A waffle iron or waffle maker is a kitchen utensil used to cook waffles between two hinged metal plates. Both plates have gridded indentations to shape the waffle from the batter or dough placed between them. The plates are heated and the iron is closed while the waffle bakes. Waffles are a dessert with a light and sweet flavor, similar to pancakes. Their appearance is much harder to achieve than a pancake's without a waffle iron. Similar technology is employed to bake wafers, and several other snacks including kue gapit, a waffle-shaped but crunchy Indonesian snack which can be made with both sweet and savoury flavours.
Professional 180° cast-iron waffle maker
Waffle iron held over a fire in Pieter Bruegel's The Fight Between Carnival and Lent, 1559
The oublies baked by this early waffle iron were much thinner and wafer-like than modern-day waffles.
Host press used to bake sacramental bread inscribed with religious symbols. Host presses like this developed alongside early waffle irons.
A waffle is a dish made from leavened batter or dough that is cooked between two plates that are patterned to give a characteristic size, shape, and surface impression. There are many variations based on the type of waffle iron and recipe used. Waffles are eaten throughout the world, particularly in Belgium, which has over a dozen regional varieties. Waffles may be made fresh or simply heated after having been commercially cooked and frozen.
Waffles with strawberry topping
Detail of a Belgian moule à oublie
Detail of a French moule à oublie / moule à gaufre, Musée Lorrain
Detail from Pieter Bruegel's Het gevecht tussen Carnaval en Vasten – among the first known images of waffles
