A waffle iron is a cooking appliance used to make waffles. It usually consists of two hinged metal plates, molded to create the deep square indentations found on waffles. The batter is poured between the plates, which are then closed to bake the waffle.

Some waffle irons come equipped with an internal electric heating element. Others do not depend on electricity; they generally are attached to hand tongs and held over an open flame.

Sizes and shapes of waffles vary. Some types of irons produce square waffles, while others produce round or triangular waffles. Still others are novelty shaped, to produce heart-shaped waffles or shamrock waffles. Some irons are designed to be flipped over immediately after the batter is poured, which has the effect of introducing more air and making the waffles thicker and lighter.

Some waffle irons can also be used as a sandwich toaster, provided the waffle iron has removable waffle plates that can be replaced with flat sandwich grilling plates.

Similar to waffle irons are pizzelle irons. They are used to create a thin cookie, called a pizzelle, which are commonly found in Italy. Another type of waffle-iron wood is the panaffle.

See also

• Sunbeam CG

Cooking appliances

Vaflofero | Wafelijzer | Fier a wåfes | 对开式铁心