Checklist · 9 picks · 3 categories
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A great brunch at home comes down to two machines: a waffle maker and a griddle big enough for a batch of pancakes and bacon at once. Pick a Belgian waffle maker for thick, fluffy waffles or an American-style one for thinner, crispier ones, and a stovetop or electric griddle depending on your kitchen. A good toaster for bagels is the nice-to-have. Every pick won a named spot in Serious Eats' published tests, with budget, mid and splurge options, and each card shows the drawback the tester called out. Grab a frother from the tea list for lattes.
Who this is not for. Skip this if you are stocking a first kitchen; the apartment list covers the basics first.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 29, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dash Mini Waffle Maker | budget | $15-25 | dorms and small kitchens | 3 outlets agree |
| Cuisinart WAF-F4 Double Flip Belgian Waffle Maker | mid | $50-100 | fluffy Belgian waffles for a crowd | 1 outlet |
| Breville No-Mess Waffle Maker | splurge | $100+ | crisp waffles without the mess | 1 outlet |
Best waffle makerbudget pick · Mini
Best for dorms and small kitchens
Serious Eats' best mini waffle maker: small, light, quick to heat and cheap, perfect for a dorm or tiny kitchen.
Heads up. Low power, so waffles aren't as crisp or browned
3 outlets agree. Serious Eats best mini waffle maker. Tom's Guide white elephant pick. TechRadar white elephant pick.
$15-25
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mid pick · 2 waffles
Best for fluffy Belgian waffles for a crowd
Serious Eats' best Belgian waffle maker, recommended since 2018: divinely fluffy waffles, two at a time.
Heads up. Plates aren't removable, and it's bulky to store
1 outlet. Serious Eats best belgian waffle maker.
$50-100
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splurge pick · American-style
Best for crisp waffles without the mess
Serious Eats' best American-style waffle maker: a deep trench catches overflow, so batter never spills onto the counter.
Heads up. A bit bulky
1 outlet. Serious Eats best american-style waffle maker.
$100+
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lodge LDP3 Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle | budget | $25-50 | pancakes and bacon on the stove | 1 outlet |
| Presto 22-Inch Electric Griddle | mid | $50-100 | pancakes for a crowd | 1 outlet |
| Broil King PCG-10 Professional Nonstick Griddle | splurge | $100+ | frequent big brunches | 1 outlet |
Best griddlebudget pick · Stovetop
Best for pancakes and bacon on the stove
Serious Eats' best stovetop griddle: cast iron from a reputable brand that gets really hot.
Heads up. No drip tray, so grease can spill onto the cooktop
1 outlet. Serious Eats best stovetop griddle.
$25-50
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mid pick · 22 in
Best for pancakes for a crowd
Serious Eats' best electric griddle, recommended for years: heats quickly and holds a steady temperature for big batches.
Heads up. Sits low, so you hunch over while cooking
1 outlet. Serious Eats best electric griddle.
$50-100
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splurge pick · Large
Best for frequent big brunches
Serious Eats' best splurge electric griddle: stainless steel, and the fastest to heat in its test.
Heads up. The drip tray holds less grease than the Presto's
1 outlet. Serious Eats best splurge electric griddle.
$100+
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| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart 2-Slice Classic Metal Toaster | budget | $25-50 | simple toast on a budget | 1 outlet |
| Breville BTA720XL A Bit More 2-Slice Toaster | mid | $100+ | bagels and frozen waffles | 1 outlet |
| Breville Die-Cast 2-Slice Smart Toaster | splurge | $100+ | people who care most about toast | 1 outlet |
Best toasterbudget pick · 2-slice
Best for simple toast on a budget
Serious Eats' best budget stainless steel toaster: a solid one-piece body with no grooves to trap crumbs.
Heads up. The stainless exterior shows every fingerprint
1 outlet. Serious Eats best budget stainless steel toaster.
$25-50
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mid pick · 2-slice
Best for bagels and frozen waffles
Serious Eats' best stainless steel toaster: even browning on bagels, frozen waffles and bread, with a handy lift-and-look button.
Heads up. Smudges more than the Die-Cast, and sourdough needs a second round
1 outlet. Serious Eats best stainless steel toaster.
$100+
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splurge pick · 2-slice
Best for people who care most about toast
Serious Eats' best toaster: quick, even browning, bagels without burning and nicely chewy frozen waffles.
Heads up. Can't fit larger slices, and sourdough came out underdone on top
1 outlet. Serious Eats best toaster.
$100+
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Belgian waffle makers make thick, fluffy waffles with deep pockets. American-style ones make thinner, crispier waffles. Serious Eats' top Belgian pick is the Cuisinart Double Flip, and its top American-style pick is the Breville No-Mess.
An electric griddle gives you a big, even surface and frees up the stove. A cast iron stovetop griddle is cheaper, gets hotter and stores flat, but it needs two burners.
It is less useful if you are stocking a first kitchen; the apartment list covers the basics first.
No. I have not reviewed them. I read published reviews and name the outlet on the pick.
Budget is the cheaper one that still does the job. Mid is what most people should buy. Splurge is only if you will use it often.