Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison
This article can show you the differences between the mid-range Hamilton Beach 26031 or the more budget-friendly Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic.
Hamilton Beach 26031
Tested Using Methodology v1.1Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Overall Verdict
- Performance (50%)6.9
- Design (20%)9.7
- Ease of Use (30%)9.7
- Performance (50%)7.2
- Design (20%)7.7
- Ease of Use (30%)9.1
The most crucial difference between the Hamilton Beach 26031 and the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic is that they make two different kinds of waffles.
The Hamilton Beach has a larger and deeper set of waffle plates that can serve you Belgian-style waffles. In contrast, the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s waffle plates are far smaller and shallower, producing a thinner waffle that’s usually called “classic-style.”
However, due to its larger size, the Hamilton Beach also took a long time to cook. In our self-made recipe test, the Hamilton Beach 26031 took 5 minutes to finish cooking. Meanwhile, the Cuisinart WMR-CA only needed 2 minutes.
Overall, if you need a budget and simple classic-style waffle maker that does the job, the Cuisinart WMR-CA is a good choice. But if you have the budget for an excellent Belgian-style waffle maker, consider the Hamilton Beach 26031.
Pros & Cons
- 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
- Affordable
- Did a great job in our test with Birch Benders mix
- Fast cooking time
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store
- The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky
- Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
- Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
- Dim indicator lights
Key Specs
Where to Buy?
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Performance
Self Recipe










Birch Benders Mix










Design
In The Box


Dimensions




Build Quality




Waffle Plates








Control Panel






Power Cord




Extra Accessory

Usability
Handling
Safety








Cleanability


Indicator Light Visibility




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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.
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.
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.