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Oster Belgian vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

Which ultra-affordable waffle maker to choose, the Oster Belgian or the Nostalgia MWF5AQ? Here’s our detailed comparison and review of both!

By , , , and ·Updated

Oster Belgian

Nostalgia Mini

Oster Belgian vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ: Which Ultra-Affordable to Choose?

Overall Verdict

Ranking by
OverallScore Performance50% Design20% Ease of Use30% ScoreOverall 50%Performance 20%Design 30%Ease of Use Nostalgia MiniOster Belgian6.76.38.46.35.76.06.25.0
Showing: 2/2 Items

The Oster Belgian waffle maker and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ belong to a class we call “ultra-affordable.” They’re the cheapest in their respective classes.

But, looking at the test results for the two models, it’s clear that not all cheap waffle makers are built the same.

The Nostalgia MWF5AQ mini waffle maker has a markedly better cooking performance than the Oster Belgian. Both sides of the 4-inch waffles were relatively even, and while the texture and taste weren’t spectacular, they were acceptable for the price.

Meanwhile, the Oster Belgian waffle maker can make larger 7-inch waffles. However, due to an unstable heating element, the finished waffle usually had bad coloration. It could be cooked on one side, but undercooked on the other. Our chef also rated the texture and taste of Oster’s waffles to be mediocre.

Overall, between the two, we lean more toward the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
Variable
N/A
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
L6.75 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)
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
7.0" (17.8 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.74
$15.18

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.0
6.3

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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes. The interior is filled with air bubbles and cavities.
The waffle is torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency, revealing the spongy inner core.
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.8
5.9
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ 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.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle, baked for 8 minutes, being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency, revealing the fluffy interior.
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
8.4

In the Box

The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its manual.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 inches.
The side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

4.5
9.0
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini Build Quality
A close-up shot of the hinges of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s lid.
The back end of the Nostalgia Mini waffle maker (MWF5AQ). A section of the lid hinges can be seen, along with the power cord.
The bottom side of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, with the two anti-slip feet in the foreground and wide back foot in the background.

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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
7.8 inch
15.9 inches
Plate Length
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Die-cast aluminum
Die-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 Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
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
6.3

Handling

6.5
7.5

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 temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 127.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 149.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
176°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
143°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
189°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

9.0
9.5
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

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 top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.

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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