip Tray

Accessories

Drip Tray
The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

A drip tray accompanies the waffle maker in the shipping box. It slides in underneath the waffle maker’s body. The tray does a great job of catching spilled batter. It is removable and dishwasher-safe.

The removable and washable black, plastic drip tray of the Black and Decker double waffle maker WMD200B.
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The BLACK+DECKER WMD200B comes with a plastic drip tray.

Ease of Use

Bella Rotating Waffle Maker Review

Black and Decker Double Waffle Maker Review: Ease of Use
6.8
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)3.0/10
  • Safety (40%)8.0/10
  • Cleanability (25%)9.5/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (5%)10/10
9.2
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.5/10
  • Safety (40%)10/10
  • Cleanability (25%)8.5/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)7.0/10
3.0

Handling

9.5

It failed the handling test due to the dangerously loose lid. Whenever we started a new waffle, we had to hold the lid with one hand while pouring with the other. If we dared remove that stabilizing hand, the lid had a good chance of snapping shut unexpectedly.

Except for this critical issue, the Bella 13991 is easy to use. The control panel is simple, and the waffle maker turns smoothly. A lock is built into the handle and keeps the lid securely shut when the waffle maker is flipped.

The large handle allows for an easier and more comfortable grip. Located right within the handle is the lid lock. It can be engaged or disengaged with a push or pull motion, respectively.

WMD200B is rotatable. The rotating mechanism of our review unit worked smoothly.

8.0

Safety

10
The temperature of the plastic base of the Bella 13991 waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 85.8°F.
The temperature of the plastic base of the Bella 13991 waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 85.8°F.
The surface temperature of the Bella 13991’s control panel is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 153.5°F.
The temperature of the black plastic handle of the Bella 13991 is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 90.5°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    153°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    85°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    90°F

The unsteady lid is a serious safety issue. Fortunately, aside from the lid, we didn’t find any other significant safety problems.

The top of the lid got warm — but not dangerously so — at 147°F.

Both the handle and the base remained cool to the touch. The measured temperatures in these areas were respectively 90° and 85° after several rounds of testings.

The temperature of the Black and Decker WMD200B waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer in our thermal safety test. The screen reads 144.5°F.
The temperature of the Black and Decker WMD200B waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer in our thermal safety test. The screen reads 144.5°F.
The temperature of the Black and Decker WMD200B’s base is being measured using a thermometer in our thermal safety test. The screen reads 86.5°F.
The temperature of the Black and Decker WMD200B’s base is being measured using a thermometer in our thermal safety test. The screen reads 87°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    144°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    86°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    87°F

The top side of the waffle maker can get quite hot after a few cooking sessions. We measured a peak temperature of 144°F, hot enough to cause a minor burn injury.

All other parts remained cool to the touch. The handle was 87°F, and the base of the waffle maker was 86°F.

9.5

Cleanability

8.5
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability

The Bella 13991 is very easy to clean. Though it’s prone to fingerprint smudges and scratches, the metal surfaces can be cleaned and polished with mild detergent. The waffle plates only need to be wiped down with paper towels every once in a while to get rid of waffle debris. We also don't find it difficult to scrub dried batter off the plastic parts of the waffle maker.

When a spill happens, the large drip tray can catch every droplet. The tray can be washed by hand or loaded into a dishwasher.

A close-up of dirty gunks and leftover batter within a small nook next to the handle of the Black and Decker WMD200B double Belgian waffle maker.
A close-up of dirty gunks and leftover batter within a small nook next to the handle of the Black and Decker WMD200B double Belgian waffle maker.
The Black+Decker WMD200B Double waffle maker with batter spilling out from inside the waffle plates down to the drip tray below.

Most parts of the BLACK+DECKER WMD200B are easy to clean. But some awkward spots may give you trouble, such as the tiny nooks next to the handle. Liquid waffle batter can drip inside and dry out within. The size of the corner makes it very difficult to guide a towel inside and scrub out the dried mess.

The included drip tray makes dealing with batter spillages a lot easier.

10

Indicator Light Visibility

7.0
The set of indicator lights at the top of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker. The blue READY light and the red POWER light are on.
The set of indicator lights at the top of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker. The blue READY light and the red POWER light are on.
The shining READY light at the bottom of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker.

The lights are very dim. It’s almost impossible to see them from afar under harsh lighting. Even with some ambient lights turned off, the indicator lights are still faint.

A close-up of the indicator lights on the Black and Decker WMD200B double Belgian waffle maker. Both lights are shining dimly, one green and one red.

The indicator lights were bright enough to see from across the room under normal lighting conditions. Under studio lighting, they became very difficult to see from afar. We had to walk up to the waffle maker to view the lights.