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Oster Belgian vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

It’s an easy choice between the Hamilton Beach 26031 and the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The former is better in every way. Check out our detailed comparison.

By , , , and ·Updated

Oster Belgian

Hamilton Beach 26031

Oster Belgian vs Hamilton Beach 26031: An Easy Pick

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use Hamilton Beach 26031Oster Belgian8.37.09.79.75.76.06.25.0
Showing: 2/2 Items

The Hamilton Beach 26031 is an easy pick between the two. With its flippable design, the 26031 can cook a waffle more evenly than the Oster.

Being a mid-range waffle maker, the Hamilton Beach designers have been more liberal with materials and the manufacturers more meticulous in production. The 26031 is built from premium stainless steel, and the waffle plates are made from ceramic. These materials give the waffle maker an expensive-looking shine.

The Oster didn’t do so well in this area. While the top lid is indeed made from metal, the build quality is poor. Many parts have visible cracks and dents right out of the box.

Aside from being cheaper, there’s no other reason for picking the Oster over the Hamilton Beach 26031.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • 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
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
None
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
7.0" (17.8 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.74
$57.79

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.0
7.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.2
6.8
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.
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
Max
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.8
7.1
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.
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
Max
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
3 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
9.7

In the Box

The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its manual.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user manual.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 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.
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
10.0" (25.4 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

4.5
9.5
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.
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

8.5
10
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.
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
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
7.8 inch
50.27 inch
Plate Length
7.1" (18.0 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
7.1" (18.0 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

9.0
10
The control panel of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. There’s the browning control knob and the indicator lights.
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
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 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
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
Yes
No

Accessories

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
5.0
9.7

Handling

6.5
9.5

Safety

1.7
10
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 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
176°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
143°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
189°F
 88°F

Cleanability

9.0
9.5
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

4.5
9.0
The indicator lights of the Oster waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the green READY 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.

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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