Electric Waffle Iron History

Electric waffle irons date to 1911, although nonelectric types existed before then.

A light, airy waffle topped with butter and syrup, and a crisp waffle cone for ice cream each come from similar appliances. The electric waffle iron has brought homemade waffles to households for nearly a century.

Precursors

Cooks have used devices resembling waffle irons since the Middle Ages, but the first true waffle iron debuted in 1869. That stove-top waffle iron, invented by Cornelius Swarthout of Troy, New York, featured a handle and closure so cooks could turn the waffle over as it cooked, according to the Smithsonian Libraries.

Electric Model

Waffles easily fit in the American kitchen starting in 1911, when General Electric began selling the first electric appliance for making the treats. That first electric waffle iron set the stage for the type still in use today.

Modern Touches

Today's waffle irons include thermostats so the cook knows when to add the waffle batter and timers to tell when the waffle has cooked. Another innovation came when manufacturers added nonstick coatings to the cooking surface. Consumers now can buy a maker for every type of waffle, from thick Belgian waffles to crispy ones for ice cream cones.

References

• Smithsonian Libraries: Waffle Iron Patented
• Waffle Maker Reviews: Waffle Maker--Types, History and Styles