Commercial waffle irons are a great addition to any restaurant, hotel, or corporate cafeteria. They produce a quality breakfast item and also do double duty by providing a tasty dessert item. Even for those restaurants that are health-conscious, a whole grain waffle with fruit can serve as a nice alternative to the traditionally sweet treat.

But before you rush off and contact your waffle iron suppliers, there are a few things you should do to educate yourself on waffle iron makers. You want to have a general understanding of their operation, output and maintenance before you spend the money to buy waffle irons for your commercial kitchen. Here are some tips on how to gain information on waffle makers before you contact waffle iron distributors.

1. Contact waffle franchisers as part of your waffle irons education and training.

2. Educate yourself on commercial waffle irons by reading the operations manual.

3. Go to a trade show to learn more about commercial waffle irons.

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Take classes from franchises as part of your waffle irons education and training

When it comes to learning how to cook on commercial waffle makers, going to the franchise source is always a good idea. Not only will they train you in how to use the equipment, but by applying for the franchise and receiving the training, you'll learn about other aspects of the business like marketing and running day-to-day operations.

I recommend: Check out the franchise information for Bonte Waffles and Cafe. There is some preliminary paperwork you must complete in ordered to be approved. However, once approved you will be schooled in the art of making Belgian waffles on commercial waffle irons for your business. Royal Waffle King is another franchise that offers similar training for your waffle business.

Read the operational manuals for commercial waffle irons

When it comes to operating the waffle iron, every machine is going to be slightly different. Not to mention that the commercial grade waffle irons will be a lot more powerful than your home model. Take the time to get and read the instructional manual for the waffle irons you'll be utilizing in your business on a daily basis.

I recommend: Check out the website for Necmo Food Equipment. They offer a wide variety of commercial waffle irons. Simply select the model you're interested in and download the instructions and operation manual. Wells Bloomfield, another manufacturer of commercial grade waffle irons offers operational manuals as well.

Head to a trade show for more demonstrations on commercial waffle irons

When it comes to being the commercial restaurant business, one of the most helpful ideas is to attend a trade show. Not only are you surrounded by people in the same business, but you'll receive training and education on items like waffle irons. Manufacturers often demo their products and invite restaurateurs to test them out at the show.

I recommend: Visit the National Restaurant Association show which is held every year. While there are many exhibitors, there is a section specifically for "Waffle Irons and Cone Makers." International Hotel / Motel & Restaurant Show also has a completely different set of companies which are presenting their waffle wares. This show is held annually as well.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you purchase commercial waffle irons, make sure you also receive a service contract. With so many commercial grade machines in the average restaurant kitchen, it can cost a small fortune to have them repaired. Having a service contract will insulate you from those costs.

If you're looking to serve the perfect continental breakfast or special order, you'll want the best waffle irons you can find to get your customers their fresh hot waffles in the morning. Hotels and resteraunts are just some of the businesses that can profit from getting quality waffle irons on site.

Buyers for these kinds of businesses can get their waffle irons easily from online vendors promoting their wares and delivering to customers including those in the food service industry. Business managers may look for these kinds of features in a waffle iron buy:

1. Easy-clean waffle iron models to help staff keep everything tidy in a breakfast environment.

2. Auto-bake and high-tech controls and features on commercial waffle makers for getting waffles made with minimal operation by users.

3. Commercial waffle irons for high-volume production from waffle iron suppliers who routinely sell to restaurants and business clients.

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Get easy-clean waffle irons

When you want to get your breakfast gear put away quickly, you'll want machines you can clean easily, waffle irons with new features for efficient clean-up. Check online vendors to find waffle irons your staff will love that has a minimum of mess and hassle.

I recommend: Find models from waffle iron makers like Krupp with removable and dishwasher-safe plates from Sears. Find non-stick waffle maker models from Black & Decker at Deal Time.

Look for special-feature waffle irons

For many kitchens, you need waffle iron models that help out a little. Flipping styles help spread batter and LED or digital controls help you know when the waffles are ready to come out. New improvements from waffle iron manufacturers allow waffle makers to do more and a lot of the old problems with yesterday's waffle irons, like spillage or burning, are easily avoided.

I recommend: Models at TheFind.com use 180 degree flipping to make sure batter is spread evenly. Digital features tell you when the waffles are done. Get Bella Cucina models with features like a drip tray and digital controls from Shopping.com.

Find commercial waffle irons

Other kitchens require commercial waffle irons to provide high volume to a busy dining area. A waffle iron supplier can cater to restaurants with commercial waffle iron models that can take the heat and deliver the goods.

