Sage Smart Waffle Pro Review
Whether you're a seasoned waffle enthusiast or just starting your waffling culinary journey, the Sage Smart Waffle Pro (model BWM620UK) promises to bring a touch of intelligently designed sophistication to your breakfast or brunch routine. But is its price tag of £179.95 justified?
Design
Sage have built a reputation on their focus for detail and this infuses a plethora of improvements into even familiar products such as the humble waffle iron. Straight away we noticed the neat cable storage below and the no-mess 'moat' which runs around the entire appliance, able to capture excess waffle mixture as it spills out so that it doesn’t run down the body or onto the surface on which it sits. Additionally the lock on the handle is very assured in its design, whereas, from our experience, other waffle irons can have rather loose locking systems. A premium brushed stainless steel design, with two colour matched dials and buttons, makes for a kitchen appliance that looks smart, and also one that is built like a tank. Its rubber feet hold it firmly to the worktop, but its 6kg weight really emphasises this point. We’d guess the significant weight is from the deep cast aluminium cooking plates (non-removable).
Controls
An additional innovation is the inclusion of an LCD screen facilitating the utilisation of the 'Waffle IQ' feature set. This intelligent automation precisely adjusts the cooking time to suit various waffle styles, such as Belgium, Classic, Chocolate and Buttermilk. It also offers the flexibility to tailor the cooking time to your own preferences using the light-to-dark dial, allowing you to customise your waffles with 12 distinct settings ranging from a light or a golden hue, to a rich brown finish. We started out with the waffle style preset and heat setting on 6, so as not to burn, and generally speaking that’s been perfect for us. If the timer goes off but your waffle isn't quite ready, you can simply press the 'a bit more' button to extend the cooking time without needing to restart the timer. Furthermore, it will recalibrate the total cooking time for the subsequent batch of waffles.
Performance
Our first batch were cheese & onion savoury waffles. The supplied measuring cup is helpful to garner the exact amount, but after frequent usage we found it quicker just to pour from the mixing bowl straight into the hot plates, as we could eyeball the amounts. The Smart Waffle Pro does require time to warm up, around 6-8 minutes, and has heating elements within the lid and base. This now favourite savoury waffle recipe for lunchtimes, is cooked evenly in 6 minutes selecting the classic profile from the menu, with no overcooked edges and consistently fluffy centres. Sage note that they guarantee consistent heat distribution across its cooking plates and in all our usage it has been absolutely accurate. However, one thing to note is that these are large waffles (12x12x2.5cm), and so if you’re cooking for four and all want some when two are ready, cutting them in half is equal to a standard sized waffle you’d find in the UK.
Moving onto sweet waffles; we’ve done chocolate chip, classic American style and Belgian (our favourite). All these are successful and are ready to eat straight out of the Smart Waffle Pro. Its non-stick coating is the most impressive we’ve yet to see featured within a waffle iron design and it has remained just as effective after a year of frequent usage. We have never needed to use oil to lubricate the plates, we just pour the waffle mixture in and once they are cooked they glide out. Prior to the Sage, the familiar wrestling match we’ve had with other waffle irons was a huge discouragement even before we mixed the batter. Because the Sage has such a fantastic non-stick coating, it’s an encouragement to have waffles and to have them frequently at that. What’s more, the plates don’t need a vigorous clean when finished, regardless if it’s a savoury mixture with cheese and onion or a sweet mixture. You only need to get a wet piece of kitchen roll and wipe the plates down to remove residual grease. It’s worth mentioning just how nice it is not to have excess mixture from the cooking process running down the waffle iron maker, and that’s thanks to the 'moat' capturing all the excess batter and turning it into waffle pieces, which are little snacks you can have when waiting for the next batch to cook!
Verdict
The Sage Smart Waffle Pro's blend of design, controls, and performance justifies its price. It's a reliable and stylish addition to any kitchen, making waffles a joy rather than a chore. Whether you're a waffle aficionado or looking to explore the world of waffle-making, this appliance is a worthy best in class example.