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BELLA 13991 Classic vs Chefman Anti-Overflow Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

BELLA Rotating

$31.54 from Amazon

Chefman Anti-Overflow

$24.98 from Amazon
BELLA 13991 Classic vs Chefman Anti-Overflow

Overall Verdict

The greatest difference between the two models is that the Chefman has a more traditional single-sided design, which only allows you to cook waffles one at a time. Meanwhile, with the Bella 13991’s double-sided design, you can prepare two at once.

If you live alone or don’t need to bake a lot of waffles regularly, the Chefman represents a better choice overall. But if you have a large family, you’ll get a lot of use out of the Bella 13991’s double-sided design.

The Bella 13991 is the winner by a clear margin in our performance tests. It was able to produce tasty waffles with superb coloration and texture. The Chefman was close, but its overall score wasn’t as high due to the splotchy coloration of its waffles.

Pricing isn’t an issue with these two models. Though the Bella 13991’s list price is slightly higher, if you can catch them both at the right time, you’ll find them on sale for the same amount.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a good job in both of our performance tests
  • Overall design looks very premium
  • The non-stick coating functions well
  • High-quality and sturdy design
  • Works well with boxed waffle mix
  • Anti-overflow moat can minimize spillage
  • Well-built waffle plates with a non-stick layer
  • Tactile, easy-to-use control panel
  • Comes with a measuring cup
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Didn’t perform well on self-mixed recipe
  • Awkward and potentially dangerous lid lock
  • Too many hot surfaces
  • Can be difficult to clean

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Textured rubber coating, wide anti-spill moat, tactile browning control
Adjustable Settings
Variable
7
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L10.6 x W8.3 x H4.35 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
3.6 lbs (1.7 kg)
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
6.3" (16.0 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$39.99
$31.27
$31.54 at Amazon
$24.98 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
6.6

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.9
6.3
BELLA 13991 Classic Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, coloration ranges from very dark brown in certain spots to light brown.
The bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, coloration ranges from very dark brown to light brown.
The cross section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, revealing the core with air bubbles and cavities inside.
A waffle baked for 7 minutes being torn down the middle by hands in order to test it for consistency and texture.
Chefman Anti-Overflow Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The interior is dense with few air bubbles.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency. This waffle was baked for 5 minutes.
Heat Level
Maximum
3
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
6.9
BELLA 13991 Classic Birch Benders Mix Video
The golden top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The golden bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing its internal core filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle baked for 8 minutes being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency and texture.
Chefman Anti-Overflow Birch Benders Mix Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter. Numerous air cavities can be seen.
A waffle being torn up by hands to test for its consistency. This one was baked for 7 minutes using our Birch Benders batter.
Heat Level
Maximum
3
Cooking Time
8 minutes
7 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
8.8

In the Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The all-black Chefman waffle maker next to its instruction manual and accessory (a cup for measuring batter).

Dimensions

The Bella rotating Belgian waffle maker (13991) with measurements marked next to it. The height is 7.3 inches, length is 16.7 inches, and width is 7.7 inches.
The dimensions of the Chefman waffle maker. The length is 10.6 inches, height 4.35 inches, and width 8.3 inches.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
10.6" (26.9 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
8.3" (21.1 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
4.3" (11.0 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
3.6 lbs (1.7 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
8.0
The Bella 13991 rotating waffle maker mid-turn. In the frame is the rotating shaft that allows the baking chamber to rotate.
The Bella 13991 rotating waffle maker mid-turn. In the frame is the rotating shaft that allows the baking chamber to rotate.
The Bella 13991 waffle maker in its standard rest position with the control panel facing upward.
BELLA 13991 Classic Build Quality video
The black, plastic, clamp-style lid lock at the front of the Chefman Anti Overflow Belgian waffle maker.

Waffle Plates

9.0
10
A close-up of one of the Bella 13991’s waffle plates. The plate has a Belgian-style patterning and a black non-stick coating.
A close-up of one of the Bella 13991’s waffle plates. The plate has a Belgian-style patterning and a black non-stick coating.
An overview of the Bella 13991’s double waffle plates.
An overview of the Chefman waffle maker’s cooking plates. The bottom plate has a large anti-overflow moat surrounding it.
An overview of the Chefman waffle maker’s cooking plates. The bottom plate has a large anti-overflow moat surrounding it.
The black, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Chefman waffle maker. An anti-overflow moat surrounds it to catch excess batter.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
54.11 inch
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
8.3" (21.1 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
8.3" (21.1 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
9.5
A close-up on the Bella 13991 waffle maker’s control panel, with the two indicator lights and the browning control dial in frame.
A close-up on the Bella 13991 waffle maker’s control panel, with the two indicator lights and the browning control dial in frame.
BELLA 13991 Classic Control Panel video
Chefman Control Panel
Chefman Control Panel video
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

The power plug of the Bella 13991, highlighting the Type-A prongs.
A cord grommet at the bottom of the Chefman waffle maker. It helps the user manage the cord before putting it into storage.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
No
Yes

Accessories

The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
A transparent plastic cup that comes with the Chefman waffle maker. It helps the user measure the batter to pour.
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Removable
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
5.6

Handling

3.0
7.5
Chefman Anti-Overflow Handling video 1

Safety

7.9
2.5
The temperature of the plastic base of the Bella 13991 waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 85.8°F.
The temperature of the plastic base of the Bella 13991 waffle maker is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 85.8°F.
The surface temperature of the Bella 13991’s control panel is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 153.5°F.
The temperature of the black plastic handle of the Bella 13991 is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 90.5°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s top lid is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 202.7°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s top lid is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 202.7°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s clamp handle is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 190.9°F.
The temperature of the Chefman waffle maker’s base is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 124.1°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
202°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
124°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
190°F

Cleanability

9.5
7.0
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability
Excess batter spilling out of the Chefman waffle maker and into a pool at the base of the unit.

Indicator Light Visibility

5.0
10
The set of indicator lights at the top of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker. The blue READY light and the red POWER light are on.
The set of indicator lights at the top of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker. The blue READY light and the red POWER light are on.
The shining READY light at the bottom of the Bella 13991’s waffle maker.
The indicator lights of the Chefman waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the blue READY light.