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Presto Flipside Belgian vs Chefman Anti-Overflow Side-by-Side Comparison

Matthew Lee
Reviewer
Nguyen Ntk
Visual Specialist
Updated
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
Tested Using Methodology v1.1
Updated Mar 25, 2023
The black Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian waffle maker in center. Its manual is to the left and the shipping box to the right.
The Presto waffle maker on its side, to its right is the instruction manual and to its left is the shipping box.

Our Verdict

6.7
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.6/10
  • Design (20%)
    8.8/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    5.6/10
7.3
Overall Score
  • Performance (50%)
    6.5/10
  • Design (20%)
    6.6/10
  • Ease of Use (30%)
    9.2/10

The Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker is considered a mid-range waffle maker due to its many high-end features and price point. It has a flippable design to facilitate a more even cooking of the waffle. The Presto also comes with an audible alarm and a built-in timer to help you keep track of the cooking process.

Meanwhile, the Chefman Anti-Overflow is in the entry-level range. It has a fairly simple and traditional design. Fortunately, it still comes with essential features like a browning control dial.

In our cooking tests, both models have roughly the same performance level. The quality of waffles was mediocre, but they will work for breakfasts and other meals  – just don’t expect restaurant-grade quality.

So, in this case, it all comes down to your budget and needs. If you have a decent budget and want some extra features, go for the Presto. But if your budget is somewhat limited, consider getting the Chefman.

Great for the Price

Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker’s Performance

Presto Waffle Maker’s Performance: More than Meets the Eyes
6.6
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.3/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)6.9/10
6.5
Performance Scores
  • Self-Mixed Recipe (50%)6.0/10
  • Birch Benders Mix (50%)7.0/10
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.0
Chefman Anti-Overflow Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown 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 being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency. This waffle was baked for 5 minutes.
Color: 6
35% * 6 = 2.1
Texture: 5
25% * 5 = 1.3
Taste: 7.5
40% * 7.5 = 3.0
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The coloration was decent but could be improved. But the texture, which was dense and very mushy, needs the most improvement. Despite all that, the texture of the waffle was good. The waffle would have received a perfect score if it wasn’t for the pulpy mouthfeel due to the mediocre texture.

Color (35%) — 6/10

  • Color tone: Very dark brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Uneven

The overall coloring of the waffle was not impressive. The crust was a patchwork of golden brown and dark brown spots. Because of its blotchy appearance, the waffle doesn't get a high score in terms of color distribution.

Texture (25%) - 5/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low; next to no air bubbles present inside the waffle’s interior

The texture was mediocre. After 5 minutes, the core of the waffle still hasn’t been aerated. Cutting the waffle in half, we found very few air bubbles within. And sure enough, the low aeration rate resulted in a mushy waffle.

Taste (40%) - 7.5/10

  • Flavor: Buttery and sweet, slightly salty
  • Mouthfeel: Very mushy due to low aeration

The bad texture, fortunately, didn’t prevent the Chefman from receiving a good score from our chef. Its mushy mouthfeel was a turn-off, but the waffle maker did a great job developing the waffle. The final waffle has all the flavors we expected from the batter. The creamy butter, sweet sugar, and slight saltiness of the single teaspoon of salt came out nicely.

Presto Flipside Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe video
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, with black charring inside its pockets.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, with black charring inside its pockets.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The inside is dense with a few air bubbles.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe is torn by hand down the middle, revealing the waffle’s interior.
Color: 5.5
35% * 5.5 = 1.9
Texture: 6
25% * 6 = 1.5
Taste: 6.5
40% * 6.5 = 2.6
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 5 minutes

The Presto waffle maker did a mediocre job in this test. The crust was overdone, as evidenced by the dark coloring of the crust. Though there were quite a few air bubbles and cavities in the waffle’s interior, they weren’t large enough to give it the ideal consistency we were looking for. As for the taste, the bitterness of the carbonized crust carried over the tongue with each bite due to the burnt crust.

Color (35%) — 5.5/10

  • Color tone: Charred black (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The Presto has very strong heating elements. Combined with the lack of any temperature control function, the outer crust of the waffle was close to being burnt. The wells on the waffle have very dark brown coloring. Some of which were approaching the point of blackening.

The bottom of the waffle was lighter in color, but the wells were still dark brown.

