Black+Decker WMD200B Double vs Euro Cuisine WM520 Side-by-Side Comparison
The Black+Decker WDM200B Double and the Euro Cuisine WM520 are in totally different classes, so which one to choose? Here’s our take.
Specifications
Design
The BLACK+DECKER WMD200B is an incredibly well-crafted machine for an entry-level product. Though it is made mostly from plastic, the waffle maker doesn’t look cheap. It’s not hard to imagine it as a mid-range or even a high-end model.
The non-stick waffle plates are coated with non-stick, which works well during our performance tests. This model's only downside is that it doesn’t come with a control panel.
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 BLACK+DECKER WMD200B is very easy to use overall. It can be operated with just one hand, from lifting the lid to flipping it.
We also rate the cleanability of this waffle maker highly. Besides the non-stick waffle plates, which reduce batter residues, the add-on drip tray can help protect your countertop from any excess batter that spills out from the baking chamber.
It does get tricky, though, when you have to clean the tiny nooks and crannies of the waffle maker. Some parts are so small that it’s impossible to reach in and scrub out the dried batter residues.
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
Our head chef labeled the waffles made by the WMD200B as “decently tasty.” Unfortunately, the coloration and texture of the waffle could still use some improvements.
Our test unit has a recurrent issue with undercooking one side of its waffles, lending to each waffle having an uneven coloring and a mushier texture on the undercooked side.
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
- Capable of cooking two waffles at once with the double-sided design
- Acceptable performance across all two tests
- Solid build quality for the price
- Plug-and-play design makes it very easy to use
- Great cleanability thanks to the included drip tray
- 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
- Bulky and heavy
- Tends to undercook the bottom of the waffle
- Lacks a control panel
- 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 Black+Decker WMD200B Double is one of the cheaper double-sided waffle makers that you can buy on the market. As such, if you have a large family and need the multi-waffle cooking ability of a double-sided model, the WMD200B will be a good pick.
But if you want to add some visual interest to your breakfast, the Euro Cuisine WM520 with its unique heart-shaped waffle plates, will be a better choice. The heart-shaped pattern, also known as Norwegian-style waffle patterning, can instantly bring intrigue to your family’s breakfast. Heart-shaped waffles are also really popular during festivities like Christmas!
Both models perform well in our tests. The waffles they baked were tasty (just don’t expect them to be restaurant-grade), and their build quality — while they certainly weren’t the best — did the trick pretty well.
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.
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.
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.
