Crispy and crunchy waffle cones with your favorite ice cream flavor are some of the yummiest desserts to have, particularly when the sweltering summers roll around. It’s, therefore, not surprising that a boatload of ice cream companies offer flavorful combinations as a final product at all grocery stores.
However, with the advent of technology, you can whip up waffle cones from the comfort of your home as a treat for your household, or you can even start a small business, courtesy of portable waffle cone machines.
Although baking waffle cones to enjoy with ice cream sparks a smile, choosing the best waffle cone maker can be an uphill task. After all, they look the same to the unfamiliar eye.
Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Read on as we delve into a few pointers on how to choose the best waffle cone maker and a few impeccable options that will give you the best bang for your buck when it comes to performance and quality.
1. Best for At-Home Chefs: CucinaPro Waffle Cone and Bowl Maker
If you’re looking for an affordable machine that doubles as a waffle bowl and waffle cone maker, then CucinaPro is right up your alley. Besides accessories to make both, the compact and lightweight machine has a nonstick coating that makes it a walk in the park to peel off each waffle.
The indicator LED eliminates the guesswork by informing you when the baking process is underway and when your homemade waffle cones are ready. As one of the best machines in the market, all you have to do is stock up on your favorite ice cream flavors.
Pros
- You can enjoy homemade ice cream cones in two minutes
- It includes a patent-pending bowl press for enhanced convenience
- 100% non-stick waffle iron plate
- It’s a handy kitchen appliance
- User-friendly and easy to clean
- Sleek, compact, and lightweight design
- Portable
Cons
- At times, it cooks waffles unevenly
2. Best for Family: ALDKitchen Waffle Cone Maker
Are you on the quest for a heavy-duty and commercial-grade waffle cone maker that allows you to churn out thin waffles that can be rolled into ice cream cones? Then the ALDKitchen Waffle Cone Maker wraps up your search. While it’s ideal for an ice cream parlor, it can be the Holy Grail on your kitchen counter.
The ALDKitchen waffle cone maker is an industrial-grade unit that’s a breeze to clean, nonstick, and designed with versatility. Besides ice cream bowls, the machine crafts waffle cones and comes with a money-back guarantee in case of defectiveness, dissatisfaction, or premature malfunctioning. The ALD Kitchen Waffle Cone Maker heats in a jiffy, making it an energy-efficient appliance.
Pros
- Made of top-grade stainless steel
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Includes a cone roller
- Money-back guarantee included
- Non stick coating makes the plates a breeze to clean
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Using the cone roller as a bowl shaper is an uphill task
3. Best Non-Electric: Ejoyway Stovetop
It’s the best non-electric waffle cone machine which means you can whip up waffle cones and bowls over the grill, stovetop, or fire pit. The Ejoyway Stovetop is a breeze to use as it lacks indicator lights or buttons that can be confusing at first.
Once you place it on the stovetop, pour the batter onto the surface, flip the waffle every two or three minutes to ensure it cooks evenly on each side, and you’re good to go.
Given that it’s non-electric, it’s not only durable and sturdy but is perfect for fun outdoor activities such as camping. Moreover, with the non-stick surface, cleaning the Ejoyway Stovetop after each use is a walk in the park.
For added convenience, you’ll be pleased to find a recipe book to help you channel your inner Martha Stewart. You can whip up cakes, crepes, pancakes, and other yummy pastries. Lastly, the generous return policy will give you peace of mind.
Pros
- Designed for versatile use
- User-friendly due to the lack of confusing buttons
- Suitable for travel and outdoor activities such as hiking and camping
- Non stick coating for easy cleaning
- Includes fun recipes to try out
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Its non-electric nature can be an inconvenience to some people
- The lack of indicator lights to alert you when your waffles are ready means lots of guesswork
- It lacks a roller to roll waffles into cones
4. Best Affordable: Brentwood
At a pocket-friendly price, it’s not surprising that the Brentwood waffle cone maker is a popular choice among a wealth of users. Besides coming in handy as an electric cream cone machine, it doubles as a cookie maker. Additionally, the machine’s simple interface can be attributed to its power and preheat light indicators.
