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Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs Euro Cuisine WM520 Side-by-Side Comparison
Our Verdict
- Performance (50%)8.0/10
- Design (20%)9.2/10
- Ease of Use (30%)8.7/10
- Performance (50%)6.3/10
- Design (20%)9.8/10
- Ease of Use (30%)6.6/10
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.
Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker’s Performance
- Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.5/10
- Birch Benders Mix (50%)9.6/10
- Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.3/10
- Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.4/10
Self-Mixed Recipe
- Heat Level: 3
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
The Cuisinart waffle maker did a great job in the second version of the self-mixed recipe test. Compared to the result from the first attempt, the scores saw significant improvements. The coloring was darker than we’d prefer, but the crust wasn’t charred. And despite the texture being fairly mediocre, the waffle was flavorful, nevertheless.
Color (6.5/10) — 35%
- Color tone: Very dark brown — Light gold (Both sides)
- Color distribution: Even
The coloring was not optimal. Both sides of the waffle have a dark, toasted-looking appearance. The dark brown shading notably concentrated inside the waffle's wells and on the waffle's outer sections. Outside the wells and toward the center, the waffle has a very beautiful golden brown color.
Texture (5.5/10) — 25%
- Texture: Mediocre
- Aeration level: Low; bubbles were few and under-developed
Unfortunately, the texture was mediocre. Aeration was minimal, resulting in a fairly dense waffle that wasn’t as soft or spongy as we would have liked.
Taste (7/10) — 10%
- Flavor: Tasty; creamy from the butter and sweet, slightly salty
- Mouthfeel: Mushy due to the dense, un-aerated core
Despite the less-than-ideal coloring and texture, our chef gave the waffle a decent score. The addition of new ingredients to the recipe has fortified the waffle’s flavor profile. Alongside the usual sweetness of sugar, there was a rich, creamy taste of butter. And with one teaspoon of salt mixed in, the waffle also gained a slightly salty taste.
Overall, the WAF-F20P1 did a great job unlocking the batter's flavor profile.
- Heat Level: Medium-high
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes 30 seconds
The waffle has beautiful coloration: golden-brown on the outside with dark brown spots within the wells. However, the interior was mushy, which also affected the taste of the waffle by introducing a slight raw batter-like taste to its flavor profile.
Color (35%) — 7.5/10
- Color tone: Light brown
- Color distribution: Even
We rated the waffle to have great coloration. The outer crust had a light brown tone, and the diamond-shaped wells had a dark brown color. Examining the wells closely, we found that they weren’t charred, which is ideal.
Both sides of the waffle were roughly the same color, but the wells at the bottom were lighter-colored than the top.
Texture (25%) - 5/10
- Texture: Mediocre
- Aeration level: Low, minimal presence of air bubbles and air pockets
Though the outside of the waffle looked splendid, the interior was a different story. It was clear that the batter hadn’t had the chance to fully develop, judging by how mushy it still was.
The low aeration level was also apparent in the low number of air bubbles and air pockets within the waffle’s interior.
Taste (40%) - 6/10
- Flavor: Sweet and savory, with a hint of raw batter
- Mouthfeel: Soft and fluffy, but slightly dry
Our chef found the flavor of the waffle to be acceptable. The sweetness and the savory taste of the batter were there. However, there was also a slight taste of raw batter due to the undercooked interior, which effectively ruined the tasting experience.
Birch Benders Mix
- Heat Level: 3
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
The waffle maker performed wonderfully in our test with the Birch Benders mix. It is the first waffle maker so far to get two consecutive perfect scores from our chef. The coloration is excellent, with an evenly cooked golden-brown crust. The waffle's texture can still be improved, but ultimately very good. Taste-wise, though there were minor issues here and there (like an interior that's a bit too moist), our chef gave it a perfect score due to its great flavor and mouthfeel.
