Don't waffle when buying a waffle iron

When it comes to a leisurely breakfast, waffles are a family favorite. Crisp and light, with deep pockets for rich butter, sweet syrup or fresh fruit, waffles are a treat to eat and to make.

As we discuss in our updated report on waffle makers, there are two types of waffles: American-style and Belgian-style. Belgian waffles, which are generally round, are fluffier and taller than American-style waffles (which are generally square), and they have deeper wells.

Round waffle irons of either type tend to be small and yield a single waffle, while square irons turn out perforated waffles that can be torn or cut into four individual waffles. The process of cooking a waffle in any of these irons is pretty simple: Wait until the it reaches the proper temperature (most irons have an indicator light that lets you know when the iron is hot enough), add the batter and wait until the waffle releases easily from the grids. A few waffle makers require you to turn the iron over during cooking, which is said to distribute the batter more evenly, and some units have controls that allow you to set the level of browning.

If you're in the market for a waffle iron, there are several worthy candidates available, including the reasonably-priced VillaWare Uno Classic Round Waffler (*Est. $45) and the professional-grade KitchenAid Pro Line Waffle Baker (*Est. $200), both ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed picks.

But as our research shows, there are a few models worth avoiding, too. The Sensio Bella Cucina Rotating Waffle Maker (*Est. $40) is panned at Target.com and Amazon.com, where users report multiple problems, including poor cooking performance, broken handles and failed heating elements. Another low-priced Belgian waffle maker, the Black & Decker WBM500 (*Est. $30), is the subject of numerous complaints at Amazon.com, where users say that the hinge breaks during use and crevices in the unit are impossible to clean (and if you've ever owned a waffle iron, you know how important easy cleanup is). Other Black & Decker waffle makers, like the Black & Decker G48TD Grill and Waffle Baker (*Est. $50), receive mostly positive reviews -- it's another ConsumerSearch Best Reviewed pick.

Once you're purchased a waffle iron, it's time to get busy making waffles. About.com is a great place to start; there, you'll find some great tips on how to make light, fluffy waffles, as well as links to waffle recipes and a video how-to guide at their baking/desserts channel. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)