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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.

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Cuisinart Double

Nostalgia Mini

Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ: What to Pick?

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use Cuisinart DoubleNostalgia Mini8.58.19.28.76.76.38.46.3
Showing: 2/2 Items

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.

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

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
6
N/A
Dimensions
L15 x W9.5 x H9 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing, aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
6 ¾ inches
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$101.95
$15.18

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
8.1
6.3

Self-Mixed 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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes. The interior is filled with air bubbles and cavities.
The waffle is torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency, revealing the spongy inner core.
Heat Level
3
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

9.6
5.9
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle, baked for 8 minutes, being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency, revealing the fluffy interior.
Heat Level
3
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.2
8.4

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 blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

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 side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
15.0" (38.1 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
9.5" (24.1 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
9.0" (22.9 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
12.0 lbs (5.4 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

9.0
9.0
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.
 Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini Build Quality
A close-up shot of the hinges of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s lid.
The back end of the Nostalgia Mini waffle maker (MWF5AQ). A section of the lid hinges can be seen, along with the power cord.
The bottom side of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, with the two anti-slip feet in the foreground and wide back foot in the background.

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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
Number of Plates
4
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
36.32 inches
15.9 inches
Plate Length
6.8" (17.3 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
6.8" (17.3 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

9.5
0.0
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.
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
Yes
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
No

Power Cord

A close-up of the power plug of the Cuisinart Double waffle maker WAF-F20P1’s power plug.
The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
Cable Management
Yes
Yes

Accessories

The included batter measuring cup of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1. It is made from
Material
Plastic
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.7
6.3

Handling

9.0
7.5

Safety

9.5
2.5
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 of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 127.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 149.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
234°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
105°F
149.2°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.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

Indicator Light Visibility

10
10
The green READY button of the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 is on, indicating that the plates are heated and ready to use.
The red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.

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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Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.

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