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Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic

$19.95 from Amazon

Nostalgia Mini

Check Price on Nostalgia(+2 more)
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic vs Nostalgia MWF5AQ: Classic-Style vs. Mini-Style

Overall Verdict

The Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic is an outlier in our database. So far, it’s the only model we’ve reviewed that has a classic-style patterning.

Also known as “American-style” patterning, the waffle plates of the Cuisinart WMR-CA are much more shallow and have fewer pockets. The result is a thinner (but no less delicious!) waffle reminiscent of old diners and waffle houses.

If you’re nostalgic for this waffle style, give the Cuisinart WMR-CA a shot!

On the other hand, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ is a mini waffle maker. Its waffle plates measure only around 4 inches across, and the waffles it bakes can fit neatly in the palm of your hand. As a result, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ has often been called a “snack machine.”

It’s perfect for making mid-day snacks!

Its small size also makes it a big hit among travelers, who can fit it in their backpacks and cook waffles on the go.

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
  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
  • Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
  • Dim indicator lights
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling

Key Specs

Features
Sliding browning knob, indicator lights
Compact size, indicator light
Adjustable Settings
5
N/A
Dimensions
L9.7 x W7.9 x H3.3 inches
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; cast iron, nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1 pound
1.25 pounds
Waffle diameter
6.8" (17.3 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$29.95
$15.18
$19.95 at Amazon
Check Price on NostalgiaCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
7.2
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.7
6.8
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.
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
3
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
6 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

7.7
5.9
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.
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
3
N/A
Cooking Time
4 minutes
8 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.7
8.4

In the Box

The Cuisinart WMR-CA, with its stainless steel top and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instructional manual.
The blue-colored Nostalgia Mini waffle maker MWF5AQ next to its instruction manuals and shipping box.

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 side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
Length
9.7" (24.6 cm)
6.8" (17.1 cm)
Width
7.9" (20.1 cm)
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Height
3.3" (8.4 cm)
3.5" (8.9 cm)
Weight
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)

Build Quality

8.0
9.0
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
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

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 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
Classic-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
47.78 inches
15.9 inches
Plate Length
7.8" (19.8 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Plate Width
7.8" (19.8 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Material
Cast iron
Die-cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

8.0
0.0
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
No

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.
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
3.0 ft (0.9 m)
8.2" (20.8 cm)
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
6.3

Handling

9.0
7.5

Safety

9.6
2.5
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 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
181.7°F
169.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
94°F
127.9°F
Handle Temperature
96.4°F
149.2°F

Cleanability

9.5
9.5
Cuisinart WMR-CA 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

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