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BELLA 13991 Classic vs Oster Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

BELLA Rotating

$33.59 from Amazon

Oster Belgian

$26.22 from Amazon
BELLA 13991 Classic vs Oster Belgian: Budget vs. Ultra-Budget

Overall Verdict

Bella has built the 13991 Classic as a “budget” flippable Belgian waffle maker. And, according to our tests, it’s excellent at what it does. It belonged to the higher percentage group in terms of performance. It was able to bake some truly delectable waffles with superb coloration, spongy-soft texture, and flavorful taste. Although its build quality left much to be desired, it’s undeniable that the Bella 13991 Classic is a decent choice in the price range.

However, the price range of the Bella 13991 Classic may still be too high for some people.

That’s where the ultra-budget Oster Belgian waffle maker comes in. It stands as a far more affordable option than the Bella. But be warned of the trade-offs. Its performance is among the lowest in our database so far. Combine that with the inferior build quality and an inadequate safety score; it may be worth splurging on the Bella.

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
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • Poor build quality
  • The lid is dangerously loose
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights

Key Specs

Features
Rotating baking chamber, browning control, indicator lights
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
Variable
Dimensions
L16.7 x W7.7 x H7.3 inches
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
5.2 pounds
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
Waffle diameter
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$39.99
$21.74
$33.59 at Amazon
$26.22 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
6.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.9
5.2
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.
Oster Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe
The very dark brown-dark gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown-dark gold 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, baked for 5 minutes, is torn by hands to test for its consistency. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
Heat Level
Maximum
Max
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.2
6.8
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.
Oster Belgian Birch Benders Mix Video
The very light gold-dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold-dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The interior of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a Birch Benders batter mix. Small air cavities can be seen within.
A waffle, baked for 3 minutes using our Birch Benders batter mix, is torn down the middle by hands. The interior can be seen.
Heat Level
Maximum
Max
Cooking Time
8 minutes
3 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.8
6.2

In the Box

The Bella stainless steel waffle maker (13991) sitting next to its instructional manual and the black removable drip tray.
The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its 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 physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 inches.
Length
16.7" (42.4 cm)
10.0" (25.4 cm)
Width
7.7" (19.6 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
7.3" (18.5 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Weight
5.2 lbs (2.4 kg)
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
4.5
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 side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
Oster Waffle Maker Build Quality Video
The back side of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The power cables can be in-between the gaps created by the plastic hinges.

Waffle Plates

9.0
8.5
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 waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
An overview of the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
A close-up of the black, cast aluminum waffle plate of the Oster waffle maker.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
44.18 inch
7.8 inch
Plate Length
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)
Plate Width
7.5" (19.1 cm)
7.1" (18.0 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.5
9.0
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 Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. There’s the browning control knob and the indicator lights.
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 power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The Type A plug attachment of the Oster Belgian waffle maker’s power cord.
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.
Material
Plastic
N/A
Removable
Yes
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.8
5.0

Handling

3.0
6.5

Safety

7.9
1.7
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 base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 189°F.
The temperature of the control panel of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.9°F.
Top Side Temperature
153°F
176°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
143°F
Handle Temperature
90°F
189°F

Cleanability

9.5
9.0
BELLA 13991 Classic Cleanability
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.

Indicator Light Visibility

5.0
4.5
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 of the Oster waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the green READY light.