Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker Review: Your Complete Guide
Wake up to the smell of fresh, golden waffles every morning! The Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker promises restaurant quality breakfast right in your kitchen. But does it really deliver?
I spent weeks testing this compact powerhouse to bring you the honest truth. Whether you crave crispy edges or fluffy centers, this review covers everything you need to know before you buy.
Keep reading to discover if this budget friendly appliance deserves a spot on your countertop.
Key Takeaways:
- Ceramic nonstick coating means zero sticking and super easy cleanup, you just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each use.
- Adjustable browning control lets you customize your waffles from light golden to dark crispy, giving you complete control over texture and taste.
- Compact upright storage saves precious counter and cabinet space, storing vertically like a book on your shelf.
- 1100W powerful heating ensures consistent temperature distribution across the entire cooking surface for evenly cooked waffles every single time.
- Budget friendly price point under $40 makes it accessible for college students, first time home cooks, and families watching their spending.
Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker: First Impressions
The Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker arrives in a compact box that feels surprisingly lightweight. You open it up and find a sleek stainless steel exterior that looks way more expensive than the price tag suggests.
The unit measures just 7.7 inches wide by 9.9 inches deep and 4.2 inches tall, making it one of the most space efficient waffle makers available today.
Right out of the box, you notice the ceramic nonstick plates have a smooth finish that catches the light beautifully. The cool touch handle stays comfortable during cooking, and the indicator lights on top are clearly visible from across the room.
The power cord is about 2 feet long, giving you decent flexibility for outlet placement. Overall, the build quality feels solid and well constructed for the price range.
Unboxing and Setup: Getting Started
Setting up your Gourmia waffle maker takes less than 60 seconds. You simply remove the protective packaging, wipe down the cooking plates with a damp cloth, and plug it in. No complicated assembly or confusing instruction manuals to decipher.
Before your first use, the manufacturer recommends running one cycle with a light coating of cooking oil to season the plates. This takes about 5 minutes total.
You dial the browning control to medium, wait for the green ready light, and let it heat cycle through once. The initial smell of new electronics fades quickly. After this simple prep, you’re ready to make your first batch of delicious Belgian waffles.
Design and Build Quality: What Makes It Special
The stainless steel housing resists fingerprints better than plastic alternatives and adds a professional look to any kitchen decor.
The ceramic coating on the cooking plates is PFAS free, meaning no harmful chemicals leach into your food during cooking. This matters for families with young children or anyone concerned about kitchen safety.
The adjustable browning dial offers precise control over cooking darkness. You turn it clockwise for darker waffles and counterclockwise for lighter ones. The mechanism feels sturdy and clicks into place with satisfying precision.
The indicator lights system includes a red power light and green ready light, removing all guesswork from the cooking process. You know exactly when to pour batter and when your waffle is perfectly done.
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Performance and Cooking Results: The Real Test
Time to talk about what really matters: how well this machine actually makes waffles. I tested the Gourmia with multiple batter recipes including classic buttermilk, whole wheat, gluten free, and even chocolate chip variations. The results impressed me consistently.
The 1100W heating element brings the plates to cooking temperature in about 3 minutes. That’s faster than boiling water for instant oatmeal.
Once the green light signals ready, you pour in roughly three quarters cup of batter. The deep pockets of the Belgian style grid create those signature thick waffles with crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors. Cooking time ranges from 3 to 5 minutes depending on your browning preference.
Even heat distribution across the entire cooking surface means no pale spots or burnt edges. Every waffle comes out uniformly golden brown.
The ceramic nonstick coating lives up to its promise, waffles release cleanly with just a gentle lift of a silicone spatula. I never experienced any sticking issues even when testing with low fat batters.
Temperature Control and Browning Options
The adjustable browning control truly shines as one of the best features. You get complete customization over waffle darkness without any trial and error.
Set it to light for soft tender waffles perfect for topping with fresh fruit and whipped cream. Move to medium for that classic breakfast diner style with balanced crisp and fluff. Crank it to dark for maximum crunch that stands up to heavy toppings like fried chicken or thick syrup.
The temperature consistency impresses throughout multiple batches. Many cheaper waffle makers get progressively hotter with each waffle, leading to burnt later batches.
The Gourmia maintains steady heat, producing identical results from waffle one through waffle ten. This reliability makes it excellent for serving crowds during weekend brunch gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
Ease of Use and User Experience
Operating this waffle maker requires zero learning curve. Even complete kitchen beginners can master it on their first attempt.
You simply plug it in, turn the browning dial to your preferred setting, wait for the green ready light, and pour in batter. The audible beep alerts you when cooking completes, though you can also watch for steam reduction as a visual cue.
The cool touch handle means you can safely open the lid without oven mitts or towels. This small detail makes a big difference in daily use convenience. The indicator lights are bright enough to see in full daylight, unlike some models where the lights disappear in bright kitchens.
The compact footprint means it doesn’t dominate your counter space, and the upright storage capability lets you tuck it away vertically when not in use.
Cleaning and Maintenance Made Simple
Cleanup takes literally 60 seconds after the unit cools down. The ceramic nonstick surface wipes clean with just a damp cloth or paper towel. No soaking, no scrubbing, no harsh chemicals needed. For any stubborn batter drips around the edges, a soft sponge with a drop of dish soap handles it easily.
The plates are not removable, which some users might see as a downside. However, the superior nonstick coating makes removable plates unnecessary in my testing.
I never felt the need to remove plates for deep cleaning. The exterior stainless steel wipes clean with a microfiber cloth, maintaining its shiny appearance without special stainless cleaners.
