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Oster Belgian vs CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Side-by-Side Comparison

Wondering what to pick between the ultra-affordable Oster Belgian and the Crownful 4-inch mini waffle maker? Here’s our comparison.

By , , , and ·Updated

Oster Belgian

CROWNFUL Mini

Oster Belgian vs CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini: An Easy Pick

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use CROWNFUL MiniOster Belgian6.96.38.86.65.76.06.25.0
Showing: 2/2 Items

The Oster Belgian waffle maker is considered an “ultra-affordable” waffle maker. It seems to be designed around the singular concept of being as cheap as possible. And, of course, that means compromises.

It delivered some of the worst cooking performances in our test database. Its design is also lacking, having loose lid hinges, exposed wirings, and cracked plastic parts. Overall, we’re not too impressed by it.

On the other hand, the Crownful 4-inch mini waffle maker is a solid machine for the price. Although its cooking performance is unremarkable, it’s still sufficient for making breakfasts and other light meals. Build quality is also solid. Unlike on the Oster, we didn’t find any design or manufacturing issues on the Crownful.

Thus, if you’re on the fence between these two models, we highly recommend getting the Crownful. But if you have reservations about its mini size and would like a full-size model, we recommend getting models other than the Oster. For now, it is not a good purchase.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • Affordable
  • Beautiful patterning on the lid
  • Excellent build quality
  • Easy to clean, thanks to the non-stick waffle plates and the smooth plastic outer shell
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights
  • Fairly mediocre performance in our performance tests
  • Does not have a control panel
  • Low safety rating

Key Specs

Features
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, patterned top lid, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
None
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
L5.7 x W5.12 x H3.15 inches
Material
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1 pound
Waffle diameter
7.0" (17.8 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.74
$12.95

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.0
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.2
7.2
Oster Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe
The very dark brown-dark gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown-dark gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The interior is dense with few air bubbles.
A waffle, baked for 5 minutes, is torn by hands to test for its consistency. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Self-Mixed Recipe
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The cross-section of a waffle baked in 5 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle is torn down the middle by hands in order to test it for its consistency and texture. This particular waffle was baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.8
5.3
Oster Belgian Birch Benders Mix Video
The very light gold-dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold-dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The interior of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a Birch Benders batter mix. Small air cavities can be seen within.
A waffle, baked for 3 minutes using our Birch Benders batter mix, is torn down the middle by hands. The interior can be seen.
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini 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
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix, revealing the small air bubbles and cavities within the waffle.
A waffle is torn by hand down the middle to test it for its consistency and texture. This waffle was baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
8.8

In the Box

The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its manual.
The Crownful 4 inch waffle maker in the middle, with its warranty card, instruction manuals, and shipping box around it.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 inches.
A side profile of the black Crownful compact waffle maker, with the patterned top lid and the wood-tone handle in the front visible.
Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
5.7" (14.5 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.1" (8.0 cm)
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)

Build Quality

4.5
10
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
Oster Waffle Maker  Build Quality Video
The back side of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The power cables can be in-between the gaps created by the plastic hinges.
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Build Quality
Crowful waffle maker’s lid, with the center indicator light and the patterning made up of concentric circles visible. The wood-like handle in front is inscribed with the word “Crownful”.
A zoomed-in shot of the Crownful 4 inch waffle maker’s lid hinge.
The back of the Crownful waffle maker’s lid hinge. It is currently in the closed position.
The rubber, anti-slip feet at the bottom of the Crownful mini waffle maker.

Waffle Plates

8.5
9.5
An overview of the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
An overview of the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
A close-up of the black, cast aluminum waffle plate of the Oster waffle maker.
A top-down view of one of the waffle plates of the Crownful waffle maker.
A top-down view of one of the waffle plates of the Crownful waffle maker.
A top-down view of both the Crownful’s black waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
7.8 inch
12.57 inch
Plate Length
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Plate Width
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Material
Die-cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

9.0
0.0
The control panel of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. There’s the browning control knob and the indicator lights.
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The Type A plug attachment of the Oster Belgian waffle maker’s power cord.
A zoomed-up view of the Crownful mini waffle maker’s power plug and its Type-A prongs.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
Cable Management
Yes
No

Accessories

Material
N/A
N/A
Removable
N/A
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
N/A
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.0
6.6

Handling

6.5
8.5

Safety

1.7
2.5
The temperature of the base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 189°F.
The temperature of the control panel of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.9°F.
The surface temperature of the Crownful waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 187.9°F.
The surface temperature of the Crownful waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 187.9°F.
The temperature of the Crownful’s bottom is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 129.6°F.
The temperature of the Crownful’s front handle is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 188.4°F.
Top Side Temperature
176°F
187.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
143°F
129.6°F
Handle Temperature
189°F
188.4°F

Cleanability

9.0
10
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.

Indicator Light Visibility

4.5
10
The indicator lights of the Oster waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the green READY light.
The red indicator light at the center of the lid of the Crownful waffle maker, shining dimly.

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.

Headshot of Nguyen Ntk
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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