If you want one appliance for both waffles and pancakes, look closely at the plate setup: some models include dedicated pancake plates, while others rely on a small griddle surface. The Cuisinart is the clearest fit for cooking a family-size batch of either food, while the compact options add flexibility for smaller kitchens. Below, we compare four choices by plate type, capacity, controls, cleanup, and the trade-offs that matter at breakfast.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Plate Options | Best For | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker with Pancake Plates | Belgian waffle and pancake plates | Families and larger breakfasts | Makes four waffles or pancakes per cycle |
| Baker’s Friend 3-in-1 Mini Waffle Maker | Waffle, pancake, and grill plates | Small kitchens and varied quick meals | Double-sided heating cooks two slices at once |
| DASH MultiMaker Mini Waffle Maker | Classic waffle, heart waffle, and mini griddle plates | Compact kitchens and single portions | Removable plates and simple indicator-light operation |
| Metine 3-in-1 Waffle Maker | Waffle, sandwich, and grill plates | People who want a multi-use countertop appliance | Five-level heat control and 1200W heating |
Our Picks: Best Waffle Maker With Pancake Plates reviews
1. Cuisinart Belgian Waffle Maker: Best for Waffles and Pancakes in One Batch
The Cuisinart is the most direct match for this roundup’s purpose. It comes with interchangeable Belgian waffle and pancake plates, and it is designed to make four waffles or pancakes per cycle. That capacity is useful when you want to serve several people without cooking one small portion at a time.
Six browning settings let you choose a lighter or darker result. Ready-to-bake and ready-to-eat indicator lights, plus an audible beep, provide cues during cooking. The appliance uses the same heat and timing system with either plate set, and the product description says there is no flipping required.
The removable plates can be hand-washed or placed in the dishwasher, though handwashing is recommended to help preserve the nonstick ceramic coating. The unit stores upright and has a built-in cord wrap. Serving tongs are included, and the product comes with a limited three-year warranty.
Its main trade-off is its focus on breakfast rather than broader cooking: the supplied plate sets are for waffles and pancakes, not grilling or sandwiches. It is also a larger-capacity choice than a mini maker, so consider your cabinet and counter space before choosing it. For a household that wants dedicated pancake plates and a larger batch per cycle, it is the strongest fit here.
Pros:
- Dedicated interchangeable plates for Belgian waffles and pancakes
- Makes four waffles or pancakes per cycle
- Six browning settings, indicator lights, and an audible beep
- Upright storage, cord wrap, serving tongs, and a limited three-year warranty
Cons:
- Plate options focus on waffles and pancakes rather than grilling or sandwiches
- Handwashing is recommended to help protect the plate coating
Verdict: Choose the Cuisinart if you want a dedicated waffle-and-pancake maker with room to cook for more than one person at a time.
2. Baker’s Friend 3-in-1 Mini Maker: Best for Pancakes and More
This compact Baker’s Friend model includes three interchangeable plate sets: waffle, pancake, and grill. The pancake plate is also described for cooking fried eggs, while the grill plates can handle foods such as vegetables and meat or press a panini. That range makes it more than a waffle-and-pancake appliance.
Its double-sided heating is designed to cook two slices at once, which may suit a quick breakfast or a small serving. The maker has a cool-touch handle and indicator lights for basic operation. The product description also says its nonstick surface can reduce the need for added oil or butter.
For cleanup, the plates can be removed and washed, including in a dishwasher according to the product information. The compact design is aimed at smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, and offices. The trade-off is capacity: cooking two slices at a time is less suited to serving a large group than the Cuisinart, which makes four waffles or pancakes per cycle.
Pros:
- Includes dedicated pancake, waffle, and grill plate sets
- Double-sided heating cooks two slices at once
- Removable plates support easier cleanup
- Compact design is intended for small kitchens, dorms, and offices
Cons:
- Its two-slice capacity may mean more batches for a group
- The supplied information does not list adjustable browning settings
Verdict: Pick the Baker’s Friend if you want dedicated pancake plates in a compact appliance that can also grill and press sandwiches.
3. DASH MultiMaker Mini: Best for Small Portions and Compact Storage
The DASH MultiMaker is a small appliance with removable plates for classic waffles, heart-shaped waffles, and griddle cooking. Its mini griddle plate gives you a surface for pancakes, while the waffle plates let you switch to a different breakfast style. It is not as explicit a pancake-plate match as the Cuisinart or Baker’s Friend, which both list dedicated pancake plates.
Operation is simple: the maker heats up, and its indicator light signals when it is time to pour. The product description says each waffle cooks in about three to four minutes. There are no listed browning controls, so this model suits shoppers who prefer a straightforward appliance over a range of heat settings.
The removable plates are dishwasher safe, though handwashing is suggested to help keep the nonstick coating in good condition. The maker also has a built-in cord wrap and non-slip feet. Its compact size is intended for apartments, dorm rooms, RVs, campers, and other spaces where storage matters.
The main limitation is its small format and griddle-based approach to pancakes. It may be a practical choice for small servings, but it is not the option to choose if you need a dedicated pancake plate or want to make a larger batch in one cycle. A recipe guide is included with ideas for waffles, pancakes, hash browns, and more.
Pros:
- Removable plates offer classic waffles, heart waffles, and griddle cooking
- Compact design with a cord wrap and non-slip feet
- Simple indicator-light operation without complicated settings
- Removable plates are dishwasher safe
Cons:
- The listed plates do not include a dedicated pancake plate
- Small format is less suited to cooking larger batches
Verdict: Choose the DASH if compact storage and small portions matter more to you than a dedicated pancake plate or adjustable browning control.
