Chefman Anti-Overflow vs CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Side-by-Side Comparison
Don’t know what to pick between the Chefman Anti-Overflow and the Crownful 4-inch Mini? This short comparison can help you out.
Specifications
Design
Given the Chefman’s relatively budget-friendly tag, the quality of its design is very markable. The housing is made from sturdy plastic with a nifty rubber coating at the top of the lid.
If you're searching for an easy-to-use waffle maker, you'll be pleased to find that the control panel is easy to operate. The non-stick plates were also delivered as promised. We didn't have to deal with sticky waffles or lumpy batter residues at any point during our dozens of cooking tests.
The Crownful is visually striking compared to other mini-sized waffle makers in our database. Featuring a raised circular pattern on the lid and finished off with a light wooden handle, its aesthetic is the most remarkable part. The build quality is decent for the price point. A pair of solid hinges on the lid and the waffle plates are coated with a layer of functional non-stick coating.
Our only complaint is that, like many other mini-sized waffle makers, the Crownful lacks a control panel.
Usability Comparison
Unfortunately, the Chefman lost the momentum it had built in the previous tests in this section. During our safety tests, we found numerous issues. The lid-lock, while well-built and engineered, is difficult to use and potentially dangerous. The waffle maker's surfaces also heat up to dangerous temperatures after a few cooking sessions, which we consider another hazard.
Besides these two grievances, the Chefman did okay in other tests like cleanability. The non-stick coating of the plates makes cleaning the waffle maker after cooking much easier.
The lack of a control panel doesn’t mean the Crownful is hard to use. The opposite, in fact. Plug it in, wait for the signal light to go off, and pour your batter. Getting the perfect browning level can be tricky, but you’ll get the feel of it after some time using the waffle maker.
Cleaning up is a breeze due to its non-stick coating plates. Like most mini waffle makers we’ve tested, safety is an issue since the entire waffle maker heats up after a few cooking sessions.
Performance Test
The Chefman offers value well beyond its cost. All of the waffles it baked were good-looking and tasty during our performance tests. Even though the waffles may not be restaurant-grade, they could still serve up a wholesome breakfast for the family.
In our cooking tests with the self-mixed recipe, the Crownful CF-WM01 waffle maker managed to achieve brilliant results across all three scoring criteria: color, texture, and taste. The waffles weren’t gourmet-grade, but they can still make for great breakfast treats for families and individuals.
However, in our test with the Birch Benders mix, the waffle maker notably failed the color test by producing a very pale, undercooked-looking waffle.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- High-quality and sturdy design
- Works well with boxed waffle mix
- Anti-overflow moat can minimize spillage
- Well-built waffle plates with a non-stick layer
- Tactile, easy-to-use control panel
- Comes with a measuring cup
- Affordable
- Beautiful patterning on the lid
- Excellent build quality
- Easy to clean, thanks to the non-stick waffle plates and the smooth plastic outer shell
- Didn’t perform well on self-mixed recipe
- Awkward and potentially dangerous lid lock
- Too many hot surfaces
- Can be difficult to clean
- Fairly mediocre performance in our performance tests
- Does not have a control panel
- Low safety rating
Conclusion
The Chefman Anti-Overflow has a “traditional” waffle maker design, with a rounded body and waffle plates roughly 7 inches across. If you need a waffle maker to help you make a filling platter of waffles every morning, the Chefman Anti-Overflow is up for the job.
On the other hand, the Crownful 4-inch Mini – like its name suggests – has a significantly smaller form. The waffle maker is about the size of a softball, making it extremely portable. Because of this, the Crownful 4-inch Mini is very popular among travelers and hikers. It can fit into a backpack and cook fresh waffles on the go.
The Crownful’s mini size isn’t just useful on the road: Its bite-size 4-inch waffles serve as excellent snacks while you’re relaxing at home, too.
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.
