BELLA 13991 Classic vs Euro Cuisine WM520 Side-by-Side Comparison
While the Bella 13991 Classic bakes more traditional Belgian-style waffles, the Euro Cuisine WM520 can bake heart-shaped waffles. So, which one to get?
Specifications
Design
With its glossy stainless steel exterior similar to pricier models like the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 or the Hamilton Beach 26031, the Bella 13991 has all the hallmarks of a premium machine. But upon closer inspection, we found that the build quality isn’t very high, mainly due to the dangerously wobbly lid.
Apart from this glitch, other components of the Bella 13991, like the waffle plates, control panel, and power cord, are all up-to-par.
The Euro Cuisine WM520 has a luxe, chrome-plated housing. It gives the waffle maker a very luxurious appearance.
Though overall construction is sound, the flimsy lid hinges could do some refinement. Positioned on top of the lid is an intuitive control panel that pairs a dial for adjusting browning levels with two indicator lights (one for power, one for the ready status of the waffle maker).
Usability Comparison
The Bella 13991’s flimsy construction didn’t do very well in both our handling and safety tests, but it scored points for being very easy to clean. Overall, the waffle maker only squeaked past the test by a hair.
The Euro Cuisine WM520's sole control input is the browning control dial, which lets you set the desired browning level by tuning it. Two indicator lights at the top inform you how far along your food is in cooking. Once you're finished cooking, the non-stick coating on the plates helps simplify cleaning.
Unfortunately, it didn't fare well in our safety test due to an alarmingly hot handle. Still, that doesn't detract from its overall ease of use and convenience.
Performance Test
Although our first impression of the waffle maker wasn’t great due to some glaring design issues, the Bella waffle maker did fairly well across both waffle test recipes. The texture and flavor of its waffles were great — they’re not restaurant-level, but they aren’t bad for family breakfasts and light meals.
Using the Euro Cuisine WM520, we were pleased with its consistent performance throughout our tests. Although not of five-star quality, the fluffy waffles would still be an ideal accompaniment to any breakfast table.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Affordable
- Did a good job in both of our performance tests
- Overall design looks very premium
- The non-stick coating functions well
- Did a passable job in our self-mixed recipe test
- Luxurious design with chrome lid
- Easy to use control panel with clicky, responsive browning level dial
- Eco-friendly PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic coating on the plates
- Excellent cleanability
- Poor build quality
- The lid is dangerously loose
- Loose lid hinges
- The rubber screw protectors can be easily lost
- Many surfaces of the waffle maker became scorching hot after two-three cooking sessions
Conclusion
The Bella 13991 Classic Belgian and the Euro Cuisine WM520 are roughly at the same price point, but what they can offer you is entirely different.
The Bella 13991 Classic Belgian has a more traditional design out of the two, with a tall frame and flippable baking chamber capable of cooking 7-inch waffles. The waffle maker is imprinted with Belgian-style patterning, resulting in waffles with deep pockets that you can fill with syrups and toppings.
On the other hand, the Euro Cuisine WM520 has a more exotic heart-shaped patterning on its plates, also known as the Norwegian-style waffle pattern. The beautiful shape of the waffles cooked with this model will certainly give your breakfast platter a prettier flair.
These heart-shaped waffles are especially big hits around the festival seasons. But there’s nothing stopping you from cooking and enjoying them regularly, either!
All in all, deciding between this pair only boils down to whether you would like a traditional waffle maker that makes thick, Belgian-style waffles or something that can give your breakfast a more interesting twist, like a heart-shaped waffle.
Behind the Comparison
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.
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.
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.
