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BELLA 13991 Classic vs BLACK+DECKER WMB500 Side-by-Side Comparison

The Bella 13991 Classic is a mid-tier waffle maker, the Black+Decker WMB500 is in the entry-level range. Here’s our comparison of the two.

By , , and Updated

BELLA Rotating

BLACK and DECKER

BELLA 13991 Classic vs BLACK+DECKER WMB500

Overall Verdict

7.1
Overall Score
7.9
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)7.0
  • Design (20%)7.8
  • Ease of Use (30%)6.8
  • Performance (50%)6.7
  • Design (20%)8.7
  • Ease of Use (30%)9.5

If you’re in the market for a budget waffle maker, you may want to consider Black+Decker's entry-level option, the WMB500.

However, if you want to splurge a bit more for a premium option, check out the Bella 13991 Classic Belgian waffle maker.

You can tell by appearance alone that the Bella 13991 is the more premium model out of the two. It boasts a luxurious housing made from glossy metal and a tall, flippable frame.

On the other hand, the WMB500 has a simpler and understated design but is still made from solid materials.

In terms of performance, both models are decent. The Bella 13991 scored higher in our tests compared to the WMB500. While they may not be able to replicate the waffles you get at your favorite restaurant, they’ll still make for great breakfast treats!

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a good job in both of our performance tests
  • Overall design looks very premium
  • The non-stick coating functions well
  • Affordable pricing
  • Decent cooking performance across both test recipes
  • Good-looking stainless steel baking chamber
  • The lid can dampen the force of a strong push, preventing the lid from accidentally snapping close to the user’s hand
  • The non-stick coating on the waffle plates works very well
  • Excellent safety rating
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Lacks control panel
  • The stainless steel baking chamber needs regular cleaning to look its best

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Premium stainless steel top cover, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
None
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L13.1 x W10 x H4.7 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
4 pound
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.5" (19.1 cm)

Where to Buy?

Price at publication
$39.99
$21.82

*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
6.7

Self Recipe

6.9
6.8
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.
BLACK+DECKER WMB500 Self-Mixed Recipe
The dark brown - golden top crust of a waffle cooked for 5 minutes.
The dark brown - golden bottom crust of a waffle cooked for 5 minutes.
The interior of a waffle cooked for 5 minutes, with prominent air cavities and bubbles inside.
The cross-section of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, revealing the interior with small air bubbles within.
Heat Level
Maximum
N/A
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
6.5
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.
BLACK+DECKER WMB500 Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle cooked using the Birch Benders mix for 7 minutes.
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle cooked using the Birch Benders mix for 7 minutes.
The interior of a waffle cooked for 7 minutes, with prominent air cavities and bubbles inside.
The waffle, which has been cooked for 7 minutes, is torn by hand in order to test for its consistency and texture, revealing the fluffy core inside.
Heat Level
Maximum
N/A
Cooking Time
8 minutes
7 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
8.7

In The Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The black and silver Black and Decker waffle maker WMB500 next to its instructional manual and shipping box.

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.
The side profile of the black and silver Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
13.1" (33.3 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
10.0" (25.4 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
4.7" (11.9 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
4.0 lbs (1.8 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
9.5
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
BLACK+DECKER WMB500 Build Quality Video
A close-up at the lid hinges of the Black and Decker Belgian waffle maker WMB500.
A zoomed-up view of the lid hinges and black plastic housing of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker in its closed state.

Waffle Plates

9.0
10
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.
A close-up view of the glossy, black, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker.
A close-up view of the glossy, black, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker.
An overview of the glossy, black, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
50.27 inch
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
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
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
No

Power Cord

The power plug of the Bella 13991, highlighting the Type-A prongs.
The power plug of the Black and Decker WMB500 Belgian waffle maker with the Type-A prongs design clearly visible.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
1.9 ft (0.6 m)
Cable Management
No
No

Extra Accessory

The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
Material
Plastic
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
9.5

Handling

3.0
10

Safety

7.9
9.9
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.
The surface temperature of the back of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 156°F.
The surface temperature of the back of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 156°F.
The surface temperature of the Black and Decker WMB500’s base is being measured using a thermometer in a thermal safety test. The screen reads 104.2°F.
The temperature of the Black and Decker WMB500’s handle is being measured using a thermometer in a thermal safety test. The screen reads 111°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
156.7°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
104.2°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
111°F

Cleanability

9.5
8.0
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

5.0
10
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 sole indicator light on top of the Black and Decker WMB500 waffle maker is glowing red.

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Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Matthew Lee
Matthew LeeReviewer

Matthew Lee is a writer and editor for HealthyKitchen101. With over 8 years working for various outlets and agencies, specializing in tech review and other subjects of note, such as current affairs.

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Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.

Headshot of Tuyet Pham
Tuyet PhamProfessional Chef

Tuyet Pham is an award-winning Saigonese chef passionate about delicious and healthful foods. At HealthyKitchen101, she develops recipes and collaborates with our Research, Testing, and Review lab to evaluate the performance of cooking appliances. Her assessments add a strong authoritative voice to our product scoring process.

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