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Euro Cuisine WM520 vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Euro Cuisine

$36 from Amazon

Hamilton Beach 26031

$64.99 from Amazon
Euro Cuisine WM520 vs Hamilton Beach 26031: Belgian vs. Norwegian-Style

Overall Verdict

In most aspects, the Euro Cuisine WM520 and the Hamilton Beach 26031 are the same.

Both are mid-range models and share the same polished design. Regarding cooking performance, the Hamilton Beach 26031 has the edge over the Euro Cuisine WM520. Nonetheless, we assessed both models to be capable of making decent-quality waffles for breakfasts and daily meals.

Where they differ is in the patterning of their waffle plates. The Hamilton Beach 26031 is a Belgian waffle maker. Meanwhile, the Euro Cuisine WM520 comes with Norwegian-style, heart-shaped waffle plates.

Most people are familiar with (and prefer) the thick, classic-looking Belgian waffles. But heart-shaped waffles can be a fun addition to the table for festive times like Christmas or Thanksgiving. There’s also nothing stopping you from eating heart-shaped waffles every day!

So, the choice between these two is simple: do you prefer Belgian waffles (Hamilton Beach 26031) or some unique-looking heart-shaped waffles (Euro Cuisine WM520)?

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Did a passable job in our self-mixed recipe test
  • Luxurious design with chrome lid
  • Easy to use control panel with clicky, responsive browning level dial
  • Eco-friendly PTFE and PFOA-free ceramic coating on the plates
  • Excellent cleanability
  • Luxurious aesthetic by incorporating premium materials (stainless steel and ceramic)
  • Does a great job in all of our performance tests
  • Removable and washable waffle plates
  • Easy to clean thanks to the included drip tray
  • Loose lid hinges
  • The rubber screw protectors can be easily lost
  • Many surfaces of the waffle maker became scorching hot after two-three cooking sessions
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Heart-shaped waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Four
None
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4.5 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
4 pounds
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
8.0" (20.3 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$36.79
$57.79
$36 at Amazon
$64.99 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
6.3
7.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.3
6.8
Euro Cuisine WM520 Self-Mixed Recipe Test
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes 30 seconds using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes 30 seconds using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes 30 seconds. The interior is revealed, with small air bubbles visible within.
The waffle is torn up by hand to test its consistency. The fluffy interior of the waffle is revealed.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Self-Made Recipe Video
The dark brown top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The mottled, dark brown bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 5 minutes.
The interior of the 5-minute waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 is shown, revealing large air cavities.
The waffle made by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 5-minute is torn up by hands to test for consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Medium-high
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes 30 seconds
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.4
7.1
Euro Cuisine WM520 Birch Benders Mix Test
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes 30 seconds using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes 30 seconds using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes and 30 seconds. The dense interior of the waffle can be clearly seen.
A waffle, baked for 5 minutes and 30 seconds, is torn up by hands to test its consistency. The waffle’s core can be seen.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Birch Benders Mix Video
The light gold top of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
The light gold bottom of a waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker in 6 minutes using the Birch Benders mix.
A close-up of the interior of the waffle cooked by the Hamilton Beach 26031 in 6 minutes, filled with air bubbles and small cavities.
The 6-minute waffle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is torn in half by hands to test for the consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Medium-high
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes 30 seconds
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.3
9.7

In the Box

The Euro Cuisine Heart Shaped waffle maker is in the center. To its left is the manual and to its right is the shipping box.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user manual.

Dimensions

The side profile of the Euro Cuisine WM520. Its mirror-like lid and the vertically-arranged control panel can be seen.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
The Hamilton Beach 26031 on a table with measured dimensions marked next to it, the length is displayed as 16.5 inches, width is 8 inches, and height is 8.7 inches.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Dimension Video
Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
4.5" (11.4 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
4.0 lbs (1.8 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

9.0
9.5
The Euro Cuisine WM520 Build Quality
The elaborate backside of the Euro Cuisine waffle maker (WM520).
A close-up view of the plastic detailing and components of the Euro Cuisine waffle maker.
A close-up shot of the Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker (26031) control panel section made from black plastic, with the browning control knob and the indicator lights in focus.

Waffle Plates

10
10
An overhead shot of the black waffle plates of the Euro Cuisine waffle maker. The plates have heart-shaped patterns.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
An overview of the bronze-colored, Belgian-style waffle plates of the Hamilton Beach Flip waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the bronze-color, Belgian-style waffle plate of the Hamilton Beach flip Belgian waffle maker 26031.
A close-up of the yellow waffle plate release latch on the top handle of the Hamilton Beach waffle maker with removable plates 26031.
The gray, metallic heating elements of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is revealed after the ceramic, bronze-colored waffle plates are taken off.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Norwegian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
50.27 inches
50.27 inch
Plate Length
8.0" (20.3 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

9.5
10
The Euro Cuisine WM520 Control Panel
The control panel of the Euro Cuisine waffle maker. The browning control dial can be seen, along with the indicator lights.
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Close-up of Hamilton Beach 26031 control panel: browning dial and indicator lights with clear white markings on the side to inform you of their functions.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Control Panel video
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Euro Cuisine waffle maker. It has a Type A plug.
A close-up of the power cord of the Hamilton Beach 26031 waffle maker, focused on the prongs of the plug.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
2.2 ft (0.7 m)
Cable Management
Yes
No

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.6
9.7

Handling

8.5
9.5

Safety

2.5
10
The surface temperature of the Euro Cuisine’s control panel is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 146.8°F.
The surface temperature of the Euro Cuisine’s control panel is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 146.8°F.
The surface temperature of the Euro Cuisine’s base is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 107.6°F.
The surface temperature of the Euro Cuisine’s handle is being measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 137.8°F.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the control panel of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 142.3°F.
The temperature on the cool-touch handle of the Hamilton Beach 26031 is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 90.3°F.
The temperature on the Hamilton Beach 26031’s base is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The display reads 88.3°F.
Top Side Temperature
146.8°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
107.6°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
137.8°F
 88°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Excess batter spilling out from the Euro Cuisine waffle maker’s cooking plates.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

10
9.0
The indicator lights of the Euro Cuisine. The red POWER light is closest to the dial, the orange READY light is to the back.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A close-up of the lit-up indicator lights of the Hamilton Beach 26031. Both the green READY light and the red POWER light are on.
A view of the green READY light at the back of the Hamilton Beach 26031 when it’s flipped over.