Waffles are a crowd-pleasing addition to any menu, and quality equipment can make the difference between a delicious treat and a failed recipe. To ensure that your commercial waffle maker produces consistent results, look for the following features.
Quick-heating technology reduces wait time and improves efficiency. Non-stick coatings on cooking trays prevent scratches and make it easy to remove fresh waffles. Indicator lights and built-in timers eliminate guesswork, especially during busy service periods.
1. Temperature Control
When you are in the business of catering to customers, quality must be a top priority when it comes to professional kitchen equipment. This includes commercial waffle makers that provide consistent results, making it easy to elevate your menu items and deliver a satisfying dining experience for your patrons.
Professional waffle makers have precise temperature controls that ensure uniform cooking, preventing under or overcooked waffles. They also offer a simple design that is easy to use, which minimizes the amount of oversight and manual work required for operation. Look for a commercial waffle maker that has a digital display and rotary heating elements for easy flipping and even heating. Many of these appliances feature a cooking timer for added convenience.
Many commercial waffle makers have multiple mode settings for varying the cooking process to support the creation of a variety of types of waffles. This flexibility makes them a great choice for cafes, restaurants and mobile food businesses that offer a diverse menu of tasty treats. Some models have the option to add a cooling rack for an extra layer of crispiness or a wire grid for artisan waffles.
A commercial waffle maker should have a sanitizing cycle that can reduce germs and residue left behind after each batch of waffles. This feature is especially important for high-volume locations where health code regulations require rigorous cleaning of all professional kitchen equipment.
Commercial waffle irons are available in a wide range of styles and sizes, from small single units to large double-sided designs that can handle a high volume of orders at one time. Some of these appliances also have accessories like drip trays, cleaning brushes and waffle picks that improve efficiency and make cleanup easier. Choosing the right size appliance for your business’s expected order volume will help you streamline kitchen operations and maximize efficiency.
2. Non-Stick Surface
A waffle maker with a non-stick surface makes cleaning up after making multiple batches of waffles much easier. The material can also resist scratches and wear and tear, helping you keep your commercial waffle iron in top condition. Some models have removable plates that are dishwasher safe, reducing the time spent cleaning your machine between uses.
Another feature that can help you keep up with your high volume cooking is a commercial waffle maker with a drip tray. This catches any wayward batter to prevent it from spilling over the edges of your finished waffles and keeps your counters clear for other food prep tasks. Other useful features include indicator lights and chimes to signal when the waffles are ready, so you don’t open them up when they’re still not cooked through.
Choosing the right commercial waffle iron for your restaurant is an important step toward serving your customers delicious waffles that are both consistent and filling. Commercial-grade machines are typically designed as compact cooking units that can fit easily on your countertop, making them a great addition to any cafe, diner, or breakfast restaurant. Most offer built-in timers that take the estimation out of creating a batch of waffles, ensuring your team is able to turn out consistently good meals.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, check out this model from GreenPan. It has removable ceramic-nonstick waffle plates and a simple design that minimizes its footprint on your counters. While it didn’t perform as well in our head-to-head tests as the Elite model we tested, this waffle iron is an affordable choice that offers plenty of functionality for a home cook or budget-conscious restaurant owner.
3. Rotating Plates
The smell of fresh waffles baking in the oven, the sight of crisp golden-brown grids drenched with syrup and toppings, the taste of a warm, fluffy bite—these are some of the reasons why food business owners choose to add a commercial waffle maker to their professional kitchen equipment. Whether served as a decadent dessert, crowd-pleasing brunch item or comforting breakfast staple, a high-quality waffle can elevate any meal to the next level.
Unlike standard appliances, professional waffle makers are designed to withstand heavy use in busy restaurants and cafes. They also offer convenient, user-friendly controls that make it easy to whip up delicious waffles for your customers. Some models even allow you to bake a variety of different waffle types.
Look for a commercial waffle maker that has rotating plates, making it simple to flip and bake both sides of the waffle evenly. Additionally, a non-stick surface makes cleaning up after every use quick and easy. Depending on your establishment’s volume needs, you may want to opt for a single waffle maker that can produce 25-30 waffles per hour or a stacked double waffle maker that provides twice as many waffles with independent settings.
Another feature to look for is a built-in timer that takes the guesswork out of cooking times. This will save you precious time and energy in the kitchen and allow you to focus on preparing the rest of your menu items for guests. Most models have clear temperature and time settings, ensuring consistent results every time. Additionally, some commercial waffle makers have removable plates for easy cleanup and can be cleaned using a dishwasher. This makes them a perfect option for restaurant or cafes that have limited space in their kitchen.
4. Built-In Timer
Waffles are a crowd-pleasing brunch item and dessert, elevating breakfast to a celebratory meal experience. Professional waffle makers offer endless possibilities for culinary experimentation with different batters, fillings and toppings. With varying shapes, sizes and adjustable settings, these heavy duty appliances empower you to craft scrumptious waffle creations that delight customers and leave them asking for more.
When selecting a commercial waffle maker, consider the expected volume of your establishment to ensure that the appliance will be able to meet your needs. Single waffle machines produce one waffle at a time, making them suitable for low-volume use while double commercial waffle makers have independent cooking plates that allow you to prepare up to 40-60 waffles per hour. Choosing the right machine will ensure that you always have the perfect number of fresh, golden-brown waffles ready to serve your guests.
In addition to ensuring consistent results, a high-quality waffle maker is also easy to clean and maintain. Most models feature non-stick coatings on cooking surfaces that prevent scratches and are resistant to rust and water damage. Many also have indicator lights that alert you when the waffle maker is preheated and ready to cook. These features streamline the cleaning process and improve kitchen workflow.
For a more convenient way to prepare waffles, look for a model that includes built-in storage compartments. This will prevent tangles and messes while storing the machine between uses, prolonging its life. Additionally, most waffle makers have cord winders that keep the electrical wire neatly tucked away when not in use. This helps maintain a hygienic working environment and reduces space requirements on your restaurant or cafe countertop.
5. Adjustable Browning Control
A commercial waffle maker is a versatile appliance for any restaurant, cafeteria, bakery, or catering service. The rich treat can be customized with various batters, fillings, and toppings to delight patrons with savory or sweet flavors. Consistent results are critical for the success of any food business. High-quality professional kitchen equipment streamlines the cooking process for consistent quality every time.
Designed with convenience in mind, modern commercial waffle makers offer easy-to-use features for efficient operation. Most feature indicator lights that signal when the machine has reached the optimal temperature for baking and is ready to add batter. This helps reduce the risk of overcooked waffles and allows cooks to prepare multiple batches without delay. Many models also have independent settings for each plate, so each waffle can be baked to the preferred level of brownness.
In addition to simple controls, commercial waffle makers are durable and quick to clean. Stainless steel construction is easy to wipe down and disinfect, and non-stick coatings prevent scratches and warping. Many models come with cord winders for easy storage to protect the electrical cord and avoid tangles between uses.
Most commercial waffle makers are compact and fit comfortably on a countertop for convenient storage between use. This space-saving design makes them a good choice for mobile catering businesses that often operate out of public markets, parks, or other outdoor venues. Additionally, most commercial waffle makers feature a 240-volt circuit that heats up much faster than consumer-grade appliances and is suitable for any standard power outlet. This enables restaurants to quickly prepare and serve waffles at events of any size. This versatility and ease of use make commercial waffle makers a valuable asset for any professional kitchen.
