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.
Nostalgia Mini
Tested Using Methodology v1.1Hamilton Beach 26031
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Overall Verdict
- 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
Where to Buy?
*You help support HealthyKitchen101's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.
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




Was this page helpful?
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.