The Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker is a great alternative to other expensive waffle makers. In this Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker review, we’ll go over the pros and cons of it and compare it to other similar products to help you make a better decision. Continue reading to the end for the best review.
Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker features five browning settings and indicator light, easy read. It is equipped with deeply grooved grids that help create perfectly crispy waffles, and it features a countdown timer with an audible beep to let you know exactly when your waffle is done cooking. The integrated batter cup design allows for quick, easy filling and pouring while no mess walls help keep countertops clean.
It is designed with a unique baking cavity to deliver perfect heat distribution and a removable cooking plate that seals pockets while crisping edges; you never have to choose between fluffy or crispy waffles again.
A digital interface gives you easy control over temperature and cooks time, so your waffles come out perfect every time. It’s a simple way to make delicious homemade waffles.
What Is a Waffle Maker?
A waffle maker is a simple appliance that cooks batter into a patterned, flat cake. It’s often used for breakfast but can be used for many meals and snacks. They are easy to use. Just pour in your favorite batter, close the lid, flip the waffle maker over, and power on. Waffle makers have indicator lights that tell you when the device is ready to use and when cooking.
It usually consists of two hinged metal plates molded to create the honeycomb pattern found on waffles. Waffle makers are most commonly used for cooking waffles, though they can also be used to prepare eggs, pancakes, hash browns, grilling sandwiches, and the like.
Heat is most commonly produced by an electric heating element housed in the appliance. Some models have a thermostat that automatically adjusts the heat level with use. As temperatures rise and fall during cooking, most waffle maker models change the number of beeps or flashing lights accordingly.
However, Waffles are eaten worldwide, particularly in Belgium, with over a dozen regional varieties.
Types of Waffle Maker
Here is a comprehensive guide to types of waffle makers, including Belgian, Classic, Stovetop, Egg, Pizzelle, and Sandwich Waffle Makers. However, there are two general waffle makers: Belgian and traditional. Traditional irons usually have deeper, more rounded pockets and thicker plates for even heating on the top and bottom.
1. Traditional Waffle Maker
Traditional waffle makers are made of a base with holes or wells filled with batter and cooked. Also, traditional waffle makers come in round, square, or rectangular shapes. Some are designed to make thick waffles with deeper wells for thicker batter and extra-crispy results.
Because of the way traditional waffle makers are designed, it is difficult for them to make different shapes of waffles except for the classic round ones. Newer types have come onto the market that can create differently shaped waffles, but these are usually only able to make one shape of waffle at a time.
2. Belgian Waffle Maker
A Belgian waffle maker has a deeper, larger grid for waffles with deep pockets and a crispy outside. Also, a Belgian waffle maker is smaller and wider than most, with a round shape. It makes a thin waffle with a shallow grid pattern.
With a Belgian-style waffle maker featuring a scratch-resistant nonstick cooking surface, you can enjoy the same crisp, fluffy waffles you get at brunch without the hassle. The waffle maker heats up quickly, delivering evenly cooked waffles every time, and has a variety of cooking settings.
3. Electric Waffle Iron
Waffle irons come in a variety of styles and shapes. As far as types of waffle irons go, the electric waffle iron is one of the more popular ones. Electric irons heat up to temperature quickly, and some come with built-in timers to let you know when it’s done preheating. Just pour in the batter and put the lid down when you’re ready. The irons will do the rest of the work.
However, revolving waffle irons work best for the average home cook yet can be labor-intensive to turn out quick, even batches of waffles. Most countertop-style rotating models are shaped like traditional electric or stovetop irons. Paddle-style Belgian or Liege waffle makers use a circular grid pattern, working as a paddle to rotate a batter across hot coals or electric burners. The resulting waffles are round and served one at a time.
4. Induction Waffle Maker
Induction models work on a different principle. Rather than use direct heat, they create an electromagnetic field between the unit’s base and the cooking plate. The batter cooks when it comes into contact with the electromagnetic field. This method is better suited to small-scale production as it allows you to quickly cook large quantities of waffles.