Brentwood is one of the most ideal waffle cone makers due to its automatic temperature control coupled with a non stick coating that makes it a breeze to clean. With a diameter of only seven inches coupled with a weight of 2.75lbs, this waffle cone maker is one of the most portable appliances. Brentwood is energy-efficient as it only needs 750 watts to get the job done.
Pros
- Comes with a 1-year warranty
- Power-efficient
- Nonstick surface that’s easy to clean
- Compact and lightweight for portability
- Pocket-friendly and versatile
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Requires careful handling as the exterior overheats during use
- Not suitable for commercial use and large households
5. Best for Tiny Spaces and a Small Household: Chef Buddy 82
If you’re looking for the best waffle cone maker that’s best suited for small spaces and small families, then your search ends here with Chef Buddy 82. It’s fairly small compared to other appliances, allowing it to fit in small kitchen cabinets and countertops.
Chef Buddy 82 comes in a dashing white, so it meshes well with any kitchen décor. Regarding the features, the waffle cone maker exudes simplicity as it only has a lock that latches safely in place and a green light indicator that goes on and off. Depending on the recipe, this machine takes up to 3 minutes to make a waffle cone, and the cleaning process is a walk in the park.
Pros
- It includes a locking latch that securely shuts the lid
- Easy to clean
- Cooking time of two to three minutes
- Green light indicator to eliminate guesswork when each waffle is ready
- Sleek white design that pairs with any kitchen countertop
Cons
- Slightly overheats after each use
- Not as durable as premium models
How to Choose the Best Waffle Cone Maker
We’ve rounded up a few pointers on choosing an ideal waffle cone maker that best suits your needs and expectations.
Type
As is the case with other types of food, various people have varying tastes and preferences for waffle cones. Luckily, the market is littered with a wealth of waffle makers that tally with everyone’s choice.
Some popular types of waffle cone makers are double, rotating, classic, vertical, and Belgian, with each serving a unique purpose. For instance, a vertical waffle cone comes in handy if there’s inadequate room in your kitchen.
Contrarily, a rotating waffle cone machine is a worthwhile investment as it’s highly efficient in making sure each side of your waffle is crisp while the inside remains soft.
A double waffle cone machine is perfect for anyone seeking to whip up two waffle cones concurrently. It’s the Holy Grail in large households. It’s worth keeping in mind that each type of waffle cone maker has its merits, drawback, and varying price point.
Capacity
The number of people you intend to whip up waffle cones for is an essential factor to consider. Large households undoubtedly require waffle cone machines with a larger capacity. For instance, a commercial-sized unit has the uncanny ability to churn out 5,000 cones per hour which are ideal for a business.
However, it’s unnecessary to have an industrial waffle cone maker in your home. Before choosing the first option that tickles your fancy, consider the members of your household and the frequency of use. For high consumption in a household of five, for instance, a higher-capacity waffle cone maker is right up your alley.
Heating Technique
It’s a no-brainer that waffle cone machines vary in functionality. Typically, the electric counterparts heat each side of a waffle concurrently, whereas a manual cone maker heats each side at a time.
Once again, the size of your household comes into play when factoring in the heating technique. For instance, you can invest in a non-electric waffle cone machine which is best suited to areas that experience regular power issues.
Residing in the US or other countries with proper electrical infrastructure eliminates the need to choose a non-electric machine unless you’re camping or hiking and are craving a real treat in the form of some yummy cones.
Waffle Thickness
Waffles differ in thickness. It’s, therefore, not surprising that American waffles are crispier and thinner, whereas Belgian waffles are fluffy and thick. Typically, the thickness level that a waffle cone maker produces is outlined in the product description, so keep your eyes peeled before buying.
Time
The duration to whip up delicious waffle cones is a factor to consider when buying a machine. While some come makers can cook yummy waffles in two or three minutes, others can take up to 15 minutes. Modern units have a built-in digital timer that evaluates the duration.
The Cleaning Process
Cleaning a waffle cone maker is no easy feat. Therefore, opt for a model with non stick coating and removable plates that can be cleaned with non-abrasive tools such as a soft sponge or a bristle brush.