I recommend: Get quality stainless steel commercial waffle makers at KegWorks.com. RestaurantSource.com offers, among other models, the Waring Commercial Belgian Waffle Maker, for outfitting a commercial kitchen to get this breakfast choice to customer tables.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Buy waffle irons with an eye toward what kind of space you have and how often they will be used. The commercial waffle irons tend to be more stationary, while portable models are perfect for small continental breakfast nooks.

Waffle irons make delicious tempting treats that people eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Consider adding a commercial waffle iron to your existing food business or open a new food business with this appliance in mind.

Whether you serve continental breakfast from your commercial kitchen or deliver food all day to hungry patrons, make commercial waffle irons a part of your eatery business and chow down on the profits. Learn what the terms mean to get the right waffle iron for your business needs.

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Double grid, dual grid

Double grid or dual grid waffle irons have two surfaces to make two waffles at the same time. Usually this type of waffle iron is simply referred to as a dual grid.

I recommend: Review a photo and schematic of a double or dual grid waffle iron at Restaurant Equipment World (REW).

Digital control board

The digital control board in a waffle iron refers to the controls and settings for time and temperature. Digital settings are more precise and offer easy programming for perfect waffles.

I recommend: Duester's website, Concession Equipment.net, has a picture of a waffle iron with a top-mounted digital control board and offers more information about it.

Floating hinges

Floating hinges are adjustable hinges that allow the top of the waffle iron to move as the waffle mixture rises inside. Commercial waffle irons with this type of hinge allows the batter to rise higher making the waffle bigger and fluffier.

I recommend: Mr. Hardware offers information about floating hinges with a picture for clarity.

Commercial kitchen

A commercial kitchen refers to the place where you'll make the food you'll serve to your customers. When selecting a commercial waffle iron, keep in mind the size of the waffle iron and where it will fit in your commercial kitchen.

I recommend: Culinary Business Academy offers a description of a commercial kitchen and how to set one up.

LED readout

Commercial waffle irons with LED readouts are easier to read and because they light up, you can see them at a distance. Although it's not a necessity for your waffle iron to possess this feature, it is well worth the extra cost for the convenience.

I recommend: Waffle Iron World carries several commerical waffle irons with LED indicators.

Non-uniform baking

Non-uniform baking refers to spreading the heat evenly throughout so that the waffle cooks evenly. A waffle burning on one end and raw in the middle is an example of non-uniform baking. Look for commercial waffle irons that offer uniform baking throughout for best results.

I recommend: Way-2C offers information on non-uniform baking with examples to boot.

Opting to serve waffles at your business is a big decision that involves choosing a waffle iron. The price you pay for this piece of equipment is dependent upon a variety of factors. The shape of the waffle, the type of waffle iron you need and the grade of waffle iron all affect the price.

Consider the following suggestions to help you prepare your budget to absorb waffle irons pricing and costs.

1. Save money by purchasing a stationary waffle iron for your business.

2. Ensure consistent quality with a rotating waffle iron.

3. Invest in a specialty waffle iron to make your business stand out.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Opt for a stationary waffle iron

Generally, stationary waffle irons are less expensive than rotating models. However, purchasing one of these may affect the quality of the waffle because the bottom of the waffle may cook faster than the top.

I recommend: You can buy waffle irons from Kitchen Collection. Prices start at around $25 for stationary round waffle irons. However, slice, or square waffle irons start at around $70. J&R Electronics sells stationary waffle makers priced from $30 to $150. If you want to purchase used waffle irons, check out ACityDiscount. Used dual waffle makers are priced starting at around $300.

Upgrade to a rotating waffle iron

Rotating waffle irons give your business the opportunity to cook a waffle that is golden brown on both sides without worrying that the bottom will cook faster than the top. While these are priced slightly higher than stationary models, they provide consistent quality. Most have a timer that beeps when it is time to turn the waffle case over.

I recommend: Cooking.com has light duty rotating waffle irons for sale priced at around $100 to $200.

Consider specialty waffle irons

Making waffle cones or specialty shaped waffles can place your business a step ahead of the competition. Some traditional waffle irons have inserts you can purchase to create specialty waffles. However, if your business is going to use the machine a lot, a specialty waffle iron is usually a better investment than inserts.

I recommend: Restaurant Equipment World sells waffle cone irons. Prices start at around $600 for these commercial waffle irons. This waffle iron supplier also sells parts for the waffle irons, including cone form rollers for under $100 each. Deal World sells specialty waffle makers, including waffle irons in various shapes such as hearts, farm animals and flowers. You can expect to pay $30 to $60 for these waffle iron makers.