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CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

This pair is comparable in size and design, as well as performance. So, which one to choose? Here’s our side-by-side analysis.

By , , , and ·Updated

CROWNFUL Mini

Nostalgia Mini

CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ: A Close Match

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use CROWNFUL MiniNostalgia Mini6.96.38.86.66.76.38.46.3
Showing: 2/2 Items

It can be difficult to choose between the CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ. Not only are they in the same size class, but they also have comparable design quality and performance.

The CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ scored mediocrely in our cooking tests. The waffles they created only have average coloring, texture, and taste. But if you don’t require restaurant-quality waffles for your morning breakfasts, either will do just fine.

The build quality of the two models is adequate. Though they have good build quality, their appearances look quite cheap due to their plastic construction. But it’s to be expected, considering how both models are budget products.

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
  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • Fairly mediocre performance in our performance tests
  • Does not have a control panel
  • Low safety rating
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, patterned top lid, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
None
N/A
Dimensions
L5.7 x W5.12 x H3.15 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1 pound
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$12.95
$15.18

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

7.2
6.8
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Self-Mixed Recipe
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The cross-section of a waffle baked in 5 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle is torn down the middle by hands in order to test it for its consistency and texture. This particular waffle was baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes. The interior is filled with air bubbles and cavities.
The waffle is torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency, revealing the spongy inner core.
Heat Level
N/A
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

5.3
5.9
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix, revealing the small air bubbles and cavities within the waffle.
A waffle is torn by hand down the middle to test it for its consistency and texture. This waffle was baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle, baked for 8 minutes, being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency, revealing the fluffy interior.
Heat Level
N/A
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.8
8.4

In the Box

The Crownful 4 inch waffle maker in the middle, with its warranty card, instruction manuals, and shipping box around it.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

Dimensions

A side profile of the black Crownful compact waffle maker, with the patterned top lid and the wood-tone handle in the front visible.
The side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
5.7" (14.5 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
5.1" (13.0 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
3.1" (8.0 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

10
9.0
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Build Quality
Crowful waffle maker’s lid, with the center indicator light and the patterning made up of concentric circles visible. The wood-like handle in front is inscribed with the word “Crownful”.
A zoomed-in shot of the Crownful 4 inch waffle maker’s lid hinge.
The back of the Crownful waffle maker’s lid hinge. It is currently in the closed position.
The rubber, anti-slip feet at the bottom of the Crownful mini waffle maker.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini Build Quality
A close-up shot of the hinges of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s lid.
The back end of the Nostalgia Mini waffle maker (MWF5AQ). A section of the lid hinges can be seen, along with the power cord.
The bottom side of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, with the two anti-slip feet in the foreground and wide back foot in the background.

Waffle Plates

9.5
10
A top-down view of one of the waffle plates of the Crownful waffle maker.
A top-down view of one of the waffle plates of the Crownful waffle maker.
A top-down view of both the Crownful’s black waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
12.57 inch
15.9 inches
Plate Length
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

0.0
0.0
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
No

Power Cord

A zoomed-up view of the Crownful mini waffle maker’s power plug and its Type-A prongs.
The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
Cable Management
No
Yes

Accessories

Material
N/A
N/A
Removable
N/A
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
N/A
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.6
6.3

Handling

8.5
7.5

Safety

2.5
2.5
The surface temperature of the Crownful waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 187.9°F.
The surface temperature of the Crownful waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 187.9°F.
The temperature of the Crownful’s bottom is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 129.6°F.
The temperature of the Crownful’s front handle is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 188.4°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 127.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 149.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
187.9°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
129.6°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
188.4°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

Indicator Light Visibility

10
10
The red indicator light at the center of the lid of the Crownful waffle maker, shining dimly.
The red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.

Behind the Comparison

Headshot of Matthew Lee
Matthew LeeReviewer

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.

Headshot of Lap Vo
Lap VoTest Lead

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.

Headshot of Tuyet Pham
Tuyet PhamProfessional Chef

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.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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