Many waffle cone machines with removable plates prevent the electrical components from coming into contact with water, enhancing durability.
Browning Settings
A heavy-duty waffle cone machine has various browning settings, allowing you to alternate between lightly, moderately, and deeply browned cones.
Warranty
When you purchase a home appliance, you typically check the warranty because electrical devices tend to malfunction after a while and with avid use. Much like the timing, many waffle cone machines come with varying warranties. While a unit may come with a warranty of one year, other waffle cone makers have up to 4 years.
Benefits of Buying the Best Waffle Cone Maker
Having a waffle cone machine in the comfort of your home is becoming the norm as it ushers in the following merits.
Excellent Quality and Freshly Made
Nothing beats homemade when it comes to great quality food and a burst of flavor. A waffle cone maker in your home grants you free rein to choose your preferred ingredients, such as low carb, fat-free, vegan, or gluten-free, depending on your diet and lifestyle.
Waffle Cones As You Please
A waffle cone maker gives you the convenience to whip up waffle cones as you please, for instance, if a midnight craving strikes.
User-Friendly
A waffle cone machine is straightforward to use and takes up to 15 minutes from mixing the batter to the final product. Furthermore, a unit with a nonstick coating is easy to clean.
Is a Standard Waffle Machine Suitable For Making Waffle Cones?
While this might be a no-brainer, you cannot make waffles, including cones, without a waffle iron. Therefore, you can invest in the best waffle maker with removable plates or a thin waffle maker to make cones. Next, shape some aluminum foil to mimic a cone or a citrus reamer and wrap each waffle around it. Voila! You’re good to go. All you require is some ice cream to fill it with.
How Do You Use the Best Waffle Cone Maker?
To get started, follow the steps below.
- Switch on the machine as you mix the cone batter to give ample time for uniform heating.
- Pour ¼ cup of batter onto the middle of the machine and gently shut the lid.
- Keep an eye on your waffle cone by gently lifting the lid every 45 seconds or so to check if the batter has browned to your preference. Keep cooking the batter if it’s still pale.
- Once the waffle cone has browned to your preference, use a wooden or plastic spatula to roll it around the mold or transfer it into your waffle bowl and press.
- The waffle requires up to 30 seconds for proper molding into a cone shape.
To Wrap Up
As they say, knowledge is power. Armed with insight into how to choose the best waffle cone maker and the top options to consider, you’re good to go. You can enjoy ice cream cones from the comfort of your home for years down the road.
FAQ
Let’s explore the answers to the most commonly asked questions about the waffle cone machines.
How long do waffle cones last?
You can store baked waffle cones in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and crunchy. Nevertheless, they are yummiest on the same day you make them. For additional storage life, you can freeze your waffle cones for 4 to 6 weeks if you wish to do so.
What’s the difference between waffle cones and sugar cones?
The difference between the two boils down to the level of sugar. While sugar cones contain 30% more sugar, waffle cones contain 5% sugar.
What makes waffle cones soggy?
It’s essential to store waffle cones the right way as they become moist and soggy if you store them warm. It’s advisable to give your freshly-baked cones time to cool entirely until they reach room temperature before you store them. That way, you can ensure your cones remain crunchy and crispy for days on end.
What accessories should you have with a waffle cone maker?
Besides investing in the best waffle cone maker, you’ll require the following add-ons for the perfect cones.
- Nonstick Tongs can be a lifesaver as they make the process much easier compared to removing hot waffles with a spatula.
- A waffle cone roller is an essential tool to have in hand if your machine doesn’t include one.
- A waffle bowl maker that’s impressively pocket-friendly. Nonetheless, if you don’t want to buy one, you can find an ideal-sized cup or bowl in your kitchen to get the job done.
What is the best temperature to cook waffle cones?
Preheat your waffle cone maker to medium heat or 300℉. Cone waffles entail mixing batter of sugar, egg whites, and milk in a bowl until it becomes pale.
Should you put waffle cones in a freezer?
Given the lack of leavening in the batter, it freezes perfectly. If you store baked cones in your freezer, make sure to eat them within four days; otherwise, they become soggy, and that’s the last thing you want.