Texture (25%) - 6/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low; the aeration process had begun, but the air bubbles were still too small

The intense heat cooked the batter enough to kick-start the aeration process. But, by the 5-minute mark, the air bubbles were still tiny. Excess moisture was still present inside the waffle, making the waffle very mushy.

Taste (40%) - 6.5/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and buttery, but bitter from the overcooked crust
  • Mouthfeel: Dry on the outside, mushy on the inside

The desired sweetness of the sugar and the buttery aftertaste of the batter was there. But unfortunately, the bitterness of the charred spots on the crust ruined the tasting experience.

The crust felt dry on the tongue, which was an off-putting contrast against the mushy core.

6.9

Birch Benders Mix

7.0
Chefman Anti-Overflow Birch Benders Mix Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter. Numerous air cavities can be seen.
A waffle being torn up by hands to test for its consistency. This one was baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
Color: 7.5
35% * 7.5 = 2.6
Texture: 6
25% * 6 = 1.5
Taste: 7
40% * 7 = 2.8
  • Heat Level: 3
  • Cooking Time: 7 minutes

The waffle received a beautiful, light golden brown color throughout. But while it looked excellent, the waffle's interior hadn’t fully developed. Luckily, the waffle maker's heat still unlocked the full range of flavors that the batter had to offer. So, despite being a bit mushy, the waffle tasted excellent.

Color (35%) — 7.5/10

  • Color result: Light brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

Coloring was good. Both the top and the bottom had a light, golden brown tone. We deducted a few points due to its undeveloped color. It almost appeared like the waffle wasn’t thoroughly cooked.

The color was distributed evenly across both sides of the waffle. It wasn’t perfect as there were still lightly seared spots within the wells. Nevertheless, the bottom and the top could be considered acceptably uniform.

Texture (25%) — 6/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low, air bubbles were few and inconsistent in size

The texture could be better. Although bubbles began to form within the batter, they were small and their numbers were few. It resulted in the core of the waffle being moist and less fluffy than it should be.

Taste (40%) — 7/10

  • Flavor: Sweet and savory
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy and moist

Despite the texture being less-than-ideal, the Chefman did its job. The machine extracted this batter's complete flavor profile: sweet and savory. The slight mushiness hampered our enjoyment, but overall, it was an acceptable Belgian-style waffle.

Presto Flipside Belgian Birch Benders Mix video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes 30 seconds using batter made from Birch Benders mix.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes 30 seconds using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes 30 seconds, revealing its dense core with tiny air bubbles.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency and texture, revealing its golden interior.
Color: 7.25
35% * 7.25 = 2.5
Texture: 5
25% * 5 = 1.3
Taste: 8
40% * 8 = 3.2
  • Heat Level: N/A
  • Cooking Time: 6 minutes 30 seconds

The Presto did a great job on this test. After 6 minutes and 30 seconds, the waffle came out with a beautiful, light brown crust. Taste-testing the waffle, our chef considered it to be very flavorful. However, the texture was a bit too spongy due to a low aeration rate.

Color (35%) — 7.25/10

  • Color result: Light brown (Both)
  • Color distribution: Even

The waffle’s coloration was great. Both sides sported a brown, crispy crust that was light in the middle and gradually darkened the farther it got from the center. Inside of the wells, the batter was cooked to a dark brown. Fortunately, none of the wells were charred.

Texture (25%) — 5/10

  • Texture: Mediocre
  • Aeration level: Low, few air bubbles

For texture, it didn’t score highly due to a low aeration rate. Air bubbles were small in size and few in number, resulting in a fairly dense-looking interior that indicated mushiness. And indeed, the waffle’s texture was quite mediocre.

Taste (40%) — 8/10

  • Flavor: Savory, slightly sweet
  • Mouthfeel: Mushy due to the waffle’s underdeveloped interior

Our chef rated the waffle as flavorful: savory, and pleasantly sweet. But the mushy mouthfeel detracted from the tasting experience.

Chefman Anti Overflow Waffle Maker’s Design

Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker’s Design
8.8
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)8.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)10/10
  • Control Panel (10%)9.5/10
6.6
design Scores
  • Build Quality (60%)6.0/10
  • Waffle Plates (30%)8.0/10
  • Control Panel (10%)6.0/10

In The Box

The all-black Chefman waffle maker next to its instruction manual and accessory (a cup for measuring batter).
  • Chefman waffle maker
  • Instruction manual and quick-start guide
  • A measuring cup

Besides the waffle maker itself, you will also get an instruction manual and a quick-start guide. A measuring cup is included to help you pour the correct amount of batter.