Color (10/10)
- Color tone: Golden brown
- Color distribution: Even
The coloration is one of the best we’ve seen. Thus, it got a perfect score in this section. The crust on both sides has a beautiful golden brown tone, distributed evenly across the entire waffle.
Texture (8.5/10)
- Texture: Excellent
- Aeration level: High; air bubbles were fully developed
The waffle has nicely developed. Air bubbles can be seen throughout the waffle’s core, which explains the soft and fluffy texture. Unfortunately, it is not perfect: the waffle still contains too much moisture.
Taste (10/10)
- Flavor: Sweet and slightly savory
- Mouthfeel: Soft and pliant
It is a delicious waffle with a sweet and savory flavor. The mouthfeel is excellent, with it being soft and pliant in the mouth.
Although, as previously mentioned, the texture is too moist, it didn’t affect the overall tasting experience much. Our chef was willing to overlook this detail to give the waffle a full score.
- Heat Level: Medium-high
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes 30 seconds
The Euro Cuisine WM520 managed to carry over the same level of performance it displayed in the self-mixed recipe test to this second test. The coloration—slightly lighter than in the previous test—was still considered good. Texturally, the waffle has a marginally better aeration rate compared to the waffle from the previous test. It resulted in a slightly better taste score from our chef due to the improved softness.
Color (35%) — 7/10
- Color result: Light brown (Both)
- Color distribution: Even
Both sides of the waffle were covered in a light brown-gold crust. While beautiful, it was a smidge lighter than ideal, resulting in a slightly lower score than the waffle made from our self-mixed recipe. Within the diamond-shaped wells of the waffle, the coloring was an attractive light brown.
Texture (25%) — 5.5/10
- Texture: Mediocre
- Aeration level: Low, few air bubbles
The aeration rate of the waffle remained low, but it still has more air pockets spread out throughout the interior than the waffle from the previous test. Texturally, the waffle was moist and mushy.
Taste (40%) — 6.5/10
- Flavor: Savory, slightly sweet
- Mouthfeel: Fairly soft, but mushy
Due to the improved texture, the tasting experience was also better. Since the Birch Benders mix had a different composition than our self-mixed recipe, the flavor was different too. It was more savory and less sweet, but tasty nonetheless.
Though the waffle was still considered mushy, our chef welcomed the soft texture.
Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design
- Build Quality (60%)9.0/10
- Waffle Plates (30%)9.5/10
- Control Panel (10%)9.5/10
- Build Quality (60%)9.0/10
- Waffle Plates (35%)10/10
- Control Panel (10%)9.5/10
What’s in the Box of the Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker
- Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker
- User manuals
- Measuring cup
The shipping box includes the waffle maker, the user manual and quick-start guides, and a measuring cup.
- Euro Cuisine WM520 waffle maker
- Instruction manual
In the box are the waffle maker itself and an instruction manual. No other accessory is included.
Dimensions
- Length:15.0" (38.1 cm)
- Width:9.5" (24.1 cm)
- Height:9.0" (22.9 cm)
- Weight:12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)
Due to the double-sided design, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is larger and bulkier than your average waffle maker. Additionally, because it is primarily made of metal, it’s also heavier than most, coming in at 12 pounds. Moving the waffle maker in and out of storage is difficult.
- Length:10.0" (25.4 cm)
- Width:8.0" (20.3 cm)
- Height:4.5" (11.4 cm)
- Weight:4.0 lbs (1.8 kg)
The Euro Cuisine WM520 has an average size relative to other standard-size waffle makers in our database. It weighs 4 pounds and has a broad body that measures 10 inches long and 8 inches wide. Thus, it will take up quite a lot of space on your countertop.
Since it’s roughly the same size as the average Belgian or classic-style waffle maker, it shouldn’t be any more challenging to store.
Build Quality
Build quality is good. Many of the machine’s parts are made of stainless steel, such as the lid shells. They give the machine an aesthetically-pleasing look and a luxurious shine.
