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Nostalgia MWF5AQ vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

Looking for a new waffle maker in the Nostalgia MWF5AQ and the Hamilton Beach 26031? This short comparison will help you out.

By , , and Updated

Nostalgia Mini

Hamilton Beach 26031

Nostalgia MWF5AQ vs Hamilton Beach 26031: A Short Comparison

Overall Verdict

6.7
Overall Score
8.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)6.3
  • Design (20%)8.4
  • Ease of Use (30%)6.3
  • Performance (50%)6.9
  • Design (20%)9.7
  • Ease of Use (30%)9.7

The greatest difference between these models is in terms of size. The Nostalgia MWF5AQ is a mini waffle maker that can only make bite-sized 4-inch waffles. Meanwhile, the Hamilton Beach 26031 can cook larger 7-inch waffles.

If you’re looking for a compact waffle maker or a snack-making machine, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ will be a good fit. But for most people looking to buy a waffle maker to make breakfasts, the Hamilton Beach 26031 will be a better choice. And not just because it has a larger size!

In our performance tests, the Hamilton Beach 26031 did much better than the Nostalgia MWF5AQ. The coloration, texture, and taste of the waffles made by the former were always above-par. The Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s waffles were edible but quite mediocre in overall quality.

The Hamilton Beach 26031 also won on the grounds of build quality. Every part is solidly built. And since it’s a mid-range model, it has a rather luxurious-looking design.

It’s the opposite in the case of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ. Built from plastic, the design is lightweight but looks and feels cheap.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • 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
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, indicator light
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
N/A
None
Dimensions
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.25 pounds
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy?

Price at publication
$15.18
$57.79

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
6.9

Self Recipe

6.8
6.8
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.
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
N/A
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
6 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

5.9
7.1
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.
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
N/A
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
8 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.4
9.7

In The Box

The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user manual.

Dimensions

The side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
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
6.8" (17.1 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
6.5" (16.5 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
3.5" (8.9 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

9.0
9.5
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.
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

10
10
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.
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
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
15.9 inches
50.27 inch
Plate Length
4.5" (11.4 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
4.5" (11.4 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Die-cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

0.0
10
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
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
No
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A 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
8.2" (20.8 cm)
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
Yes
No

Extra Accessory

The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
Material
N/A
Plastic
Removable
N/A
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
N/A
Yes

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.3
9.7

Handling

7.5
9.5

Safety

2.5
10
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.
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
169.9°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
127.9°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
149.2°F
 88°F

Cleanability

9.5
9.5
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.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

10
9.0
The red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.
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.

Headshot of Lap Vo
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.

Headshot of Tuyet Pham
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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