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Chefman Anti-Overflow vs KRUPS Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

Matthew Lee
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
The black Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian waffle maker in center. Its manual is to the left and the shipping box to the right.
The side profile of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker. To its left is the manual and to its right is the shipping box.

Our Verdict

6.7
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.6/10
  • Design (20%)
    8.8/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    5.6/10
6.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    2.9/10
  • Design (20%)
    9.9/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    9.6/10

The Chefman Anti-Overflow waffle maker is positioned as a low-mid range product. It’s pretty apparent in the solid build quality, a unique lid-lock design, and an oversized “anti-overflow” moat. Its performance also reflects its price point: the waffles we made with it all had good coloration and soft texture and were very flavorful.

It’s not perfect: the coloration tends to be a bit burnt. Nevertheless, there’s potential there.

The KRUPS Belgian is a high-end model with a fittingly high price. Its highly premium and solid design has features like removable waffle plates and an audible chime. Unfortunately, we cannot recommend it at this time because it’s the only model that failed our performance test. The KRUPS could not cook an edible waffle in 10 minutes in our test with pre-mixed batter.

Great for the Price

Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker’s Performance

KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker’s Performance: Disappointing for the Price
6.6
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.3/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.9/10
2.9
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)5.8/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)0/10
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.8
Chefman Anti-Overflow Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The interior is dense with few air bubbles.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency. This waffle was baked for 5 minutes.
Color: 6
35% * 6 = 2.1
Texture: 5
25% * 5 = 1.3
Taste: 7.5
40% * 7.5 = 3.0
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The coloration was decent but could be improved. But the texture, which was dense and very mushy, needs the most improvement. Despite all that, the texture of the waffle was good. The waffle would have received a perfect score if it wasn’t for the pulpy mouthfeel due to the mediocre texture.

Color (35%) — 6/10

  • Color tone: Very dark brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Uneven

The overall coloring of the waffle was not impressive. The crust was a patchwork of golden brown and dark brown spots. Because of its blotchy appearance, the waffle doesn't get a high score in terms of color distribution.

Texture (25%) - 5/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low; next to no air bubbles present inside the waffle’s interior

The texture was mediocre. After 5 minutes, the core of the waffle still hasn’t been aerated. Cutting the waffle in half, we found very few air bubbles within. And sure enough, the low aeration rate resulted in a mushy waffle.

Taste (40%) - 7.5/10

  • Flavor: Buttery and sweet, slightly salty
  • Mouthfeel: Very mushy due to low aeration

The bad texture, fortunately, didn’t prevent the Chefman from receiving a good score from our chef. Its mushy mouthfeel was a turn-off, but the waffle maker did a great job developing the waffle. The final waffle has all the flavors we expected from the batter. The creamy butter, sweet sugar, and slight saltiness of the single teaspoon of salt came out nicely.

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.
Color: 6.6
35% * 6.6 = 2.3
Texture: 5
25% * 5 = 1.3
Taste: 5.5
40% * 5.5 = 2.2
  • Heat Level: Between 2 and 3
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes

Considering this waffle maker's price and glamorous look, the waffle it produced was quite disappointing. The coloration is pale and unremarkable. Our chef gave the texture a low score due to the waffle’s dense core with next to no air bubbles to help soften it up. In terms of flavor, the mushiness of the waffle ruined the flavor profile by introducing a raw batter-like taste.

Color (35%) — 6

  • Color tone: Very light gold (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

Though a section of the crust has a dark brown color, most have a very light gold tone. The pale coloring of the waffle looked as if it was still undercooked. Fortunately, this is only by appearance. The waffle has been cooked thoroughly.

Texture (25%) — 5

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low; air bubbles were few as well as being very small in sizes

The texture was pretty disappointing. The waffle was still dense on the inside despite being left to cook for over 7 minutes. The result was a very chewy waffle. In certain spots, the waffle was even mushy.

Taste (40%) — 5.5

  • Flavor: Sweet and buttery, but there’s also the taste of raw batter mixed in
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy 

Our chef still noticed the sweet, buttery taste of the batter. However, the underdeveloped interior of the waffle greatly affected the tasting experience by introducing the bland taste of raw batter into the flavor profile.