However, only some parts are made from metal. The outer rim of the base, as well as the supporting legs, are made from plastic. They’re merely painted silver to mimic the look of brushed metal. Cuisinart didn’t disclose this information in the marketing spread, which has angered many customers.
The build quality of the unit is very decent.
The outer chrome plate has a mirror finish, which looks stunning out of the box. However, like with any other mirror-finished surface, we noticed that it’s highly susceptible to scratches and fingerprints. Oil splashes during cooking can also cause faint black stains on the lid.
Due to being mounted on a pair of loose hinges, the lid tends to wobble when in use.
The chrome-plated lid aside, other components like the control panel and the bottom casing are made from plastic. The front handle is also made from plastic and is rubberized to protect the user from the heat.
Underneath the handle is a rubber piece that comes off very easily, only needing a light tug. Behind it is a pair of screws. We presume the screws are to attach the handle to the front of the lid. It’s a clever way to hide the hideous screws and make the design look seamless.
However, many people may throw it away, not knowing what it does since Euro Cuisine did not mention it in the manual. Or, it could be easily lost due to its size and how it comes off so readily.
Waffle Plates
- Number of Plates:4
- Grid Pattern:Belgian-style
- Plate Area:36.32 inches2
- Plate Length:6.8" (17.3 cm)
- Plate Width:6.8" (17.3 cm)
- Material:Cast aluminum
- Non Stick Coating:Yes
- Removable:No
- Dishwasher Safe:No
Cuisinart designed and constructed the waffle plates well. They’re made from cast aluminum and coated with a non-stick Teflon layer.
Our temperature tests found that both sets of waffle plates heated evenly. Most of the time, they were at the same temperature.
Unfortunately, the waffle plates aren’t removable, so they’re tricky to clean.
- Number of Plates:2
- Grid Pattern:Norwegian-style
- Plate Area:50.27 inches2
- Plate Length:8.0" (20.3 cm)
- Plate Width:8.0" (20.3 cm)
- Material:Cast aluminum
- Non Stick Coating:Yes
- Removable:No
- Dishwasher Safe:No
The waffle plates are built remarkably well. The patterning on the plates is clear and precise. Within each heart-shaped segment are several “spikes” in the shape of diamonds. They are responsible for creating the wells on the final waffle. Each spike is sharp and well-built.
According to Euro Cuisine, the plates are coated with a layer of non-stick ceramic. Additionally, it’s completely PFOA and PTFE-free. In our test, the coating worked well enough that we never had to deal with a sticky waffle.
Control Panel
- Indicator Lights:Yes
- Audible Alarm:Yes
- Timer:No
- Browning Control:Yes
The control panel consists of a temperature knob and a power switch. Both are easy to use.
There are two indicator lights on either side of the waffle maker. These green lights (READY lights) turn on when the waffle plates have been heated to the correct temperature. This model also comes with an audible alarm, which beeps when the waffle maker is ready.
The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 does not have a POWER indicator to show if it’s receiving power. We had to hold a hand over the warming waffle plates to confirm the machine was getting power. Not only is that a hassle, but it’s also a possible safety issue. If you’re not in a hurry, you can always wait to see if the READY lights illuminate.
- Indicator Lights:Yes
- Audible Alarm:No
- Timer:No
- Browning Control:Yes
The control panel consists of two indicator lights and a browning control knob.
The knob is tactile and makes a satisfying clicking sound as it turns. There are markings on the dial, which correspond to four heating modes.
These amount to a MIN and a MAX mode. In-between are two unnamed heating modes marked with one and two dots. For easier identification, we named these settings “Medium” and “Medium High,” respectively.
Above the dial are two indicator lights; each one is marked. A red POWER button turns on when you plug in the unit. The yellow READY button at the back will turn on once the plates are heated and ready for use.
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
- Plug Style:Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
- Length:2.6 ft (0.8 m)
- Cable Management:Yes
The power cord of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 measures 31 inches long, which is reasonable. Underneath the base, you’ll find a pair of hooks inside a large enclosure. You can wrap the power cord around the hooks, then nestle the cord bundle into the compartment. It makes storage neater.