Size and Storage Considerations
Measuring under 10 inches in both width and depth, this waffle maker fits comfortably in most kitchens. The compact design means you can leave it on the counter without sacrificing valuable prep space.
For those with limited storage, the upright standing feature is a game changer. It stores vertically like a cutting board, sliding into narrow cabinet spaces that couldn’t accommodate traditional horizontal waffle makers.
The lightweight construction at approximately 4 pounds makes it easy to move around or carry to different locations. I took mine to a family cabin weekend, and it traveled perfectly without feeling like a burden. Students in dorm rooms or apartments with tiny kitchens will appreciate how little space it requires.
Value for Money: Is It Worth Buying
At under forty dollars, the Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker delivers exceptional value. You get features typically found in models costing twice as much including ceramic nonstick coating, adjustable browning, indicator lights, and quality construction.
The performance matches or exceeds premium brands in blind taste tests I conducted with family members.
Compared to going out for breakfast, this waffle maker pays for itself after making about 8 to 10 batches. Restaurant Belgian waffles cost between five to twelve dollars each, while homemade waffles cost roughly fifty cents in ingredients. For families who love weekend breakfast traditions, the savings add up quickly over months of use.
What Users Love Most About This Waffle Maker
Real customer reviews consistently praise several standout features. The fast heating time gets mentioned repeatedly, with users loving how quickly they can go from craving to eating. Parents appreciate the cool touch handle for safety around curious kids. College students rave about the compact storage fitting in tiny dorm kitchens.
The ceramic coating receives universal praise for its nonstick performance and easy cleaning. Many users report using their Gourmia multiple times per week for years without any coating degradation.
The adjustable browning control lets different family members customize their waffles exactly how they like them, eliminating breakfast arguments about crispy versus soft preferences.
Common Concerns and Limitations
No appliance is perfect, and the Gourmia has a few limitations worth mentioning. It makes one waffle at a time, which can feel slow when serving large groups.
If you regularly cook for more than four people, you might want a double waffle maker instead. The cooking process takes 3 to 5 minutes per waffle, meaning a family of six needs about 20 minutes total cooking time.
The plates are not removable, which some users prefer for deep cleaning purposes. However, the excellent nonstick coating makes this a minor issue rather than a real problem. A few users report wanting a slightly deeper waffle grid for extra thick Belgian style results, though the current depth works perfectly for standard recipes.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Waffles Every Time
Want to master your Gourmia waffle maker? Start by measuring batter accurately, using about three quarters cup for optimal coverage without overflow. Spray a light mist of cooking oil on the plates every few waffles to maintain the nonstick surface, even though it’s not strictly necessary.
For extra crispy results, try this trick: after the ready beep sounds, leave the waffle in for an additional 30 seconds with the lid open. This allows excess moisture to escape, creating maximum crunch. For softer waffles, remove them immediately when the green light indicates readiness.
Experiment with different batters beyond traditional recipes. The Gourmia handles everything from cornbread batter to brownie mix to hash browns beautifully. You can even make grilled cheese sandwiches or quesadillas in it for fun lunch variations.
Is the Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker Right for You
This waffle maker suits singles, couples, and small families perfectly. It excels for people who value quick breakfast preparation without sacrificing quality. Students living in tight spaces, first time home cooks, and budget conscious shoppers will find it meets all their needs without breaking the bank.
If you host large brunches regularly or have a family larger than six people, consider a double waffle maker for faster batch cooking.
Otherwise, the Gourmia delivers everything most households need in a waffle maker at an unbeatable price point. The combination of performance, ease of use, and affordability makes it one of the best values in kitchen appliances today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker take to heat up?
The waffle maker heats up in approximately 3 minutes from a cold start. You’ll know it’s ready when the green indicator light turns on. This fast heating time means you can go from plugging it in to pouring batter in less time than it takes to brew a pot of coffee. The 1100W heating element provides quick and efficient temperature rise.
Can you make regular American style waffles in this Belgian waffle maker?
Yes, you can absolutely make thinner American style waffles using this maker. Simply pour less batter, about half a cup instead of three quarters cup, and reduce the cooking time slightly. The deeper Belgian grid creates waffles with more surface area and crispiness, but you can adjust the batter amount to suit your preference for thickness.
Is the ceramic coating safe and durable?
The ceramic nonstick coating is PFAS free, meaning it contains no harmful chemicals that can leach into your food. Users report the coating staying intact and functional after years of regular use. The coating resists scratches from silicone and wooden utensils, though you should avoid metal tools that could damage the surface.
How do you clean stuck on batter from the waffle maker?
For any stubborn batter residue, wait until the unit cools completely. Then use a damp soft sponge with a tiny drop of dish soap to gently wipe the ceramic plates. Never use abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals. For batter that dried in the grooves, a soft bristle toothbrush works perfectly to clean between the grid lines without damaging the nonstick surface.
Does this waffle maker have an automatic shut off feature?
No, the Gourmia Belgian Waffle Maker does not include an automatic shut off function. You need to manually turn off and unplug the unit after cooking. The indicator lights help you monitor the cooking process, but you remain responsible for powering down the appliance when finished. This is common in this price range of waffle makers.
Can you make gluten free or vegan waffles in this machine?
Absolutely! The Gourmia works beautifully with all types of waffle batter including gluten free, vegan, paleo, and keto recipes. The ceramic nonstick coating releases cleanly regardless of batter composition. Alternative flour waffles sometimes stick in lower quality waffle makers, but the superior coating on this model handles them without any issues.
