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Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

The Hamilton Beach 26031 and the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 are very similar to each other in terms of performance and value. So, which one to pick? See our analysis.

By , , and Updated

Cuisinart Double

Hamilton Beach 26031

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs Hamilton Beach 26031

Overall Verdict

8.4
Overall Score
8.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)8.0
  • Design (20%)9.2
  • Ease of Use (30%)8.7
  • Performance (50%)6.9
  • Design (20%)9.7
  • Ease of Use (30%)9.7

The Hamilton Beach 26031 is quite similar to the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker in terms of performance and overall build quality. The only notable difference between them is the Hamilton Beach 26031’s single-sided design, with the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being double-sided.

In our performance tests, both models were decent performers. The Hamilton Beach 26031 passed the test with a “good” assessment. The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 did even better, receiving an “excellent” score. Both will be able to give you edible, tasty waffles (with the waffle made by the WAF-F20P1 being slightly better).

We don’t have much to complain about the build quality of these two. Both are in the mid to high-end range. So, they’re built from the best materials, such as stainless steel and ceramic. The craftsmanship is impeccable, too.

Overall, it comes down to whether you want the ability to cook two waffles consecutively or not. If you do, the WAF-F20P1 will be a good choice. Else, go for the Hamilton Beach 26031.

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
  • Luxurious aesthetic by incorporating premium materials (stainless steel and ceramic)
  • Does a great job in all of our performance tests
  • Removable and washable waffle plates
  • Easy to clean thanks to the included drip tray
  • 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
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
6
None
Dimensions
L15 x W9.5 x H9 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing, aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
6 ¾ inches
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy?

Price at publication
$101.95
$57.79

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.0
6.9

Self Recipe

6.5
6.8
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Self-Mixed Recipe
The top side of a waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 in 5 minutes
The top crust of a waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker in 5 minutes
The golden core of the waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker.
The waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being torn by hand to test its consistency and texture.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Self-Made Recipe Video
The dark brown top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The mottled, dark brown bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The interior of the 5-minute waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 is shown, revealing large air cavities.
The waffle made by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 5-minute is torn up by hands to test for consistency and texture.
Heat Level
3
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

9.6
7.1
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Birch Benders Mix
The golden brown top side of the waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double flip waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The golden brown bottom side of the waffle made by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The fluffy interior of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 that’s visibly filled with air bubbles.
The waffle produced by the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is being torn by hand to test for its consistency and texture.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Birch Benders Mix Video
The light gold top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
The light gold bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
A close-up of the interior of the waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 6 minutes, filled with air bubbles and small cavities.
The 6-minute waffle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is torn in half by hands to test for the consistency and texture.
Heat Level
3
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.2
9.7

In The Box

The silver Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker sitting on a table next to its user manuals and a measuring cup.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user manual.

Dimensions

The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker dimension measurement chart. Its length is noted as 15 inches, width is 9.5 inches, and its height is 9 inches.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Dimension Video
Length
15.0" (38.1 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
9.5" (24.1 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
9.0" (22.9 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

9.0
9.5
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Build Quality Video
A close-up view of the spring and internal mechanisms of the rotating hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker.
A close-up view of the rotating hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker.
A close-up shot of the Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker (26031) control panel section made from black plastic, with the browning control knob and the indicator lights in focus.

Waffle Plates

9.5
10
An overview of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
An overview of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s black, Belgian-style waffle plates.
A top-down view of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 waffle maker’s black, Belgian-style cooking plates.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the bronze-color, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Hamilton Beach flip Belgian waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the yellow waffle plate release latch on the top handle of the Hamilton Beach waffle maker with removable plates 26031.
The gray, metallic heating elements of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is revealed after the ceramic, bronze-colored waffle plates are taken off.
Number of Plates
4
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
36.32 inches
50.27 inch
Plate Length
6.8" (17.3 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
6.8" (17.3 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

9.5
10
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Control Panel Video
A close-up of the control panel of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian waffle maker, with the silvery browning control knob to the left and the black power switch to the right.
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Control Panel video
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
Yes
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

A close-up of the power plug of the Cuisinart Double waffle maker WAF-F20P1’s power plug.
A close-up of the power cord of the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker, focused on the prongs of the plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
Yes
No

Extra Accessory

The included batter measuring cup of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1. It is made from
The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Removable
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.7
9.7

Handling

9.0
9.5

Safety

9.5
10
The temperature of the back hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being measured by a thermometer, which reads 234.6°F.
The temperature of the back hinges of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 being measured by a thermometer, which reads 234.6°F.
Temperature of the front control panel of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is being taken using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 85.6°F.
Temperature of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1’s top lid being measured using a thermometer, which reads 105.8°F during a thermal safety test.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the cool-touch handle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 90.3°F.
The temperature on the Hamilton Beach 26031’s base is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 88.3°F.
Top Side Temperature
234°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
105°F
 88°F

Cleanability

6.5
9.5
The silver Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 with excess batter overflowing and dripping down from both sets of cooking plates on the waffle maker.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

10
9.0
The green READY button of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is on, indicating that the plates are heated and ready to use.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A view of the green READY light at the back of the Hamilton Beach 26031 when it’s flipped over.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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