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Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs KRUPS Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

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Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs KRUPS Belgian: Side-to-Side Comparison

Overall Verdict

If you’re seeking a waffle maker that can make thin, classic-style waffles, then the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic is a decent choice in the entry-level price range. Though its performance wasn’t spectacular by any means, the waffle it produced was edible. In the test with the Birch Benders pre-made waffle mix, the WMR-CA Classic even received a high score from our chef.

Its design quality is good. However, its appearance is simplistic because it is a budget-oriented waffle maker. It’s evident with a glance that it’s not a pricey machine.

While the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker has a far more premium and solid design, its performance was disappointing. It is the only model to have failed our performance test by receiving a zero in our test with the pre-mixed recipe. The KRUPS was unable to cook an edible waffle even after 10 minutes.

So, even if you are looking for a new Belgian waffle maker instead of a classic-style one, we can’t recommend getting the KRUPS over any model.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Did a great job in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fast cooking time
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store
  • Solidly built from high-quality materials
  • Able to cook four waffles simultaneously
  • The waffle plates’ non-stick coating works great
  • Controls are straightforward to use
  • Easy to clean
  • Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
  • Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
  • Dim indicator lights
  • Waffle’s quality is mediocre in the self-mixed recipe test
  • Failed at producing an edible waffle in the test with the Birch Benders mix
  • Power cord is too short

Key Specs

Features
Sliding browning knob, indicator lights
Quartered classic-style waffle plates, removable plates, intuitive controls
Adjustable Settings
5
Six
Dimensions
L9.7 x W7.9 x H3.3 inches
L14.4 x W10.2 x H4.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; cast iron, nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1 pound
9.1 pounds
Waffle diameter
6.8" (17.3 cm)
4.6" (11.7 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$29.95
$68.54

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.2
2.8

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.7
5.5
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.
KRUPS Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe Video
KRUPS Belgian Self-Mixed RecipeThe very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very light gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe, the inside is dense with a few air cavities.
A waffle is torn up by hand to test its consistency. This waffle was baked for 7 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
Heat Level
3
Between 2 and 3
Cooking Time
3 minutes
7 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.7
0.0
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.
KRUPS Belgian Birch Benders Mix Video
The pale gop top crust of a waffle baked for 10 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The pale gop bottom crust of a waffle baked for 10 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 10 minutes using the Birch Benders batter mix, showcasing its dense, irregular interior
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency. The golden interior of the waffle is revealed.
Heat Level
3
Maximum (5)
Cooking Time
4 minutes
10 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.7
9.9

In the Box

The Cuisinart WMR-CA, with its stainless steel top and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instructional manual.
The KRUPS waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instruction manual.

Dimensions

The Cuisinart WMR-CA’s dimensions are measured with its length being 9.7 inches, height 3.3 inches, and width 7.9 inches.
The KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s dimensions. The length is 14.4 inches, height is 4.5 inches, and width is 10.2 inches.
Length
9.7" (24.6 cm)
14.4" (36.6 cm)
Width
7.9" (20.1 cm)
10.2" (25.9 cm)
Height
3.3" (8.4 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Weight
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)
9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)

Build Quality

8.0
10
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
The KRUPS waffle maker's back side. Intricate black plastic detailing and metal components can be seen.
The KRUPS waffle maker's back side. Intricate black plastic detailing and metal components can be seen.
KRUPS Belgian Build Quality video

Waffle Plates

7.0
10
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.
An overview of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s black, non-stick-treated waffle plates.
An overview of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s black, non-stick-treated waffle plates.
A close-up shot of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s waffle plate. It has Belgian-style patterning and is non-stick.
The waffle plates of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker are removed, revealing the heating coils underneath.
KRUPS Belgian Waffle Plates video
KRUPS Belgian Waffle Plates video 1
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Classic-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
47.78 inches
102.5 inch
Plate Length
7.8" (19.8 cm)
10.0" (25.4 cm)
Plate Width
7.8" (19.8 cm)
10.3" (26.0 cm)
Material
Cast iron
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

8.0
9.5
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
A close-up of the control panel of the KRUPS waffle maker. Two indicator lights and a browning control dial knob can be seen.
A close-up of the control panel of the KRUPS waffle maker. Two indicator lights and a browning control dial knob can be seen.
KRUPS Belgian Control Panel video
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
Yes
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

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.
A close-up shot of the power cord of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker, focusing on the Type-A blade.
A close-up shot of the power cord of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker, focusing on the Type-A blade.
The grommet at the bottom of the KRUPS. It helps the user manage the power cord when the waffle maker is put in storage.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
3.0 ft (0.9 m)
2.1 ft (0.6 m)
Cable Management
No
Yes

Accessories

Material
N/A
N/A
Removable
N/A
N/A
Dishwasher Safe
N/A
N/A

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.1
9.6

Handling

9.0
9.0
The KRUPS waffle maker being held in the air by its handle.
The KRUPS waffle maker being held in the air by its handle.
KRUPS Belgian Handling video

Safety

9.6
9.7
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.
The temperature of the top side of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.5°F.
The temperature of the top side of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.5°F.
The temperature of the KRUPS waffle maker’s frontal control panel is being measured. The thermometer’s screen reads 127.2°F.
The temperature of the handle is being measured using a thermometer in a thermal safety test. The screen reads 89.8°F.
Top Side Temperature
181.7°F
176°F
Bottom Side Temperature
94°F
127°F
Handle Temperature
96.4°F
89°F

Cleanability

9.5
10
Cuisinart WMR-CA Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

6.5
10
The indicator lights at the front of the Cuisinart WMR-CA, left is the red POWER light and right is the green READY light.
The two indicator lights of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker: the left is the red ON light, and right is the green READY light.