Waffles, I have been wanting to make my own forever – very slight exaggeration there, honestly though for a long time. I was sent an Andrew James Waffle Maker, by Andrew James UK Ltd to review and set myself the challenge of also coming up with a few recipes along the way!
When reviewing a product, especially a non-essential kitchen item, which is what I would have classed the Andrew James Waffle Maker as, I’m pretty tough. If another gadget or electrical appliance is going to take up precious space in my already overcrowded kitchen, well, it’s got to earn its place.
So I look for durability, consistency, versatility, ease of use and the one we all love to hate, how easy is it to clean. I’m a home cook, not a chef, but I still want good quality and a variety of recipes, in order for an appliance to warrant being kept.
Firstly I was impressed with how well the Andrew James Waffle Maker was packaged. There wasn’t any excess space in the box and the sides of the waffle maker were protected with polystyrene. Actually after use, once cooled and cleaned, I store it, in it’s protective packaging, back in the box.
I read through the instruction booklet, which was easy to follow, brief and concise. Before use it is recommended to wipe over the waffle maker, including the waffle plates with a clean damp cloth. This I did.
The instruction booklet recommends wiping over the waffle plates with butter/vegetable fat, prior to each use, to maintain the non stick waffle plates. Having square ridges on the waffle plates meant this could potentially be quite tricky. Instead I opted to brush melted butter onto the plates with a soft pastry brush, although a silicone brush would be suitable as well. Using melted butter also ensures, that as it cools on the cold waffle plates, you can see if you have evenly covered the plates.
Using the Andrew James Waffle Maker for the first time, I decided to make a batch of Vanilla Bean Waffles.
As each waffle recipe calls for melted butter, that has been cooled, I melted an extra 20g of butter (than called for in the recipe), specifically for brushing onto the waffle plates.
Once the waffle plates have been brushed with melted butter, close the waffle maker and switch on via the plug. An orange light illuminates on the top of the waffle maker to show it is switched on. When the green light illuminates, the waffle maker is ready to use.
From the time of switching on ALWAYS use suitable heat protection for your hands whilst using.
I found it very easy to open and close the waffle maker whilst wearing oven gloves. Also be aware that the top and sides of the waffle maker get very hot!
Once the green light illuminates you can start cooking your waffles.
The instruction booklet does not give any guidance as to how much waffle mixture should be added to each plate. I found that for all the recipes I used, two dessert spoons of waffle batter was sufficient.
Close the lid of the waffle maker as soon as the batter has been added to the waffle plates. The length of time required for cooking each waffle varies with each recipe. As a guide it is between 4 – 6 minutes.
Whilst cooking, the waffle maker may emit steam. I simply wiped away any condensated water from the worktop after use.
Once the cooking time had elapsed, wearing oven gloves, I pressed the large button, opened the waffle maker and there were my very first, deliciously cooked waffles.
I used a simple wooden spatula to lift each cooked waffle from the waffle plate. Again metal, or anything abrasive should not be used against the waffle plates, as this may damage their non stick surface.
You will notice that the waffles above have slightly irregular edges. This is because not enough waffle batter has been added to the waffle plates. However, from experience, I personally think it is better to slightly under fill the waffle maker. Once you have made your first two waffles you can slightly adjust the amount of batter added to the waffle plates.
If you overload the waffle plates with too much batter, you will still get beautiful waffles, as well as batter oozing out of the sides of the closed waffle maker and excess batter cooking on the hot surround of the waffle plates.
Although I found this relatively easy to clean up, it is a waste of waffle batter. I want all my batter to turn into delicious cooked waffles!
Over the period of 2 weeks I cooked over 60 waffles using the Andrew James Waffle Maker. I tested different recipes and consistency. Above is a picture of 28 waffles cooked one after the other, with the waffle plates having only been greased at the start of the waffle making marathon.
What I found was complete consistency, throughout the process – obviously quantity of batter added to the plates and cooking time were kept the same. Also throughout the whole review period NOT A SINGLE WAFFLE STUCK!
