The Breville Smart Waffle Maker and the more robust Pro model both promise perfect waffles, but they cater to very different kitchen needs. The primary difference comes down to build, control, and price: the Smart Waffle Maker is designed for convenient, automated home use with a compact footprint, while the Pro features a heavy-duty stainless steel build, larger capacity, and more precise controls for true enthusiasts willing to pay a premium.
Here’s a clear look at what sets them apart to help you decide which Breville machine is the right fit to master your morning waffles.
Breville Smart Waffle Maker
The Breville Smart Waffle Maker is the brand’s highly popular option for the everyday home cook seeking simplicity and consistency. It uses smart technology to automatically calculate the correct cooking time based on your browning selection, taking the guesswork out of the process. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it a straightforward choice for families and casual waffle fans.
- What it is: A versatile and easy-to-use waffle maker with automated technology for consistent results.
- Key features: "Waffle IQ" technology calculates cooking time, a selection of browning levels, no-mess moat to catch excess batter, indicator lights, and a crisp non-stick surface.
- Price: Typically ranges from $150 to $200.
- Dimensions: Approximately 10" x 8" x 4", making it suitable for smaller countertops and easier to store.
- Materials/Construction: Features a sleek plastic exterior with non-stick cooking plates. The construction prioritizes convenience and a lightweight feel.
- Style: A modern and minimalist aesthetic that blends easily into most contemporary kitchen designs.
- Pros: Affordable and provides great value. Simple press-button operation is perfect for beginners. Automated cooking takes out the guesswork. Compact size is easy to store and fits well on most counters.
- Cons: Smaller capacity is less ideal for big families. Plastic body is less durable than the Pro's stainless steel. Fewer manual controls for users who want to tweak cooking variables.
This model is ideal for anyone who values set-it-and-forget-it simplicity and consistently good waffles without a fuss.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/waffle-makers/bwm620.html
Breville Pro Waffle Maker
The Breville Pro Waffle Maker is engineered for enthusiasts who crave restaurant-quality results and professional-grade durability. It boasts a larger capacity for making four waffles at once, a heavy-duty stainless steel body, and more precise, manual controls for those who like to perfect their craft. It's a statement appliance built to last and perform under frequent use.
- What it is: A professional-grade, high-capacity waffle maker for enthusiasts who want maximum control and durability.
- Key features: Four-slice capacity, precise temperature and browning controls via a dial, heavy-duty non-stick plates for even heating, and a solid, commercial-style construction.
- Price: Ranges from $250 to $350.
- Dimensions: Approximately 12" x 10" x 5", requiring more significant counter and storage space.
- Materials/Construction: The robust body is made from brushed stainless steel with reinforced hinges for added longevity. Cooking plates are thick and designed for frequent, heavy use.
- Style: Industrial and professional. Its sturdy, metallic appearance gives it the look and feel of a commercial kitchen appliance.
- Pros: Superior stainless steel construction is exceptionally durable. Larger plates make thicker, restaurant-style waffles. Produces four waffles at a time. Offers more granular control over the cooking process.
- Cons: Substantially more expensive than the Smart model. Larger and heavier, making it more cumbersome to move and store. May feel like overkill for people who only make waffles occasionally.
The Pro is for the serious home chef who sees a waffle maker as a long-term investment in culinary perfection.
Shop this product: breville.com/us/en/products/waffle-makers/bwm640.html
Breville Smart Waffle Maker vs. Pro Comparison
Dimensions & Capacity
The most immediate difference is size. The Breville Smart Waffle Maker is visibly more compact, making it a better fit for smaller kitchens where counter space is limited or for users who need to store their appliance in a cabinet. It produces two standard-sized waffles.
In contrast, the Breville Pro Waffle Maker is larger and heavier, asserting a more permanent presence on the countertop. Its size advantage allows it to cook up to four waffles simultaneously, making it far more efficient for serving a bigger family or a breakfast crowd. The cooking plates on the Pro are also deeper, designed to produce thicker, fluffier Belgian-style waffles.
