Let’s be honest, there are waffles, and then there are waffles. We’re talking about the kind that transports you straight to a cozy brunch spot on a lazy Sunday morning. The ones that are perfectly golden-brown, impossibly crispy on the outside, and cloud-like fluffy on the inside. For years, I believed that level of waffle perfection was reserved for professional kitchens. That is, until I spent some serious quality time with one particular machine. This in-depth Breville Smart Waffle Pro Review is for anyone who’s ever dreamed of achieving waffle nirvana right in their own home. Is this premium appliance the key to unlocking breakfast glory, or just another pretty face on your countertop? Let’s dive in and find out.
Why This Breville Waffle Maker Deserves Your Attention
Before we get into the nuts and bolts, let’s set the scene. You’ve probably seen a few waffle makers in your day. The flimsy, plastic ones that produce pale, floppy results. The old-school irons that are a nightmare to clean. The Breville Smart Waffle Pro plays in a completely different league. It’s designed for the home cook who appreciates precision, consistency, and, frankly, a bit of breakfast theater. It’s for the person who says, “I don’t just want a waffle; I want the perfect waffle, every single time.”
This machine isn’t just about heating up two plates. It’s about intelligent cooking. It promises to eliminate the guesswork that plagues most waffle-making attempts, like uneven cooking, messy overflows, and the dreaded soggy-bottom waffle.
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Our Picks for the Best Waffle Maker in 2025
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| Num | Product | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | BELLA 17175 Bubble Maker w, Rapid Quickly Make Fluffy 9” Authentic Hong Kong Breakfast or Dessert, Healthy-Eco Non Stick Coating, Easy to Clean Waffle Iron, 120 Volts, Cone Rack Included, White |
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| 2 | MasterChef Bubble Waffle Maker- Electric Non stick Hong Kong Egg Waffler Iron Griddle w FREE Recipe Guide- Ready in under 5 Minutes |
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| 3 | DASH Mini Waffle Maker - 4” Waffle Mold, Nonstick Waffle Iron with Quick Heat-Up, Nonstick Surface - Perfect Mini Waffle Maker for Kids and Families, Just Add Batter (Red) |
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| 4 | Bubble Waffle Maker- Electric Non stick Hong Kong Egg Waffler Iron Griddle w/Ready Indicator Light- Ready in under 5 Mins- Recipe Guide Included, Make Delicious Ice Cream Cones for Xmas Gift or Treat |
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| 5 | Ninja BW1001 NeverStick PRO Belgian Waffle Maker, Vertical Design, 5 Shade Settings, with Precision-Pour Cup & Chef-curated Recipe Guide, Black & Silver |
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| 6 | CROWNFUL Mini Waffle Maker, 4\" Chaffle Maker with Compact Design, Easy to Clean, Non-Stick Surface, Recipe Guide Included, Perfect for Breakfast, Dessert, Sandwich, or Other Snacks |
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| 7 | DASH Multimaker Mini System - Waffle Maker with Six 4” Removable Plates: Waffle Iron & Griddle, 4-in-1 Mini Waffle Maker for Kids and Families – Nonstick Surface, Just Add Batter (Aqua) |
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| 8 | Chefman Rotating Belgian Waffle Maker, 180° Flip Iron w/ Non-Stick Plates, Adjustable Timer, Locking Lid, & Drip Plate, Space Saving Storage, Mess-Free Breakfast, Stainless Steel/Black |
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| 9 | CROWNFUL Mini Waffle Maker, 4\" Chaffle Maker with Compact Design, Easy to Clean, Non-Stick Surface, Recipe Guide Included, Perfect for Breakfast, Dessert, Sandwich, or Other Snacks |
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| 10 | Car Mini Waffle Maker- Xmas Gift for Him- Make 7 Different Race Cars Trucks & Automobile Vehicle Shaped Pancakes for Kids Adults- Electric Waffler Iron w Recipe Guide, NonStick Pan Cake Baker Machine |
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Diving Deep: A Feature-by-Feature Breville Smart Waffle Pro Review
So, what makes this machine “smart”? It’s all in the details. Breville has engineered this waffle maker with a host of features designed to tackle common waffle-making woes.
The ‘No-Mess Moat’: A Breakfast Game-Changer
If you’ve ever made waffles, you know the pain of batter overflow. That sticky, hard-to-clean mess that seeps into every crevice of your machine and countertop is the bane of many a breakfast chef. Breville’s solution is elegantly simple: a wide, wrap-around moat.
- What it does: It catches and cooks any excess batter that oozes out of the plates.
- Why it’s brilliant: Not only does it make cleanup an absolute breeze, but it also creates delicious little “waffle bites” you can snack on while the next one cooks. No batter is wasted! This is hands-down one of the most beloved features and a major selling point.
Waffle IQ: Taking the Guesswork Out of Browning
Here’s where the “smart” part really comes into play. The Smart Waffle Pro uses what Breville calls “Waffle IQ,” a system that automatically calculates the cooking time based on your selected waffle type and darkness setting.
According to kitchen appliance expert Chef Isabella Rossi, “Consistent heat is the secret to a great waffle. The Breville’s thermal-engineered heating elements ensure even heat distribution, eliminating the hot spots and pale patches common in cheaper models. It’s the kind of precision you usually only find in commercial equipment.”
You have settings for four different batter types (Belgian, Classic, Chocolate, Buttermilk) and a custom option. Paired with the 12-setting browning control dial, you get an incredible level of control. Whether you like your waffles lightly blonde or a deep, dark brown, you can dial in your exact preference, and the machine adjusts the time accordingly.