6.9

Birch Benders Mix

0
Chefman Anti-Overflow Birch Benders Mix Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter. Numerous air cavities can be seen.
A waffle being torn up by hands to test for its consistency. This one was baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
Color: 7.5
35% * 7.5 = 2.6
Texture: 6
25% * 6 = 1.5
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes

The waffle received a beautiful, light golden brown color throughout. But while it looked excellent, the waffle's interior hadn’t fully developed. Luckily, the waffle maker's heat still unlocked the full range of flavors that the batter had to offer. So, despite being a bit mushy, the waffle tasted excellent.

Color (35%) — 7.5/10

  • Color result: Light brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

Coloring was good. Both the top and the bottom had a light, golden brown tone. We deducted a few points due to its undeveloped color. It almost appeared like the waffle wasn’t thoroughly cooked.

The color was distributed evenly across both sides of the waffle. It wasn’t perfect as there were still lightly seared spots within the wells. Nevertheless, the bottom and the top could be considered acceptably uniform.

Texture (25%) — 6/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low, air bubbles were few and inconsistent in size

The texture could be better. Although bubbles began to form within the batter, they were small and their numbers were few. It resulted in the core of the waffle being moist and less fluffy than it should be.

Taste (40%) — 7/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and savory
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy and moist

Despite the texture being less-than-ideal, the Chefman did its job. The machine extracted this batter's complete flavor profile: sweet and savory. The slight mushiness hampered our enjoyment, but overall, it was an acceptable Belgian-style waffle.

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.
Color: 0
35% * 0 = 0.0
Texture: 0
25% * 0 = 0.0
Taste: 0
40% * 0 = 0.0
  • Heat Level: Maximum (5)
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Since we never managed to make an edible waffle with the KRUPS in this test, all three score fields are 0. The waffle has a pale, almost-white color of raw batter. The texture is mushy. And since it hasn’t fully cooked just yet, the taste is atrocious.

Color (35%) — 0

  • Color tone: Pale gold (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

Coloring is unspectacular. We repeated the tests several times, yet the waffle always came out with a sickly pale yellow tone.

Texture (25%) — 0

  • Texture: Bad
  • Aeration level: Low; air bubbles were virtually non-existent

The aeration level is very low. When we cut the waffle, an undercooked interior is exposed. Not only are there next to no air bubbles, but we could still see “fillings” of raw batter in the waffle’s interior.

Texture-wise, it is incredibly mushy to the point of being runny. It almost seemed like the waffle was still in a semi-liquid state.

Taste (40%) — 0

  • Flavor: Cloying taste of raw batter
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy

It was evident from the start that the waffle was inedible. It tasted terrible, with the distinct raw egg-like flavor of uncooked batter.

Chefman Anti Overflow Waffle Maker’s Design

KRUPS Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design: Premium Design & Build Quality
8.8
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)8.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
  • Control Panel (10%)9.5/10
9.9
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)10/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
  • Control Panel (10%)9.5/10

In The Box

What’s in the Box of the KRUPS Waffle Maker?
The all-black Chefman waffle maker next to its instruction manual and accessory (a cup for measuring batter).
  • Chefman waffle maker
  • Instruction manual and quick-start guide
  • A measuring cup

Besides the waffle maker itself, you will also get an instruction manual and a quick-start guide. A measuring cup is included to help you pour the correct amount of batter.

The KRUPS waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instruction manual.
  • The KRUPS waffle maker
  • Instruction manual

The box’s content is fairly basic, containing the waffle maker itself and a user manual. No extra accessory is included.

Dimensions & Weight of the Chefman Round Waffle Maker

Dimensions
The dimensions of the Chefman waffle maker. The length is 10.6 inches, height 4.35 inches, and width 8.3 inches.
  • Length:
    10.6" (26.9 cm)
  • Width:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)
  • Height:
    4.3" (11.0 cm)
  • Weight:
    3.6 lbs (1.7 kg)

The Chefman waffle maker is compact and lightweight. It doesn't take much space on our countertop or storage shelf. It can even be stored vertically with the aid of a convenient supporting foot at the back.