The Presto Belgian waffle maker with black-and-red plastic detailing and glossy metallic body next to its instruction manual.
  • Presto Flipside waffle maker
  • Instruction manuals

The shipping box is simplistic. Inside, you will find the waffle maker and the user manual. No extra accessory is included.

Dimensions & Weight of the Chefman Round Waffle Maker

Dimensions & Weight of the Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker
The dimensions of the Chefman waffle maker. The length is 10.6 inches, height 4.35 inches, and width 8.3 inches.
  • Length:
    10.6" (26.9 cm)
  • Width:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)
  • Height:
    4.3" (11.0 cm)
  • Weight:
    3.6 lbs (1.7 kg)

The Chefman waffle maker is compact and lightweight. It doesn't take much space on our countertop or storage shelf. It can even be stored vertically with the aid of a convenient supporting foot at the back.

The Presto waffle maker’s dimensions in vertical form. Length is 11 inches, height is 11.5 inches, and width is 4.5 inches.
The Presto waffle maker’s dimensions in vertical form. Length is 11 inches, height is 11.5 inches, and width is 4.5 inches.
The Presto waffle maker’s dimensions in horizontal form. Length is 12 inches, height is 4.4 inches, and width is 11 inches.
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Dimensions Video
  • Length:
    12.0" (30.5 cm)
  • Width:
    11.0" (27.9 cm)
  • Height:
    4.4" (11.2 cm)
  • Weight:
    4.9 lbs (2.2 kg)

Its compact size sets the Presto 03510 apart from every other flip waffle maker. Thanks to its unique design, the waffle maker measures only 4.4 inches tall (on its side). That’s less than half as tall as the more “traditional” flippable models like the Hamilton Beach 26031, which measures 8.7 inches in height.

However, while it is more compact vertically, the waffle maker takes up a lot of counter space. As you flip it back and forth, the waffle maker requires a working area two times its length (around 25 inches on both sides of the waffle maker).

When it’s time to store it away, you need to grab it by the handle and lift the body upright. Then, there is a “vertical lock” — a red piece of plastic attached to the base — that you can use to keep it standing vertically.

It brings the waffle maker’s height to 11.5 inches. In return, its length is reduced to just 4.5 inches.

8.0

Build Quality

6.0
The black, plastic, clamp-style lid lock at the front of the Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian waffle maker.

Depending on the version you selected, the build materials will be different. The one we chose has a top lid made from a matte plastic material. In pricier versions, the top is made from stainless steel. The matte plastic exterior looks less attractive than stainless steel, but it’s less likely to scratch or defaces.

Overall, the build quality is good. The matte outer coating has a smooth, high-quality feel. Other components of the waffle maker are built durably.

We initially liked the elaborate lid-locking system, but it turned out to create some problems which we’ll detail below.

A close-up of the gashes on the black plastic detailing of the Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker.
A close-up of the gashes on the black plastic detailing of the Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker.
Zoomed-in shot of a gap in the black plastic joint that connects the waffle maker’s baking chamber with the base.
Close-up shot of the red plastic retainer that keeps the baking chamber of the Presto waffle maker aloft when stored upright.
Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Build Quality video

Build quality is great, but it could be better in some respects. The body of the waffle maker is made from solid stainless steel. Its metallic gleam gives the waffle maker a beautiful, premium look.

The base is made from plastic. It looked sturdy at first glance. However, upon closer inspection, we observed many design and manufacturing flaws.

At the bottom of the handle, two big dents can be seen. They were already there when we took it out of the box, so it’s likely to be a manufacturing defect.

In addition to the damaged handle, a large gap can be seen in the joints that connect the waffle maker’s body with the base. The way that they’re unevenly set made us suspicious of bad workmanship.

10

Waffle Plates

8.0
An overview of the Chefman waffle maker’s cooking plates. The bottom plate has a large anti-overflow moat surrounding it.
An overview of the Chefman waffle maker’s cooking plates. The bottom plate has a large anti-overflow moat surrounding it.
The black, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Chefman waffle maker. An anti-overflow moat surrounds it to catch excess batter.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    54.11 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    8.3" (21.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Cast aluminum
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

This section gets a rare perfect score from us.

