Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Side-by-Side Comparison
What to pick between the full-size Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double and the mini-size Crownful 4-inch? Here’s our side-by-side comparison.
Specifications
Design
Thanks to its mostly-metal construction, the design of this waffle maker is undeniably solid and aesthetically pleasing. However, certain parts have been crafted from silver-painted plastic rather than actual metal.
While the waffle plates are effective and the control panel is easy to use, there are still a few minor issues that prevent them from getting a perfect overall score.
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
Handling the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is a breeze with its easy-to-use locking system and smooth rotating mechanism. The handy indicator lights are bright enough to help you monitor the cooking process, even under harsh lighting or far away.
Despite its excellence, this device isn't completely perfect. One shortcoming is its lack of a POWER light that would give an extra safety warning. Additionally, it can be tough to clean after each use.
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
This waffle maker gets a passing score. It wasn’t restaurant-quality by any means, and there were plenty of flaws in terms of coloration and texture. Nonetheless, the WAF-F20P1 still produced a decent waffle in our self-mixed recipe 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.
Overall Scores
Pros & Cons
- Strong cooking performance across all tests
- Beautiful, durable stainless steel design
- Comprehensive control panel with audible alarm
- Intuitive lid locking mechanism
- Comes with a batter 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
- Mediocre performance with self-mixed recipe
- Heavy and bulky
- Certain parts are made of plastic
- Lacks a POWER indicator light
- Difficult to clean due to the lack of a drip tray
- Fairly mediocre performance in our performance tests
- Does not have a control panel
- Low safety rating
Conclusion
The Cuisinart WA-F20P1 is a full-size, high-end Belgian waffle maker. Meanwhile, the Crownful 4-inch is a mini-size waffle maker aimed mostly at people shopping on a budget.
Looking at the test data, we can see clear disparities between the two.
In our performance tests, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 received excellent scores. It is currently the highest-performing model in our line-up of top waffle makers.
On the other hand, the Crownful 4-inch Mini waffle maker scores were mediocre. The waffles it produced weren’t terrible, but they weren’t gourmet, either. If you’re looking for a basic breakfast-making machine, the Crownful will do the trick.
Design-wise, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is big and bulky. It’s for home use only.
As for the Crownful, since it is a mini waffle maker, it is extremely lightweight and compact. Easily fitting inside a backpack, you can bring it with you on trips to make waffles on the go if you want!
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.
