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BELLA 13991 Classic vs KRUPS Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

The KRUPS Belgian waffle maker, while pricier and more premium, didn’t hold up well in tests against the cheaper Bella 13991 Classic.

By , , , and ·Updated

BELLA Rotating

KRUPS Belgian

BELLA 13991 Classic vs KRUPS Belgian — Short Comparison

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use KRUPS BelgianBELLA Rotating6.32.89.99.67.17.07.86.8
Showing: 2/2 Items

Though it may sound strange: we would immediately recommend the Bella 13991 Classic over the far pricier KRUPS Belgian waffle maker at this moment in time.

The KRUPS Belgian waffle maker stands out for its premium appearance. However, as we later learned in our performance tests, its look belies its true performance power. So far, the KRUPS is the worst-performing model in our database and the only one that failed a performance test. Specifically, during our test with the pre-made waffle mix, the KRUPS could not bake an edible waffle even after 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, the Bella 13991 Classic did a far better job. It consistently baked decent-quality waffles throughout several test sessions without failing even once.

Unfortunately, the Bella 13991 Classic has an inferior design quality compared to the Krups. But if you don’t mind dealing with pesky issues like a loose-hinged lid, the Bella 13991 Classic—with its much better performance—will be a better choice over the Krups. Else, you may have to look beyond this pair for a suitable model.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a good job in both of our performance tests
  • Overall design looks very premium
  • The non-stick coating functions well
  • Solidly built from high-quality materials
  • Able to cook four waffles simultaneously
  • The waffle plates’ non-stick coating works great
  • Controls are straightforward to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Waffle’s quality is mediocre in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Failed at producing an edible waffle in the test with the Birch Benders mix
  • Power cord is too short

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Quartered classic-style waffle plates, removable plates, intuitive controls
Adjustable Settings
Variable
Six
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L14.4 x W10.2 x H4.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
9.1 pounds
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.6" (11.7 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$39.99
$68.54

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
2.8

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.9
5.5
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.
KRUPS Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe Video
KRUPS Belgian Self-Mixed RecipeThe very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very light gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, the inside is dense with a few air cavities.
A waffle is torn up by hand to test its consistency. This waffle was baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
Heat Level
Maximum
Between 2 and 3
Cooking Time
7 minutes
7 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
0.0
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.
KRUPS Belgian Birch Benders Mix Video
The pale gop top crust of a waffle baked for 10 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gop bottom crust of a waffle baked for 10 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 10 minutes using the Birch Benders batter mix, showcasing its dense, irregular interior
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency. The golden interior of the waffle is revealed.
Heat Level
Maximum
Maximum (5)
Cooking Time
8 minutes
10 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
9.9

In the Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The KRUPS waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instruction 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 KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s dimensions. The length is 14.4 inches, height is 4.5 inches, and width is 10.2 inches.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
14.4" (36.6 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
10.2" (25.9 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
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 KRUPS waffle maker's back side. Intricate black plastic detailing and metal components can be seen.
The KRUPS waffle maker's back side. Intricate black plastic detailing and metal components can be seen.
KRUPS Belgian Build Quality video

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 KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s black, non-stick-treated waffle plates.
An overview of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s black, non-stick-treated waffle plates.
A close-up shot of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s waffle plate. It has Belgian-style patterning and is non-stick.
The waffle plates of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker are removed, revealing the heating coils underneath.
KRUPS Belgian Waffle Plates video
KRUPS Belgian Waffle Plates video 1
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
102.5 inch
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
10.0" (25.4 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
10.3" (26.0 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

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
A close-up of the control panel of the KRUPS waffle maker. Two indicator lights and a browning control dial knob can be seen.
A close-up of the control panel of the KRUPS waffle maker. Two indicator lights and a browning control dial knob can be seen.
KRUPS Belgian Control Panel video
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 shot of the power cord of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker, focusing on the Type-A blade.
A close-up shot of the power cord of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker, focusing on the Type-A blade.
The grommet at the bottom of the KRUPS. It helps the user manage the power cord when the waffle maker is put in storage.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
2.1 ft (0.6 m)
Cable Management
No
Yes

Accessories

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
9.6

Handling

3.0
9.0
The KRUPS waffle maker being held in the air by its handle.
The KRUPS waffle maker being held in the air by its handle.
KRUPS Belgian Handling video

Safety

7.9
9.7
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 top side of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.5°F.
The temperature of the top side of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.5°F.
The temperature of the KRUPS waffle maker’s frontal control panel is being measured. The thermometer’s screen reads 127.2°F.
The temperature of the handle is being measured using a thermometer in a thermal safety test. The screen reads 89.8°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
176°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
127°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
89°F

Cleanability

9.5
10
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 two indicator lights of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker: the left is the red ON light, and right is the green READY light.

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.

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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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Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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