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Calphalon HE400WM No Peek Belgian Waffle Maker by Calphalon
Product SummaryManufacturer: Calphalon Brand: Calphalon Model: HE400WM Color: Stainless Product features: - 1500-watt waffle maker bakes 4 Belgian waffles at a time
- Cast-aluminum plates with nonstick coating for effortless food release
- Light, medium, or dark shade settings; LED indicator lights; "ready" chime
- 60-minute auto shut-off; stainless-steel housing; instruction booklet included
- Measures 11 by 11-3/5 by 6 inches; 1-year limited warranty
Accessories:
Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Calphalon HE400WM No Peek Belgian Waffle MakerCustomer Review: A great all-around waffle maker Summary: 5 Stars
I am pretty picky when it comes to appliances and cookware. My wife and I wanted a waffle maker that would make more than one waffle, so that our family of three could all eat at the same time. Our old waffle maker made just one lousy waffle and then would take forever to make the next waffle for the next person. Not a fun way to eat a "family" breakfast on Sunday morning. Anyway, we finally sought out a replacement. This waffle maker meets all our expecations.
First, this waffle iron heats up very fast and evenly. I like the fact that I can dial in a predictable temperature (i.e., browning and crispness is controlled this way). I find it important to let the batter sit at room temperature a few minutes, so it is not so cold when it hits the waffle iron). Not to mention variations in ambient room temperature, an open window, etc. So, there is a lot of variability in cooking waffles and for consistent and predictable results you want to try to control the variability. Nuff said on that.
The waffle iron cooks the waffles evenly out to the corners, which is surprising considering how difficult it is to get even temperatures in square corners. The waffles cook almost evenly on top and bottom, but the bottom gets slightly darker than the top. A rotating waffle iron would take care of this very minor issue. This is my only reason for wishing I could give it a 4.9. Each waffle square takes about 1/2 cup of batter. Also, we always use a whole grain, hearty batter and tend to mix it on the thick side, and it handles this type of batter perfectly. Once closed it takes just about 90 seconds to get a near perfect waffle that is crispy and brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Also, the sliding lock on the side works great, as it keeps the waffle maker from opening as the waffles fluff up inside while cooking. We make extra and just freeze them to pop into a toaster and enjoy them in a hurry. The second batch of waffles cooks just as quickly and evenly, so no issues with variation in cooking cycle as found in some other waffle makers. Again, just try to keep the ingredients and cooking conditions consistent. The waffles do not stick at all, I mean they just lift out cleanly and easily - just perfect every time.
I was going to spend twice the amount of money but when I saw this waffle iron I thought I'd give it a whirl, and it has met my expectations. A rotating iron would perhaps eliminate the slight variation between top and bottom, as well as more evenly distribute the batter perfectly into each corner, and a round shape might cook slightly better. But not to the point where it would be worth spending any more money. The finish on this waffle maker also goes well with my high tech kitchen, which includes Wolf appliances, Sub-zero refrigerator, and quartz countertops. It has a certain bling factor, which I like, and appears to be well made. As far as "no-peek" goes, I think this is unnecessary marketing hype, and actually cheapens the high tech and quality image that Calphalon conjures up. You have to peek, at least until you figure out the cooking characterisics of this waffle iron. You wouldn't cook something in the oven without looking at it would you? I also like the consistency and thickness of the waffles that are produced (not quite restaurant thickness, but not too thin either) and the waffles reheat perfectly in a toaster (see my review of Breville toaster, which I also rate very highly).
Anyway, I am very satisfied with this waffle iron, as it cooks 4 high quality waffles evenly and quickly without sticking. And that is exactly what I expect a waffle iron to do! Buy it.
Description of Calphalon HE400WM No Peek Belgian Waffle MakerWhy deny that craving for waffles when the Calphalon No-Peek Waffle Maker makes it so easy to bake up a batch of Belgians? Pour in your batter, close the cover of the waffle maker and set the shade selector for light, medium or dark. Our exclusive lighted No Peek progress indicator lets you know exactly how brown your waffle is getting. Heavy gauge cast aluminum plates distribute heat evenly while internal sensors maintain precise temperature control for consistent results every time. What's more, the waffle maker's premium nonstick cooking surface releases cooked waffles flawlessly and cleans up with a simple wipe of a damp cloth. Features: The OPTI-HEAT system for premium heating performance and even heat delivery. High performance bronze nonstick for excellent release and easy clean-up. Lighted No-Peek progress indicator shows you at a glance where you are in the cooking process. Bakes four extra-large deep pocket Belgian waffles at a time. Features shade selector for light, medium or dark waffles. Heavy-gauge cast aluminum plates minimize hot spots. Stores flat or upright. Auto-off feature conserves electricity. Here is what one blogger had to say: "This is a Belgian waffle maker (deep pocket style), and I find it works best with stiffer batters. In fact, it's perfect for whole grain batters. It's a little less ideal for batters made with egg white folded into them..." Click here to read more..
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