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Oster Belgian vs KRUPS Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison
Our Verdict
- Performance (50%)6.0/10
- Design (20%)6.2/10
- Ease of Use (30%)5.0/10
- Performance (50%)2.9/10
- Design (20%)9.9/10
- Ease of Use (30%)9.6/10
Despite being one of the waffle makers with the highest build quality we have ever tested, surprisingly, the Krups Belgian performed poorly in our tests. Its overall performance score was low enough to make it the worst performer in our database (so far). Despite having been left to cook for over 10 minutes, some of its waffles were still undercooked.
Meanwhile, the Oster Belgian waffle maker, while only giving a “mediocre” performance, did make edible waffles. The colors weren’t great, the texture could be improved, and the taste was bland, but none of the waffles had to be discarded.
Regarding build quality or design, the KRUPS is the clear winner. It has a solid frame and a comprehensive control panel with an audible chime to tell you when it’s ready for use. The Oster — being a budget waffle maker — can hardly compare. Its build quality is low, and its lack of features is readily apparent.
Oster Belgian Waffle Maker’s Performance
- Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)5.2/10
- Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.8/10
- Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)5.8/10
- Birch Benders Mix (50%)0/10
Self-Mixed Recipe
- Heat Level: Max
- Cooking Time: 5 minutes
The Oster didn’t do well in our performance test. The coloration of the waffle—with its blotchy, charred crust—was disappointing. Cutting it open, the waffle had a dense and under-developed interior. It translated to an underwhelming mouthfeel in the taste test. And because the batter was only half-cooked, the waffle still tasted like raw batter.
Color (35%) — 5/10
- Color result: Very dark brown - Dark gold (Both sides)
- Color distribution: Even
The waffle’s crust was darkly colored, especially within the wells of the waffle, which had dark brown to very dark brown coloring. Fortunately, while they may look charred, we didn’t see any carbonization when we closely looked at each well.
Outside the wells, the waffle was a rather beautiful dark gold. But it’s still not enough for us to give the waffle a higher score than a five.
Both sides have roughly the same color gradient.
Texture (25%) — 5/10
- Texture: Wet, mushy
- Aeration level: Low
Despite the burnt-looking crust, the interior of the waffle wasn’t as well-developed as we had hoped. Air bubbles were visible, but they were small and few. Furthermore, the waffle’s core was dense and slightly mushy.
Taste (50%) — 5.5/10
- Taste: Bland, bitter at charred spots.
- Mouthfeel: Dry on the outside, mushy on the inside
The contrast between the overcooked outside and the undercooked inside makes for a disappointing tasting experience. There was a hint of the batter’s sweetness and buttery taste. However, the tastiness was ruined by the bitterness of the burnt crust and the egg-like taste of the undercooked core.
Ultimately, our chef rated the Oster waffle maker 5 out of 10.
- Heat Level: Between 2 and 3
- Cooking Time: 7 minutes
Considering this waffle maker's price and glamorous look, the waffle it produced was quite disappointing. The coloration is pale and unremarkable. Our chef gave the texture a low score due to the waffle’s dense core with next to no air bubbles to help soften it up. In terms of flavor, the mushiness of the waffle ruined the flavor profile by introducing a raw batter-like taste.
Color (35%) — 6
- Color tone: Very light gold (Both)
- Color distribution: Even
Though a section of the crust has a dark brown color, most have a very light gold tone. The pale coloring of the waffle looked as if it was still undercooked. Fortunately, this is only by appearance. The waffle has been cooked thoroughly.
Texture (25%) — 5
- Texture: Mediocre
- Aeration level: Low; air bubbles were few as well as being very small in sizes
The texture was pretty disappointing. The waffle was still dense on the inside despite being left to cook for over 7 minutes. The result was a very chewy waffle. In certain spots, the waffle was even mushy.
Taste (40%) — 5.5
- Flavor: Sweet and buttery, but there’s also the taste of raw batter mixed in
- Mouthfeel: Mushy
Our chef still noticed the sweet, buttery taste of the batter. However, the underdeveloped interior of the waffle greatly affected the tasting experience by introducing the bland taste of raw batter into the flavor profile.