The non-stick coating works well. After it was cooked, the waffle fell off the plates easily and didn't stick. Additionally, we rarely found any debris stuck to the plates.

An "anti-spill" moat wraps around the bottom plate. The moat usually prevented the liquid batter from spilling onto the counter when the batter overflowed during our tests.

An overview of the Presto Flipside waffle maker’s gray, Belgian-style waffle plates.
An overview of the Presto Flipside waffle maker’s gray, Belgian-style waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the gray ceramic waffle plates of the Presto Flip Side waffle maker.
  • Number of Plates:
    2
  • Grid Pattern:
    Belgian-style
  • Plate Area:
    44.18 inch2
  • Plate Length:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Plate Width:
    7.5" (19.1 cm)
  • Material:
    Ceramic
  • Non Stick Coating:
    Yes
  • Removable:
    No
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    No

The waffle maker comes with a pair of ceramic plates coated with a layer of non-stick. Each measures 7.5 inches in diameter and has a small moat running around the perimeter of the plate to catch spilled batter.

The non-stick coating works most of the time. But, every so often, a waffle would stick to the plates, and we would have to pry it out with utensils.

9.5

Control Panel

6.0
Chefman Control Panel
Chefman Control Panel video
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    No
  • Timer:
    No
  • Browning Control:
    Yes

The control panel consists of two indicator lights and a browning control knob. The knob is tactile and makes a satisfying clicking sound as it turns.

This waffle maker would’ve gotten a perfect score if it had an audible alarm or a timer.

A close-up shot of the timer to the side of the Presto waffle maker’s base. A button and speaker holes are visible.
  • Indicator Lights:
    Yes
  • Audible Alarm:
    Yes
  • Timer:
    Yes
  • Browning Control:
    No

A large red light is situated on one side of the waffle. When you plug the waffle in, the light will glow red. Once the waffle plates have reached the right temperature, the light will turn off.

Underneath the light is a timer with a digital screen. You can set the countdown via the small button underneath the screen. The corresponding numbers will appear on the display. Once the countdown is completed, a small speaker will alarm you.

Note that the timer only keeps the time. It won’t shut down or control the waffle maker for you. The timer is a separate component from the waffle maker and operates on batteries. So, even if you unplug the unit, the timer will still work.

Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian Waffle Maker’s Power Cord

Presto Flipside Waffle Maker’s Power Cord
A cord grommet at the bottom of the Chefman waffle maker. It helps the user manage the cord before putting it into storage.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    2.3 ft (0.7 m)
  • Cable Management:
    Yes

The power cord measures 18 inches long, which is shorter than average. You may find you need an extension cord.

The underside sports a pair of hooks that you can wrap the cord around and prep the waffle maker for storage.

The 36.5-inch long power cord of the Presto waffle maker. The Type-A plug is clearly shown.
  • Plug Style:
    Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
  • Length:
    3.0 ft (0.9 m)
  • Cable Management:
    No

The power cord is very long, measuring over 36.5 inches. There’s no cable management feature. When we need to put it away and into storage, we have to wrap the cord around the waffle maker's body.

Measurement Cup

Accessories

N/A
A transparent plastic cup that comes with the Chefman waffle maker. It helps the user measure the batter to pour.
  • Material:
    Plastic
  • Removable:
    Yes
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    Yes

The Chefman waffle maker comes with a measuring cup. You will find two markings on the cup that tell you the amount of batter you need to make a thin or thick waffle. This cup is dishwasher-safe.

On the handle is a notch that can be used to hang the cup to the side of the batter bowl.

  • Material:
    N/A
  • Removable:
    N/A
  • Dishwasher Safe:
    N/A

The Presto waffle maker does not come with any accessories.

Ease of Use

Chefman Belgian Anti-Overflow Waffle Maker Review

Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Review: Ease of Use
5.6
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)7.5/10
  • Safety (40%)2.5/10
  • Cleanability (25%)7.0/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
9.2
usability Scores
  • Handling (25%)9.5/10
  • Safety (40%)9.8/10
  • Cleanability (25%)7.5/10
  • Indicator Light Visibility (10%)10/10
7.5

Handling

9.5
Chefman Anti-Overflow Handling video 1

Handling is acceptable. The waffle maker is easy to operate and the controls are simple. Most people can immediately get started using only the information on the one-page quick-start guide.