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:
    14.4" (36.6 cm)
  • Width:
    10.2" (25.9 cm)
  • Height:
    4.5" (11.4 cm)
  • Weight:
    9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)

Weighing over 9 pounds and having a rectangular shape measuring 14.4 inches long and 10.2 inches wide, the KRUPS is a hulk of a waffle maker. It takes a lot of space on the countertop, so finding enough storage space is always a problem. Plus, its weight makes transport a tiresome chore.

8.0

Build Quality

10
The black, plastic, clamp-style lid lock at the front of the Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian waffle maker.

Depending on the version you selected, the build materials will be different. The one we chose has a top lid made from a matte plastic material. In pricier versions, the top is made from stainless steel. The matte plastic exterior looks less attractive than stainless steel, but it’s less likely to scratch or defaces.

Overall, the build quality is good. The matte outer coating has a smooth, high-quality feel. Other components of the waffle maker are built durably.

We initially liked the elaborate lid-locking system, but it turned out to create some problems which we’ll detail below.

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

The build quality of this waffle maker is excellent. Its body is primarily constructed from lightweight plastic, but the top of the lid is made from steel. Typically, durability is a concern if a product is made from plastic. But it’s easy to look past that, considering how the plastic construction saves the waffle maker from being heavier than it already is.

Every part of the waffle maker looks well-built, especially the reinforced lid hinges.

10

Waffle Plates

10
An overview of the Chefman waffle maker’s cooking plates. The bottom plate has a large anti-overflow moat surrounding it.
An overview of the Chefman waffle maker’s cooking plates. The bottom plate has a large anti-overflow moat surrounding it.
The black, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Chefman waffle maker. An anti-overflow moat surrounds it to catch excess batter.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    54.11 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

This section gets a rare perfect score from us.

The non-stick coating works well. After it was cooked, the waffle fell off the plates easily and didn't stick. Additionally, we rarely found any debris stuck to the plates.

An "anti-spill" moat wraps around the bottom plate. The moat usually prevented the liquid batter from spilling onto the counter when the batter overflowed during our tests.

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
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    102.5 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    10.0" (25.4 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    10.3" (26.0 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The KRUPS waffle maker gets a perfect score in this section. The waffle plates are rectangular and segmented into four quadrants. Each quadrant can make a square-shaped waffle measuring 4.6 inches.

Both plates are coated with a layer of non-stick material. Unfortunately, KRUPS doesn’t disclose what non-stick they used for the plates, but there’s a good chance it’s Teflon. The non-stick layers work well enough and we did not have to deal with many cooking residues besides a few bits of debris.

The plates can be removed for easier cleaning. They can be detached via two red levers on the side. The user manual indicates that the waffle plates are dishwasher-safe. However, there are many reports of the KRUPS waffle maker’s non-stick coating becoming oxidized and worn out after they’re put through the dishwasher. Exercise caution.

9.5

Control Panel

9.5
Chefman Control Panel
Chefman Control Panel video
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    No
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    Yes

The control panel consists of two indicator lights and a browning control knob. The knob is tactile and makes a satisfying clicking sound as it turns.

This waffle maker would’ve gotten a perfect score if it had an audible alarm or a timer.

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
  • Audible Alarm:
    Yes
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    Yes

The control panel sits at the front of the waffle maker.

On the left are two indicator lights. The “ON” red light will light up when you plug it in. When the plates are well heated and ready for use, the green “READY” light will turn on, accompanied by an audible chime.

A small browning level control dial (temperature control) is featured on the right. It turns very smoothly and has five settings.

The only feature missing from the control panel is a built-in timer.

Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker’s Power Cord

KRUPS 4 Slice Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
A cord grommet at the bottom of the Chefman waffle maker. It helps the user manage the cord before putting it into storage.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.3 ft (0.7 m)
  • Cable Management:
    Yes

The power cord measures 18 inches long, which is shorter than average. You may find you need an extension cord.

The underside sports a pair of hooks that you can wrap the cord around and prep the waffle maker for storage.

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)
  • Length:
    2.1 ft (0.6 m)
  • Cable Management:
    Yes

The power cord is only 25 inches long, which is way shorter than average (around 30 inches). So you may have to use an extension cord.