Birch Benders Mix
- Heat Level: Max
- Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Although color distribution is uneven, the brighter and more palatable color tones are a big step up. The interior has developed this time, resulting in a soft and fluffy waffle. Our chef also rated the waffle’s taste highly, appreciating its sweetness and velvety texture.
Color (35%) — 6.3/10
- Color result: Very light gold and dark brown (Both)
- Color distribution: Uneven
Coloration is slightly better this time around with the pre-made mix. Unfortunately, the difference between this one and the earlier sample made from our self-mixed batter isn’t drastic enough to give it a significant score boost.
The color tone is better with a nice golden brown shade at the center of the waffle. Surrounding the center is a noticeable “ring” of burnt batter that ruins the aesthetic of the waffle. Out along the edges, the crust there has a light gold of undercooked batter.
It’s because of this unequal distribution of colors is the reason why it doesn’t get a higher score in this segment.
Texture (25%) — 6.5/10
- Texture: Mediocre
- Aeration level: Medium; air bubbles were beginning to form, but their sizes were still small
Texture is acceptable. Despite the unattractive coloring, the inside of the waffle has nicely developed. The aeration process has formed a lot of tiny air bubbles on the inside, creating a soft, fluffy texture. Although it is not excellent, the texture of this one is at least acceptable.
Taste (50%) — 7.5/10
- Flavor: Sweet
- Mouthfeel: Soft, no excessively dry spots
Taste is the best part of this test. Compared to the earlier test done with self-mixed batter, the sample produced with the pre-made mix tastes better, according to our chef. Because there’s very minimal burnt spots, the flavor is sweet without any hint of bitterness. This, combined with the fluffy texture, creates a decently-tasting waffle that comes closer to the “restaurant-quality waffle” slogan that Oster has placed in its advertisements.
- Heat Level: Maximum (5)
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Since we never managed to make an edible waffle with the KRUPS in this test, all three score fields are 0. The waffle has a pale, almost-white color of raw batter. The texture is mushy. And since it hasn’t fully cooked just yet, the taste is atrocious.
Color (35%) — 0
- Color tone: Pale gold (Both)
- Color distribution: Even
Coloring is unspectacular. We repeated the tests several times, yet the waffle always came out with a sickly pale yellow tone.
Texture (25%) — 0
- Texture: Bad
- Aeration level: Low; air bubbles were virtually non-existent
The aeration level is very low. When we cut the waffle, an undercooked interior is exposed. Not only are there next to no air bubbles, but we could still see “fillings” of raw batter in the waffle’s interior.
Texture-wise, it is incredibly mushy to the point of being runny. It almost seemed like the waffle was still in a semi-liquid state.
Taste (40%) — 0
- Flavor: Cloying taste of raw batter
- Mouthfeel: Mushy
It was evident from the start that the waffle was inedible. It tasted terrible, with the distinct raw egg-like flavor of uncooked batter.
Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design
- Build Quality (60%)4.5/10
- Waffle Plates (30%)8.5/10
- Control Panel (10%)9.0/10
- Build Quality (60%)10/10
- Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
- Control Panel (10%)9.5/10
What’s In the Box of the Oster Belgian Stainless Steel Waffle Maker?
- Oster waffle maker
- User manual
In the box, you get the waffle maker and a simple user manual. There are no extra accessories. This is not surprising considering the budget price point of this waffle maker.
- The KRUPS waffle maker
- Instruction manual
The box’s content is fairly basic, containing the waffle maker itself and a user manual. No extra accessory is included.
Dimensions
- Length:10.0" (25.4 cm)
- Width:8.0" (20.3 cm)
- Height:4.0" (10.2 cm)
- Weight:3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
The Oster waffle maker is quite compact. Thanks to its size, it won’t take up much space on the countertop, and storage is easy. Notably, you can also store the waffle maker standing upright (vertical).
- Length:14.4" (36.6 cm)
- Width:10.2" (25.9 cm)
- Height:4.5" (11.4 cm)
- Weight:9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)
Weighing over 9 pounds and having a rectangular shape measuring 14.4 inches long and 10.2 inches wide, the KRUPS is a hulk of a waffle maker. It takes a lot of space on the countertop, so finding enough storage space is always a problem. Plus, its weight makes transport a tiresome chore.