The lid opens and closes smoothly.

However, we deducted points due to the awkward locking system, which is integrated into the lid, facing downward. You have to bring your hand very close to the waffle maker's hot surfaces to unlock the lid. We burnt our fingers more than once trying to open it.

Presto Flipside Belgian Waffle Maker Handling video
A large gap in-between the two-piece handles of the Presto waffle maker when it’s stored in its vertical configuration.
The Presto 03510 Ceramic Flipside Belgian waffle maker’s handle being held in one hand by a product tester.
The entire Presto waffle maker is held in the air by the handle with one hand of a product tester.

Handling is great. The hinges – of the lid and the flipping mechanism — are built exceptionally well. The lid opens and closes without wobbling. We can flip the waffle maker back and forth fluidly, too.

The handle is made up of two halves. Each half is built into the two lids of the waffle maker. You just need to split them apart when you want to open up the lid.

When you need to flip or carry the waffle maker around, bring the two halves together to make a complete handle.

Our only issue is with the timer. Even after reading the manual, it’s still hard to use and imprecise. So, for all of our tests, we use our timer rather than the built-in one. Fortunately, this is a minor annoyance.

2.5

Safety

9.8
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s top lid is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 202.7°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s top lid is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 202.7°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s clamp handle is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 190.9°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s base is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 124.1°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    202°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    124°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    190°F

Besides the problem with the lid lock, the design of the bottom waffle plate makes it difficult to extract the waffle after cooking. The bottom plate is deep, so getting your tongs to the bottom is tricky. Sometimes, we had to use our hands to pry the waffle up, then pick it up with the tongs.

The top surface of the machine gets piping hot after several sessions, with a surface temperature of 202°F.

The bottom of the handle, where you need to put your hand to operate the lid lock, was dangerously hot at 190°F. This is hot enough to cause a burn injury. It is also why the Chefman waffle maker ultimately failed the performance test.

The front side, which most people will need to grip onto to transport the waffle maker, can get uncomfortably warm. We measured a surface temperature of 124°F. If you need to move the waffle maker, wait a few minutes for it to cool down.

The temperature of a plastic foot of the Presto waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 167.9°F.
The temperature of a plastic foot of the Presto waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 167.9°F.
The temperature of the Presto waffle maker’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 95.4°F.
The temperature of the Presto waffle maker’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 94.9°F.
  • Top Side Temperature:
    167°F
  • Bottom Side Temperature:
    95°F
  • Handle Temperature:
    94°F

Safety is excellent for the Presto waffle maker.

We recorded a top-side temperature of 167°F. While the temperature is dangerous, you’re never meant to touch the top of any waffle maker. Thus, the figure here doesn’t affect scoring much.

The base and the handle are both at room temperature. They were found to have a temperature of 95°F and 94°F, respectively.

7.0

Cleanability

7.5
Excess batter spilling out of the Chefman waffle maker and into a pool at the base of the unit.
  • Machine-Washable: No

The anti-spill moat helps prevent spillage, but it is not infallible. Rather than relying on the moat, use the measuring cup to ensure that you pour in the correct amount.

Cleaning the waffle maker is difficult. The rubber outer coating can hold on to dried-out batter stubbornly. It took us several minutes of vigorous scrubbing with mild detergent to remove the worst of the dry, stuck-on batter. Even then, traces remained.

Close-up on the gunks accumulated on the inner part of the black plastic handle of the Presto Belgian waffle maker.

Cleaning the waffle maker is easy for the most part. We rarely have to clean the plates, thanks to the non-stick coating. However, as aforementioned, the coating can sometimes fail and leave sticky remains on the plates. Fortunately, the residues can be easily removed with some vigorous scrubbing.

Certain parts of the waffle maker are challenging to clean, like the inside of the handle. The dried batter can bind to the plastic here very tightly. We could not scrub droplets of dried batter off even after applying mild detergent.

10

Indicator Light Visibility

10
The indicator lights of the Chefman waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the blue READY light.

The indicator lights are bright and can be seen even under harsh studio lighting.

The red indicator light located on the base of the Presto Flipside Belgian waffle maker.

The indicator light to the side of the waffle maker was very bright. It’s easy to see even under studio lighting.