Also, Induction waffle makers have a flat cooking surface, making them more like a traditional loaf of bread. They also use mathematical algorithms to regulate the temperature of the plates and regulate cooking time.
It makes super-fast, evenly cooked waffles by heating the entire surface of the waffle iron with induction coils. Some models even circulate heat between two plates to create extra crispy edges. These are great if you’re aiming for restaurant-quality results.
5. Double Waffle Maker
A Double Waffle Maker is designed to make two waffles in one batch. The floating hinge pattern on the waffles is fun and attractive, while the deep pockets make them the perfect vessel for your favorite toppings. Most comes with a five-setting browning dial that you can use to achieve a perfectly crisp, caramelized outer layer with a light and fluffy center.
The double baking plates make two waffles at once, allowing you to take care of a large group with just a few minutes of cooking time.
6. Stovetop Waffle Maker
Stovetop waffle makers are the easiest to find and use, but they produce a small number of waffles at a time. They’re an excellent way to try out the world of waffles if you’re curious or are making them only for immediate consumption.
They are generally round and take up a little more space on your stove, but they make deep-pocketed Belgian-style waffles.
However, Stovetop waffle irons are typically heirloom pieces people pass down in families for generations. The cast iron heats evenly and retains heat well, so your waffles will come out evenly browned. Plus, the nonstick plates make them easy to clean, and they can even go right in the dishwasher. (Avoid stacking them in the sink, though; manual cleaning is best.)
Meanwhile, using a waffle maker over a stove is a very old method of making waffles. This method requires you to make and bake your batter over the stovetop, which takes more preparation, yet produces a thicker and more traditional waffle style.
7. Mini Waffle Maker
Mini Waffle Makers are known for baking the perfect mini waffles. These waffle makers feature a slim design, so they can easily be stored in tight spaces such as between cabinets, on your kitchen counter, or even in a drawer. These products make cute gifts for those who love breakfast goods in their small size.
8. Ceramic waffle maker
Ceramic waffle makers are typically more expensive than plastic ones, though people say they last longer and heat up more evenly. A ceramic waffle maker typically has more than one cooking plate and is easiest to clean. It comes in a wide variety of shapes.
Also, a ceramic waffle maker has a nonstick surface that requires little or no oil or butter to make waffles. Although they take longer to heat up than standard waffle makers, they toast more evenly, making the results tastier. A ceramic model is also possible to clean.
With a ceramic waffle maker, you can easily make a large batch of waffles in the morning using just tap water and avoid potential health risks associated with nonstick coatings.
Nowadays, the most important difference between different waffle makers is their heat source: examples include induction or gas-powered irons, while other brands depend on electricity alone. Another major factor is nonstick coating: the best Belgian waffle makers are typically coated with Teflon to make cleanup easy, but cast-iron models may require you to coat them with vegetable oil before the first use to avoid sticking.
Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker Buying Guide
Type of Waffle
The type of waffle will determine the kind of waffle maker you will be getting – whether you want super crispy crust or a soft, flaky interior. Also, to ensure your waffles are the right temperature and texture, it’s important to find a machine that uses a built-in thermometer or heat probe to gauge the temperature of the batter. The batter should also maintain a consistent texture throughout cooking to not stick to itself or overwhelm the tiny cooking pockets inside the waffle.
Ease of Cleaning
This feature refers to how easy it is to clean the waffle maker, including plates, drip tray, and built-in brush. Nonstick plates are recommended because the food will not stick, so you won’t need to add extra grease or use a scouring pad on the hot surface.
If your waffle maker has sticky waffle buildup after each use, clean plates can become a chore. Look for features that make it easy to clean plates, like removable and dishwasher-safe parts and drip trays.