Build Quality
The stainless steel housing gives the Oster waffle maker a sharper, pricier look. However, the waffle maker’s rough edges are clearly revealed when you scrutinize it up close. Fingerprints can easily smudge the stainless steel surface. Even when you lightly scrape the surface with your fingernails, ugly scratches can appear on the metal.
After a couple of days in the lab, the top surface of the waffle maker lost its original shine. We couldn’t restore it even after several attempts at wiping it down and polishing it.
Like most affordable waffle makers, detailing like the handle, base, and control panel section are made from plastic. They look and feel cheap.
Build quality is poor on the review unit we received. The lid’s hinges are loose and rattle even when lightly tugged. On the backside, we found poorly tooled parts with rough edges, scrapes, and dents. Worse still, the backside of the waffle maker has gaps that reveal its guts, exposing its internal wiring and circuits.
For these reasons, we assess the Oster’s construction quality as mediocre at best and sub-par at worst.
The build quality of this waffle maker is excellent. Its body is primarily constructed from lightweight plastic, but the top of the lid is made from steel. Typically, durability is a concern if a product is made from plastic. But it’s easy to look past that, considering how the plastic construction saves the waffle maker from being heavier than it already is.
Every part of the waffle maker looks well-built, especially the reinforced lid hinges.
Waffle Plates
- Number of Plates:2
- Grid Pattern:Belgian-style
- Plate Area:7.8 inch2
- Plate Length:7.1" (18.0 cm)
- Plate Width:7.1" (18.0 cm)
- Material:Die-cast aluminum
- Non Stick Coating:Yes
- Removable:No
- Dishwasher Safe:No
The waffle plates are made from die-cast aluminum. It is imprinted with the classic Belgian-style grid pattern. The total diameter of the waffle plate (with the outer anti-spill moat included) is 7.8 inches. It is able to produce a 7-inch waffle.
According to Oster, the non-stick coating is food-grade polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE — also known as Teflon), and has been approved by the USDA.
The inclusion of PTFE can be a deal-breaker for many. However, note that, unlike PFOA, PTFE is inert and relatively harmless at temperatures under 400°F. Only when the temperature exceeds 400°F can the PTFE coating become a problem by releasing toxic gasses. During normal operation, the waffle maker isn’t going to come even close to this threshold. Thus, the waffle plates are still classed as safe for use.
The waffle plates are not removable.
- Number of Plates:2
- Grid Pattern:Belgian-style
- Plate Area:102.5 inch2
- Plate Length:10.0" (25.4 cm)
- Plate Width:10.3" (26.0 cm)
- Material:Cast aluminum
- Non Stick Coating:Yes
- Removable:Yes
- Dishwasher Safe:Yes
The KRUPS waffle maker gets a perfect score in this section. The waffle plates are rectangular and segmented into four quadrants. Each quadrant can make a square-shaped waffle measuring 4.6 inches.
Both plates are coated with a layer of non-stick material. Unfortunately, KRUPS doesn’t disclose what non-stick they used for the plates, but there’s a good chance it’s Teflon. The non-stick layers work well enough and we did not have to deal with many cooking residues besides a few bits of debris.
The plates can be removed for easier cleaning. They can be detached via two red levers on the side. The user manual indicates that the waffle plates are dishwasher-safe. However, there are many reports of the KRUPS waffle maker’s non-stick coating becoming oxidized and worn out after they’re put through the dishwasher. Exercise caution.
Control Panel
- Indicator Lights:Yes
- Audible Alarm:No
- Timer:No
- Browning Control:Yes
Though the control interface is barebones, that is to be expected for such an affordable waffle maker. There are two indicator lights. One will glow red when you plug it in (POWER light), and the other green light will light up when the waffle maker is heated to the correct temperature.
Above the indicator lights is a temperature control knob. The knob takes some force to turn and makes a distinct clicking sound as it does so.
- Indicator Lights:Yes
- Audible Alarm:Yes
- Timer:No
- Browning Control:Yes
The control panel sits at the front of the waffle maker.
On the left are two indicator lights. The “ON” red light will light up when you plug it in. When the plates are well heated and ready for use, the green “READY” light will turn on, accompanied by an audible chime.
