Prevent waffles from sticking by seasoning your cast-iron waffle maker with a high-heat oil, cooking at a high enough temperature and using plenty of butter or oil during cooking. (BestReviews)

For fluffy, perfectly browned waffles, a cooking surface made from cast iron is hard to beat. While its nonstick seasoning takes time and care to develop, cast iron offers chemical-free cooking, even heating and durability that can last generations. Plus, handheld stovetop cast-iron waffle makers allow you to make waffles just about anywhere. If you're looking for a top-quality cast-iron waffle maker, the Skeppshult Waffle Maker will have you enjoying thin, crispy, delicious homemade waffles in no time.

Traditionally, cast-iron waffle makers are “analog,” relying on an external heat source like a stovetop or campfire to cook. These models are heavy and not as easy to use as electric waffle makers, but they’re durable enough to last for decades. They also tend to be much smaller than electric waffle makers, making them more portable and easier to store.

While cast iron is available in convenient electric waffle makers, it's much more common to see cast aluminum, which comes with an industrially applied nonstick coating that must be maintained. Regardless of whether your waffle maker is handheld or electric, cooking with cast iron has a bit of a learning curve, so be prepared for some trial and error as you season and cook with your new waffle iron.

Cast iron waffle makers are available for both American- and Belgian-style waffles. Some waffle makers are capable of making as many as five or six waffles at a time, while others produce one large waffle. Some waffle makers can even make waffles in novelty shapes like cartoon characters or hearts.

Since they feature solid cast iron and don’t have plastic components, cast-iron waffle makers can handle high heat, drops and scratches without warping, bending or melting. Plus, they don’t have an industrial nonstick finish, which can be ruined by abrasive cleaning or metal tools.

Cast aluminum is more popular for modern waffle makers because it’s lightweight and distributes heat well, so it can be challenging to find an electric waffle maker with cast-iron plates. However, cast iron retains heat better and is much more durable, so it will last years longer than a cast-aluminum waffle maker. Cast aluminum also needs to be watched closely for damage to its nonstick coating. Nonstick coatings may leach harmful chemicals, and if the coating gets scratched, the exposed aluminum beneath can react to the acids in foods and corrode.

Cast iron takes longer than cast aluminum to heat up, but once it does, it creates an even cooking surface that retains heat for a long time. Less temperature fluctuation helps produce more evenly cooked waffles.

If you take the time to properly season your cast-iron waffle maker, it will develop a nonstick coating with none of the potentially harmful chemicals associated with industrial nonstick cookware. This glassy, polymerized cooking surface helps waffles brown evenly and release easily.

With a handheld cast-iron waffle maker, you can have waffles pretty much anywhere. Depending on the model, stovetop waffle makers can be used on your cooktop, in the oven, on a grill or even over an open fire. Take it camping and enjoy waffles made over your campfire or camp stove.

Cast-iron waffle makers can cost $35-$200. Higher-end cast-iron waffle makers tend to offer better construction quality.

A. A cast-iron waffle maker is an investment, but its sturdy materials and even heat distribution make it worthwhile to many cooks who claim cast iron produces fluffier, crispier waffles. Stovetop waffle makers are easier to clean and have no extra components that can fail, like timers, cords or plastic parts. Plus, their durability means they will have a much longer lifespan than a cast-aluminum waffle maker.

A. Your stovetop waffle iron will last for years given the proper care. For cleaning, it should be washed by hand, not in the dishwasher. To make cast-iron waffle makers easier to use and clean, season them with a high-heat cooking oil like canola, grapeseed or coconut oil and oil the plates in between cooking each waffle.

Skeppshult Waffle Maker: available at Amazon Our take: This heirloom Swedish waffle iron is made from high-quality cast iron and produces elegant heart-shaped waffles. What we like: It makes thinner waffles, which may be a downside to hungry eaters, but makes for quicker cooking. Its longer, thin handles help keep hands away from the heat. Skeppshult products are handmade in Sweden and come with a 25-year warranty. What we dislike: It's not the most user-friendly model, particularly if you don't have a lot of experience working with cast iron. Its thin handles make it a little difficult to turn the waffle iron over.

Rome Industries Old-Fashioned Cast-Iron Waffle Maker: available at Amazon Our take: This classic waffle maker produces a 10-inch round waffle in sturdy cast iron. What we like: The waffle iron's two halves connect with interlocking hinges, making preheating and cleaning easy. Waffles come out crispy and fluffy without the need for nonstick coatings. What we dislike: The cast iron requires a lot of preparation and seasoning before use. The curved shape of the handles can make it difficult to use on a flat stovetop.

Hawok Cast-Iron Waffle Maker: available at Amazon Our take: Take this compact waffle maker on the road for waffles cooked over your camp stove. What we like: This no-frills waffle iron also connects with interlocking hinges. It's smaller than some models at only 12 inches long, making it ideal for tent or RV camping. The 6.5-inch waffles cook evenly and quickly. What we dislike: It has short handles, so a good oven mitt is a must.

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Laura Duerr is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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