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Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

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Holstein Housewares

Check Price on Holstein Housewares(+2 more)

Hamilton Beach 26031

$64.99 from Amazon
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B vs Hamilton Beach 26031: How Do They Compare?

Overall Verdict

The Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B is a mini waffle maker. It has a lightweight and super-compact form factor that’s about the size of a softball. The mini design makes it a popular choice for travelers since it can fit snugly in a backpack for freshly-baked waffles on the go.

Its small 4-inch waffles also make for great mid-day snacks or a quick breakfast at home.

Meanwhile, the Hamilton Beach 26031 has a more traditional, full-size design. It makes larger 7-inch waffles.

According to our performance tests, both waffle makers did their job well. The Hamilton Beach 26031 had a higher score and made tastier waffles overall. Meanwhile, the Holstein only got a passing grade.

Not to mention how the Hamilton Beach 26031 is far more premium with its stainless steel baking chamber, while the Holstein has an all-plastic design.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Highly affordable
  • Compact size and lightweight
  • Handling is simple and smooth
  • Acceptable build quality
  • Excellent cleanability rating
  • 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
  • Mediocre cooking performance with our self-mixed recipe
  • Cheap-looking design
  • Lacks a control panel
  • Safety rating is very low
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Compact size, patterned top lid, indicator lights
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
N/A
None
Dimensions
L5.1 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
L16.5 x W8 x H8.7 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; ceramic nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.1 pound
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$16.70
$57.79
Check Price on Holstein HousewaresCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart
$64.99 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
7.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.3
6.8
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed RecipeA waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its top crust with a very dark brown color.
Top
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed RecipeA waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its top crust with a very dark brown color.
A waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Presented here is its bottom crust with a very dark brown color.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. Prominent air bubbles can be seen within.
A waffle being torn down the middle by hand to test it for its consistency. The air bubble-filled core is revealed.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Self-Mixed Recipe Video
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
3
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.3
7.1
The very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
Top
The very light gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using the Birch Benders batter mix. Air bubbles can be seen within.
A waffle is torn down the middle by hands to test its consistency. The air bubble-filled interior of the waffle is revealed.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Birch Benders Mix Video
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
N/A
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
7.0
9.7

In the Box

The glossy black Holstein 4 inch waffle maker next to its instruction manual and 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

A side profile of the glossy black Holstein personal mini waffle maker.
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
5.1" (13.0 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
6.5" (16.5 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
3.5" (9.0 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
1.1 lbs (0.5 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

7.0
9.5
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Build Quality
The back side of the Holstein waffle cooker. Components of its lid hinges and the root of its power cord can be seen.
The black plastic hinges of the Holstein waffle maker’s lid. It is currently in its open position.
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

9.5
10
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle PlatesAn overview of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plates. They’re black and printed with the classic waffle patterning.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B Waffle PlatesAn overview of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plates. They’re black and printed with the classic waffle patterning.
A close-up shot of the Holstein waffle maker’s cooking plate. It is black and treated with a glossy layer of non-stick.
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
Classic-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
17.72 inches
50.27 inch
Plate Length
4.8" (12.1 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
4.8" (12.1 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

0.0
10
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
No
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Holstein mini waffle maker. The plug is Type A.
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
2.1 ft (0.6 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
6.5
9.7

Handling

9.0
9.5

Safety

1.8
10
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B SafetyThe temperature of the top lid of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 219.0°F.
Holstein Housewares HH-09125016B SafetyThe temperature of the top lid of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 219.0°F.
The temperature of the base of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 113.7°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Holstein waffle maker is being measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 160.7°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
234°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
85°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
105°F
 88°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Excess batter pouring from out of the Holstein waffle maker and into small pools at the base of the unit.
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

10
9.0
The red ring-shaped indicator light at the top of the Holstein’s lid. It is shining dimly in the studio lighting.
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.