A small browning level control dial (temperature control) is featured on the right. It turns very smoothly and has five settings.
The only feature missing from the control panel is a built-in timer.
Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
- Plug Style:Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
- Length:2.3 ft (0.7 m)
- Cable Management:Yes
The unit’s power cord is short. You will either have to move the waffle maker very close to a power outlet or use an extension cord.
The back foot of the waffle maker has a grommet. You can wrap the power cord around it for easier management and storage. However, since there’s no lock or notch to hold the cord in place, it can unravel easily.
- Plug Style:Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
- Length:2.1 ft (0.6 m)
- Cable Management:Yes
The power cord is only 25 inches long, which is way shorter than average (around 30 inches). So you may have to use an extension cord.
At the bottom of the waffle maker, you will find a grommet that you can wrap the cord around for easier management and storage.
Accessories
- Material:N/A
- Removable:N/A
- Dishwasher Safe:N/A
The Oster waffle maker doesn’t come with any extra accessories. Once again, at this price point, that’s what we expected.
- Material:N/A
- Removable:N/A
- Dishwasher Safe:N/A
The KRUPS waffle maker does not come with any extra accessory.
Oster Belgian Waffle Maker Review
- Handling (25%)6.5/10
- Safety (40%)1.7/10
- Cleanability (25%)9.0/10
- Indicator Light Visibility (10%)4.5/10
- Handling (25%)9.0/10
- Safety (40%)9.7/10
- Cleanability (25%)10/10
- Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
Handling
Generally speaking, the Oster waffle maker is easy to handle. Even when it’s heated up, the large plastic handle at the front remains cool to the touch. However, the lid’s hinges are shaky. They make the closing and opening motion a bit awkward.
As we mentioned earlier, the waffle maker is straightforward to operate. The lock is situated at the front center of the machine, behind the handle. It is top-actuated, which means you must press the top of the lock instead of the bottom to open the lid. It’s a pretty intelligent design. You can grip the front handle, then work the lock by pushing inward with your knuckles.
When pushed, the lid will lean backward at an angle, preventing it from snapping close unexpectedly.
Safety
- Top Side Temperature:176°F
- Bottom Side Temperature:143°F
- Handle Temperature:189°F
Using a thermometer, we checked the temperature of the waffle maker’s various parts.
The handle was dangerously hot, with a temperature of 189°F. After several cooking sessions, the heat from the heating element and the hot steam raised the handle’s temperature to the point that it could easily cause a burn injury. This is the most serious safety problem of the Oster.
Not just the handle, the control panel area was also piping hot at 176°F.
On the underside of the waffle maker, the front plastic “leg” got quite toasty at 143°F.
So, be careful if you pick up the waffle maker by grabbing the bottom legs. The front part may be quite hot.
The exposed electronics and wiring on the backside could turn the machine into an electrical hazard. A point was further deducted from the overall score.
- Top Side Temperature:176°F
- Bottom Side Temperature:127°F
- Handle Temperature:89°F
After several cooking sessions, the top side becomes very hot. We measured a peak temperature of 176°F.
At 127°F, the bottom side of the KRUPS waffle maker is very warm to the touch.
The handle, separated from the baking chamber, is cool to the touch. Our thermometer registered a temperature of 89°F, which is at room temperature.
Cleanability
The Oster receives a good score in cleanability. Although it doesn't have a drip tray for spilled batter, it can be dealt with fairly easily when a batter spill does happen. Even when the batter dries out and settles on the waffle maker’s body, all surfaces can be scrubbed down easily with a dash of mild detergent.
The waffle maker is easy to clean for most parts. Thanks to the highly effective non-stick coating on the waffle plates, cleaning them was as simple as wiping them down with paper towels. When thoroughness is needed, the plates can be detached and cleaned up separately.
There aren’t any hard-to-reach nooks and crannies on the waffle maker. The material of the waffle maker doesn’t aggressively grip onto the dried batter, either.
Indicator Light Visibility
The unit we received has very dim indicator lights. Under normal lighting conditions, the two lights are hardly visible.
It’s only when we cupped our hands above the lights to shade them from the ceiling lights that the indicators became clear. The lights aren't visible in harsh daylight and studio lights.
The two indicator lights at the front are very bright and can be seen even under studio lighting.