Black & Decker Waffle Maker, Grill, or Sandwich Maker with Stainless Steel Accents

A compact multitasker for small kitchens

I’m a sucker for space-saving gear, and the Black+Decker 3‑in‑1 immediately appealed to my small-appliance sensibilities. It promises waffles, grilled sandwiches, and a basic countertop grill in one compact package, with interchangeable plates that pop off for cleaning. After several weeks of breakfasts and quick lunches, I came away with a clear picture: it’s a convenient, budget‑friendly unit that shines for sandwiches and light grilling, but it’s a compromise for crisp waffles and high‑heat tasks.

Design and setup

The footprint is tidy—roughly a nine‑inch square—and it stands upright for storage, which makes it easy to slide into a narrow cabinet. The cord is short (a plus for keeping counters uncluttered), and there’s a simple cord wrap. It’s a corded appliance despite the compact size, so plan to park it near an outlet.

Build quality is what I’d call “light domestic.” The housing is plastic with stainless accents, and the plates are thin but secure. The cool‑touch handle stays comfortable even after longer sessions. The unit has a single indicator light for preheating; there’s no temperature dial. That keeps operation idiot-proof—plug in, preheat, cook—but it means you’re stuck with a single heat profile.

Swapping plates is intuitive. Two latches release each plate, and they click back into place with a positive feel. You get three pairs: waffle, grill, and triangular sandwich plates. The grill plates are reversible flat/ridged style, and the triangular sandwich plates make sealed pockets. The hinge has modest play, so it tolerates moderately stuffed sandwiches but not towering panini.

Performance: what it cooks well—and what it doesn’t

• Waffles: These plates are Belgian‑style, with deep pockets and a thicker finished waffle. Preheat takes about 4–5 minutes until the light flicks to ready, but in my testing the light is optimistic. If you start cooking the moment it turns green, the top plate runs hotter than the bottom and you’ll see uneven browning—gold on top, pale below. I had the best results by letting the unit preheat for a full 8–10 minutes, then waiting 30–60 seconds between batches to allow the plates to recover. Even then, the texture leaned cakier than crisp. If your ideal waffle is thin and shatter‑crisp, this isn’t the right tool. If you’re fine with a thicker, tender Belgian that’s lightly browned, it can get you there with a longer preheat and a slightly thicker batter.

• Sandwiches: This is where the unit shines. Grilled cheese on the flat or ridged plates comes out evenly browned with well‑melted centers. The triangular plates make tidy sealed pockets with no ooze, great for quick deli‑meat and cheese combos. Expect best results with regular sandwich bread; very crusty artisan loaves are thicker and can prevent even contact.

• Light grilling: Think quesadillas, hot dogs, sausage patties, thin chicken cutlets, and vegetables. The grease run‑off channels do help keep the cooking area cleaner than a flat plate, though there’s no separate drip tray—grease collects along the channels and wipes away easily. For burgers, you’ll get a decent sear on the outside, but the limited thermal mass and single heat setting mean it’s easy to overcook the exterior while chasing a higher internal temp. It’s not a replacement for a dedicated grill or high‑output press.

Heat behavior and tips

• Preheat longer than the light suggests. Give it a full 8–10 minutes before the first batch, especially for waffles.
• Between batches, close the lid and let it recover for 30–60 seconds.
• If your waffles are browning unevenly, rotate the unit 180° halfway through the cook or briefly flip the waffle for the last minute. It’s not elegant, but it evens out the crust.
• For sandwiches, a light press on the handle during the first 30 seconds improves contact, then let the hinge do the rest.
• Avoid overfilling waffle plates. Deep pockets tempt you to add more batter; resist, or you’ll spend extra time cleaning overflow.

Nonstick coating and cleanup

The plates are nonstick and removable, and they’re dishwasher‑safe. In practice, I found a quick hand wash with a soft sponge and a drop of soap was faster than a dishwasher cycle and likely gentler on the coating. After a short “burn‑off” the first time I heated it up (common with new coatings), food released cleanly without oil. That said, a light brush of neutral oil on the waffle plates during the first few uses prevented the tiny bits that can cling to deep ridges.

The grease channels do what they say, and because the plates pop off, cleaning them is painless. Wipe the housing only after the unit is completely cool; it gets warm to the touch around the base, and I wouldn’t wrap the cord until everything has cooled fully.

Ergonomics and day‑to‑day use

• Storage: Stands upright and locks shut, which is very cabinet‑friendly.
• Handling: The handle stays cool; the sides get warm but not scorching.
• Stability: Rubber feet keep it planted. The overall heft is enough that opening the lid doesn’t scoot the base across the counter.
• Capacity: It’s a single‑waffle footprint and a single sandwich/panini press, sized for one or two people. Batch cooking for a crowd is doable but slow.

What I’d change

• A temperature control dial would be a game‑changer. Even a low/medium/high selector could improve waffle crispness and grilling versatility.
• A more conservative “ready” indicator or a dual‑light system (preheat vs. recovered) would reduce undercooking.
• Slightly thicker, more thermally massive plates would improve heat retention and evenness.
• A dedicated drip tray would make grease management cleaner when using the grill plates.
• Refined cord management and additional heat shielding around the rear of the unit would inspire more confidence for longer grilling sessions.

Who it’s for

• Apartment dwellers, dorms, RVs, and anyone short on cabinet space.
• Cooks who value an easy, quick sandwich press and occasional light grilling.
• Budget‑minded buyers who want removable, dishwasher‑safe plates and simple operation.

Who should look elsewhere

• Waffle purists chasing thin, ultra‑crisp textures.
• Heavy grillers who need higher searing temperatures or a large cooking area.
• Users who want precise temperature control.

Practical recipe notes

• Waffles: Use a batter with a bit more fat (melted butter or oil) and consider a small amount of cornstarch to encourage crispness. Preheat longer than you think. Don’t rely on the light to tell you when the waffle is done; check color and steam—when steam largely subsides, you’re close.
• Sandwiches: Try the grill plates for panini‑style browning; brush the outside bread lightly with oil for better color.
• Proteins: Pound chicken cutlets thin for more even cooking; avoid thick steaks or burgers that need extended high heat.

The bottom line and recommendation

I like the Black+Decker 3‑in‑1 for what it is: an affordable, compact multitasker that makes very good grilled sandwiches, handles light grilling capably, and produces acceptable Belgian‑style waffles with some technique. The removable plates and easy cleanup are genuinely useful, and the ability to store it upright matters in a small kitchen.

I don’t love the optimistic preheat light, the lack of temperature control, or the tendency for the top plate to run hotter than the bottom. Those quirks mostly affect waffle performance. If waffles are your priority and you want crisp edges on demand, a dedicated waffle iron with thicker plates and adjustable heat will make you happier. If you primarily want a dependable sandwich press that can also turn out a weekend waffle and toast a quesadilla, this unit hits a sweet spot.

Recommendation: I recommend it for small households and anyone prioritizing sandwiches and simple grills over perfect waffles. It’s easy to live with, cleans up fast, and earns its footprint—just plan on a longer preheat and modest expectations for waffle crispness. If your main use is waffle‑making or high‑heat grilling, skip this and buy a single‑purpose appliance with better thermal performance.