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Nostalgia MWF5AQ vs KRUPS Belgian Side-by-Side Comparison

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Nostalgia Mini

Check Price on Nostalgia(+2 more)

KRUPS Belgian

$79.99 from Amazon
Nostalgia MWF5AQ vs KRUPS Belgian: Side-by-Side Comparison

Overall Verdict

While the KRUPS Belgian is a large, suitcase-like waffle maker, the Nostalgia MWF5AQ is a mini waffle maker that’s no larger than a softball. The difference in size and form factor alone should help many people make up their minds.

If you need a compact and portable mini waffle maker (for traveling or for making light snacks throughout the day), then the Nostalgia MWF5AQ is a good choice.

But if you want the ability to bulk-cook many waffles at once, the KRUPS Belgian is up to the task. Its large waffle plates can cook four 4- inch square waffles at once.

Unfortunately, that’s only in theory. In our tests, the KRUPS delivered one of the worst cooking performances. In fact, it’s the only waffle maker that failed a cooking test. Even after 10 minutes, it still didn’t manage to cook the Birch Benders premade batter to completion.

So, we recommend either picking the Nostalgia MWF5AQ or an alternative like the DASH No-Drip Belgian instead.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Surprisingly decent cooking performance for the price
  • High build quality; solid lid hinges
  • Waffle plates’ non-stick coating performs excellently
  • 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
  • No control feature
  • Oven mitts are required for handling
  • 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
Compact size, indicator light
Quartered classic-style waffle plates, removable plates, intuitive controls
Adjustable Settings
N/A
Six
Dimensions
L6.75 x W6.5 x H3.5 inches
L14.4 x W10.2 x H4.5 inches
Material
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
1.25 pounds
9.1 pounds
Waffle diameter
4.0" (10.2 cm)
4.6" (11.7 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$15.18
$68.54
Check Price on NostalgiaCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart
$79.99 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
2.8

Self-Mixed Recipe

6.8
5.5
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.
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
N/A
Between 2 and 3
Cooking Time
6 minutes
7 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

5.9
0.0
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.
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
N/A
Maximum (5)
Cooking Time
8 minutes
10 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.4
9.9

In The Box

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

Dimensions & Weight

The side profile of the Nostalgia My Mini waffle maker’s plastic exterior. The top lid is cyan blue and the bottom is black.
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
6.8" (17.1 cm)
14.4" (36.6 cm)
Width
6.5" (16.5 cm)
10.2" (25.9 cm)
Height
3.5" (8.9 cm)
4.5" (11.4 cm)
Weight
1.3 lbs (0.6 kg)
9.1 lbs (4.1 kg)

Build Quality

9.0
10
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.
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

10
10
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.
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
15.9 inches
102.5 inch
Plate Length
4.5" (11.4 cm)
10.0" (25.4 cm)
Plate Width
4.5" (11.4 cm)
10.3" (26.0 cm)
Material
Die-cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
Yes
Dishwasher Safe
No
Yes

Control Panel

0.0
9.5
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
No
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Nostalgia mini waffle maker, which has the Type A plug.
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
8.2" (20.8 cm)
2.1 ft (0.6 m)
Cable Management
Yes
Yes

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
6.3
9.6

Handling

7.5
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

2.5
9.7
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.
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
169.9°F
176°F
Bottom Side Temperature
127.9°F
127°F
Handle Temperature
149.2°F
89°F

Cleanability

9.5
10
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

10
10
The red indicator light at the top of the Nostalgia’s lid. It is shining dimly in the harsh studio 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.