Number of Waffles to make
To determine how many waffles you can make at a time, consider how many people are in your household, or will be eating together. However, Every waffle maker makes a different number of waffles in the same amount of time. The size of the waffle maker and the type of heating elements also impact how many waffles it can make in the same amount of time.
Meanwhile, the number of waffles prepared at once will depend on the machine’s size, shape, and style. A round Belgian-style design will make one large waffle, while rectangle models are best for making a set of several in a single batch. Consider a single-waffle maker if you’re cooking for just one or two people.
If you regularly cook more than six waffles at one time, a four-section design is often the best option.
Also, Waffle makers come in many shapes and sizes, but the three most popular types are round, square, and Belgian. The size of your waffle maker will determine how large of a waffle you can make at one time, so consider how many people are in your household and what kind of waffles you want to make before choosing.
Speed
How fast your waffle maker cooks dictates how quickly you can go from batter to breakfast. On average, waffle makers take between 3 and 9 minutes from preheating to finishing a waffle. A faster waffle means you can get to eating sooner.
The Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker’s extra-deep grids allow you to bake your favorite batter without it overflowing. Plus, its digital timer keeps your hands free while you’re getting ready for a busy day.
Indicator Lights and Sounds
Powerful, intuitive technology: Indicator lights and sounds tell you when to add batter and when your waffle is ready. Lights or sounds let you know when you’re ready to cook and when your waffles are ready to eat. Look for user-friendly bells and whistles like “power on” lights, low and high batter indicators, beeping tones when heating is ready, and cooking countdown timers.
To ensure your kitchen remains quiet, the Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker features indicator lights that illuminate and sound that beep to tell you when it’s time to add batter and when the waffles are ready.
Ease of Storage
A waffle maker’s size and ease of storage are important factors to consider. The waffle maker will take up counter space, so you want one that can store easily: look for a design that can stand upright, with the plates pulled open, or fold up flat. (if you love pancakes as much as waffles, look for a combo model that makes both.)
Meanwhile, a waffle maker might seem like a small appliance that you can pack into a spare drawer in a pinch, but you’ll be much happier if you store it easily and conveniently in your kitchen. Make sure it’s not too big to keep on your countertop or that you have plenty of space to hide it away in a cabinet.
Some waffle makers can be large and quite bulky. If you decide on a model that needs to be stored on your countertop, think about how often you plan to use it. Waffle makers that can be flipped over for storage or removed from the base for an easier storage solution are a great choice if you want to bring your waffle maker out when entertaining guests.
Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker Review
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To make the fluffiest waffles, turn to Calphalon’s Intellicrisp waffle maker. It features a built-in sensor that monitors your batter and adjusts the temperature accordingly, so you always get crisp yet fluffy results. Score even more kitchen smart points by using the Easy Pour Batter Spout – no more sticky messes.
The Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker is perfect for making Belgian-style waffles at home. This waffle maker featured customizable temperature control and alighted digital indicators so you can select the perfect degree of browning for your waffle.
Calphalon’s Intellicrisp Waffle Maker knows just how to cook your waffle to perfection so that the outside is golden, crunchy, and delicious while the inside remains moist and delicious. Includes a fold-away handle for easy storage.
Features and Specifications
Ceramic-coated cooking plates
The Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker is the perfect addition to any kitchen. The plates are coated with ceramic, so you don’t need to use oil or butter for most batters, and the plates heat up fast and evenly, making crispy waffles in less than four minutes. Cleanup is easy as well with easy-clean release surfaces, and the plates are dishwasher safe.
Both sides are ceramic coated to make removing waffles easy and supply even heating for perfect results every time.
High-contrast LCD screen display
Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker features digital control and can remember up to four of your favorite settings. The high-contrast LCD screen display features bold icons, adjustable browning control, audible alerts, and a countdown timer.
Also, the removable baking plate provides easy cleanup, and the high-contrast LCD screen display shows how long to cook perfect waffles.
