Consumer Reports reaveals top waffle makers, syrup

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Many people love waffles for breakfast or anytime, but there are a lot of options to choose from when trying to make the best waffles for breakfast, so 7 On Your Side partnered with Consumer Reports for a report on the top waffle makers and syrup.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Many people love waffles for breakfast or anytime, but there are a lot of options to choose from when trying to make the best waffles for breakfast, so 7 On Your Side partnered with Consumer Reports for a report on the top waffle makers and syrup.

Platefuls of waffles on a weekend morning are a treat for many families because they're easy, fun to make and they're delicious.

If you feel like you're missing out, Consumer Reports tried out half a dozen of the most popular waffle makers on the market.

The machines were tested on their high and low settings, scored on whether both sides browned the same, and how consistent they were from batch to batch.

Some took a lot of practice to turn out a perfect waffle, like the compact cast aluminum Belgian waffler from Nordic Ware. It cooks on the stovetop and makes a nice waffle, but it isn't always evenly cooked.

Consumer Reports found that the Waring Belgian waffle maker for $58, consistently turns out evenly browned waffles that could be toasted to your liking, light or dark.

But the best of the bunch was the Cuisinart Breakfast Central waffle maker for $100. Not only does it make it evenly cooked waffles every time out, the plates are removable, which makes them easy to clean. And it beeps when your waffle is ready, so you don't have to keep an eye on it.

But wait, your waffle isn't complete without a dose of maple syrup, the real stuff that comes from trees.

Consumer Reports expert taste testers sampled 14 syrups. Ellen Klosz, who directed the testing, said her team found all were pretty good. So, which should you buy? "Our suggestion is to buy by price," she said.

Some good choices are Costco's Kirkland Signature 100 percent Organic Maple Syrup and Trader Joe's 100 Percent Vermont Maple Syrup.

Pancake syrup is far less expensive than pure maple syrup, but it is usually made with high fructose corn syrup and artificial caramel coloring, which often contains a potential carcinogen.

Consumer Reports is published by Consumers Union. Both Consumer Reports and Consumers Union are not-for-profit organizations that accept no advertising. Neither has any commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site.