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BELLA 13991 Classic vs Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

BELLA Rotating

$33.3 from Amazon

Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic

$29.95 from Amazon
BELLA 13991 Classic vs Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic: To Splurge or Not to Splurge?

Overall Verdict

The Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic is designed for baking classic-style (also known as American-style) waffles. It’s also built to be Cuisinart’s entry-level product. The Bella 13991 Classic is at the low-mid tier. Its plates are larger and deeper for baking Belgian-style waffles.

Most people will already know which is better for them based on the difference in styling.

Both waffle makers did relatively well in our tests, but for different reasons. The Bella 13991 was able to cook more evenly and produce waffles with brighter coloration and softer texture. Whereas the Cuisinart WMR-CA did better in terms of speed. It served up a decent-quality waffle in as little as 2 minutes.

Between the two, it’s simply a matter of whether you’d like a tasty or a fast-cooking waffle.

The designs of the two are also distinctive. You get a more simplistic single-sided design with the Cuisinart WMR-CA, but it has solid build quality. With the Bella 13991, the external presentation is more luxurious. However, its build quality isn’t great due to its loose hinges and poorly-constructed parts.

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
  • Affordable
  • Did a great job in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fast cooking time
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
  • Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
  • Dim indicator lights

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Sliding browning knob, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
5
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L9.7 x W7.9 x H3.3 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; cast iron, nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
1 pound
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
6.8" (17.3 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$39.99
$29.95
$33.3 at Amazon
$29.95 at Amazon

*You help support Shouldit's product testing and reviews by purchasing from our retail partners.

Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
7.2

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.9
6.7
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.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 3 minutes, revealing small air cavities within the waffle’s interior.
The 3-minute waffle being torn by hand down the middle to test it for consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Maximum
3
Cooking Time
7 minutes
3 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
7.7
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.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Birch Benders Mix Video
The golden brown bottom crust of a waffle baked in 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The bottom golden crust of a waffle baked for 4 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle, revealing the large air cavities and air bubbles inside.
A waffle is torn down the middle to test for its consistency and texture. The core of the waffle is revealed.
Heat Level
Maximum
3
Cooking Time
8 minutes
4 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
7.7

In the Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA, with its stainless steel top and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instructional manual.

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 Cuisinart WMR-CA’s dimensions are measured with its length being 9.7 inches, height 3.3 inches, and width 7.9 inches.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
9.7" (24.6 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
7.9" (20.1 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
3.3" (8.4 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
1.0 lbs (0.5 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 back end of the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Internal electric wiring and circuit boards can be seen through a gap.
The back end of the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Internal electric wiring and circuit boards can be seen through a gap.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Build Quality Video

Waffle Plates

9.0
7.0
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.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA with its lid opened, revealing the set of two black, non-stick-coated waffle plates.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA with its lid opened, revealing the set of two black, non-stick-coated waffle plates.
A close-up view of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s waffle plate. It has classic-style patterning and is coated in black non-stick.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
47.78 inches
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.8" (19.8 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.8" (19.8 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast iron
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
8.0
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
The control panel of the Cuisinart round classic waffle maker. There’s the silver browning control knob and indicator lights.
The control panel of the Cuisinart round classic waffle maker. There’s the silver browning control knob and indicator lights.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Control Panel
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.
The side profile of the Cuisinart WMR-CA waffle maker, with its power cord at the front.
The side profile of the Cuisinart WMR-CA waffle maker, with its power cord at the front.
Closed-up view of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s power cord and its Type-A prongs.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
3.0 ft (0.9 m)
Cable Management
No
No

Accessories

The removable black plastic drip tray of the Hamilton Beach 26031.
Material
Plastic
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
9.1

Handling

3.0
9.0

Safety

7.9
9.6
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 Cuisinart WMR-CA’s cool-touch handle is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 96.4°F.
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s cool-touch handle is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 96.4°F.
The temperature of the top lid of the Cuisinart WMR-CA is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 181.7°F.
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s base is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 94.1°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
181.7°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
94°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
96.4°F

Cleanability

9.5
9.5
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability
Cuisinart WMR-CA Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

5.0
6.5
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 at the front of the Cuisinart WMR-CA, left is the red POWER light and right is the green READY light.