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Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs KRUPS Belgian 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%)2.9/10
- Design (20%)9.9/10
- Ease of Use (30%)9.6/10
Both models are considered high-end due to their pricing. However, due to the various performance issues we observed with the KRUPS during our test, the recommendation goes to the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double. This may change later as we perform further tests with the KRUPS.
Most notably, the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker is the only model to fail our performance test so far. In the test with the premade waffle mix, it was unable to cook an edible waffle. After 10 minutes, the batter inside still hadn’t developed into a waffle and was still semi-liquid.
The KRUPS’ performance level was the direct opposite of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker, which is still the best-performing model we have tested. All of its waffles came out perfect with good coloration and texture. And our chefs loved the consistently flavorful taste profile.
The KRUPS and the Cuisinart are compatriots in the design department. Both models are beautifully designed with a high build quality.
Cuisinart Double Waffle Maker’s Performance
- Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.5/10
- Birch Benders Mix (50%)9.6/10
- Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)5.8/10
- Birch Benders Mix (50%)0/10
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: Between 2 and 3
- Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Considering this waffle maker's price and glamorous look, the waffle it produced was quite disappointing. The coloration is pale and unremarkable. Our chef gave the texture a low score due to the waffle’s dense core with next to no air bubbles to help soften it up. In terms of flavor, the mushiness of the waffle ruined the flavor profile by introducing a raw batter-like taste.
Color (35%) — 6
- Color tone: Very light gold (Both)
- Color distribution: Even
Though a section of the crust has a dark brown color, most have a very light gold tone. The pale coloring of the waffle looked as if it was still undercooked. Fortunately, this is only by appearance. The waffle has been cooked thoroughly.
Texture (25%) — 5
- Texture: Mediocre
- Aeration level: Low; air bubbles were few as well as being very small in sizes
The texture was pretty disappointing. The waffle was still dense on the inside despite being left to cook for over 7 minutes. The result was a very chewy waffle. In certain spots, the waffle was even mushy.
Taste (40%) — 5.5
- Flavor: Sweet and buttery, but there’s also the taste of raw batter mixed in
- Mouthfeel: Mushy
Our chef still noticed the sweet, buttery taste of the batter. However, the underdeveloped interior of the waffle greatly affected the tasting experience by introducing the bland taste of raw batter into the flavor profile.
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: Maximum (5)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Since we never managed to make an edible waffle with the KRUPS in this test, all three score fields are 0. The waffle has a pale, almost-white color of raw batter. The texture is mushy. And since it hasn’t fully cooked just yet, the taste is atrocious.
Color (35%) — 0
- Color tone: Pale gold (Both)
- Color distribution: Even
Coloring is unspectacular. We repeated the tests several times, yet the waffle always came out with a sickly pale yellow tone.
Texture (25%) — 0
- Texture: Bad
- Aeration level: Low; air bubbles were virtually non-existent
The aeration level is very low. When we cut the waffle, an undercooked interior is exposed. Not only are there next to no air bubbles, but we could still see “fillings” of raw batter in the waffle’s interior.
Texture-wise, it is incredibly mushy to the point of being runny. It almost seemed like the waffle was still in a semi-liquid state.
Taste (40%) — 0
- Flavor: Cloying taste of raw batter
- Mouthfeel: Mushy
It was evident from the start that the waffle was inedible. It tasted terrible, with the distinct raw egg-like flavor of uncooked batter.
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%)10/10
- Waffle Plates (30%)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.
- The KRUPS waffle maker
- Instruction manual
The box’s content is fairly basic, containing the waffle maker itself and a user manual. No extra 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:14.4" (36.6 cm)
- Width:10.2" (25.9 cm)
- Height:4.5" (11.4 cm)
- Weight:9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)
Weighing over 9 pounds and having a rectangular shape measuring 14.4 inches long and 10.2 inches wide, the KRUPS is a hulk of a waffle maker. It takes a lot of space on the countertop, so finding enough storage space is always a problem. Plus, its weight makes transport a tiresome chore.
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 this waffle maker is excellent. Its body is primarily constructed from lightweight plastic, but the top of the lid is made from steel. Typically, durability is a concern if a product is made from plastic. But it’s easy to look past that, considering how the plastic construction saves the waffle maker from being heavier than it already is.
Every part of the waffle maker looks well-built, especially the reinforced lid hinges.
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:Belgian-style
- Plate Area:102.5 inch2
- Plate Length:10.0" (25.4 cm)
- Plate Width:10.3" (26.0 cm)
- Material:Cast aluminum
- Non Stick Coating:Yes
- Removable:Yes
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
The KRUPS waffle maker gets a perfect score in this section. The waffle plates are rectangular and segmented into four quadrants. Each quadrant can make a square-shaped waffle measuring 4.6 inches.
Both plates are coated with a layer of non-stick material. Unfortunately, KRUPS doesn’t disclose what non-stick they used for the plates, but there’s a good chance it’s Teflon. The non-stick layers work well enough and we did not have to deal with many cooking residues besides a few bits of debris.
The plates can be removed for easier cleaning. They can be detached via two red levers on the side. The user manual indicates that the waffle plates are dishwasher-safe. However, there are many reports of the KRUPS waffle maker’s non-stick coating becoming oxidized and worn out after they’re put through the dishwasher. Exercise caution.
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:Yes
- Timer:No
- Browning Control:Yes
The control panel sits at the front of the waffle maker.
On the left are two indicator lights. The “ON” red light will light up when you plug it in. When the plates are well heated and ready for use, the green “READY” light will turn on, accompanied by an audible chime.
A small browning level control dial (temperature control) is featured on the right. It turns very smoothly and has five settings.
The only feature missing from the control panel is a built-in timer.
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:2.1 ft (0.6 m)
- Cable Management:Yes
The power cord is only 25 inches long, which is way shorter than average (around 30 inches). So you may have to use an extension cord.
At the bottom of the waffle maker, you will find a grommet that you can wrap the cord around for easier management and storage.
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 KRUPS waffle maker does not come with any extra accessory.
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%)9.0/10
- Safety (40%)9.7/10
- 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.
As we mentioned earlier, the waffle maker is straightforward to operate. The lock is situated at the front center of the machine, behind the handle. It is top-actuated, which means you must press the top of the lock instead of the bottom to open the lid. It’s a pretty intelligent design. You can grip the front handle, then work the lock by pushing inward with your knuckles.
When pushed, the lid will lean backward at an angle, preventing it from snapping close unexpectedly.
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:176°F
- Bottom Side Temperature:127°F
- Handle Temperature:89°F
After several cooking sessions, the top side becomes very hot. We measured a peak temperature of 176°F.
At 127°F, the bottom side of the KRUPS waffle maker is very warm to the touch.
The handle, separated from the baking chamber, is cool to the touch. Our thermometer registered a temperature of 89°F, which is at room temperature.
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 waffle maker is easy to clean for most parts. Thanks to the highly effective non-stick coating on the waffle plates, cleaning them was as simple as wiping them down with paper towels. When thoroughness is needed, the plates can be detached and cleaned up separately.
There aren’t any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies on the waffle maker. The material of the waffle maker doesn’t aggressively grip onto the dried batter, either.
Indicator Light Visibility
The READY lights can be seen clearly, even under harsh studio lighting.
The two indicator lights at the front are very bright and can be seen even under studio lighting.