Features
- Nonstick cooking grids
- Makes a 7-1/4-inch Belgian waffle divided into four sections
- Indicator lights for preheat and cooked status
- 650-watt power
- Chrome housing
- Stay-cool synthetic handles
- Wrap-around cord for storage
- Stands upright for compact storage
- Includes cooking grates
Specifications
Power | 650 W |
Waffle Diameter | 7.25 in |
Sections | 4 |
Cooking Surface | Nonstick grids |
Housing | Chrome |
Handles | Stay-cool synthetic |
Power Source | Corded |
Includes | Cooking grates |
Weight | 4.5 lb |
Gtin | 50875510166 |
Electric waffle maker with nonstick cooking grids designed to produce a thick, 7-1/4‑inch Belgian-style waffle divided into four sections. The unit has indicator lights to show when the appliance is preheated and when cooking is complete. It features a chrome housing, stay-cool synthetic handles, and a cord storage arrangement; it can also be stored upright for compact storage.
Black & Decker Belgian Waffle Maker Review
First impressions and setup
A weekend of batter and patience taught me a lot about this Black & Decker waffle maker. Out of the box, it’s a compact, lightweight unit (about 4.5 pounds) with a small footprint and a chrome-clad shell that looks tidier than it feels. The stay-cool synthetic handles are practical, the wrap-around cord is genuinely useful, and it stands upright without wobbling—easy to tuck into a cabinet. This model makes a single 7.25-inch Belgian-style round divided into four easy-to-snap quarters, which is a sweet spot for small households or quick batches.
Controls are minimal: a power/preheat light and a “ready” light. There’s no browning dial or timer. Power is rated at 650 watts, which is modest for a Belgian-style maker. That number ends up explaining a lot about how it behaves.
Before the first waffle, I gave the plates a light wipe with neutral oil (not aerosol spray) and let the unit preheat well past the ready light—about 6–7 minutes total on my countertop. The nonstick grids need that initial seasoning to perform their best.
Ease of use
It’s hard to mess up the workflow here. Pour batter, close the lid, wait for the indicator to cycle, then give it another minute or so if you want a deeper color. There’s no flip mechanism to even out batter spread; you rely on gravity and the design of the grids.
Filling the iron is straightforward. I had good results between 1/2 cup and 2/3 cup of batter per waffle. Thick batters benefit from a little coaxing with a heatproof spatula to nudge batter toward the outer channels before closing the lid. Thin batters self-level more readily.
The handles stay cool, and steam vents well enough that I didn’t get drips down the sides. The hinge opens wide, which makes plating easy.
Heating and performance
This is where the wattage shows. Compared with higher-powered Belgian makers (often 900–1200 watts), this unit heats more slowly and recovers more slowly between waffles. On mine, the ready light reliably signaled a preheat, but I consistently got better results if I ignored the first “ready” cycle and let the plates soak heat for an extra couple of minutes before the first pour.
Cook times landed in the 4–6 minute range depending on batter, with the best color and texture appearing closer to 5–6 minutes—longer than I prefer for a weekday. With the plates fully heat-soaked and a well-hydrated batter, I could coax reasonably even browning. Still, the edges tended to lag behind the center on darker bakes. If I left the waffle in long enough to brown the outer quadrants more deeply, the center risked drying. That’s the trade-off with lower power: you ride the line between evenness and moisture.
Here are the adjustments that helped me balance it:
- Extra preheat: 2–3 minutes after the ready light for the first waffle.
- Batter style: a slightly thinner batter (a touch more milk) improved edge contact and evenness.
- Sugar content: a teaspoon of sugar per cup of flour bumped browning without overcooking.
- Resting the batter: a 10–15 minute rest minimized edge pull-back and improved spread.
With those tweaks, I got crisp tops and reasonably crisp edges, but not the uniformly mahogany finish you’d see from a stronger heater. If you prefer pale, tender waffles, it’s easier to nail. If you chase deep, shattering crispness, this unit needs more coaxing and patience.
