Chefman Anti-Overflow vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison
Don’t know which one to choose between the Chefman Anti-Overflow and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ? 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 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
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 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
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.
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
- 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
- Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
- High build quality; solid lid hinges
- Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
- Didn’t perform well on self-mixed recipe
- Awkward and potentially dangerous lid lock
- Too many hot surfaces
- Can be difficult to clean
- No control feature
- Oven mitts are required for handling
Conclusion
It’s easy to choose between these two since they have different uses. The Chefman Anti-Overflow waffle maker is a standard-size Belgian waffle maker. It makes the large 7-inch waffles that we know and love.
The Nostalgia MWF5AQ, on the other hand, is a mini-size waffle maker. The entire unit is no larger than a softball and can fit snugly into the palm of your hand. This makes it a popular choice for travelers and hikers who want to have freshly baked waffles on the go. The 4-inch waffles it makes can also be served as light snacks at home, any time of the day.
So, while deciding which one to buy, consider the size of the waffle maker. Would you prefer a standard-size Belgian waffle maker that can make large, more filling waffles, or a more versatile and portable mini-size waffle maker that serves small ones?
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.
