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BELLA 13991 Classic vs Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Side-by-Side Comparison

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is a high-end waffle maker, while the Bella 13991 Classic is a mid-range model. So, if the price is no object, the former is an easy pick.

By , , and Updated

BELLA Rotating

Cuisinart Double

BELLA 13991 Classic vs Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double — Worth the Extra?

Overall Verdict

7.1
Overall Score
8.4
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)7.0
  • Design (20%)7.8
  • Ease of Use (30%)6.8
  • Performance (50%)8.0
  • Design (20%)9.2
  • Ease of Use (30%)8.7

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is the top performer in our database. So, if the price isn’t an object between the two, it’s an easy recommendation for the WAF-F20P1 over the Bella 13991 Classic.

Specifically, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 received a near-excellent overall performance score. All of its waffles were judged as beautiful and flavorful by our chef. The Bella 13991 has acceptable performance but nowhere near as good as the Cuisinart’s.

As for build quality, the WAF-F20P1 won by a wide margin.

Although both waffle makers are built from luxurious-looking stainless steel, the WAF-F20P1 is built more solidly than the Bella 13991. We found the Bella’s craftsmanship to be extremely shoddy. Its lid hinges are so poorly constructed that it poses a safety issue; the lid can easily snap onto the user’s hand while pouring the batter. We also found a lot of scratches and dents on the unit we received.

This result isn’t surprising when we look at the pricing, though. The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1—being a high-end model—is simply built better than the mid-range Bella 13991 Classic.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a good job in both of our performance tests
  • Overall design looks very premium
  • The non-stick coating functions well
  • Strong cooking performance across all tests
  • Beautiful, durable stainless steel design
  • Comprehensive control panel with audible alarm
  • Intuitive lid locking mechanism
  • Comes with a batter measuring cup
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Mediocre performance with self-mixed recipe
  • Heavy and bulky
  • Certain parts are made of plastic
  • Lacks a POWER indicator light
  • Difficult to clean due to the lack of a drip tray

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
6
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L15 x W9.5 x H9 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing, aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
6 ¾ inches

Where to Buy?

Price at publication
$39.99
$101.95

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
8.0

Self Recipe

6.9
6.5
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.
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Self-Mixed Recipe
The top side of a waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 in 5 minutes
The top crust of a waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker in 5 minutes
The golden core of the waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker.
The waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being torn by hand to test its consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Maximum
3
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
9.6
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.
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Birch Benders Mix
The golden brown top side of the waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double flip waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The golden brown bottom side of the waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The fluffy interior of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 that’s visibly filled with air bubbles.
The waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is being torn by hand to test for its consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Maximum
3
Cooking Time
8 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
9.2

In The Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The silver Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker sitting on a table next to its user manuals and a measuring cup.

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 Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker dimension measurement chart. Its length is noted as 15 inches, width is 9.5 inches, and its height is 9 inches.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
15.0" (38.1 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
9.5" (24.1 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
9.0" (22.9 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
9.0
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
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Build Quality Video
A close-up view of the spring and internal mechanisms of the rotating hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker.
A close-up view of the rotating hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker.

Waffle Plates

9.0
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.
An overview of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
An overview of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
A top-down view of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker’s black, Belgian-style cooking plates.
Number of Plates
2
4
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
36.32 inches
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
6.8" (17.3 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
6.8" (17.3 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
9.5
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
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Control Panel Video
A close-up of the control panel of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian waffle maker, with the silvery browning control knob to the left and the black power switch to the right.
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
Yes
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

The power plug of the Bella 13991, highlighting the Type-A prongs.
A close-up of the power plug of the Cuisinart Double waffle maker WAF-F20P1’s power plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
Cable Management
No
Yes

Extra Accessory

The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
The included batter measuring cup of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1. It is made from
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Removable
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
8.7

Handling

3.0
9.0

Safety

7.9
9.5
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 temperature of the back hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being measured by a thermometer, which reads 234.6°F.
The temperature of the back hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being measured by a thermometer, which reads 234.6°F.
Temperature of the front control panel of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is being taken using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 85.6°F.
Temperature of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s top lid being measured using a thermometer, which reads 105.8°F during a thermal safety test.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
234°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
85°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
105°F

Cleanability

9.5
6.5
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability
The silver Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 with excess batter overflowing and dripping down from both sets of cooking plates on the waffle maker.

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 green READY button of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is on, indicating that the plates are heated and ready to use.

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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.

Headshot of Lap Vo
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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