Black+Decker WMD200B Double vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison
Between the full-size Black+Decker WMD200B Double waffle maker and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini, which one is a better fit for you? Here’s our comparison.
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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ is quite impressive out of the box with its eye-catching "Aqua" light blue color. The plastic construction is expected from such an affordable and compact model, but it doesn't feel cheap.
One drawback to this product is that it lacks a control panel. You only get an indicator light at the top, which helps you track the cooking process.
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 Nostalgia is extremely easy to use since it has no control panel — wait until the top indicator light signals that your plates are heated, then pour in the batter and begin cooking.
Safety is a concern, as with most mini models we’ve tested. After a few cooking sessions, the whole waffle maker becomes piping hot. To handle it, you need to wear oven mitts.
Cleanability is great. The plastic housing doesn’t grip aggressively onto the dried batter. The non-stick coating on the waffle plates also works very well to prevent messy batter residues.
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.
To our surprise, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ proved to be one of the top performers in the mini category within our database. In our self-mixed recipe, the waffle that it churned out was delicious, according to our chef. While the waffle it made with the Birch Benders mix wasn’t quite as good in most respects (besides texture), it’s still considered palatable.
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
- Affordable
- Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
- High build quality; solid lid hinges
- Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
- Bulky and heavy
- Tends to undercook the bottom of the waffle
- Lacks a control panel
- No control feature
- Oven mitts are required for handling
Conclusion
The Black+Decker WMD200B Double waffle maker is the mirror opposite to the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
While the WMD200B is able to cook two full-size (7-inch) Belgian waffles at once, the MWF5AQ does not. With a single pair of waffle plates measuring about 4 inches across, this model can only cook one mini-sized waffle at a time.
If you have a large family or need to cook several batches of waffles daily, the Black+DEcker WMD200B will be a good, affordable choice.
But if you only need to cook small waffles as snacks or have a waffle maker that you can bring along with you on your travel, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ is as good as any mini waffle makers on the market.
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.