A-Bit-More™ Button: Genius or Gimmick?
Ever pull a waffle out and think, “Hmm, just 30 more seconds would have been perfect”? Breville heard you. The “A Bit More™” button is a simple but ingenious feature that adds a little extra cooking time at the touch of a button, without having to reset the entire cycle. It’s perfect for those moments when you want just a touch more crispiness. It’s a small detail, but it shows a deep understanding of the user experience.
Non-Stick Surface That Actually Works
The cooking plates are made from cast aluminum with a premium PFOA-free non-stick coating. In my experience, the release is flawless. Waffles lift out effortlessly with no sticking or tearing, even with minimal oiling. This is crucial not only for a perfect-looking waffle but also for an easy cleanup process. A simple wipe with a damp cloth is usually all it takes.
How Do You Use the Breville Smart Waffle Pro?
Getting started is incredibly intuitive, which is a huge plus. You don’t need to be a tech wizard to make a perfect breakfast.
- Plug it in and Preheat: The LCD screen will light up orange, indicating it’s heating. Select your waffle type and desired darkness level using the dials.
- Wait for the Beep: Once preheated, the machine will beep, and the screen will turn blue with the instruction “CLOSE LID TO START.”
- Pour the Batter: Open the lid and pour your batter evenly onto the lower plate. Don’t be afraid to fill it; the moat is there to save you!
- Close and Cook: Close the lid. The timer will automatically begin to count down. The LCD screen turns orange again, signaling that cooking is in progress.
- Listen for the Finish: When the cycle is complete, the machine will beep three times. The waffle is ready!
- Need More Time? If it’s not quite perfect for you, press the “A Bit More™” button for that extra touch of golden-brown goodness.
Is the Breville Smart Waffle Pro Easy to Clean?
Yes, it is remarkably easy to clean, primarily thanks to the non-stick plates and the overflow moat. Because the plates are not removable, you cannot submerge them in water. However, the cleanup process is still incredibly simple.
- Step 1: Let the machine cool down completely.
- Step 2: Use a soft, damp cloth or sponge to wipe away any crumbs or oil residue from the cooking plates.
- Step 3: Wipe down the moat and the exterior housing.
- Step 4: For any stubborn, cooked-on bits in the grooves, a soft-bristled brush (like a toothbrush dedicated to kitchen cleaning) works wonders. Never use abrasive scourers or metal utensils, as they will damage the non-stick coating.
Breville Smart Waffle Pro vs. The Competition
How does this premium machine stack up against other popular choices? Let’s break it down.
| Feature | Breville Smart Waffle Pro | Cuisinart Double Belgian Waffle Maker | All-Clad Classic Round Waffle Maker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Premium ($$) | Mid-Range ($) | Premium ($$) |
| Key Feature | Waffle IQ & No-Mess Moat | Makes two waffles at once | Steam-release system for crispiness |
| Browning Control | 12 settings + 4 batter types | 6 settings | 7 settings |
| Cleanup | Very easy (moat) | Easy (non-stick) | Easy (non-stick) |
| Best For | The perfectionist seeking control and consistency. | Large families or anyone needing high volume quickly. | Those who prioritize an ultra-crispy exterior above all. |
| Plates | Fixed | Fixed, rotating | Fixed |
While competitors offer great features, the Breville’s combination of the smart cooking system, the browning control, and the foolproof moat creates a user experience that is arguably the most comprehensive and user-friendly on the market for a home kitchen. [Check out our guide to the best waffle makers of the year] for a more detailed comparison.
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth The Investment?
After extensive use and consideration for this Breville Smart Waffle Pro review, the answer is a resounding yes—for the right person.
This is not a budget waffle maker. It is an investment in your breakfast routine. If you are a true waffle aficionado who values consistency, craves that perfect crispy-fluffy texture, and detests messy cleanups, then the Breville Smart Waffle Pro is worth every penny. It takes the frustration and guesswork out of the process, leaving you with nothing but delicious, repeatable results.
If you only make waffles once or twice a year, a more basic model might suffice. But if the ritual of a perfect weekend waffle is something you cherish, this machine will elevate that experience to a whole new level. It’s a top-tier appliance that delivers on its promises, making it a worthy centerpiece for any breakfast lover’s kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you use pancake mix in the Breville Smart Waffle Pro?
A: While you technically can, it’s not recommended for best results. Waffle batter is formulated with more fat and sugar to create a crispy exterior and tender interior. Pancake mix will likely result in a softer, less satisfying texture. For the best experience, use a dedicated waffle recipe.
Q: How many waffles does the Breville Smart Waffle Pro make at once?
A: The standard “Pro” model comes in two versions: a 2-slice and a 4-slice option. This review focuses on the popular 4-slice model (BWM640), which produces four 4″x4″ Belgian-style waffles per batch.
Q: Are the cooking plates on the Breville Smart Waffle Pro removable?
A: No, the plates are not removable. While some users see this as a downside, the excellent non-stick surface and the no-mess moat make cleanup so easy that removable plates are largely unnecessary.
Q: What is the difference between the Breville Smart Waffle and the Smart Waffle Pro?
A: The main difference is the cooking plates and waffle style. The “Smart Waffle” (BWM602/604) makes classic, thinner waffles, while the “Smart Waffle Pro” (BWM620/640) is designed specifically for deep-pocketed Belgian waffles. The “Pro” is generally considered the more popular and versatile model.
Q: Does the Breville Smart Waffle Pro come with a warranty?
A: Yes, it typically comes with a 1-year limited product warranty. However, you should always check the specific warranty information with the retailer at the time of purchase.