Chef's Choice Waffle Makers

13 years ago

I'm seriously considering buying a waffle maker today.

I've researched all the brands and have finally narrowed it down to the Chef's Choice brand. The two models I'm looking at are the M850 which makes Belgium Waffles and the M852 which makes regular waffles.

The online reviews are great, but it would be nice to get the advice of someone here with first hand experience.

Thanks
~Ann

Edited to correct error in "Good Housekeeping"

Here is a link that might be useful: Good Housekeeping Waffle Reviews

This post was edited by ann_t on Wed, Apr 24, 13 at 14:02

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Comments (10)

Teresa_MN
13 years ago
Is Home Housekeeping the Canadian version of Good Housekeeping?

If so many people do go by the products they recommend.
shambo
13 years ago
Ann, I've been using the classic M852 for about 3 years now.I bought it specifically to make toaster-sized waffles. I didn't want a bigger 4-square waffle maker, and round waffles are too large to fit in regular toaster slots.

My husband likes waffles spread with peanut butter & jam for breakfast. So what I usually do is cook an entire recipe, let the waffles cool, separate them, and then freeze them. That way he can fix himself breakfast while I'm still snoozing. (I follow the same routine with homemade bagels, scones, & muffins too -- anything to stay in bed a few extra minutes.)

I have no complaints, and I use the waffle maker frequently. I've never needed to grease it between waffles either. The non-stick interior is great. I do have a confession to make: We've rarely eaten the waffles freshly made. I mainly make them for freezing. The last time I ate some fresh waffles was about two months ago when my granddaughters spent the night. I made whole wheat waffles, and they seemed fine to me. But I'm definitely not a waffle connoisseur. I like them spread with butter, and that's it.
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pkguy
13 years ago
Personally I prefer regular sized square waffles over chunky Belgian waffles. I seldom make them though so it's stored down in the basement but it has reversible plates, smooth on the backside for grilled sandwiches etc. Surprised these new ones don't have that as nearly all the vintage ones are reversible.
User
Original Author
13 years ago
Sue, thank you. I respect your opinion on everything cooking related, so it is good to know that your experience supports the reviews I read regarding the Chef's Choice brand. I'm so not a waffle connoisseur. Can't remember the last time I had a waffle. But I know that Moe will like them so it is good to know that I can make a batch and freeze them for him.

Peter thank you , I knew that I wanted a square Belgian Waffle not round. What I read about the Chef's Choice #850 was that although it makes a Belgian style waffle the waffles aren't quite as thick as others Belgian waffles. Apparently it makes a 7/8" thick waffle rather than a 1 1/4 ". I'll know better after I make my first batch.

My new toy:
annie1992
13 years ago
Good luck, Ann. I actually really like waffles, the fluffy buttermilk kind even. Elery said he didn't like waffles so I started experimenting.

I've made gingerbread waffles, corn waffles with ham and cheese, herb waffles with green onions or chives, chocolate waffles, whole wheat waffles. The little waffle iron Deb (momto4kids) gave me is perfect for Elery and I. We can eat the first two waffles while the next two are baking and then I can bake more for the freezer.

I also like the square waffles as they fit nicely in the toaster.

The savory ones are good as a base, I've used the herb waffles for chicken a la king and the corn waffles with a ladle of pinto beans or chili over top.

Annie
shambo
13 years ago
Ann, please report back on how you like the machine. It looks pretty good, so I hope it works well for you.

Annie, do you follow specific recipes for your savory waffles? They sound particularly appealing to me. As I mentioned before, I usually just spread waffles with butter and eat them out of hand, just like toast. If I want some maple, I'll just drizzle enough syrup to give me the flavor. I'm not much for pancakes or waffles drenched in syrup.
dedtired
13 years ago
I vote for strawberries and whipped cream. Ooops -- wrong website. ;)
User
Original Author
13 years ago
Annie, I like the idea of making "savory" waffles. With mashed potatoes, cheese, spinach, etc. Matthew loves an aged white cheddar and spinach waffle with a smokey tomato sauce from a Victoria restaurant. I'll have to figure out how to make a version and surprise him with it next time he is here.

Sue, I love the machine. I didn't have to oil it and the first waffles came out as good as the additional waffles. That was my main concern. Do I follow the instructions in the manual and NOT oil? I didn't oil and there was no sticking at all.

Pam, thank you, I saw your "vote" and Lindac's suggestion for both so that is what I went with.
shambo
13 years ago
Ann, I'm glad the machine is working out for you. The non-stick surface really is non-stick. That is something that impressed me too. So far, it's stayed non-stick for me. I've had other so-called waffle makers that didn't work without brushing with oil for every waffle.

Once you perfect a savory waffle version, please post about it. The cheddar & spinach waffle you described sounds wonderful.
annie1992
13 years ago
Sue, the corn waffle was just made with my cornbread recipe and I added some leftover corn removed from the cob, a handful of shredded cheese and some chopped ham, also left over.

The herb waffles were made by using the regular waffle recipe but leaving out any sugar and adding whatever herbs I had in the herb garden at that time. I like some sage in waffles if I'm having them with chicken or turkey.

Chocolate and gingerbread waffles were both made using recipes, but I tend to just toss in a handful of whatever suits me, whether that be cheese or nuts, leftover vegetables, crushed pineapple. I've been kind of mulling over the idea of adding avocado....

Ann T, I saw your other thread, I'd have definitely gone for both syrup and berries too. Cheddar and spinach, now there's an idea.....

Annie

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