If you want to find the best commercial waffle cone maker, make sure to consider its durability. If you need higher throughput, the number of plates it has will also be important, among other factors.
To help you shop, I’ve put together the top waffle cone makers on the market. I’ve also curated a handy buying guide to ensure that you’re only considering the best options available.
Chances are that summer is fast approaching and you want to seize the opportunity to make the most delectable ice cream in town. But no matter the ingredients and how skilled you are at making batters, if you don’t have the right tool to bake beautiful waffle cones, it’s all for naught.
That’s where a commercial waffle cone maker comes in handy. While finding the right machine might be tricky, if you know what you’re looking for, the hunt will be easier.
So, whether you want a waffle cone maker for your small startup business or simply need to prepare sweets for a crowd, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to find the right waffle cone maker.
Since you’ll be cranking out waffle biscuits each minute, the best commercial waffle cone machine should be quick and high-quality. You should also consider durability and ease of cleaning. As well as a number of other factors, which I will discuss further in this article.
Having said that, below are my top picks!
My Top Picks
Image | Product | Details | Price | |
Best Overall | ALDKitchen Waffle Cone Maker | – 1200 watts – High grade stainless steel construction – Non-stick cooking tray – Comes with a cone roller – Spiral stay-cool handle | Check price | |
Runner Up | Dyna-Living Waffle Cone Maker | – 1200 watts – High grade stainless steel construction – Non-stick coating thickened panel – Independent time and temp control – Comes with a cone roller – Non-slip, heat-insulated handle | Check price | |
Best Double Waffle Cone Maker | WICHEMI Commercial Waffle Cone Maker | – 2400 watts – High grade stainless steel construction – Non-stick pan – Anti-scalding, insulated handles – Independent time and temp control – Comes with LED and alarm – Comes with a cone roller | Check price | |
Best Mold Design | ALDKitchen Big Open Mouth Fish Taiyaki Cone Maker | – 1500 watts – 201 Stainless steel construction – Makes fish-shaped waffle cones – Non-stick aluminum baking plates | Check price | |
Good To Consider | Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic | – 800 watts – Chrome and cast aluminum construction – Cast aluminum plates | Check price |
The Best Commercial Waffle Cone Makers
Curious to know why I picked the models above? Well, let’s dive into each one of them!
ALDKitchen Waffle Cone Maker – Best Overall
The ALDKitchen Waffle Cone Maker is made of high-grade stainless steel that is exceptionally robust. It’s highly resistant to dents, rust, and corrosion. This, its 1200-watt power, and performance brought me to the conclusion that it’s an ideal choice for commercial applications.
This commercial waffle cone maker features fully coated frying plates. Which comes in handy to prevent your waffle from sticking to the cooking surface. I appreciate this feature since it helps you to easily remove baked waffle cones from the cooking plates. It also makes cleaning so much easier.
And with superior heat conductivity, you can create incredibly thin waffles in no time. And you can turn into beautiful cones with the cone roller that comes with it.
This machine is designed with safety in mind, as well. Its spiral handle design helps to minimize overheating and keeps it slipping off your hand to avoid painful burns. It’s also simple to use, featuring a switch on/off button and a temperature adjustment knob.
Pros
• Built to last
• Fully coated non-stick cooking plates
• High heat conductivity
• Easy to use temperature timing controls
• Safe, spiral handle design
• Comes with a cone roller
Cons
• The time control doesn’t have a pointer so it might be tricky to adjust it
Dyna-Living Waffle Cone Maker – Runner Up
Another wonderful option for making the crunchiest waffle cones that are baked to perfection would be the Dyna-Living Waffle Cone Maker. It’s equipped with a powerful 1200-watt motor for efficient and even cooking.
This machine is crafted from high-quality stainless steel. Which makes it a durable choice to withstand wear and tear in commercial settings. It has a non-stick coating thickened panel on its smooth surface, keeping your cones crisp.
Another nice feature I appreciate about this machine is the intuitive temperature and time settings. Which allows you to precisely adjust the temperature and cooking time to produce the most delectable waffle cones. Plus, it has a wide temperature range from 50 to 250 degrees Celsius.
All you have to do is simply twist the knob to pick your desired temperature setting and let the cooking plates heat up. And once you’ve added your waffle batter, you can set the timer and shut the top cover. And then, let the machine handle the rest.
Much like any good commercial waffle cone maker, this machine includes an anti-scalding handle. It is carefully engineered to ensure it won’t transfer heat from the machine. This way, you won’t have to worry about the occasional burns from baking your waffle cones.
Try experimenting with different batter thickness and rolling techniques and you’ll get your desired results in no time! It comes with a cone roller to mold your waffles, and it’s easy to clean.
