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Oster Belgian vs CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Side-by-Side Comparison

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Oster Belgian

$27.92 from Amazon

CROWNFUL Mini

Check Price on CROWNFUL(+2 more)
Oster Belgian vs CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini: An Easy Pick

Overall Verdict

The Oster Belgian waffle maker is considered an “ultra-affordable” waffle maker. It seems to be designed around the singular concept of being as cheap as possible. And, of course, that means compromises.

It delivered some of the worst cooking performances in our test database. Its design is also lacking, having loose lid hinges, exposed wirings, and cracked plastic parts. Overall, we’re not too impressed by it.

On the other hand, the Crownful 4-inch mini waffle maker is a solid machine for the price. Although its cooking performance is unremarkable, it’s still sufficient for making breakfasts and other light meals. Build quality is also solid. Unlike on the Oster, we didn’t find any design or manufacturing issues on the Crownful.

Thus, if you’re on the fence between these two models, we highly recommend getting the Crownful. But if you have reservations about its mini size and would like a full-size model, we recommend getting models other than the Oster. For now, it is not a good purchase.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Performs decently in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fairly compact design makes for easier storage
  • Responsive temperature control dial
  • Affordable
  • Beautiful patterning on the lid
  • Excellent build quality
  • Easy to clean, thanks to the non-stick waffle plates and the smooth plastic outer shell
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights
  • Fairly mediocre performance in our performance tests
  • Does not have a control panel
  • Low safety rating

Key Specs

Features
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Compact size, patterned top lid, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
None
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
L5.7 x W5.12 x H3.15 inches
Material
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Plastic housing; aluminum nonstick baking plates
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1 pound
Waffle diameter
7.0" (17.8 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.74
$12.95
$27.92 at Amazon
Check Price on CROWNFULCheck Price on AmazonCheck Price on Walmart

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.0
6.3

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.2
7.2
Oster Belgian Self-Mixed Recipe
The very dark brown-dark gold top crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown-dark gold bottom crust of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
A cross-section of a waffle baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe. The interior is dense with few air bubbles.
A waffle, baked for 5 minutes, is torn by hands to test for its consistency. The interior of the waffle is revealed.
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Self-Mixed Recipe
The light brown top crust of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The light brown bottom crust of a waffle baked in 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The cross-section of a waffle baked in 5 minutes, revealing the interior filled with air bubbles and air cavities.
A waffle is torn down the middle by hands in order to test it for its consistency and texture. This particular waffle was baked for 5 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
5 minutes
5 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.8
5.3
Oster Belgian Birch Benders Mix Video
The very light gold-dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The very light gold-dark brown bottom crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The interior of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using a Birch Benders batter mix. Small air cavities can be seen within.
A waffle, baked for 3 minutes using our Birch Benders batter mix, is torn down the middle by hands. The interior can be seen.
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini 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
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix, revealing the small air bubbles and cavities within the waffle.
A waffle is torn by hand down the middle to test it for its consistency and texture. This waffle was baked for 8 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
Heat Level
Max
N/A
Cooking Time
3 minutes
5 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
8.8

In the Box

The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its manual.
The Crownful 4 inch waffle maker in the middle, with its warranty card, instruction manuals, and shipping box around it.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 inches.
A side profile of the black Crownful compact waffle maker, with the patterned top lid and the wood-tone handle in the front visible.
Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
5.7" (14.5 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
5.1" (13.0 cm)
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.1" (8.0 cm)
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)

Build Quality

4.5
10
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
The side profile of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. The stainless steel lid is blemished from daily use.
Oster Waffle Maker Build Quality Video
The back side of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The power cables can be in-between the gaps created by the plastic hinges.
CROWNFUL 4-inch Mini Build Quality
Crowful waffle maker’s lid, with the center indicator light and the patterning made up of concentric circles visible. The wood-like handle in front is inscribed with the word “Crownful”.
A zoomed-in shot of the Crownful 4 inch waffle maker’s lid hinge.
The back of the Crownful waffle maker’s lid hinge. It is currently in the closed position.
The rubber, anti-slip feet at the bottom of the Crownful mini waffle maker.

Waffle Plates

8.5
9.5
An overview of the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
An overview of the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker. It’s made from cast aluminum and has Belgian-style patterning.
A close-up of the black, cast aluminum waffle plate of the Oster waffle maker.
A top-down view of one of the waffle plates of the Crownful waffle maker.
A top-down view of one of the waffle plates of the Crownful waffle maker.
A top-down view of both the Crownful’s black waffle plates.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
7.8 inch
12.57 inch
Plate Length
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Plate Width
7.1" (18.0 cm)
4.0" (10.2 cm)
Material
Die-cast aluminum
Cast aluminum
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

9.0
0.0
The control panel of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. There’s the browning control knob and the indicator lights.
Indicator Lights
Yes
Yes
Audible Alarm
No
No
Timer
No
No
Browning Control
Yes
Yes

Power Cord

The power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The power cord of the Oster Belgian waffle maker.
The Type A plug attachment of the Oster Belgian waffle maker’s power cord.
A zoomed-up view of the Crownful mini waffle maker’s power plug and its Type-A prongs.
Plug Style
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Type A (Flat Blade Attachment Plug)
Length
2.3 ft (0.7 m)
2.6 ft (0.8 m)
Cable Management
Yes
No

Accessories

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

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
5.0
6.6

Handling

6.5
8.5

Safety

1.7
2.5
The temperature of the base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the base of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 143.4°F.
The temperature of the front handle of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 189°F.
The temperature of the control panel of the Oster waffle maker is measured with a thermometer. The screen reads 176.9°F.
The surface temperature of the Crownful waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 187.9°F.
The surface temperature of the Crownful waffle maker’s top lid is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 187.9°F.
The temperature of the Crownful’s bottom is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 129.6°F.
The temperature of the Crownful’s front handle is being measured using a thermometer during a thermal safety test. The screen reads 188.4°F.
Top Side Temperature
176°F
187.9°F
Bottom Side Temperature
143°F
129.6°F
Handle Temperature
189°F
188.4°F

Cleanability

9.0
10
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.

Indicator Light Visibility

4.5
10
The indicator lights of the Oster waffle maker. To the left is the red POWER light, and the right is the green READY light.
The red indicator light at the center of the lid of the Crownful waffle maker, shining dimly.