- Plug Style:Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
- Length:2.3 ft (0.7 m)
- Cable Management:Yes
The power cord is relatively short, measuring around 26.5 inches. You will need an extension cord if it can’t reach an outlet in your kitchen. The user manual has more information on what type of extension cord you can use with the waffle maker.
Underneath the waffle maker is a convenient cord wrap that you can use to make storage simpler.
Accessories
- Material:Plastic
- Removable:Yes
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 comes with a dishwasher-safe measuring cup.
- Material:N/A
- Removable:N/A
- Dishwasher Safe:N/A
The Euro Cuisine WM520 doesn’t come with any accessories.
Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker WAF-F20P1 Review
- Handling (25%)9.0/10
- Safety (40%)9.5/10
- Cleanability (25%)6.5/10
- Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
- Handling (25%)8.5/10
- Safety (40%)2.5/10
- Cleanability (25%)10/10
- Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
Handling
The lid opens and closes smoothly. An intuitive lid lock mechanism secures the lid. The lock disengages on its own when you pull the handle upward. The safety will click into place again when you close the lid.
The waffle iron section rotates smoothly and easily. However, it is heavy, so it takes a little force.
The Euro Cuisine WM520 is rather straightforward to use. Tune the browning dial to the desired setting, wait for the READY light to come on, then load in the batter. If you have used a waffle maker before, you should be able to do everything without consulting the user manual.
During our test, the wobbly lid was a point of annoyance. Fortunately, the wobbling motion wasn’t serious enough for it to become an obstruction or an outright safety problem.
Safety
- Top Side Temperature:234°F
- Bottom Side Temperature:85°F
- Handle Temperature:105°F
The most noteworthy issue is the lack of a POWER light, which, as we mentioned earlier, is a safety risk.
Other than that, the waffle maker is safe to use. The lid is rock-solid and won’t snap down suddenly. After several cooking sessions, the handle was only warm to the touch (105°F).
The top side measures around 234°F.
Because the base is removed from the waffle maker’s body, it remains at room temperature (89°F).
- Top Side Temperature:146.8°F
- Bottom Side Temperature:107.6°F
- Handle Temperature:137.8°F
The Euro Cuisine WM520 gets a fairly low score in this section. The entire waffle maker became piping hot after only three cooking sessions.
In particular, the control panel area became so hot that we had to use oven mitts to safely turn the browning control dial. Using a thermometer, we recorded a temperature of 146.8°F. You could receive a burn injury if you held your bare fingers there for only a few seconds.
The temperature at the bottom of the waffle maker was, fortunately, merely warm at 107.6°F.
The handle is our most serious concern. After three cooking sessions, it had already heated up to a toasty 137.8°F. which may result in a minor burn. So, wear your oven mitts while handling the waffle maker.
Cleanability
The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 doesn’t come with a drip tray, so spills weren’t easy to clean up. We also found it very difficult to clean the side of the waffle maker once the batter had solidified. The batter’s grip on the metal was so firm that we had to use detergent to get it off. Even after getting the clumps off, we could still see residue.
The waffle plates were easy to clean, thanks to their non-stick layer. Cooked waffles usually slid cleanly off the plates. Leftover crumbs and debris could be quickly swept up with paper towels.
The non-stick layer on the waffle plates makes it very easy to clean. In our performance tests, very little debris or residue was left behind. Any leftover could be easily wiped off with a clean cloth.
In the case of a batter spill: as the exterior of the waffle maker is made from smooth plastic, the dried-out batter doesn’t stick. We only had to apply a little bit of detergent and scrub lightly with a cloth to knock any dried batter traces loose.
Indicator Light Visibility
The READY lights can be seen clearly, even under harsh studio lighting.
The indicator lights are bright. They can be seen from afar and underneath harsh studio lighting.