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KRUPS Belgian vs Hamilton Beach 26031 Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

KRUPS Belgian

$79.99 from Amazon

Hamilton Beach 26031

$64.99 from Amazon
KRUPS Belgian vs Hamilton Beach 26031: An Easy Pick

Overall Verdict

Being in approximately the same price range, you could say that the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker is a direct competitor to the Hamilton Beach 26031. We don’t need to dive too much into details to give our recommendation: the Hamilton Beach 26031 is the way to go.

The KRUPS Belgian waffle maker did not perform well in our performance tests. It is the only waffle maker that failed a cooking test. In our test, the KRUPS could not cook an edible waffle in 10 minutes using the premixed waffle batter.

Concurrently, the Hamilton Beach 26031 is one of our best performers with a great overall performance score. All of its waffles came out cooked and met our demands regarding color, texture, and taste. Its design isn’t too shabby, either, with a luxurious stainless steel baking chamber and ceramic-coated waffle plates.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • The spin-lock mechanism at the handle is finicky

Key Specs

Features
Quartered classic-style waffle plates, removable plates, intuitive controls
Rotating baking chamber, removable ceramic waffle plates, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Six
None
Dimensions
L14.4 x W10.2 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
9.1 pounds
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)
Waffle diameter
4.6" (11.7 cm)
7.0" (17.8 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$68.54
$57.79
$79.99 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
2.8
7.0

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.5
6.8
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.
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
Between 2 and 3
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
7 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

0.0
7.1
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.
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
Maximum (5)
Between 1 and 2
Cooking Time
10 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.9
9.7

In the Box

The KRUPS waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instruction manual.
The Hamilton Beach Flip Belgian waffle maker (26031) is on a table next to the included drip tray and the user manual.

Dimensions

The KRUPS Belgian waffle maker’s dimensions. The length is 14.4 inches, height is 4.5 inches, and width is 10.2 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.
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
14.4" (36.6 cm)
16.5" (41.9 cm)
Width
10.2" (25.9 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Height
4.5" (11.4 cm)
8.7" (22.1 cm)
Weight
9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)
3.1 lbs (1.4 kg)

Build Quality

10
9.5
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
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 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
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
Belgian-style
Belgian-style
Plate Area
102.5 inch
50.27 inch
Plate Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Plate Width
10.3" (26.0 cm)
8.0" (20.3 cm)
Material
Cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
Yes
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
Yes
Yes

Control Panel

9.5
10
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
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
Yes
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

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.
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
9.6
9.7

Handling

9.0
9.5
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

9.7
10
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.
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
176°F
 142°F
Bottom Side Temperature
127°F
90°F
Handle Temperature
89°F
 88°F

Cleanability

10
9.5
Hamilton Beach 26031 Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

10
9.0
The two indicator lights of the KRUPS Belgian waffle maker: the left is the red ON light, and right is the green READY light.
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.