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Oster Belgian vs Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , , and ·Updated

Oster Belgian

$26.04 from Amazon

Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic

$19.95 from Amazon
Oster Belgian vs Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic: Both Ultra-Affordable Choices

Overall Verdict

The Oster Belgian and Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic are similar in that they were both designed to be as affordable as possible. But, on the whole, the Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic constitutes a far better purchase than the Oster despite being slightly more expensive.

In our database, the Oster is one of the worst performers and has a notable tendency to overcook its waffles to the point of charring. On the other hand, the WMR-CA performs reasonably well, producing tastier and more evenly-cooked waffles.

The overall build quality of the Cuisinart WMR-CA is also better. Though its design is simplistic, every part is well-built with good finishing. The Oster is the exact opposite. It suffers greatly from poor build quality. For example, the back hinges of our unit have cracks and dents all over,exposing  the sensitive electronics through the back.

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
  • Did a great job in our test with Birch Benders mix
  • Fast cooking time
  • Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store
  • Unremarkable performance in our test with our self-mixed waffle batter
  • Bad build quality
  • Exposed electronics could be safety hazards
  • Very dim indicator lights
  • Poor performance on self-mixed recipe
  • Heating element is too strong and can easily burn waffles
  • Dim indicator lights

Key Specs

Features
Belgian-style waffle plates, tactile browning control, indicator lights
Sliding browning knob, indicator lights
Adjustable Settings
Variable
5
Dimensions
L10 x W8 x H4 inches
L9.7 x W7.9 x H3.3 inches
Material
Metal/plastic housing; die-cast aluminum nonstick baking plates
Stainless steel/plastic housing; cast iron, nonstick baking plates
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1 pound
Waffle diameter
7.0" (17.8 cm)
6.8" (17.3 cm)

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$21.74
$29.95
$26.04 at Amazon
$19.95 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
6.0
7.2

Self-Mixed Recipe

5.2
6.7
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.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Self-Mixed Recipe Video
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The very dark brown top crust of a waffle baked for 3 minutes using our self-mixed recipe.
The cross-section of a waffle baked for 3 minutes, revealing small air cavities within the waffle’s interior.
The 3-minute waffle being torn by hand down the middle to test it for consistency and texture.
Heat Level
Max
3
Cooking Time
5 minutes
3 minutes

Birch Benders Mix

6.8
7.7
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.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Classic Birch Benders Mix Video
The golden brown bottom crust of a waffle baked in 3 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
The bottom golden crust of a waffle baked for 4 minutes using a batter made from the Birch Benders mix.
A cross-section of a waffle, revealing the large air cavities and air bubbles inside.
A waffle is torn down the middle to test for its consistency and texture. The core of the waffle is revealed.
Heat Level
Max
3
Cooking Time
3 minutes
4 minutes

Design

Overall Design Scoring
6.2
7.7

In the Box

The Oster waffle maker, with its stainless steel top lid and black plastic detailing, is placed next to its manual.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA, with its stainless steel top and black plastic detailing, sitting next to its instructional manual.

Dimensions

The physical dimensions of the Oster Belgian waffle maker. The length is 10 inches, height 4 inches, and width 8 inches.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA’s dimensions are measured with its length being 9.7 inches, height 3.3 inches, and width 7.9 inches.
Length
10.0" (25.4 cm)
9.7" (24.6 cm)
Width
8.0" (20.3 cm)
7.9" (20.1 cm)
Height
4.0" (10.2 cm)
3.3" (8.4 cm)
Weight
3.2 lbs (1.5 kg)
1.0 lbs (0.5 kg)

Build Quality

4.5
8.0
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.
The back end of the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Internal electric wiring and circuit boards can be seen through a gap.
The back end of the Cuisinart WMR-CA. Internal electric wiring and circuit boards can be seen through a gap.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Build Quality Video

Waffle Plates

8.5
7.0
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.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA with its lid opened, revealing the set of two black, non-stick-coated waffle plates.
The Cuisinart WMR-CA with its lid opened, revealing the set of two black, non-stick-coated waffle plates.
A close-up view of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s waffle plate. It has classic-style patterning and is coated in black non-stick.
Number of Plates
2
2
Grid Pattern
Belgian-style
Classic-style
Plate Area
7.8 inch
47.78 inches
Plate Length
7.1" (18.0 cm)
7.8" (19.8 cm)
Plate Width
7.1" (18.0 cm)
7.8" (19.8 cm)
Material
Die-cast aluminum
Cast iron
Non Stick Coating
Yes
Yes
Removable
No
No
Dishwasher Safe
No
No

Control Panel

9.0
8.0
The control panel of the Oster CKSTWF2000 Belgian waffle maker. There’s the browning control knob and the indicator lights.
The control panel of the Cuisinart round classic waffle maker. There’s the silver browning control knob and indicator lights.
The control panel of the Cuisinart round classic waffle maker. There’s the silver browning control knob and indicator lights.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Control Panel
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.
The side profile of the Cuisinart WMR-CA waffle maker, with its power cord at the front.
The side profile of the Cuisinart WMR-CA waffle maker, with its power cord at the front.
Closed-up view of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s power cord 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)
3.0 ft (0.9 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
9.1

Handling

6.5
9.0

Safety

1.7
9.6
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 temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s cool-touch handle is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 96.4°F.
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s cool-touch handle is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 96.4°F.
The temperature of the top lid of the Cuisinart WMR-CA is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 181.7°F.
The temperature of the Cuisinart WMR-CA’s base is measured using a thermometer. The screen reads 94.1°F.
Top Side Temperature
176°F
181.7°F
Bottom Side Temperature
143°F
94°F
Handle Temperature
189°F
96.4°F

Cleanability

9.0
9.5
Excess batter spilling out from the waffle plates of the Oster waffle maker.
Cuisinart WMR-CA Cleanability

Indicator Light Visibility

4.5
6.5
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 indicator lights at the front of the Cuisinart WMR-CA, left is the red POWER light and right is the green READY light.