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BELLA 13991 Classic vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

Between the Hamilton Beach 26031 and the Bella 13991 Classic, the Hamilton Beach is far more premium. But is it worth the extra money? See for yourself here!

By , , and Updated

BELLA Rotating

Hamilton Beach 26031

BELLA 13991 Classic vs Hamilton Beach 26031: Detailed Comparison

Overall Verdict

7.1
Overall Score
8.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)7.0
  • Design (20%)7.8
  • Ease of Use (30%)6.8
  • Performance (50%)6.9
  • Design (20%)9.7
  • Ease of Use (30%)9.7

The Hamilton Beach 26031, being the pricier and more premium model out of the pair, has a lot more to offer than the Bella 13991 Classic.

Namely, its design—made from high-quality materials like stainless steel and ceramic—is more eye-catching. The Hamilton Beach 26031 is better in terms of performance, too. Across two waffle recipes, its final waffles were always tastier than the ones made by the Bella 13991.

Sure, the Bella 13991 Classic also enjoys a stainless steel design that is polished to a mirror-like finish. However, its build quality is nowhere near as good as the Hamilton Beach. Our inspection showed the Bella 13991 Classic (at least the unit we received) to be shoddily built with loose hinges, scratches, and dents all over.

But despite not doing well on many fronts, the Bella 13991 Classic’s pricing is hard to beat. It will still be a good purchase if you’re shopping on a budget with some caveats attached. Nevertheless, we highly recommend you splurge on the Hamilton Beach 26031, if possible.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a good job in both of our performance tests
  • Overall design looks very premium
  • The non-stick coating functions well
  • Luxurious aesthetic by incorporating premium materials (stainless steel and ceramic)
  • Does a great job in all of our performance tests
  • Removable and washable waffle plates
  • Easy to clean thanks to the included drip tray
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
None
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy?

Price at publication
$39.99
$57.79

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
6.9

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.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Self-Made Recipe Video
The dark brown top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The mottled, dark brown bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The interior of the 5-minute waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 is shown, revealing large air cavities.
The waffle made by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 5-minute is torn up by hands to test for consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Maximum
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
7.1
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.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Birch Benders Mix Video
The light gold top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
The light gold bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
A close-up of the interior of the waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 6 minutes, filled with air bubbles and small cavities.
The 6-minute waffle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is torn in half by hands to test for the consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Maximum
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
8 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
9.7

In The Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user manual.

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 Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Dimension Video
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 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
A close-up shot of the Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker (26031) control panel section made from black plastic, with the browning control knob and the indicator lights in focus.

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.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the bronze-color, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Hamilton Beach flip Belgian waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the yellow waffle plate release latch on the top handle of the Hamilton Beach waffle maker with removable plates 26031.
The gray, metallic heating elements of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is revealed after the ceramic, bronze-colored waffle plates are taken off.
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
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

8.5
10
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
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Control Panel video
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
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 cord of the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker, focused on the prongs of the plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
No
No

Extra Accessory

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
9.7

Handling

3.0
9.5

Safety

7.9
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.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the cool-touch handle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 90.3°F.
The temperature on the Hamilton Beach 26031’s base is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 88.3°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
 88°F

Cleanability

9.5
9.5
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

5.0
9.0
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.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A view of the green READY light at the back of the Hamilton Beach 26031 when it’s flipped over.

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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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