Pros
• Intuitive temperature and time controls
• Wide temperature range
• Durable design
• Anti-scalding handle protects against heat burns
• Comes with a cone roller
Cons
• Some users find the handle a bit flimsy
WICHEMI Commercial Waffle Cone Maker – Best Double Waffle Cone Maker
Double waffle cone makers are perfect for satisfying the demand of cones in a busy ice cream parlor. And the WICHEMI Commercial Waffle Cone Maker could help you with that.
This 2400-watt machine is crafted with a durable stainless steel machine body that is easy to clean and can last for a long time. Its front support is made of strong triangular construction, while the sturdy and smooth seams between the two pans give you a safe operation.
What I appreciate best about this commercial waffle cone maker is that it has four-foot pads to keep the machine sturdy. It also features a thicker back bracket that connects the mold to the machine. And with its thick handle, you don’t have to worry about the dissipation of heat.
To make crispy ice cream cones, the two cooking plates with nonstick Teflon coating allows for nicer molding. It also makes cleaning a breeze. This double-head waffle maker has independent control with a precision timer and temperature regulating knobs with a readable scale of 0-5 minutes and 50 to 250 degrees Celsius.
Also, you can easily read the heating status – all thanks to its LED light! It also has a clear audible alert feature that lets you know when your waffle cones are done. And much like the other models on my list, this machine comes with a cone roller to mold your waffles.
Pros
• Efficient and durable design
• Powerful with easy-to-use features
• Wide temperature range
• Comes with audible alert
• Easy to clean
• Comes with a cone roller
Cons
• Bulky – might take up ample storage space
ALDKitchen Big Open Mouth Fish Taiyaki Cone Maker – Best Mold Design
Another double waffle cone maker contender is the ALDKitchen Big Open Mouth Fish Taiyaki Cone Maker. This one does not produce the typical shapes like the other cone makers on the list, though. I recommend this if you want to add a quirky twist to your ice cream. Needless to say, it is sure to draw customers.
This 1500-watt commercial machine creates a large waffle cone in the shape of taiyaki, a Japanese fish-shaped waffle with an open mouth. Crafted with durable 201 stainless steel, you can be confident that it can resist corrosion. Which makes it suitable for heavy use, is simple to clean, and requires little maintenance.
In terms of ease of use, the good news is that you don’t need to train your staff to use this mechanical waffle cone maker. And you don’t need to roll the waffle, which adds to the prep time!
It offers a straightforward operation where all you need is to press the on/off button on the front panel and adjust your desired temperature and cooking time with the knobs. And within a few minutes, you get two large crispy fish-shaped waffle cones.
The baking plates are composed of cast aluminum and have a nonstick coating on the top, which keeps the waffles from sticking to the pan which could result in charred cones. Also, the plates are extremely conductive and heat up quickly, leaving no hotspot for even results.
Pros
• Durable construction
• Consistent browning with non-stick plates
• Creates unique-looking waffle cones
• Superior heat conductivity
• Easy to use controls
Cons
• Requires a large countertop space
Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic – Good To Consider
Yes, the Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic is originally designed to make traditional Italian waffles called pizzelle. But you can totally repurpose it to make the crispiest waffle cones in various brown shades.
I also recommend this if you want to shift from the typical designs of waffles since this one provides you with two different patterns. And I don’t know about you, but the design looks vintage to me.
Aside from beautiful waffle cones, it’s also built to last. This 800-watt portable pizzelle maker is crafted with chrome and cast aluminum. Its handle is made of plastic, though. But I think it could still be a good consideration if you want to make commercial-grade waffle cones at home.
Also, since its cast aluminum frying plates are not nonstick, I recommend adding butter or cooking spray. Otherwise, your waffles may stick, although it is quite unlikely.
Pros
• Creates beautiful waffle cones
• Durable metal construction
• Portable
Cons
• Plastic handle
• Requires butter or cooking spray to avoid sticking
Things To Consider in Choosing the Best Commercial Waffle Cone Maker
The best commercial waffle cone maker will give you beautiful golden brown cones that are crispy in no time. They’re designed for commercial settings, offering superior power and performance. But not all commercial waffle cone makers are the same. That being said, look into the following factors to find the ideal machine for you.
Durability
Is it durable enough to withstand the daily wear and tear in your ice cream parlor? If not, you should reconsider your choice.
The best commercial waffle cone is crafted with either high-grade stainless steel or aluminum. But if you look at the products on my list, most of them are made from stainless steel. This is because such material is very durable and has rust and corrosion resistant-properties.
