Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs Euro Cuisine WM520 Side-by-Side Comparison
Which is better to buy, the high-end Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 or the Norwegian-style Euro Cuisine WM520 waffle maker? Here’s an analysis.
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 Euro Cuisine WM520 has a luxe, chrome-plated housing. It gives the waffle maker a very luxurious appearance.
Though overall construction is sound, the flimsy lid hinges could do some refinement. Positioned on top of the lid is an intuitive control panel that pairs a dial for adjusting browning levels with two indicator lights (one for power, one for the ready status of the waffle maker).
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 Euro Cuisine WM520's sole control input is the browning control dial, which lets you set the desired browning level by tuning it. Two indicator lights at the top inform you how far along your food is in cooking. Once you're finished cooking, the non-stick coating on the plates helps simplify cleaning.
Unfortunately, it didn't fare well in our safety test due to an alarmingly hot handle. Still, that doesn't detract from its overall ease of use and convenience.
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.
Using the Euro Cuisine WM520, we were pleased with its consistent performance throughout our tests. Although not of five-star quality, the fluffy waffles would still be an ideal accompaniment to any breakfast table.
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
- Did a passable job in our self-mixed recipe test
- Luxurious design with chrome lid
- Easy to use control panel with clicky, responsive browning level dial
- Eco-friendly PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic coating on the plates
- Excellent cleanability
- 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
- Loose lid hinges
- The rubber screw protectors can be easily lost
- Many surfaces of the waffle maker became scorching hot after two-three cooking sessions
Conclusion
If you have a decent budget and don’t mind paying extra in return for quality, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 represents an excellent investment. It has a premium double-sided design that allows it to cook two waffles at once. It also has high-end features like an audible alarm to help you keep track of the cooking process.
The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is also one of the best-performing waffle makers in our database. It manages to cook beautiful, tasty waffles almost every time.
On the other hand, the Euro Cuisine WM520 has a far more modest (but still good-looking design).
The highlight of this model is that it bakes Norwegian-style, heart-shaped waffles, which are a staple in many places during Christmas and other festive times of the year. But it’s also fun to cook heart-shaped waffles for breakfasts and daily meals.
Its performance isn’t as great as the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1, but the quality should still be acceptable for most people.
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.