4. Metine 3-in-1 Waffle Maker: Best for Adjustable Heat and Other Meals
The Metine has interchangeable waffle, sandwich, and grill plates, each listed as measuring 10.8 by 5.5 inches. It is described as a multi-use appliance for waffles, paninis, grilled foods, and vegetables. Although its description calls it a pancake maker, it does not list a separate pancake plate, so shoppers looking for one should keep that distinction in mind.
A five-level control is intended to offer a range from gentle warming to toasting and searing. The maker is listed at 1200 watts and uses dual-sided heating. These features may appeal if you want more control and plan to use the appliance for foods beyond breakfast.
The nonstick plates are removable and described as dishwasher safe, and the appliance is designed to stand upright for storage. One point to note is the product’s guidance on cooking: it says not to rely on the indicator light alone and recommends using a timer. Its suggested times and heat levels are starting points in the product description, not a guarantee for every recipe or portion.
Compared with the Cuisinart and Baker’s Friend, the Metine offers more stated heat levels and broader plate uses, but it is a less certain match for someone specifically seeking pancake plates. Confirm that a grill plate meets your pancake needs before choosing it for that purpose.
Pros:
- Interchangeable waffle, sandwich, and grill plates
- Five-level heat control and 1200W power rating
- Removable nonstick plates are described as dishwasher safe
- Designed for upright storage
Cons:
- No separate pancake plate is listed among the included plates
- Product guidance recommends timing food rather than relying on the indicator light
Verdict: Consider the Metine if you want adjustable heat and multi-use plates, but choose a model with a clearly listed pancake plate if that feature is essential.
How to Choose a Waffle Maker With Pancake Plates
Check whether the maker includes a dedicated pancake plate
Plate descriptions can be easy to overlook. Some appliances list a specific pancake plate, while others offer a griddle surface that can be used for pancakes. If you want a purpose-made plate, the Cuisinart and Baker’s Friend clearly list one. The DASH lists a mini griddle plate, and the Metine lists waffle, sandwich, and grill plates, so neither is as direct a match.
Match cooking capacity to your household
Think about how many people you usually serve and how quickly you want breakfast on the table. The Cuisinart is designed to make four waffles or pancakes per cycle. The Baker’s Friend is described as cooking two slices at once. The two mini options are positioned for compact use, so they may suit smaller servings better than a busy family breakfast.
Decide how much control you want
Adjustable heat or browning settings can help you choose a lighter or darker finish. The Cuisinart has six browning settings, and the Metine has five heat levels. The Baker’s Friend and DASH descriptions focus on indicator lights and simple operation rather than adjustable settings. Consider whether you value customization or a more basic process.
Consider whether you need more than breakfast plates
If you want to make paninis or grill foods, compare the included plates rather than relying on a broad product label. The Baker’s Friend lists a grill plate, and the Metine lists sandwich and grill plates. The Cuisinart focuses on waffles and pancakes. The DASH offers waffle plates and a mini griddle, making it a compact choice rather than a full multi-cooker.
Think about cleanup and coating care
Removable plates are generally easier to clean than fixed cooking surfaces, but follow the care instructions for the specific model. The Cuisinart plates are dishwasher safe, though handwashing is recommended to help preserve their nonstick ceramic coating. The DASH and Metine also list dishwasher-safe removable plates, with handwashing suggested for the DASH. The Baker’s Friend describes removable plates that can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
Plan for storage and counter space
Compact models may be easier to fit in a dorm, apartment, or small kitchen, while a larger-capacity appliance may be more useful when cooking for a group. The Cuisinart and Metine are designed to stand upright for storage; the Cuisinart also has a cord wrap. The DASH is described as lightweight and compact, and the Baker’s Friend is aimed at smaller kitchens and offices. Check the appliance’s overall dimensions before setting aside storage space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which waffle maker in this roundup has dedicated pancake plates?
The Cuisinart and Baker’s Friend both list separate pancake plates. The Cuisinart also makes four pancakes per cycle, while the Baker’s Friend is a compact model that cooks two slices at once. The DASH has a mini griddle plate, and the Metine does not list a separate pancake plate.
Can a griddle plate make pancakes?
A griddle plate can provide a flat cooking surface for pancakes, but it is not the same as a dedicated pancake plate. Check the maker’s plate description and consider the cooking area and portion size you need.
Which model is designed to make the most waffles or pancakes at once?
The Cuisinart is described as making four waffles or pancakes per cycle. The Baker’s Friend is described as cooking two slices simultaneously. The supplied details for the DASH and Metine do not state a comparable serving count.
Which options are better for a small kitchen?
The Baker’s Friend and DASH are both described as compact choices for small spaces. The Cuisinart and Metine also offer upright storage, which may help when cabinet space is limited. Check each appliance’s dimensions before buying.
Are the plates dishwasher safe?
The product descriptions list dishwasher-safe plates for all four models, but care guidance differs. Cuisinart recommends handwashing to help preserve its plate coating, and DASH also suggests handwashing for coating care. Follow the instructions supplied with the appliance.
Does the Metine include a dedicated pancake plate?
No separate pancake plate is listed. Its described plate sets are waffle, sandwich, and grill. The product description calls it a pancake maker, but shoppers who specifically want a pancake plate should confirm the included plate set before purchasing.
Final Recommendation
For the clearest match to “waffle maker with pancake plates,” the Cuisinart is the leading choice: it has dedicated plates for both foods and is designed to make four per cycle. Choose the Baker’s Friend if you want dedicated pancake plates in a smaller, more versatile appliance. The DASH is a compact option with a griddle plate, while the Metine makes more sense for shoppers prioritizing adjustable heat and grill or sandwich plates over a dedicated pancake plate.