Type: Single vs. Double
When it comes to choosing a commercial waffle cone, you must first consider the volume of orders you expect to take. As well as the type of business you have. Obviously, double cooking plates will take more counter space, while single ones will sit nicely on any corner of your restaurant.
Single models are ideal for smaller food outlets. Double waffle cone makers, on the other hand, can bake twice as many waffle cones at the same time. Which is why they are a nice choice for upscale restaurants, hotels, and food bars.
I don’t believe this is a difficult decision, though. It is almost impossible to resist ice cream. You are most likely to end up serving a lot of people, so doubling your cooking plates might be preferable.
Powerful Heating Elements
The secret to cooking the perfect waffle cones that are evenly baked is to look for a cone machine with robust heating elements. Commercial machines with parallel heating distribute heat better. Which makes them more preferable than those with heating elements in only one portion of the machine.
Efficiency
A strong heating element will also provide fast and efficient cooking. Your waffle cone maker should quickly heat up to your desired temperature. It should also cook your waffles in a matter of minutes.
Capacity
As I’ve mentioned earlier, it’s important that you know the possible volume of orders you’ll be taking on a regular basis. If you wish to install an ice cream stand in a food park, then you will need a waffle cone maker with a larger capacity.
Fortunately, most commercial waffle cone makers are built for this. They can produce roughly 5000 waffle cones an hour, making it perfect for commercial use.
Are the Cooking Plates Coated?
Another important thing to think about is whether or not the cooking plates of your preferred machine are non-stick. I suggest that you opt for properly covered cooking plates. They keep your batter from sticking on the surface.
Thankfully, most waffle cone makers have non-stick cooking plates. But others might require the use of butter or cooking spray.
Thickness
The thickness can vary with each cone maker. Belgian waffles are thicker and crisper than American waffles. You can always consult with the manufacturer about the thickness of waffles the machine produces.
Timing
When shopping for a waffle maker, think about the time it takes to cook. Although certain waffle cone machines cook in less than a minute, others might take up to 15 minutes.
Ease of Cleaning
Because of their patterned cooking plates, cleaning a waffle cone maker can be a bit of a task. The good news is that most of them come equipped with nonstick cooking plates and surfaces. Non-stick cooking plates make cleaning a breeze.
Browning Settings
Most commercial waffle makers come with a selection of browning settings. A machine that lets you customize your waffle cones is always a must-have. It will allow you to bake light to thoroughly-browned waffle cones.
Price and Warranty
When it comes to buying a new commercial waffle cone maker, it is important to have a budget in place. They are not as affordable as those used for household applications. Lucky for you though, there are economical options that will fit your budget.
Another thing to keep in mind is the warranty. Your appliances might fail in the middle of the operation, so it’s best to consult the manufacturer about what their warranty covers. Some manufacturers offer a one-year warranty,, while others provide a lengthy three to four years.
Best Commercial Waffle Cone Maker FAQs
What’s the difference between waffle cones and sugar cones?
Because of their darker hue and lattice pattern, sugar cones are sometimes mistaken for waffle cones. They are both conical with a pointed tip, but sugar cones have a flat brim. Sugar cones go nicely with practically any ice cream and are ideal if you are a slow eater.
How long do waffle cones last?
The cones will stay fresh for about five days if you store them in an airtight container. You need to understand how to properly store waffle cones. If you store them warm, the cones will begin to sweat together and become soggy. Allow the cones to meet room temperature before storing them.
Let’s Wrap It Up!
My favorite is the ALDKitchen Waffle Cone Maker because it delivers high heat conductivity. This machine is also equipped with easy-to-use temperature timing controls.
The Dyna-Living Waffle Cone Maker came in second place for best commercial cone maker because it has simple temperature and time settings and offers a wide temperature range.
If you wish to bake twice the amount of cones as the above models can make, the WICHEMI Commercial Waffle Cone Make might be a great option. This machine offers an efficient and durable design. As well as powerful and straightforward features. It also comes with a wide temperature range with a handy audible alert.
Now, who doesn’t like the extra thrill of eating ice cream? For unique-looking waffle cones, the ALDKitchen Big Open Mouth Fish Taiyaki Cone Maker creates beautiful fish-shaped cones with a big open mouth that are sure to attract ice cream lovers.
The Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic could be a nice choice if you’re looking for a cone maker to bake commercial-quality waffle cones. In addition to its portability, it produces eye-catching cones.
Since there are so many options on the market right now, picking the best commercial waffle cone maker might be tricky. I recommend weighing in the upsides and downsides of each machine. Then, decide which one you feel will suit your business needs.
I hope you’ve found your ideal cone machine from my list. Make sure to check out the latest prices and discounts on these fantastic waffle cone makers so you can start baking the crispiest cones for your ice cream shop. And as always, good luck!