CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini vs KRUPS Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison
Can’t decide what to buy between the Crownful 4-inch Mini and the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker? This side-by-side comparison will help!
Specifications
Design
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.
Contrary to its performance, the KRUPS waffle maker has one of the best designs and overall build quality in our database. From the sturdy, stainless steel top lid to the solid weight and feel of the machine, it's clear just by looking at it that the KRUPS is a high-end waffle maker.
But it's more than just good looks that sets this model apart from basic models. It comes with removable waffle plates that provide added convenience. There's an audible alarm that can help you monitor the cooking process more easily.
Usability Comparison
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.
The KRUPS waffle maker has outstanding safety ratings. During our thermal safety tests, all of the oft-touched surfaces on the waffle maker (the handle, the lid, and the bottom side) are all cool. It’s very easy to clean and boasts user-friendly features like straightforward controls and an audible chime that make it easier to interact with the machine. We also like the oversized handle and lid lock, which greatly enhance the user experience.
Performance Test
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.
By June 2022, the KRUPS waffle maker was the sole model that failed our performance test. It miserably earned last place on our rankings after its inability to cook self-made batter and even worse, transforming Birch Benders mix into an inedible mush in the second test.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- 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
- Solidly built from high-quality materials
- Able to cook four waffles simultaneously
- The waffle plates’ non-stick coating works great
- Controls are straightforward to use
- Easy to clean
- Fairly mediocre performance in our performance tests
- Does not have a control panel
- Low safety rating
- Waffle’s quality is mediocre in the self-mixed recipe test
- Failed at producing an edible waffle in the test with the Birch Benders mix
- Power cord is too short
Conclusion
The Crownful 4-inch Mini waffle maker has an entirely different usage than the KRUPS Belgian. Thanks to its compact and lightweight form, the Crownful is super popular among travelers. Plus, it’s also a great choice for people who only need a waffle maker to bake snacks throughout the day. The 4-inch waffles it bakes are perfect for this purpose!
On the other hand, the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker has a large, suitcase-like design. It stands out from the Crownful 4-inch Mini by being able to cook four 4-inch square waffles at once. This makes it a great choice for large families and others who might need to cook a lot of waffles regularly.
Unfortunately, the KRUPS Belgian is hobbled by bad cooking performance. So far, it is the worst-performing model in our database.
As a result, in this pair, we lean more toward recommending the Crownful 4-inch Mini. If you want the bulk-cooking ability of the KRUPS Belgian, look into alternatives like the DASH No-Drip Belgian instead.
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.