Materials & Construction
The Pro model clearly outshines the Smart model in this category. Built with a brushed stainless steel chassis and reinforced hinges, the Pro Waffle Maker is engineered for longevity and feels like a professional piece of equipment. It can withstand frequent use without showing wear.
The Smart Waffle Maker features a quality plastic exterior that is sleek and modern but lacks the tank-like durability of its sibling. While perfectly suitable for typical home use, it doesn't give the same impression of permanence. Both units, however, feature premium non-stick cooking surfaces that promise excellent browning and an easy cleanup.
Features & Performance
This is where user preference plays a key role. The Smart Waffle Maker's defining feature is its "Waffle IQ," which automates the cooking process flawlessly. You select a browning level, and the machine handles the rest, ensuring consistent results every time with virtually no effort. It's the perfect device for a user who wants reliability without complication.
The Pro is built for an entirely different user - one who wants control. Instead of automated timing, it features more granular dials for setting temperature and browning. This allows the user to fine-tune the cooking process to accommodate different batter types or personal preferences, giving them the power to produce a perfect waffle by their own definition.
Price & Value
There's a significant price gap of around $100 or more between the two models. The Smart Waffle Maker delivers tremendous value for its sub-$200 price point, offering a combination of smart technology, ease of use, and reliable performance that satisfies most home users.
The Breville Pro Waffle Maker is a clear investment piece. Its higher price is justified by its superior build quality, larger capacity, and professional-level controls. For a waffle aficionado who uses their machine weekly, the durability and performance it offers make it a worthwhile long-term investment. For the occasional user, its features would likely go underutilized.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both Breville waffle makers are top-tier appliances, but they are built for entirely different priorities.
Choose the Breville Smart Waffle Maker if:
- You prioritize simplicity and straightforward, automated operation.
- You want consistently great waffles without any manual guesswork.
- You have a smaller household or cook for one to two people.
- Kitchen storage or counter space is a high priority.
Choose the Breville Pro Waffle Maker if:
- You are a serious waffle enthusiast and crave restaurant-quality results.
- You want fine-tuned, manual control over the browning and texture.
- You often cook for a larger family or for guests and need higher capacity.
- Durability and a heavy-duty, long-lasting build are more important than price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Breville Smart and Pro waffle makers?
The main difference is the target user. The Smart is for casual home use, offering automated cooking and a compact design. The Pro is for enthusiasts, featuring a larger four-slice capacity, a robust stainless steel build, and precise manual controls for perfecting results.
Which Breville waffle maker is better for a family?
The Breville Pro Waffle Maker is the better option for larger families. Its ability to cook four waffles at once dramatically speeds up breakfast time compared to the Smart model's two-slice capacity.
Is the Breville Pro Waffle Maker worth the extra money?
For someone who makes waffles frequently and values durability and precise control, yes. The Pro's commercial-grade build quality and superior performance justify the higher cost as a long-term investment. For occasional makers, the Smart Waffle Maker offers better value.
How easy are they to clean?
Both models are designed for easy cleaning. They feature high-quality non-stick surfaces and a wrap-around moat that catches any excess batter overflow, preventing messes on your countertop. A simple wipe-down is usually all that's required.
Do they make different types of waffles?
Yes, to an extent. The Pro model has deeper cooking plates, which are better suited for thick, fluffy Belgian-style waffles. The Smart model excels at making delicious, classic round waffles but they won't be as thick as what the Pro can produce.
How durable are these Breville waffle makers?
Both are built to Breville's high standards. However, the Pro is significantly more durable due to its stainless steel body and reinforced components, designed to feel like a commercial machine and handle heavy use over many years.
Where are Breville products made?
Like many appliance brands, Breville appliances are designed in Australia and manufactured in China, adhering to the company's strict quality and performance standards.
Does the "Smart" feature on the standard model really make a difference?
Absolutely. The "Waffle IQ" feature measures the moisture in the batter and adjusts the cooking time accordingly to match your chosen browning level. This eliminates inconsistency and delivers predictable results every time, which is particularly helpful for less experienced cooks.
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