This $8 ALDI Appliance Is a Tiny Version of the One I've Used for 10 Years

It couldn't be easier to use.

I’ve had two waffle makers in my life. One was an expensive gift from my good friend Ellen. The other I picked up in the AOS (Aisle of Shame) at ALDI. Which do you think was the better waffle maker?

If you know anything about me, you know the answer was the Ambiano waffle maker from ALDI. While I have the large version, right now ALDI has mini Ambiano waffle makers in stock for just $8.

Why I LOVE My ALDI Waffle Maker

Every other time I made waffles in my expensive waffle maker, they’d stick horribly no matter how well I greased it. For the longest time, I thought I was the problem—I just couldn’t make decent waffles. Eventually, I got so fed up that I got rid of the waffle iron.

I thought I was done with waffles until I spied a waffle maker at the end of an aisle at ALDI. It only cost around $20 so I figured I’d give waffle-making another try.

I whipped up the same waffle batter I’d used with my more expensive iron, and I took a chance, pouring it into the Ambiano waffle maker without any special preparation. The waffles came out perfect, and perfect waffles have been coming out of this waffle maker regularly ever since.

How To Prep and Maintain the Ambiano Waffle Maker

I’ve had this waffle maker for nearly a decade, and it always makes the fluffiest, most amazing waffles. I don’t have to brush it with melted butter or spray it with oil or futz with it at all—it’s perfectly non-stick. It couldn’t be easier to use—pour the batter in, flip it over, and when the light turns green, the waffle is done.

After using the iron, I wipe it clean with a slightly damp tea towel or paper towel. If a crumb or two is left behind, I use a toothpick to gently coax it out. Then it goes back into storage until the next time I feel inspired to make waffles.

I’ve raved about my waffle iron so much that a couple of friends have grabbed their own. Their ALDI waffle makers never let them down, either. The mini version on sale right now has the same nonstick coating and couldn't be easier to use. All you have to do is pour in the batter, close the lid, and wait for the doneness indicator light to come on.

How I Use My ALDI Waffle Maker

Other than classic waffles, I’ll occasionally make oatmeal and flaxseed waffles, banana waffles, or chocolate chip waffles. I usually top them with butter and real maple syrup, but if I’m feeling extra fancy I’ll warm up some frozen fruit in the microwave and spoon that, along with whipped cream, on top. My son tops his waffles with ALDI’s chocolate hazelnut spread and raspberry jam.

You can use the Ambiano mini waffle maker with any waffle batter, but just imagine the (adorable) possibilities: mini waffles used instead of bread or an English muffin to make a breakfast sandwich; mini chicken and waffles made with chicken nuggets; even mini waffles with a scoop of ice cream sandwiched between them.

I’ve used my full-size waffle iron regularly for years, and the mini version promises to be just as trustworthy, but in a smaller package. In fact, they're so darn cute (and inexpensive) that I might just pick one up the next time I shop.

Read the original article on Simply Recipes.