Waffle quality
The grids make a true Belgian-style pattern with deep pockets. The 7.25-inch round divides into four neat quarters and pops out cleanly when the nonstick is respected. The interior crumb can be light and aerated with the right batter; yeasted and buttermilk batters both worked well. On long bakes, the centers didn’t go gummy, which speaks well to the grid temperature once fully up to heat. The challenge remains the rim: the last half-inch can lag a shade or two lighter.
I’d recommend filling just shy of the rim guides and letting the lid’s weight distribute the batter. Don’t press down to “help”—you’ll only squeeze out steam and risk developing a line of denser crumb in the middle.
Nonstick and cleanup
Nonstick performance was a bright spot. With a light oiling at the start and no cooking spray, waffles released cleanly for me. Stray bits wiped off with a damp cloth once the plates cooled. There are no removable plates, so you’ll be wiping in place; a soft brush helps dislodge crumbs at the perimeter. The chrome housing shows smudges, but cleans easily.
One note: avoid overfilling. If batter creeps into the hinge seam, it’s a chore to clean and, over time, can compromise the hinge caps.
Build quality and durability
Functionally, this is a simple machine. Mechanically, the hinge assembly is the weak link. The caps and pins are plastic, and on my unit the right cap developed a hairline crack after a handful of weekends. It still operated, but the lid picked up a bit of side play. I didn’t force the lid, and I never pressed down during cooking—this was normal, gentle use.
The practical implication is twofold:
- You must open and close the lid straight-on and gently. Any twist or downward pressure stresses the hinge.
- If a cap fails, the top can separate partially, which is unnerving and potentially unsafe around hot grids.
I couldn’t find a straightforward path to a simple hinge-cap replacement from the manufacturer, and I wouldn’t count on user-serviceable fixes. At this price tier, that likely means replacement rather than repair if a hinge fails.
Everything else on the unit feels appropriately budget-grade: thin-gauge housing, decent handles, stable feet. The cord wrap is handy, and the upright storage orientation is secure. Just don’t store it with heavy items leaning on the lid.
Safety and usability
The exterior gets warm but not searing; the handles stayed safe to touch during all tests. Steam vents from the perimeter as expected. As noted, the hinge deserves respect. If you have curious kids helping in the kitchen, supervise closely and keep hands away from the back of the unit.
Because there’s no audible alert, you’re reliant on the indicator and your timer. I’d suggest setting a phone timer for 4 minutes and checking color through a careful peek—opening too early costs you heat, so commit to another minute if it’s still pale.
Who it’s for
This waffle maker suits:
- Occasional waffle makers who value compact storage and an easy cleanup.
- Households that prefer lighter, tender waffles over very dark, ultra-crisp ones.
- Budget-conscious buyers willing to adapt technique and treat the hinge gently.
It’s less ideal for:
- Power users chasing cafe-level crispness and rapid back-to-back batches.
- Families with heavy weekend waffle routines.
- Anyone prioritizing long-term durability in the hinge area.
Tips for better results
- Preheat longer than the light suggests, especially for the first waffle.
- Lightly oil the plates before the first waffle of the day; skip aerosol sprays.
- Use 1/2 to 2/3 cup batter; nudge thick batters toward the edges before closing.
- Rest batter 10 minutes to improve spread; add a touch of sugar for color.
- Don’t press the lid; let the weight of the top plate do the work.
- Wipe down once warm, not hot, and keep batter out of the hinge seam.
Recommendation
I can’t enthusiastically recommend this waffle maker for frequent or demanding use. The modest 650-watt heater asks for patience to achieve even browning, and the plastic hinge design undermines long-term confidence. That said, if you’re after an inexpensive, compact appliance for occasional waffles—and you’re willing to extend preheat times, use a lighter batter, and handle the lid gently—it can produce tasty, nicely patterned Belgian-style waffles with minimal sticking and an easy cleanup. For heavy weekend waffle duty or deep, consistent crispness, I’d steer you toward a higher-wattage model with a sturdier hinge and, ideally, removable plates.
