Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison
Wondering what to choose between the high-end Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 and the entry-level Nostalgia MWF5AQ mini waffle maker? Here’s our detailed 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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ is quite impressive out of the box with its eye-catching "Aqua" light blue color. The plastic construction is expected from such an affordable and compact model, but it doesn't feel cheap.
One drawback to this product is that it lacks a control panel. You only get an indicator light at the top, which helps you track the cooking process.
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 Nostalgia is extremely easy to use since it has no control panel — wait until the top indicator light signals that your plates are heated, then pour in the batter and begin cooking.
Safety is a concern, as with most mini models we’ve tested. After a few cooking sessions, the whole waffle maker becomes piping hot. To handle it, you need to wear oven mitts.
Cleanability is great. The plastic housing doesn’t grip aggressively onto the dried batter. The non-stick coating on the waffle plates also works very well to prevent messy batter residues.
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.
To our surprise, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ proved to be one of the top performers in the mini category within our database. In our self-mixed recipe, the waffle that it churned out was delicious, according to our chef. While the waffle it made with the Birch Benders mix wasn’t quite as good in most respects (besides texture), it’s still considered palatable.
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
- Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
- High build quality; solid lid hinges
- Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
- 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
- No control feature
- Oven mitts are required for handling
Conclusion
Differing in pricing, size, and performance, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double waffle maker and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ couldn't be more unalike.
Being the higher-end model of the two, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 has far better cooking performance. It has the best performance score on our tests so far. Meanwhile, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s performance scores only stop at the “acceptable” mark.
The Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is a full-size, double-sided Belgian waffle maker. So, it can make two 7-inch waffles at once.
The Nostalgia MWF5AQ is a mini waffle maker designed and built to be as compact as possible. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and can only make 4-inch waffles.
So, there are two separate usages. If you need a waffle maker loaded with the best features and has great cooking performance, the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 will be it. It’ll cost you a bit, but it will ultimately be worth it.
On the other hand, if you need a small waffle maker to take with you on your trips or make bite-sized snacks, check the Nostalgia MWF5AQ out.
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.
