Waffle iron

A domestic Belgian waffle iron

A waffle iron is a cooking appliance used to make waffles. It usually consists of two hinged metal plates, molded to create the honey comb pattern found on waffles. The iron is heated and batter is poured between the plates, which are then closed to bake the waffle.

Varieties of waffle irons

Some waffle irons come equipped with an internal electric heating element. Others do not depend on electricity; they generally are attached to hand tongs and held over an open flame, or set on a stove.

Sizes and shapes of waffles vary. Some types of irons produce square waffles, while others produce round or triangular waffles. Still others are novelty shaped, to produce heart-shaped waffles or shamrock waffles. Some irons are designed to be flipped over immediately after the batter is poured, which has the effect of introducing more air and making the waffles thicker and lighter.

Some waffle irons can also be used as a sandwich toaster, provided the waffle iron has removable waffle plates that can be replaced with flat sandwich grilling plates.

When choosing a waffle iron, keep in mind that a circular model heats up more quickly than a square model and distributes the heat more evenly.

Similar to waffle irons are pizzelle irons. They are used to create a thin cookie, called a pizzelle, which are commonly found in Italy. Another type of waffle-iron food is the panaffle.

History

Although the Ancient Greeks cooked flat cakes similar to the waffle, the earliest waffle iron probably originated in Holland or Germany around the 1300s. These waffle irons were constructed of two hinged iron plates connected to two long, wooden handles. The plates were often made to imprint elaborate patterns on the waffle, including coat of arms, landscapes, or religious symbols. The waffles would be baked over the hearth fire.

Dutch pilgrims brought waffle irons to America in the 1620s.

In 1869, Cornelius Swarthout patented the first U.S. waffle iron. This iron sat atop wood or gas stoves. The cast iron plates were joined by a hinge that swiveled in a cast iron collar.

In 1911, General Electric produced its first electric waffle iron, with the help of Thomas J. Steckbeck (see Abbottstown, Pennsylvania) Steckbeck is credited with designing the first-of-its-kind heating elements that used a built in thermostat to prevent overheating, a common problem with early versions. With his revolutionary design and General Electric funding, the first fully electric waffle iron rolled off the assembly line July 26, 1911.

Waffle House opened its first store in suburban Atlanta in 1955.

In 1971, Oregon track coach and Nike Co-founder Bill Bowerman used his wife's waffle iron to experiment with the idea of using waffle-ironed rubber to create a new sole for footwear that would grip but be lightweight. Bowerman's design inspiration led to the introduction of the so-called "Moon Shoe" in 1972, so named because the waffle tread was said to resemble the footprints left by astronauts on the moon. Further refinement resulted in the "Waffle Trainer" in 1974, which helped fuel the explosive growth of Blue Ribbon Sports/Nike.

Few changes have been made to the waffle iron's design since this time. Of course the overall appearance has evolved, the basic process has not been changed over the years.

See also

• Pizzelle
• Sunbeam CG
• Waffle