Locks
Locks are important because they keep your contents secure. The Calphalon Intellicrisp Waffle Maker has a locking handle that ensures your waffle maker stays closed and locked during use, so you don’t have to worry about it popping open accidentally—and allowing all of your hard work to go to waste.
Pros
- Easy to change the temperature setting
- Presence of a locking mechanism
- Sleekly designed and easy to handle
Cons
- The Intellicrisp only makes one waffle at a time
How to Use Waffle Maker Without Spray
Without adding any kind of spray at all, your waffles will still come out perfectly. Other times, the waffle maker might just need more than you thought. Do butter and oil help waffle batter?
If you want to use oil as part of your waffle recipe, consider mixing a couple of tablespoons of oil with a stick of butter to make clarified butter. This way, you’re getting the best of both worlds, allowing you to use a little more fat in your batter while avoiding burning at the same time.
Wash the waffle maker and remove any seasoning with warm water. Apply a cooking spray to the waffle maker and close the lid. Due to high temperatures, the waffle maker will give off steam as it cooks. Wait till your waffle is golden brown.
How to Use a Waffle Maker That Flips
The waffle maker that flips is easy to use. Simply pour in the batter, and ensure that the nonstick cooking plates are oiled. Then plug in the waffle maker. Once it’s preheated, flip the lid over for the perfect one.
There are two ways to use a waffle maker to flip the waffle. One way is the manual flipping of the waffle mid-cooking with the handle. The other way is to leave the handle down and let it cook until it beeps, rising on its own, flipping the waffle when done.
To use a waffle maker that flips, start by plugging your waffle maker in so it can preheat. Then, grease the waffle maker plates with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Once the waffle maker is preheated, pour about ½ cup of batter into the center of each plate. Finally, close the lid of the waffle maker and wait for the green indicator light to come on.
How to Use a Waffle Maker That Doesn’t Flip
To use a waffle maker that doesn’t flip, select the temperature. Brush oil or cooking spray on the appliance to prevent sticking and ensure it is preheated. Then, pour in the batter and cook until golden brown. Additionally, lift the lid to check if it is done halfway through.
Meanwhile, when your waffle maker doesn’t flip, you’re left with a thicker waffle that’s also cooked more evenly on both sides. A waffle that’s both crispy on the outside and fluffy inside. It may take a minute or two longer to get ready, but it’s worth it.
Preheat your waffle maker and coat the surface with nonstick cooking spray to create yummy waffles with a waffle maker that doesn’t flip. Pour the batter into the center of the waffle maker, not on the corners. Close the lid and let cook until ready, about 5 minutes or so.
How Long Do You Cook Waffles in a Waffle Maker?
It takes about 4 to 6 minutes to cook waffles in a waffle maker. However, the time varies depending on the type of waffle iron and the model, and the temperature you are using.
However, It depends on how hot you have the waffle maker. You just need to keep checking on the waffles until they are cooked the way you want them to be. The more done it is, the easier it is to take out of the waffle maker.
As a general rule, follow the instructions in your machine’s manual. Typically, waffle makers take between 3 and 5 minutes to cook a batch of two waffles.
How to Cook Waffles in a Waffle Maker
A properly prepared waffle can be crispy and chewy, with beautiful browning outside. The first step is to find or make the right batter.
You can top them with fresh fruits, nuts, whipped cream, and chocolate chips for a sweet meal, or you can use butter and syrup for a quick snack. If you’re cooking for a crowd, waffle makers can make multiple waffles in one go. Here’s how to get started cooking with your waffle maker.
