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Cuisinart

Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker: the downsides first

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#7 of 8
$Classic/thinScore 3.2/5
16%
of Amazon ratings are 1–2 stars
(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 1,580 ratings for the WMR-CANAS listing (11% 1-star). The older WMR-CAP2 listing (B00006JKZN, 29,450 ratings) shows 7%.

A cheap, compact maker of thin, crunchy waffles that Wirecutter and Serious Eats both recommend. The build feels flimsy, the center browns darker than the edges, and it's easy to overfill.

Top complaints

  • Flimsy build

    Wirecutter says it feels flimsy, the lid wiggles, and a staffer who has used one for over five years says parts start to break. Amazon's review summary for this listing flags a flimsy hinge and a feeling that it may fall apart.

    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page (Customers say)
  • Easy to overflow

    Wirecutter got overflow with the manual's 1/2 cup of batter; Serious Eats' only complaint is a too-thin moat.

    Source: Wirecutter, Serious Eats
  • Darker center ring from a hot spot

    Wirecutter found a hot spot that made the center darker than the edges, a cosmetic issue that didn't affect taste or texture.

    Source: Wirecutter

What owners love

  • Crunchy, fast waffles

    Wirecutter calls the waffles consistently delicious and crunchy, made in just over a minute. Good Housekeeping says it made great waffles from both box mix and homemade batter.

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
  • Browning control at a low price

    Five browning settings; Serious Eats found a good temperature range (setting 3 held about 375°F).

    Source: Serious Eats
  • Compact, stores upright

    Compact enough for small spaces (Wirecutter) and can be stored upright (Good Housekeeping).

    Source: Wirecutter, Good Housekeeping
Good for
  • Thin, crispy Eggo-style waffles
  • Small kitchens and upright storage
  • A tight budget

Scores (tap for why)

  • Even browning3.0
    Why 3.0?Consistent results, but a hot spot browns the center darker than the edges (Wirecutter). Amazon owners list heat distribution as a positive.
    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page
  • Crispness4.5
    Why 4.5?Wirecutter: thin, super-crispy, consistently crunchy waffles (best between settings 4 and 5).
    Source: Wirecutter
  • Settings & indicators3.0
    Why 3.0?5 browning settings with a good range (Serious Eats), red and green lights but no audible alert (Good Housekeeping).
    Source: Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping
  • Easy cleaning & overflow3.0
    Why 3.0?Waffles release easily (Serious Eats), but the thin moat and the manual's batter amount lead to overflow (Serious Eats, Wirecutter).
    Source: Serious Eats, Wirecutter
  • Durability & nonstick2.5
    Why 2.5?Flimsy, wiggly lid and parts that break with age (Wirecutter); Amazon flags a flimsy hinge and mixed sticking reports. There's a 3-year warranty.
    Source: Wirecutter, Amazon.com product page

What experts say

  • Wirecutter (NYT): Budget pick for thin, super-crispy waffles; flimsier build, a darker center ring and some overflow, but a 3-year warranty.
  • Serious Eats: Best no-frills Cuisinart: nonstick plates released every waffle and there's a good browning range; its only flaw is a too-thin moat.
  • Good Housekeeping: Tested, not a top pick: great waffles and 5 settings, but no audible alert.
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