Amazon Basics 8" Belgian Waffle Maker Review

Intro

The Amazon Basics 8-inch Belgian waffle maker is a compact, budget-oriented electric waffle iron that aims to deliver thick-pocketed waffles without a big footprint. The listing highlights a round 8-inch ceramic nonstick plate, an adjustable browning dial, indicator lights (Power and Ready), a cool-touch handle, and upright vertical storage. At 760 watts and 120 volts, it’s built to run on a standard household outlet and it weighs in at about 3.1 pounds with dimensions roughly 10 x 8 x 4.6 inches (LxWxH).

This review pulls directly from the product listing and owner feedback patterns: what buyers repeatedly praise and what they repeatedly flag as shortcomings. If you’re shopping for a small, affordable waffle maker for a one- or two-person household, an RV, or a tight countertop, this is intended to help you decide whether this model fits your expectations and habits.

What it is / first look

At face value the unit is simple and straightforward. The listing describes it as an "Amazon Basics Belgian Waffle Maker with 8 inch Non-Stick Coated Plate, Browning Control, Black," and the included features are clear:

• 8-inch round ceramic nonstick cooking plate (listed as ceramic nonstick coating)
• Adjustable browning control with a temperature dial and indicator lights for Power and Ready
• Cool-touch handle (listed) and a space-saving design that stands upright for vertical storage
• Keep Warm setting (listed under other special features)
• Electrical specs: 760 watts, 120 volts
• Compact footprint and light weight: about 10.13"W x 8.15"D x 4.65"H and 3.1 pounds

The images and the listing identify the color as Black. The appliance is sold as a single waffle maker unit with the ceramic-coated plate included.

In daily use

Owner feedback shows a consistent pattern: people who want a cheap, compact waffle maker that produces crisp, tidy waffles are generally pleased; owners who expect fast commercial heat or very deep Belgian-style thickness sometimes feel disappointed. Below I break down how this model typically behaves in the kinds of kitchens and use cases buyers describe.

Small apartments, RVs, and space-conscious kitchens

Multiple owners call this a "perfect small size" and say it’s great for countertops and cabinets, with upright storage saving space. One owner specifically reported taking it on RV trips. For couples or solo cooks who want a single 8-inch waffle at a time and don’t need bulk cooking speed, this appliance fits small kitchens and travel situations well. The relatively light weight (3.1 pounds) and vertical storage design are practical touches for tight spaces.

Daily breakfast for one or two people

Buyers repeatedly praise the simplicity: set the browning dial, wait for the green "ready" light, pour batter, and remove a single large waffle when the indicator signals completion. Several owners say the ceramic nonstick coating made waffles release easily and made cleanup straightforward — a meaningful convenience for daily use.

Cooking performance, browning, and crisping

The adjustable browning control and Power/Ready lights are useful for dialing texture from light to dark. The manufacturer/listing instructs to preheat until the green light turns on before adding batter, and explicitly notes: use the "Dark" setting during preheating and the whole cooking process to get a crisp waffle. Owner reports echo that: a number of buyers achieved crispy exteriors and moist interiors using the darker settings.

That said, several owners report inconsistent heating. The recurring complaint is that the bottom side of the waffle browns more thoroughly than the top; a few buyers said waffles were undercooked in the middle or took longer than they expected to reach a crispy exterior (one mixed review reported about 7 minutes on the dark setting to get the desired crispness). There’s a single clear critical pattern: when buyers expect commercial-level fast, even heat they sometimes find this unit slow or uneven.

Cleaning and maintenance

Cleaning is consistently praised. Owners say the ceramic-coated surface releases waffles easily and wipes clean without scrubbing. The listing calls the plate "ceramic nonstick coating" which is the stated reason cleaning is easy. The listing does not specify whether the plates are removable or dishwasher-safe; owner comments focus on easy wipe-downs rather than plate removal.

