Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker vs Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle
Both made our Best Belgian Waffle Makers shortlist, at #1 and #2. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker if you want five distinct browning levels produce a repeatable result batch after batch, unlike single-setting budget irons. Choose the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker if you'd rather have doubling output cuts a 30-minute family breakfast batch down to roughly half the time. Overall we rank the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Belgian Waffle Makers list.
Winner overall: Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker
Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker vs Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 10 in Best Belgian Waffle Makers | #2 of 10 in Best Belgian Waffle Makers |
| Pick label | Best overall | |
| Brand | Breville | Cuisinart |
| Key features | 5-level browning/temperature dial; No-mess moat catches batter overflow; Locking system holds even heat distribution | Cooks two full Belgian waffles simultaneously; 6-setting browning control per waffle side; Stainless steel housing with cool-touch handle |
| Biggest strength | Five distinct browning levels produce a repeatable result batch after batch, unlike single-setting budget irons | Doubling output cuts a 30-minute family breakfast batch down to roughly half the time |
| Main trade-off | At roughly 13 x 12 inches it takes real counter and storage space for a single-waffle iron | Two-waffle footprint is large, around 13 x 13 inches, and heavier to store than a single-waffle iron |
| Best for | Most buyers | Most buyers |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick · Best overall
Choose the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker if…
- Five distinct browning levels produce a repeatable result batch after batch, unlike single-setting budget irons
- The moat channel actually catches overflow instead of letting it run down the sides onto the counter
- Even heat across the plate means no pale spot in the center, a common complaint with cheaper Belgian irons
Prefer the alternative? See the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker section.
#2 pick
Choose the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker if…
- Doubling output cuts a 30-minute family breakfast batch down to roughly half the time
- 6-setting dial gives finer browning control than the 5-level Breville, useful when kids and adults want different crispiness
- 6,400 ratings at 4.5 stars with consistently reported even cooking across both wells
Prefer the alternative? See the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker section.
Pros and cons of each
Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker
Pros
- Five distinct browning levels produce a repeatable result batch after batch, unlike single-setting budget irons
- The moat channel actually catches overflow instead of letting it run down the sides onto the counter
- Even heat across the plate means no pale spot in the center, a common complaint with cheaper Belgian irons
- Stainless housing stays cool enough to touch on the sides during cooking
- 8,200 ratings at 4.5 stars with few reports of plate warping after months of use
Cons
- At roughly 13 x 12 inches it takes real counter and storage space for a single-waffle iron
- Non-stick coating shows scratching after 1-2 years with metal utensil use
- Priced nearly 3x the Hamilton Beach budget option for a single waffle per cycle
- No flip mechanism, so uneven batter spreading still requires manual correction
Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker
Pros
- Doubling output cuts a 30-minute family breakfast batch down to roughly half the time
- 6-setting dial gives finer browning control than the 5-level Breville, useful when kids and adults want different crispiness
- 6,400 ratings at 4.5 stars with consistently reported even cooking across both wells
- Reversible flip mechanism distributes batter evenly without spooning it to the corners manually
Cons
- Two-waffle footprint is large, around 13 x 13 inches, and heavier to store than a single-waffle iron
- Higher wattage draw during preheat means it takes longer to reach ready temperature than single-well models
- Non-stick plates are fixed, not removable, so cleanup is wipe-only rather than dishwasher-safe
- Occasional reports of the two wells heating slightly unevenly relative to each other after extended use
Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker vs Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker: common questions
Which is better, the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker or the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker?
Choose the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker if you want five distinct browning levels produce a repeatable result batch after batch, unlike single-setting budget irons. Choose the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker if you'd rather have doubling output cuts a 30-minute family breakfast batch down to roughly half the time. Overall we rank the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker higher: #1 versus #2 in our Best Belgian Waffle Makers list.
What is the difference between the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker and the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker?
The Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker stands out because five distinct browning levels produce a repeatable result batch after batch, unlike single-setting budget irons, while the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker stands out because doubling output cuts a 30-minute family breakfast batch down to roughly half the time. The trade-offs differ too: the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker's main caveat is that at roughly 13 x 12 inches it takes real counter and storage space for a single-waffle iron, and the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker's is that two-waffle footprint is large, around 13 x 13 inches, and heavier to store than a single-waffle iron.
Is the Breville BWM520XL No-Mess Waffle Maker worth it over the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the Cuisinart WAF-F20P1 Double Belgian Waffle Maker instead if at roughly 13 x 12 inches it takes real counter and storage space for a single-waffle iron is a deal-breaker for you.