1. Fill a metal or french press coffee pot with water and bring to a rapid boil
2. Pour the boiling water into a medium-sized bowl and add oatmeal
3. Allow the oatmeal to soak for 15 minutes
4. Blend boiled potatoes, yeast, and soy sauce in a food processor or blender
5. Add remaining ingredients and blend again
6. Stir flour mixture into oat mixture until smooth
7. Cover the dough with a damp towel and allow it to rise
8. Mix cornmeal and buttermilk
9. Stir buttermilk into the dough until well blended
10. Grease waffle iron
11. Pour the batter onto the heated lower plate, then close the lid and allow to cook for a few minutes.
However, Preheat your waffle maker to the temperature appropriate for the type of batter you are using. Newer models will beep or light up to tell you when they’re ready to use. Using an older model, steam and smoke from the waffle maker will indicate it’s preheated (however, keep in mind that newer models often do not emit smoke).
How Does a Waffle Maker Work?
A waffle maker works by cooking batter between two hot plates in the shapes of grids or waffles. As the batter cooks, it combines with the hot plates to create a delicious breakfast treat.
Generally, a waffle maker includes two layers of grids with a lip on the edges and a locking mechanism between the two that forms the grid pattern on the waffle. A light will turn on when it is preheated, and then another light signals that the batter is added to the surface for cooking. The batter is spread onto the grids and cooked for about 5 minutes.
Then, the locking mechanism unlocks and flips the top half grid around to press onto the bottom half to finish cooking. This process ensures consistent cooking from side to side, so no side is more cooked than another.
It also keeps escaping steam from wetting the waffle using a good seal with a top half grid. After cooking, you remove your waffles with a special utensil as they will be hot to touch with bare hands.
How to Clean a Waffle Iron Without Removable Plates
Whether your waffle maker has removable plates or not, cleaning it is relatively simple. This guide will show you how to clean your waffle maker with removable plates. If you want to avoid damaging the nonstick coating of the interior plates, you should follow a specific procedure to clean your waffle maker.
To clean an electric waffle iron that does not have removable plates:
- Start by unplugging it and letting it cool and dry completely.
- Remove any loose crumbs with a stiff brush or cloth.
- Make a baking soda paste with two parts baking soda and one part water, and then apply the paste to the grids.
- Let it rest for 15 minutes, and then rinse off the paste with warm water.
- Spray it with cooking oil, wipe away excess oil, and finally use paper towels to dry them completely.
Which Waffle Maker Is Best?
Waffle makers vary by the number of plates and cooking plates’ thickness. The cheaper models usually have four plates where the pancakes are cooked, while the more expensive models have thicker plates or five plates. Another feature worth mentioning is the timer – many waffle makers beep when you should turn them over; others start to buzz. A useful feature in the kitchen may also be an automatic shutdown function that shuts down after a certain period if the appliance has not been used.
Calphalon Intellicrisp waffle maker is the best waffle maker. It allows you to make fresh, golden-brown, crispy waffles in just four minutes and features a built-in steam reserve that lets you instantly make add more moisture for crispier results. Waffles glide easily off the nonstick surface and fold away for vertical storage to save space on your counter. Additional features include indicator lights and a digital display to show cooking progress and temperature settings, plus a timer that helps you get it just right.
The nonstick cooking plates and drip tray ensure easy cleanup. The locking lid makes it simple to store upright. This quality waffle maker adds an attractive touch to any kitchen countertop with sleek, stainless steel housing.
Conclusion
In summary, the Calphalon IntelliCrisp Waffle maker is an affordable and functional product. It makes waffles accurately, consistently, and quickly. The controls are easy to use and provide several settings, including reheating. It even comes with a high-quality case that allows you to store your waffle maker safely.
It excels in the features that owners are looking for the most, including how easy it is to use, the advanced cooking technology, and minimal mess. For a quality machine that will make four delicious Belgian-style waffles in under three minutes, this waffle maker deserves your consideration.
Am ultimately recommending the Calphalon because it’s a little smarter than the rest and has a more durable design. That said, if you’re specifically looking for a Belgian waffle maker, there are plenty of competing models that will do the job just as well. The key to getting the best results lies in carefully taking your time and following the buying guide above.
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.