Throughput and entertaining

Because it makes one 8-inch waffle at a time, expect slower throughput when serving many people. One owner said they might buy a second unit to handle a large household because making multiple single waffles sequentially can feel slow for groups. For casual entertaining where staggered waffles are fine, the compact size is fine. For brunches where speed matters, a larger dual-plate unit would be a better fit.

Materials & build quality

Facts from the listing: the cooking surface is described as having a "ceramic nonstick coating," and the unit is called a round waffle (new model). The listing also promotes a cool-touch handle and vertical storage. Electrical/spec facts are explicit: 760 watts, 120 volts, product dimensions ~10 x 8 x 4.6 inches, weight 3.1 pounds.

How that translates in practice (based on owner feedback patterns): owners repeatedly praise the nonstick performance and easy cleanup, which aligns with the listing claim about ceramic coating. The unit’s compact lightweight construction is also repeatedly described as "perfect" for small counters and RV travel, which matches the provided dimensions and weight.

Where the build gets questioned is external heat resilience and heating distribution. Several owners say that plastic parts — including the lift handle — became very hot to the touch and that all surfaces can get extremely hot, recommending hot pads and heatproof placement during use. One mixed review explicitly called into question the long-term heat tolerance of the plastic lift handle even while acknowledging the appliance worked fine initially. Multiple owners also reported uneven top heating versus the bottom plate, a build/performance pattern worth noting.

Finally, the listing’s brief spec sheet doesn't provide material transparency beyond "ceramic nonstick coating"; it doesn’t list coatings’ composition, third-party certifications, or whether plates are removable or dishwasher-safe. Those are facts the listing doesn’t specify and that you may want to verify on the current product page before buying if those details matter to you.

Safety considerations

Two safety themes emerge from the listing and owner feedback that deserve emphasis.

• Hot surfaces and handle heat: The listing advertises a cool-touch handle, but multiple owners report that parts — including the plastic lift handle and top surfaces — can become extremely hot. Several buyers advise using oven mitts or hot pads and placing the waffle maker on a heatproof surface while in use. Treat the cool-touch claim as the manufacturer's description and heed owner experiences that the handle may still get uncomfortably hot in practice.
• Heat distribution and undercooking risk: Owner reports of uneven heating (top side under-browning, bottom browning more) and occasional undercooked middles mean you need to monitor waffles closely and follow the listing’s preheat and dark-setting guidance. The listing specifically says to preheat until the green light turns on and recommends using the Dark setting both during preheat and the cooking process for crisp waffles. Owners’ experiences show that following that advice improves results.

Other safety-relevant facts from the listing: the unit runs on standard household current at 120 volts and draws 760 watts — verify your outlet and usage accordingly. The appliance includes Power and Ready indicator lights, which help to prevent adding batter before preheat is complete. The listing also includes a Keep Warm setting which can help avoid removing waffles prematurely to reduce handling while hot.

What the listing does not specify: third-party safety or materials certifications, or detailed composition of the nonstick coating. If specific food-contact material claims or certifications matter to you, the listing does not provide that level of detail and you should verify the seller/manufacturer documentation before purchase.

Who this is for / who should skip

Use these owner-pattern-based recommendations to match the product to the cook and the kitchen.

Who this is for

• Buyers on a budget who want a compact Belgian-style waffle maker with basic features (browning dial, indicator lights, Keep Warm).
• Small households, couples, or solo cooks who want one large 8-inch waffle at a time and appreciate a small footprint and upright storage.
• RV owners or travelers who need a light, portable waffle maker — owners explicitly reported taking this appliance on RV trips.
• Cooks who prioritize easy cleanup — multiple owners praise the ceramic-coated plate for release and wiping clean.

