How Did The Waffle Iron Become So Popular?

Waffle-making has become a hit today. The search for waffles in every nook and corner implies that waffles are one of the most sought-after sweet dishes. They aren’t just a breakfast meal of the privileged anymore, people have started to make it at home for a nice brunch or just as a way to satiate sugar cravings! And thus, waffle irons are becoming a household essential item also. If you are someone who loves to dig-in a crispy waffle, loaded with your favorite decadent ice cream, syrups or berries, a waffle iron at home seems like a sensible ideal, isn’t it? It is a staple you must have in your cabinet! But did you know how it came into being and who invented the waffle iron? 


Contrary to popular notion, people in Europe were eating waffles long before America. They added flavors such as butter, sugar, and cinnamon. But in the olden days, people had no such technology to give waffles their crispy, golden hue. The batter was placed between two iron plates, which were then held over a fire using a long wooden handle. The earliest waffle-iron only could not control the intense heat of the flames, thus the sides of the waffle often got burned. The honeycombed design of the waffle iron was certainly something to improve upon.  


After serving as a foreign minister to France, in 1789, Thomas Jefferson had returned to America and brought the waffle-iron in to make ‘wafles’ as the Europeans called it. One can say that he was responsible for starting the waffle craze. Seeing the popularity of waffles, in 1869, Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, a Dutch-American created the stove-top waffle iron with a clasp that swilled in a cast-iron collar. It allowed the cooks to easily turn the waffle-iron around on the stove without any danger.  

Also Read


We celebrate National Waffle Day (in US) on 24 August, since it marks the day that Cornelius Swarthout of Troy patented the invention. Thanks to him, waffles have now morphed into some delicious treats with flavors as unique as oreo, red velvet, and fudge. Later, the prototypes of waffles became very common in the 21st century. Now you can tell whether your waffle will be thick or thin, depending on the waffle-maker model you use. Isn’t that interesting? 

So what flavour are you planning to make? Also, do check both American and Belgian recipes for waffles, as they can be very different!