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BELLA 13991 Classic vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

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BELLA Rotating

$33.38 from Amazon

Nostalgia Mini

Check Price on Nostalgia(+2 more)
BELLA 13991 Classic vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ

Overall Verdict

There is a clear separation in value between the Bella 13991 Classic Belgian and the Nostalgia MWF5AQ. Picking which one simply boils down to what you want most from a waffle maker.

With the Bella 13991, you get a full-size machine that can cook 7-inch Belgian waffles. These large waffles aren’t just filling, but with deep pockets printed onto them, you’re free to load them up with however much syrup and toppings you want.

On the other hand, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, a mini-sized waffle maker, bakes 4-inch waffles about the size of your palm. These would make for a great mid-day snack or, if you cook enough and turn it into a platter, can also be a pretty decent meal.

The most striking feature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ is its compact size, which is ideal for travelers. With its bulkier design, the same can’t be said for the Bella 13991. 

So, if you value thick, tasty waffles better, pick the Bella 13991. But if compactness is more important for you, or you’d like smaller waffles as snacks, check out the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

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
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
Variable
N/A
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$39.99
$15.18
$33.38 at Amazon
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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.0
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.9
6.8
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 6 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 6 minutes. The interior is filled with air bubbles and cavities.
The waffle is torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency, revealing the spongy inner core.
Heat Level
Maximum
N/A
Cooking Time
7 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
5.9
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.
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Birch Benders Mix
The pale gold top crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle, baked for 8 minutes, being torn down the middle by hand to test its consistency, revealing the fluffy interior.
Heat Level
Maximum
N/A
Cooking Time
8 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
8.4

In the Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

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 side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
9.0
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
Nostalgia MWF5AQ Mini Build Quality
A close-up shot of the hinges of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s lid.
The back end of the Nostalgia Mini waffle maker (MWF5AQ). A section of the lid hinges can be seen, along with the power cord.
The bottom side of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ, with the two anti-slip feet in the foreground and wide back foot in the background.

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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
An overview of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
A close-up shot of one of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s black, non-stick waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
15.9 inches
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
0.0
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
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
No

Power Cord

The power plug of the Bella 13991, highlighting the Type-A prongs.
The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
Cable Management
No
Yes

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
6.3

Handling

3.0
7.5

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 Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 169.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 127.9°F.
The temperature of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 149.2°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

9.5
9.5
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.
Excess batter pouring out from within the baking chamber of the Nostalgia MWF5AQ.

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 red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio light.