Let’s talk breakfast. Eggs? Fine. Cereal? Okay. But waffles? Waffles are next level — truly the crème de la crème of the breakfast table, and, let’s face it, everyone’s first choice when they go out for brunch. But waffles aren’t the easiest thing to make, and if you’re working with an older waffle maker, there’s a good chance you skip them because it’s messy and just not as good as whatever your local diner is serving. That was definitely the situation I was in.
My fiancé kept mentioning his love for waffles around the holiday season. So I, a loving and caring partner, decided it was time to upgrade. I did a lot of research before landing on the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker.
I figured if I wanted to try for restaurant-quality waffles, I didn’t want something dinky — I wanted something elite. Yes, it’s an investment, but I don’t think you understand just how much this man talks about waffles, so I knew it was worth it. I’m pleased to say that after months of testing (and months of very delicious waffles), it absolutely was.
Let’s get into the details.
Key Specs
- Product Style: 4-Slice
- Material: Aluminum
- Number of Settings: 4 Presets, 12 Browning Settings
- Dimensions: 39D x 21.4W x 46H Centimetres
- Weight: 6.93 Kilograms
- Wattage: 1800 Watts
- Voltage: 120 Volts
My review of the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker
The Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker arrived at my door during the holiday season — or as I like to call it, waffle season. Naturally, I put it to the test for weekend brunch. Spoiler alert: I’ve been using it a lot ever since.
Setting it up couldn’t be easier. You just plug it in, select your desired setting, pour in your batter, and the machine takes care of the rest. Pouring batter can be messy, and you often don’t realize you’ve over-poured until it’s too late and you’ve created a mess on your machine and countertop. This model has an integrated no-mess moat, which keeps any overflow contained. I really appreciate that.
Next, let’s talk settings. You’re pretty spoiled for choice here. It has four base settings — Belgian, Classic, Chocolate, and Buttermilk — plus a custom option. Once you’ve made your pick, you can use the dial on the right to control how dark your waffles turn out. With 12 different options, it’s easy to find your exact level of doneness with a bit of trial and error. And if it’s not quite right, there’s a handy “A Bit More” button that adds a touch more time, giving your waffles extra TLC without burning.
You can also track how long your waffles will take with the countdown timer on the LCD, so you’ll always know if you have time to step away and handle another crucial breakfast task — like brewing coffee or whipping cream.
Equipped with thermal pro heat elements, the plates offer even heat distribution, so your waffles don’t have any overly soft or crispy spots. When they’re done, you can easily lift them out with your fingers or tongs — the PFOA-free non-stick coating ensures an effortless release. I’ve never ended up with ruined waffles, which was definitely the case with the archaic model I had sitting in my pantry before.
Since it makes four waffles at a time, it’s quick and easy to prepare breakfast for two or four within minutes. And if you want to get creative, you can try savoury options like potato waffles or cheese and chive (two of my favourites).
The drawbacks of the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker
No appliance comes without flaws, and there are a few worth noting here. First is the size. Naturally, since it makes four waffles instead of one or two, it’s on the larger side. That means you need enough cupboard space to tuck it away — or be okay with it taking up a significant chunk of your storage. I’m lucky to have decent cabinetry, so it works in my household, but it’s definitely something to consider before buying.
Second, the plates aren’t detachable, which makes deep cleaning a bit more difficult. That said, since they’re non-stick, it’s fairly easy to wipe them down once the unit cools. Still, if you’re someone who likes the ease of tossing everything in the dishwasher, this is worth keeping in mind.
Next are the controls. While they offer plenty of customization, there is a bit of a learning curve. You’ll need to play around to find your perfect settings, but once you’ve mastered them, you’re good to go.
Lastly, there’s the price. At $250, this waffle maker is definitely an investment — it’s up to you to decide whether it’s worth it.
My final thoughts on the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker
This is a must-have for any waffle lover. It makes breakfast quick and easy, and the customization settings let everyone get their perfect level of doneness — it even accounts for inclusions. If you’re working with limited kitchen space and/or on a tight budget, it might not be your perfect match. Otherwise, I say add to cart.
Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker Pros
- Turns out restaurant-quality waffles
- Makes breakfast quick and easy
- Four presets take out some of the guesswork
- 12 Browning settings allow you to find your perfect level of done-ness
- The LCD and the countdown timer are easy to read
- No spillage
- Sturdy, durable design
Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker Cons
- Quite expensive
- Large footprint
- Plates are not detachable
- Controls require some trial and error when starting out
What are reviewers saying about the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker?
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive about the Breville Smart Waffle Pro 4-Slice Waffle Maker. It holds an average rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon Canada and a near-perfect 4.9 stars on Best Buy Canada. Users praise its intuitive controls and easy cleanup, saying it delivers restaurant-quality waffles without the hassle. While a small minority reports units failing after a few months, the vast majority considers it a reliable, long-lasting kitchen appliance.
