Waffle Maker
Pancakes can be made easily without any special equipment, but the pancake's fancier cousin, the waffle, needs a special kitchen appliance to be constructed properly. The waffle maker comes in standard models and special models for making the thicker kind known as Belgian waffles. A waffle maker can be found well north of the $100 price range, but perfectly serviceable waffles can be made just as well on a $20 waffle maker.
Batter
The batter that you make or buy for pancakes is just fine for use in a waffle maker. While waffle batter made from scratch means you can adjust the ingredients to create the perfect waffle in terms of texture and taste, any store bought waffle or pancake batter will make tasty waffles and save you time. For easy organic waffles that, admittedly, don't taste exactly like you would find at most breakfast restaurants, try the organic waffle batter that you spray from a can.
Cooking
Follow the instructions that came with your specific waffle maker, but remember that in most cases you need to turn the machine on and wait for a light to go on or off, or a signal to be heard. Pour the batter onto the lower portion and close. When the waffle is ready, the light or audio signal will display.
Warning
The batter that is poured into the waffle maker is going to rise, so don't pour in too much. The result of almost all attempts to make a waffle is going to be waffle run-off--that is the batter that doesn't remain enclosed when the lid is pulled down and so runs off the side. Only when you pour the perfect amount of batter into the maker will there be no runoff, but you'll learn quickly enough how much is too much when your counter-top or stove is inundated with batter runoff. The first few times you use a waffle maker, therefore, should be done so with a towel or several paper towels placed beneath the waffle maker to make cleanup easier. Learn from experience when you are pouring the batter.
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