How to clean a waffle maker without ruining the nonstick

Step by step: how to clean a waffle maker without ruining the nonstick

Safety first. Unplug the waffle maker and let it cool before cleaning; the plates and escaping steam can burn. Never immerse the base, cord or plug in water, and keep sharp or metal tools off the nonstick plates.

1. 1

   Unplug and let it cool

   Unplug the waffle maker as soon as you finish cooking and leave the lid open so it cools faster, about 20 to 30 minutes. Both Hamilton Beach and Chefman say to let it cool fully before cleaning.

2. 2

   Brush crumbs out of the grooves

   Use a soft, dry brush to sweep crumbs and crispy bits out of the grid pattern and the hinge area. Tip the waffle maker over the trash to let them fall out.

3. 3

   Wipe up oil and butter

   Wipe each plate with a paper towel or soft damp cloth, pressing into the grooves to soak up any oil or butter pooled there. Grease left in the grooves bakes into a sticky brown film over time.

4. 4

   Soften baked-on batter with oil

   For batter stuck to the plates, drip a little cooking oil onto it and leave it for 5 minutes. The oil softens the hardened batter so you can wipe it away with a paper towel or soft cloth. Repeat on stubborn spots rather than scraping.

5. 5

   Scrub sticky buildup with a soft nylon brush

   If waffles have started sticking, the plates likely have cooked-on residue. Scrub the grooves gently with a soft nylon brush dipped in warm, soapy water, then wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove the soap.

6. 6

   Wash removable plates and the drip tray

   If your plates come out, release them once cool and wash them in warm, soapy water or the dishwasher if the manual allows it. Hamilton Beach says not to use the sanitize setting, which runs hot enough to damage the plates. Rinse the drip tray and wash it with a soapy cloth.

7. 7

   Wipe the outside and dry

   Wipe the outside with a damp, soapy cloth, then a clean damp cloth, and dry it. Make sure the plates are completely dry, then close and latch the lid for storage.

Should you use cooking spray on a waffle maker?

It depends on the brand, so check your manual; brushing on a little liquid oil is the safe choice for any nonstick waffle maker. Manufacturers disagree here.

• The Hamilton Beach Belgian waffle maker manual says a small amount of nonstick cooking spray can be used on the grids before preheating, especially for sugary dessert waffles.
• The Chefman waffle maker manual says never to use nonstick spray, because it causes buildup over time that makes waffles stick, and to brush the plates with a little canola, vegetable or grapeseed oil instead.
• The Presto Belgian waffle bowl maker instructions also advise against no-stick cooking sprays, which may leave a tacky residue, and recommend a light coating of cooking oil only when waffles are hard to remove. For batter baked onto the grids, Presto says to pour on a little cooking oil, let it sit a few minutes, then wipe it off.

If your waffles have started sticking even though the plates look clean, a thin layer of polymerized spray or oil is the likely cause. Scrub the grooves with a soft nylon brush and warm soapy water, and switch to brushing on oil.

How to clean fixed plates vs removable plates

Fixed plates are cleaned in place with a cloth and brush; removable plates can be washed like dishes. Check which you have before you reach for the sink.

For cast iron irons, the care is the same as for a skillet; see how to clean a cast iron skillet.

What not to use on a waffle maker

Avoid anything abrasive, sharp or metal, and keep the electrical base dry. Both manuals are specific:

• Steel wool, scouring pads and abrasive cleansers. Hamilton Beach says not to use them on any part of the unit, and Chefman says they damage the nonstick coating.
• Knives, forks or skewers to pry out stuck waffle. Hamilton Beach says never to use sharp or pointed objects for cleaning, and to lift waffles with plastic or wooden utensils.
• Water on the base. Do not immerse the cord, plug or base in any liquid; Chefman also says not to put its waffle maker in the dishwasher.

A scratched nonstick plate sticks more each time. If the coating is flaking, replace the waffle maker or the plates.

Mistakes to avoid

• Cleaning the plates while they are still hot or the unit is still plugged in.
• Prying out stuck waffle with a fork or knife.
• Using aerosol cooking spray every time when your manual says not to, so a gummy film builds up.
• Running removable plates through the dishwasher sanitize cycle.
• Pouring water onto fixed plates, where it runs into the hinge and base.