Who should skip

• Buyers expecting thick, restaurant-style Belgian waffles by default. Several owners report the unit produces standard-thickness waffles rather than the very deep Belgian pockets some shoppers expect. The listing calls it a Belgian-style maker, but owner feedback indicates results may be closer to standard waffle thickness for some batters.
• Large households or groups looking to churn out waffles quickly. Because it makes one waffle at a time, throughput is slow compared with dual-plate or commercial units; some owners planned to buy a second unit for high-volume households.
• Anyone who cannot tolerate hot-exposed plastics or wants guaranteed cool-touch performance. The listing claims a cool-touch handle, but owners repeatedly report that plastics can become very hot; if avoidable hot surfaces are a strict requirement, this model may not satisfy that need.
• Shoppers who need detailed material or certification transparency right away. The listing describes the surface as a "ceramic nonstick coating" but does not provide deeper material composition or certification details.

Verdict

For the price point and size, this Amazon Basics 8-inch Belgian waffle maker delivers a straightforward, compact experience. Owners repeatedly praise its small footprint, easy cleanup courtesy of the ceramic nonstick surface, and the convenience of vertical storage. The adjustable browning dial and Power/Ready lights give enough control to get a range of doneness from light to dark — and the listing explicitly recommends using the Dark setting during preheat and cook to achieve a crisp exterior.

However, be realistic about the trade-offs: multiple owners report uneven top/bottom browning and occasional undercooking in the middle, and several warn that external plastics — including the lift handle — can become very hot, despite the listing’s "cool-touch handle" claim. If you need very deep Belgian waffles, fast throughput, or guaranteed cool external plastics, this model may not meet those expectations.

Check before you buy (quick checklist)

• Confirm your outlet: the unit is listed at 120 volts and 760 watts — standard U.S. household specs.
• Expect single 8-inch round waffles made one at a time; plan for slower throughput for groups.
• Follow the listing’s preheat instructions: wait for the green Ready light and consider using the Dark setting for crisp results (the listing specifically advises this).
• Use oven mitts or hot pads while operating. Owners report the lift handle and other plastics can get extremely hot despite the listing's cool-touch claim.
• Verify material/certification details if you need third-party safety information — the listing describes a "ceramic nonstick coating" but does not state composition or certifications.
• Expect easy wipe-clean maintenance; owners consistently say the nonstick works well for release and cleanup.

Bottom line: a smart pick for budget-conscious cooks in small kitchens who want a compact, easy-to-store waffle maker and accept modest limitations in heating uniformity and throughput. If you prioritize flawless, restaurant-style Belgian waffles every time or need to serve a crowd quickly, consider larger or dual-plate options instead.

Colors

• Black (listed color)

FAQ

• Q: Does this make thick Belgian-style waffles?

  A: The listing markets the unit as a Belgian-style waffle maker with an 8-inch round ceramic nonstick plate, but several owners note it produces standard-thickness waffles rather than very deep Belgian waffles. If very thick Belgian waffles are your priority, owner feedback suggests tempering expectations.

• Q: Is the cooking surface nonstick and easy to clean?

  A: The listing describes a "ceramic nonstick coating" on the cooking surface. Multiple owners report the nonstick works well and that cleanup is easy — waffles release without heavy scrubbing.

• Q: How much power does it use?

  A: The product specification lists 760 watts and 120 volts. That makes it compatible with standard household outlets where those specs are supported.

• Q: Does the handle stay cool?

  A: The listing claims a cool-touch handle, but several owners report that plastic parts, including the lift handle, can become very hot during use and recommend using hot pads or oven mitts.

• Q: How long does a waffle take to cook?

  A: The listing instructs you to preheat until the green light turns on and recommends the Dark setting for crisp waffles. Owner feedback includes a mixed report that it took about 7 minutes on the Dark setting to reach a crisp exterior; heating time appears to vary by batter and the selected browning setting.

• Q: Can I store it vertically?

  A: Yes — the listing highlights a space-saving design that stands upright for vertical storage, and owners frequently cite the compact storage as a benefit.

• Q: Does it have a Keep Warm setting?

  A: Yes — "Keep Warm Setting" is listed under the product's special features.

• Q: Are the plates removable or dishwasher-safe?

  A: The listing includes the waffle maker with a ceramic cooking plate but does not specify whether plates are removable or dishwasher-safe. The listing doesn't specify; owners discuss easy wipe-cleaning rather than removing plates.