A commercial waffle maker is a great addition to any commercial kitchen. The right unit can take your breakfast menu to the next level and provide your customers with the comfort food they crave.
With their affordable price tags, lightweight and compact footprints, there's no reason not to add a waffle baker to your kitchen equipment line-up.
But before you take the plunge and buy a new waffle maker, it's important to know what to look for in a commercial unit.
Restaurant Waffle Makers Buying Guide
When looking to buy waffle makers for your restaurant, there are several things that you need to consider in addition to your budget.
Waffle Style
There are quite a few waffle styles. Which one(s) will your restaurant be serving?
- Belgian waffles: Thick, light, and fluffy waffles with deep pockets. These waffles are typically square.
- Traditional waffles: In the U.S., a traditional waffle is thinner than its Belgian counterpart, with a thin and crispy exterior. These waffles have small and shallow pockets and are generally round in shape.
- Waffle on a stick: A unique way to serve waffles. These are excellent for on-the-go treats. While they can be created using regular waffle makers, there are specialized commercial waffle makers for this style.
- LiГ©ge waffles: The most popular type of waffle in Belgium. They are made from a special dough that's formed into balls and pressed between the platens of the waffle maker.
Before you can start comparing waffle makers, you need to know what style you'll be making. If your menu includes traditional waffles, a Belgian waffle maker won't give you the result that you desire.
Capacity and Size
Once you know which style of waffle maker you need, it's time to consider capacity and size. How many waffles do you typically serve per hour or anticipate serving per hour?
If you do a high-volume breakfast service, you may need a more advanced waffle maker that can handle 50+ waffles per hour. For a low- to medium-volume restaurant or cafГ©, you don't need quite as much power. A model that can handle 20 waffles per hour should suffice.
Another important thing to consider is the size of the waffle maker. Fortunately, most units have a small footprint, although some can be heavy. Make sure you have enough space in your kitchen for a waffle baker.
Controls
Modern commercial waffle makers have intuitive, user-friendly controls, which makes it easy to incorporate them into your kitchen without intensive training.
For best results, look for models that offer precise temperature controls. This will make it easier to get consistent, delicious results with your waffles.
Plate Materials
One important consideration is the waffle plate material. There are a few options here, and some are better than others.
- Plain aluminum plates. These are the cheapest option, but they're also the most difficult to clean and maintain.
- Heavy cast aluminum with non-stick coating. These offer the budget-friendliness of aluminum and the convenience of easy-cleaning, non-stick surfaces.
- Cast iron - the classic choice. Cast iron plates need to be properly seasoned to keep the batter from sticking. They're heavier, too. However, they offer high durability and help deliver the classic waffle taste.
Choose a plate material that best meets your needs. Keep in mind that cast iron plates will increase the overall cost of the unit and make it heavier. However, it's the material of choice for most restaurants because it produces the best flavor.
Commercial Waffle Maker Reviews
What's the best commercial waffle maker? The answer depends on your restaurant's menu and volume. We have a variety of waffle makers to suit every restaurant and foodservice operation's needs.
Equipex GES23
The GES23 will surprise and delight your customers with individual waffles on a stick. Easy to transport and enjoy, this waffle baker can make two individual waffles at a time.
The machine offers a high capacity of up to 110 waffles per hour. The intuitive control panel makes it easy to incorporate this machine into your equipment line-up. Thermostatic temperature regulation is available through the 1.6 kW heating element.
The GES23 can reach a temperature of 570F. Even heat distribution and quick pre-heating times allow you to deliver fast, delicious waffles on a stick.
Cast iron plates ensure high-quality waffles, and the stainless steel exterior allows for easy cleaning.
The Equipex GES23 is one of the best waffle makers for restaurants that want to serve waffles on a stick or unique waffle food items.
Equipex GES10
The GES10 is one of the top waffle makers for restaurants with busy breakfast service. This model bakes single Belgian waffles, with a capacity of up to 55 waffles per hour. Thermostatic regulation allows for precise temperature control, and the user-friendly control panel makes it easy for staff to use this machine without intensive training.
The GES10 has a 1.6 kW heating element and a maximum temperature of 570F. Quick preheating and even heat distribution allow you to bake delicious waffles quickly and easily.
This model features cast iron plates and a stainless steel exterior. A removable drip tray makes clean-up a breeze. The compact footprint (12" W x 11" H) makes it easy to incorporate this unit into any sized commercial kitchen.
If you need a Belgian waffle maker that can stand up to busy breakfast service, the GES10 is a great option.
Adcraft BWM-7/R
The Adcraft BWM-7/R is ideal for lower-volume cafes and diners. This model can bake up to 20, 1.25" thick waffles per hour.
For easy cooking, this model has a digital timer and temperature control. The removable drip tray allows for easy clean-up and is dishwasher safe. It's also lightweight and has a small footprint, making it great for small kitchens or food truck operations.
The BWM-7/R has a 7" round plate made from heavy cast aluminum with a non-stick coating. The stainless steel body allows for easy cleaning and the ability to withstand commercial use.
Final Word
A commercial waffle maker is a versatile tool that will enhance your menu and give customers more options when dining at your restaurant. Consider all of the points above when choosing your model as well as your budget to find a unit that meets all of your needs.