After each cooking session was complete, the waffle maker was switched off and left open to cool before cleaning. To be completely honest this was the part that I was not looking forward to!
Cleaning the Andrew James Waffle Maker
Once cold and unplugged I used the wooden spatula to scrape any excess cooled batter from the waffle plate surround. Then using a cloth rinsed in warm soapy water I wiped over the entire inside of the waffle maker. Certainly on the waffle plate surround, where excess batter had stuck, I had to rub a few times to clean it off. I then wiped around the back of the waffle maker, where the hinges are. Finally I found that the underside of the waffle maker became greasy, so that was then thoroughly wiped. I left the waffle maker open to dry and before packing away gave the top a quick wipe over and then dried with a clean tea towel.
Each time I cleaned the waffle maker it took no longer than 5 minutes.
To conclude, I absolutely love this Andrew James Waffle Maker! It was very easy to operate and use. During the waffle making marathon it proved to be consistent and durable. I was able to create a range of new recipes, both savoury and sweet, so it ticked the versatility box.
The Andrew James Waffle Maker has most certainly earned it’s place in my kitchen and is now classed as an essential kitchen appliance for me. I thoroughly recommend this waffle maker.
If you like waffles, you will love the smell of them freshly cooking, in your own home, using the Andrew James Waffle Maker.
Cherry Bakewell Waffles makes 8
200g/7oz Sugar and Crumbs Cherry Bakewell flavour icing sugar – alternatively use plain icing sugar with 1/2tsp almond extract added
50g/2oz Flaked Almonds lightly toasted
8 Glacé Cherries chopped into quarters
Sift the icing sugar into a bowl and add enough water to make a light drizzling consistency. Stir well to ensure there aren’t any lumps.
Toast the Vanilla Bean Waffles you want them very slightly crisp.
Drizzle the flavoured icing over the waffles. Add a few pieces of cherry to each waffle and then scatter over with toasted almond flakes. Serve immediately, or let cool and keep in an airtight container for 3 days.
These are great for afternoon tea, picnics, or with a large latte and a good book!
In fact, these Cherry Bakewell Waffles are perfect any time of the day.
Smoked Salmon Waffle Appetisers makes 16
These Smoked Salmon Waffle Appetisers are a perfect savoury twist for the waffle and they are completely delicious! Perfect for parties.
Use the Vanilla Bean Waffle recipe only adding 10g of sugar and leaving out the vanilla bean paste.
You need 4 waffles for this recipe – excess waffles can be frozen in a zip lock freezer bag for up to one month.
Toast each waffle so that it is slightly crisp. Set aside on a rack to cool.
Place 200ml Creme Fraiche into a bowl.
Add 4 heaped teaspoons of creamed horseradish sauce (I used the hot variety).
Stir to combine – add salt and pepper to taste.
Cut each waffle into quarters.
Place a teaspoonful of the horseradish/creme fraiche sauce on top of each waffle quarter.
Top with a slither of smoked salmon.
Sprinkle over chopped chives, or dill and serve on a platter.
If you have enjoyed the Andrew James Waffle Maker review you are sure to enjoy these recipes too:
Vanilla Bean Waffles with Boozy Berry Sauce
Do you love waffles?
Would you like to experience the aroma of freshly cooked waffles in your kitchen?
I for one am a complete waffle convert. I have loved seeing how tasty and versatile they are. Most of all, I have realised how much fun they can be. Breaking the ‘rules’ by dunking them in delicious hot chocolate, or serving as a classy appetiser with smoked salmon. Who knew??
As always have fun with your waffle experience. Enjoy the feasts you create and don’t forget to tag me in on Twitter/Instagram, I love seeing your makes and bakes.
Sammie xx
@sammiefeasting Twitter/Instagram/Pinterest
All opinions, recipes and content are my own. I did not receive payment for carrying out this review. Please see my Disclosure Policy.
To see the Andrew James Waffle Maker I reviewed please click here.
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