Project Ideas
Business
Pop-Up Office Waffle Bar
Offer on-site breakfast pop-ups for small offices and co-working spaces. Bring 2–4 waffle makers (650 W each is easy on standard circuits), pre-portioned batters (classic, protein, gluten-free), and a toppings spread. Charge per head or per waffle with add-ons (fruit, bacon, syrups). The indicator lights ensure consistent doneness across units, and upright storage plus wrap-around cords make transport tidy.
Farmers’ Market Sweet & Savory Waffles
Run a market booth featuring seasonal flavors: maple pecan, lemon-blueberry, pumpkin spice, herb-cheddar potato, and vegan oat. Sell individual quarters as snack-size or full rounds for sharing. Upsell house-made syrups, compound butters, and coffee. Prep batters in insulated pitchers for quick pouring; the nonstick grids speed service and reduce downtime between customers.
Freezer-Ready Gourmet Waffle Subscription
Batch-cook and vacuum-seal waffles in quarter packs for convenient breakfasts. Offer monthly boxes (12–24 quarters) with rotating flavors, plus reheating instructions for toaster/air fryer. Add a kids’ line (mini-chocolate chip, hidden-veggie) and a fitness line (high-protein). Label nutrition and allergens, and deliver locally or ship with cold packs. The uniform size and sections make portioning and pricing simple.
Waffles-on-a-Stick Event Cart
Skewer quarters, dip in sauces (chocolate, maple glaze), and finish with toppings to create easy-to-eat festival snacks. Serve from a compact cart powered by multiple 650 W units; you can run several on typical circuits for steady throughput. Market to school fairs, sports games, and night markets. Offer a ‘build-your-own’ dip-and-dust station for premium pricing.
B2B Waffle Supply to Cafés
Produce par-baked Belgian waffles and deliver to coffee shops and small cafés for finishing in toasters/ovens. Include topping kits (fruit compotes, flavored butters) and brandable menu cards. Offer volume-based wholesale pricing and white-label options. The nonstick grids produce consistent texture, keeping quality high across batches for your clients.
Creative
Waffle Flight Tasting Wheel
Use the four-section Belgian waffle as a built-in tasting flight. Mix four small bowls of batter in different flavors/colors (e.g., classic vanilla, chocolate, matcha, red velvet) and pour each into a separate quadrant. The round shape makes a great ‘tasting wheel’ to serve with paired syrups, whipped creams, and fruit. Indicator lights keep bake times consistent so all quadrants finish together, and the nonstick grids release cleanly for neat edges.
Stuffed Waffle Pockets
Create sealed, gooey centers by pouring a thin base layer of batter, adding fillings (brie + raspberry jam, ham + cheddar, apple pie compote, Nutella + banana), then topping with another thin layer. Close and cook until the ready light triggers. Cut along the cross to yield four stuffed quarters that are easy to plate or pack. The thick Belgian grids give you crisp outsides with molten middles.
Hash-Brown and Veggie Fritter Waffles
Swap batter for shredded potatoes, sweet potatoes, or zucchini-carrot mix. Squeeze out moisture, season, mist the nonstick plates with oil, and press. The waffle maker’s even heat and grids create maximum crunchy surface area. Serve as a brunch base under smoked salmon, eggs, or a dollop of herbed yogurt. Great for using up veggies and making gluten-free ‘waffles.’
Churro-Style Waffle Sticks
Cook a slightly enriched batter (or choux-style) in the Belgian maker, then cut the round into four quarters and each quarter into sticks. Brush with melted butter and toss in cinnamon sugar. Serve with chocolate ganache, dulce de leche, or berry coulis for dipping. The deep grids hold extra sugar for that churro-like crunch without deep-frying.
Waffle Ice Cream Sandwiches
Bake, cool completely, and cut along the cross. Sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two quarters, then dip edges in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips. Freeze to set. The compact 7.25-inch diameter makes portion-controlled desserts, and the nonstick plates help produce smooth surfaces that look clean when cut.