Do you run a breakfast bar or small venue in a holiday resort? Waffles are the perfect idea for such venues, so make sure you have them on your menu. However, in order to serve delicious, perfectly baked, crunchy waffles, you will need the right equipment - which waffle maker is the best?
Do you run a breakfast bar or small venue in a holiday resort? Waffles are the perfect idea for such venues, so make sure you have them on your menu. However, in order to serve delicious, perfectly baked, crunchy waffles, you will need the right equipment – which waffle maker is the best?
What should you keep in mind when choosing a waffle maker?
Which waffle maker will be best for commercial use? In the case of a restaurant, cafe or small bistro, such equipment will be used intensively, so you should apply different criteria than in the case of a waffle maker for home use. What should you pay attention to?
- Type of plates – waffle makers can have plates made of different materials, such as steel, aluminium or cast iron. Each type ensures high durability, but it’s best to go for a model with a non-stick coating. This way every waffle will come out exactly as you want it to. However, if you do choose a waffle maker with plates without the special coating, remember to grease them before applying the waffle mix.
- Temperature control – how to choose a good waffle maker? Try to find a model that lets you fully control all of its settings. Temperature regulation is one of the most important aspects. Professional appliances usually offer a plate heating range of 50-300 C, and are additionally equipped with a timer. Such features let you set the perfect parameters for preparing soft and fluffy or crispy and golden waffles, depending on your customers’ expectations.
- Casing – the quality of the materials used for the waffle maker casing is particularly important for commercial use. In such kitchens there is always the risk of damage from unexpected situations. So choose models that are solid and protected against mechanical damage.
- The shape and size of the waffles – classic shaped waffles? Delightful hearts? Or perhaps bubble waffles prepared in a special bubble waffle maker? Such desserts should also look good, so it is worth paying attention to the possibilities offered by the waffle maker.
What is the cooking power of waffle makers?
What is the desired cooking power? In the case of home use, equipment with a maximum power of 1000W should be sufficient, but you will generally require more power for waffle maker for commercial use. A cooking power of approx. 1300W should do the job, although ideally you should go for a model with closer to 2000W.
Why is the cooking power so important? This power of the waffle maker determines how quickly the plates heat up, what temperature they will reach and therefore how fast you will be able to prepare waffles. These are key factors in commercial kitchens, so it’s worth paying special attention to them.
| Waffle maker model |  Bubble Waffle Maker – 1.415 W |  Waffle Iron – 2 x 2,000 watts – rectangular |  Dual round waffle maker- 2,600 W |
| Power | 1415 W | 2 x 2000 W | 2600 W |
| Number of waffles per serving [pcs] | 1 | 4 | 2 |
| Baking plate material | Aluminium | Cast iron | Aluminium |
| Temperature range | 50-250°C | 50-300°C | 50-300°C |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 57.5 x 22.5 x 71.5 | 37.00 x 62.50 x 50.00 cm | 38 x 48 x 27 |
| Weight | 6 kg | 34.25 kg | 10,8 kg |
How to make waffles in a waffle maker
Do you have a good waffle maker? The equipment itself is half the success. The other half is finding and mastering recipes for making perfect waffles. Make sure you use high-quality ingredients and proven recipes. Below is a basic waffle mix recipe:
- 1.5 cups of flour,
- 1.5 cups of milk,
- 0.5 cup of vegetable oil,
- 2 eggs,
- 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder
- a pinch of salt.
The above ingredients are all you need to prepare standard, delicious waffles. If you plan to additionally serve them with fruit or whipped cream, you could also add sugar, cinnamon or vanilla extract to the raw mixture.
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Round Waffle Maker – 1,300 W 159.00 €
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Waffle Maker – 1300 Watts – Round 159.00 €
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Heart Waffle Maker – Belgian waffles – 1,500 W 259.00 €
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Belgian Waffle Maker – 1,500 W 219.00 €
Making such waffles is extremely simple. First, sift the flour into a bowl and add the remaining ingredients, i.e. salt, baking powder, sugar and any other spices. Then pour the liquid products, such as milk, oil and eggs, into the bowl.
If you want your waffles to be fluffy but crunchy, separate the eggs beforehand and beat the whites and yolks separately – and only then combine them with the waffle mixture. Join all the ingredients using a mixer or a whisk. Set aside the ready-made, perfectly smooth mass for a dozen or so minutes, then start baking the waffles, portion by portion.
Although waffles really are delicious, not everyone should eat them. This applies to people suffering from celiac disease or on low-calorie diets. You can always modify the waffle recipe if needed, depending on any specific individual requirements. Instead of using wheat flour, try another type. Buckwheat, spelt or oat flour are great alternatives. Such waffles are more “fit” and generally healthier, so it is worth experimenting with such recipes or offering them as an alternative in your restaurant.
Not only the ingredients of the waffles themselves, but also the additives with which they are served, are important. What goes well will waffles? Here is a list of sweet serving suggestions:
- fresh fruit,
- whipped cream,
- jam,
- chocolate cream or sauce,
- fruit yogurt,
- peanut butter,
- maple syrup,
- icing sugar,
- dried fruit, chocolate flakes or other toppings.
You can apply these ideas individually or combine them into delicious and creative desserts. What about savoury waffles?
- bacon,
- scrambled eggs,
- fried eggs,
- hummus,
- cheese (preferably melted),
- fish paste,
- vegetables.
The above savoury serving suggestions can be a great idea as a breakfast option. What about some more creative alternatives – have you ever tried combining bacon with maple syrup? Find out for yourself why this combination is so popular in Canada.
Commercial waffle makers
Is buying a waffle maker a good idea in every small catering business? Not necessarily. Serving waffles in most restaurants will not match the profile of the venue, unless it is the only place serving breakfast in the area. In that case both sweet and savoury waffles could be a perfect addition to your menu. Similarly, waffle makers may not be ideal in bars and pubs only serving light snacks – here it is better to stick to finger food. So where will waffle makers hit the bullseye?
They are ideal for commercial use in cafes, breakfast bars or confectioneries. A well-balanced crispy waffle served with whipped cream or perfectly fried bacon might be just what your guests are looking for. Waffles are always a good idea at the seaside and at holiday resorts. They are also popular at festivals and other summer outdoor events.
Bring the smell of freshly baked waffles into your café or restaurant and treat your guests to delicious, golden brown Belgian waffles – with this 1,300 W Round Waffle Maker by Royal Catering.
Which waffle maker is the best – summary
A well-chosen waffle maker will serve you for a long time and let you offer our customers irresistible, mouth-watering waffles. In order to also ensure efficient and convenient preparation of other delicacies for your guests, consider also which other basic equipment, such as pancake makers, churros makers or food processors, will fit your profile. If you make sure you have all the basic commercial catering kitchen equipment, you will be able to easily and quickly prepare delicacies to die for!
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