Calphalon HE400WM No Peek Belgian Waffle Maker Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Just so you understand my perspective, I am somewhat obsessed with kitchen appliances (waffle makers in particular).I make protein waffles in big batches for my kids every week or so, and freeze the extras.For many years I used a Vitantonio Premier Classic Waffler, but finally got tired of standing there for a really long time while cooking waffles one-by-one.The waffles also were never quite as crisp as I liked.So, then began my quest for the perfect waffle maker (which I define as having medium to large capacity, and the ability to quickly and consistently produce crispy and perfectly golden waffles).I purchased and tested many, many waffle makers over the span of 16 months, ultimately gathering an inventory of 13 waffle makers of various shapes and vintages.The Calphalon is the best I have found of the modern waffle makers.Here is why:

First I bought the Kitchenaid Pro Line Series Waffle Baker, which makes two big round Belgian waffles at a time.My kids decided the waffles were too big, and I decided the waffles weren't crispy enough, so I recently passed the Kitchenaid along to a friend.Fast forward past several other waffle makers . . . .

Then, hearing that retro waffle irons were better than modern wafflers (see, e.g., Frugal Gourmet among others), I obtained a vintage 1950's Sunbeam CG from a relative, and actually purchased a refurbished 1940's Sunbeam W-2 from Toaster Central.These beauties are from back in the day when products were built to last a lifetime, and non-stick coatings had not yet been invented.Both vintage waffle makers yielded superior results, much better than any of the modern waffle irons I had tried.I chalked it up to the cast aluminum cook surfaces (no non-stick coating) that must be appropriately seasoned and maintained. I was ready to give up on modern waffle makers.

Then . . . I read about the Calphalon "No Peek," with its "bronze" non-stick cooking surface.Well the Calphalon is the first modern waffle iron I have found that can match the crispy texture and consistently fabulous results of the vintage wafflers.I am thrilled that a modern producer has finally created a product to match the crispy and delicious results of the vintage wafflers.Thank you Calphalon -- I absolutely love this product!

(Also, I love the waffle recipes from King Arthur The King Arthur Flour 200th Anniversary Cookbook/Dedicated to the Pure Joy of Baking; for chat about vintage waffle makers and really good waffle batter and sourdough pancake/waffle batter see The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American; and my favorite book about the history of waffle makers see Antique Electric Waffle Irons 1900-1960: A History of the Appliance Industry in 20th Century America)

Click Here to see more reviews about: Calphalon HE400WM No Peek Belgian Waffle Maker

Product Description:
Enjoy restaurant-quality Belgian waffles at home with this electric waffle maker. The unit can make up to four square-shaped Belgian waffles at a time thanks to its heavy-gauge cast-aluminum nonstick plates. To use, simply turn the control knob to select a light, medium, or dark shade setting. As the unit preheats, the lights between "off" and the chosen setting will gradually illuminate. Once the light next to the chosen setting illuminates, a "ready" chime will sound. Pour about 2 cups of batter evenly over the bottom plate and close the lid. The precisely placed heating elements, along with the internal temperature sensor, help maintain even heat across the waffle plates, which means evenly browned waffles with a slight crust on the outside and soft on the inside. Best of all, there's no need to peek inside--a chime will sound when they're ready to enjoy. Other highlights include automatic safety shut-off if continuously left on for 60 minutes, a locking lever for upright storage, and stainless-steel housing with a sleek contoured shape. To protect the nonstick coating on the plates, wash with a damp, non-abrasive cloth and use only non-metal, temperature-resistant utensils, such as wood or nylon. An instruction booklet comes included. The 1500-watt waffle maker measures 11 by 11-3/5 by 6 inches and carries a one-year limited warranty.