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Oster Belgian vs Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Side-by-Side Comparison

Trying to decide between the Oster Belgian and the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B waffle maker? Here’s our consensus on what to choose.

By , , , and ·Updated

Oster Belgian

Holstein Housewares

Oster Belgian vs Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B: Detailed Comparison

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use Holstein HousewaresOster Belgian6.56.37.06.55.76.06.25.0
Showing: 2/2 Items

Although it is larger and more expensive, the Oster Belgian delivered one of the worst cooking performances in our tests. The unit we received at the lab has very unstable heating elements. Their erratic heating patterns caused the test waffles to look and taste bad. One side of the waffle would be burnt, while the other would still be undercooked. Texture tended to be mushy and taste bland.

The Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B fared better in our tests. Its performance wasn’t spectacular, but at least its waffles were relatively even, and its texture and taste were acceptable.

Another thing worth mentioning: the Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B is a mini waffle maker, while the Oster Belgian waffle maker is a full-size model. The former can only cook 4-inch waffles, while the latter cooks 7-inch waffles.

Still, even if you’re looking for a full-size Belgian waffle maker, other models are just as cheap as the Oster while performing far better!

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • Highly affordable
  • Compact size and lightweight
  • Handling is simple and smooth
  • Acceptable build quality
  • Excellent cleanability rating
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights
  • Mediocre cooking performance with our self-mixed recipe
  • Cheap-looking design
  • Lacks a control panel
  • Safety rating is very low

Key Specs

Features
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, patterned top lid, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
N/A
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
L5.1 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1.1 pound
Waffle diameter
7.0" (17.8 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.74
$16.70

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.0
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.2
6.3
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.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed RecipeA waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its top crust with a very dark brown color.
Top
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed RecipeA waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its top crust with a very dark brown color.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its bottom crust with a very dark brown color.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Prominent air bubbles can be seen within.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency. The air bubble-filled core is revealed.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed Recipe Video
Heat Level
Max
3
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.8
6.3
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.
The very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
Top
The very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using the Birch Benders batter mix. Air bubbles can be seen within.
A waffle is torn down the middle by hands to test its consistency. The air bubble-filled interior of the waffle is revealed.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Birch Benders Mix Video
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
7.0

In the Box

The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its manual.
The glossy black Holstein 4 inch waffle maker next to its instruction manual and the shipping box.

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 glossy black Holstein personal mini waffle maker.
Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.5" (9.0 cm)
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)

Build Quality

4.5
7.0
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.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Build Quality
The back side of the Holstein waffle cooker. Components of its lid hinges and the root of its power cord can be seen.
The black plastic hinges of the Holstein waffle maker’s lid. It is currently in its open position.

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.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle PlatesAn overview of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plates. They’re black and printed with the classic waffle patterning.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle PlatesAn overview of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plates. They’re black and printed with the classic waffle patterning.
A close-up shot of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plate. It is black and treated with a glossy layer of non-stick.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
7.8 inch
17.72 inches
Plate Length
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.8" (12.1 cm)
Plate Width
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.8" (12.1 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
No

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.
The power cord of the Holstein mini waffle maker. The plug is Type A.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
2.1 ft (0.6 m)
Cable Management
Yes
Yes

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.0
6.5

Handling

6.5
9.0

Safety

1.7
1.8
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.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B SafetyThe temperature of the top lid of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 219.0°F.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B SafetyThe temperature of the top lid of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 219.0°F.
The temperature of the base of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 113.7°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 160.7°F.
Top Side Temperature
176°F
234°F
Bottom Side Temperature
143°F
85°F
Handle Temperature
189°F
105°F

Cleanability

9.0
10
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.
Excess batter pouring from  out of the Holstein waffle maker and into small pools at the base of the unit.

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 ring-shaped indicator light at the top of the Holstein’s lid. It is shining dimly in the studio lighting.

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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