Unfortunately, most waffle makers are no longer made in the United States. Like many small kitchen appliances, production has largely shifted overseas, particularly to China and other parts of Asia. However, for those committed to buying American-made goods, there are still a few high-quality options available, especially among specialty manufacturers and commercial equipment brands. Whether you’re a home cook seeking a traditional cast iron waffle experience or a foodservice operator needing reliable, heavy-duty machinery, there are still companies committed to American manufacturing. Here’s a closer look at the brands still making waffle makers in the USA.
Complete List of Waffle Maker Brands Made in the USA
Based in Tennessee, Appalachian Cast Iron Co. produces heirloom-quality waffle irons designed to last for generations. Their flagship product, the Great American Waffle Iron, is a stovetop model made entirely from American-sourced cast iron. Every step of the process, from design and casting to machining and finishing, takes place in the United States. The company partners with domestic foundries and machine shops, making this one of the few truly 100% Made in the USA waffle makers available. It’s a great option for traditionalists who appreciate the craftsmanship of vintage cookware brought into the modern era.
Heartland Waffles, based in the Midwest, primarily supplies ready-to-cook waffle batter and dough to hotels, restaurants, and institutions. However, they also offer commercial waffle irons designed to work with their batter system. These heavy-duty waffle makers are manufactured in the USA and built for high-frequency use. While they are not typically marketed toward home consumers, they represent an American-made solution for businesses looking to serve consistently high-quality waffles.
Star Manufacturing, located in Smithville, Tennessee, is a leader in commercial kitchen equipment and a brand under the Middleby Corporation. Their line of commercial waffle makers is designed for high-volume environments, such as hotels, diners, and breakfast buffets. Star’s waffle irons are built in the United States, featuring stainless steel construction, precise temperature control, and fast recovery times. While some components may be imported, the core manufacturing and assembly are done domestically, keeping jobs and technical expertise in the U.S. foodservice sector.
How to Find Waffle Makers Made in the USA
What Does “Made in the USA” Mean?
Under guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), a product labeled “Made in the USA” must be “all or virtually all” made within the United States. This means that all significant parts, processing, and labor contributing to the product must be of U.S. origin. However, not all labeling claims are held to this standard. Companies often use ambiguous terms such as “Assembled in the USA” or “Designed in the USA,” which do not meet the FTC’s threshold for a genuine domestic origin claim.
Because enforcement of these standards is inconsistent, consumers need to dig deeper. We recommend reading our complete guide on spotting deceptive language and truly American-made goods here.
Materials
Waffle makers, whether stovetop or electric, are composed of a range of materials that impact their durability, performance, and safety. Understanding the origin of these materials is crucial to determining whether a waffle maker is genuinely made in the USA.
Cast Iron
Traditional waffle makers, like those from Appalachian Cast Iron Co., are made from solid cast iron—a material with deep roots in American manufacturing. The U.S. still has several foundries that produce high-quality cast iron cookware, primarily located in the Midwest and South. American-sourced cast iron is generally considered superior in terms of weight, heat retention, and longevity. Imported cast iron, especially from China, may contain lower-quality alloys or inconsistent casting.
Stainless Steel
Many commercial waffle makers use stainless steel for their exterior housing and internal components. The U.S. remains one of the top global producers of stainless steel, with major manufacturing hubs in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Stainless steel made domestically typically meets stricter standards for composition and durability. However, stainless steel is also widely imported from China, South Korea, and Taiwan, so it is important to ask manufacturers about the material’s origin if full domestic sourcing is a priority.
Electrical Components
Electric waffle makers contain heating elements, wiring, thermostats, and sometimes timers. These parts are often the most difficult to source domestically. Nichrome wire for heating elements is still produced in the U.S., but global supply chains dominate this sector. Thermostats, circuit boards, and control knobs are frequently imported. Companies that assemble waffle makers in the United States may still rely on foreign-made electrical components, particularly those from China and Germany.
Labeling
U.S. labeling law, as outlined in Title 19, Chapter 4, Section 1304, requires that imported goods be clearly marked with their country of origin. However, this law does not apply to domestically made products unless they claim to be “Made in the USA.”
The FTC oversees such claims and requires that products labeled as “Made in the USA” be “all or virtually all” made domestically. Unfortunately, this standard is often misused or misunderstood. Common misleading labels include:
- “Assembled in the USA”
- “Designed in the USA”
- “Made in the USA with Imported Parts”
These phrases typically indicate that significant components or labor were sourced overseas. You should be cautious and look for additional documentation or clarification from the manufacturer. We strongly advise checking packaging, reading fine print on websites, or contacting customer service before making a purchase.
Final Tips
If you’re in the market for a waffle maker and want to support American workers and manufacturing, start by narrowing your search to companies that openly disclose their production practices. Appalachian Cast Iron Co. is a top choice for traditional stovetop use, while Heartland Waffles and Star Manufacturing offer high-volume commercial solutions.
For home use, especially if you’re aiming for a classic, crispy waffle with a touch of nostalgia, the cast-iron option may be the most rewarding. Not only are you supporting a U.S.-based company, but you’re also investing in a product built to last a lifetime.
Always do your due diligence: read labels carefully, question vague marketing claims, and opt for brands that are transparent about their sourcing and production processes. When you buy American-made, you help preserve local jobs, sustain quality manufacturing, and promote a culture of accountability and craftsmanship.
Waffle Makers Not Made in the USA
We came across several companies in our research that aren’t making their waffle makers here. Those brands are detailed below.
- Cuisinart: Manufactures its waffle makers in China.
- Breville: An Australian brand, Breville produces its waffle makers in China.
- All-Clad: All-Clad’s waffle makers are manufactured in China.
- Krups: A German brand, Krups manufactures its waffle makers in China.
- GreenPan: Produces waffle makers with ceramic non-stick coatings; manufacturing location is China.
- Chef’sChoice: Manufactures waffle makers in China.
- Sage: Known as Breville in other markets, Sage’s waffle makers are manufactured in China.
- Silvercrest: Lidl’s own brand, Silvercrest waffle makers are produced in China.