At the bottom of the waffle maker, you will find a grommet that you can wrap the cord around for easier management and storage.

Measurement Cup

Accessories

N/A
A transparent plastic cup that comes with the Chefman waffle maker. It helps the user measure the batter to pour.
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The Chefman waffle maker comes with a measuring cup. You will find two markings on the cup that tell you the amount of batter you need to make a thin or thick waffle. This cup is dishwasher-safe.

On the handle is a notch that can be used to hang the cup to the side of the batter bowl.

  • Material:
    N/A
  • Removable:
    N/A
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    N/A

The KRUPS waffle maker does not come with any extra accessory.

Ease of Use

Chefman Belgian Anti-Overflow Waffle Maker Review

Krups 4 Slice Belgian Waffle Maker Review: Ease of Use
5.6
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)7.5/10
  • Safety (40%)2.5/10
  • Cleanability (25%)7.0/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
9.6
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.0/10
  • Safety (40%)9.7/10
  • Cleanability (25%)10/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
7.5

Handling

9.0
Chefman Anti-Overflow Handling video 1

Handling is acceptable. The waffle maker is easy to operate and the controls are simple. Most people can immediately get started using only the information on the one-page quick-start guide.

The lid opens and closes smoothly.

However, we deducted points due to the awkward locking system, which is integrated into the lid, facing downward. You have to bring your hand very close to the waffle maker's hot surfaces to unlock the lid. We burnt our fingers more than once trying to open it.

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

As we mentioned earlier, the waffle maker is straightforward to operate. The lock is situated at the front center of the machine, behind the handle. It is top-actuated, which means you must press the top of the lock instead of the bottom to open the lid. It’s a pretty intelligent design. You can grip the front handle, then work the lock by pushing inward with your knuckles.

When pushed, the lid will lean backward at an angle, preventing it from snapping close unexpectedly.

2.5

Safety

9.7
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s top lid is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 202.7°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s top lid is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 202.7°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s clamp handle is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 190.9°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s base is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 124.1°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    202°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    124°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    190°F

Besides the problem with the lid lock, the design of the bottom waffle plate makes it difficult to extract the waffle after cooking. The bottom plate is deep, so getting your tongs to the bottom is tricky. Sometimes, we had to use our hands to pry the waffle up, then pick it up with the tongs.

The top surface of the machine gets piping hot after several sessions, with a surface temperature of 202°F.

The bottom of the handle, where you need to put your hand to operate the lid lock, was dangerously hot at 190°F. This is hot enough to cause a burn injury. It is also why the Chefman waffle maker ultimately failed the performance test.

The front side, which most people will need to grip onto to transport the waffle maker, can get uncomfortably warm. We measured a surface temperature of 124°F. If you need to move the waffle maker, wait a few minutes for it to cool down.

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:
    176°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    127°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    89°F

After several cooking sessions, the top side becomes very hot. We measured a peak temperature of 176°F.

At 127°F, the bottom side of the KRUPS waffle maker is very warm to the touch.

The handle, separated from the baking chamber, is cool to the touch. Our thermometer registered a temperature of 89°F, which is at room temperature.

7.0

Cleanability

10
Excess batter spilling out of the Chefman waffle maker and into a pool at the base of the unit.
  • Machine-Washable: No

The anti-spill moat helps prevent spillage, but it is not infallible. Rather than relying on the moat, use the measuring cup to ensure that you pour in the correct amount.

Cleaning the waffle maker is difficult. The rubber outer coating can hold on to dried-out batter stubbornly. It took us several minutes of vigorous scrubbing with mild detergent to remove the worst of the dry, stuck-on batter. Even then, traces remained.

The waffle maker is easy to clean for most parts. Thanks to the highly effective non-stick coating on the waffle plates, cleaning them was as simple as wiping them down with paper towels. When thoroughness is needed, the plates can be detached and cleaned up separately.

There aren’t any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies on the waffle maker. The material of the waffle maker doesn’t aggressively grip onto the dried batter, either.

10

Indicator Light Visibility

10
The indicator lights of the Chefman waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the blue READY light.

The indicator lights are bright and can be seen even under harsh studio lighting.

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

The two indicator lights at the front are very bright and can be seen even under studio lighting.