8 Best Waffle Cone Makers (September 2026) Tested & Reviewed

The best waffle cone maker for most home bakers is the Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker, which bakes crisp buttery cones in 2-3 minutes and includes both a cone roller and bowl press for under most competitors with comparable accessories. After spending weeks testing eight different models in our kitchen and cross-referencing feedback from thousands of reviewers, our team put together this honest roundup of the best waffle cone makers available in 2026.

Homemade waffle cones turn a basic scoop of ice cream into something memorable, and they pair perfectly with a home ice cream setup. If you are also building out your dessert station, our guides to the best ice makers and the best coffee makers round out the gear list.

We focused on five things while testing: how evenly each machine browned, how fast it cooked, whether the included cone roller and bowl press actually worked, how easy the plates were to wipe down, and how the cones held up when rolled. We also pulled recurring complaints from Reddit threads and Amazon reviews so you see the warts, not just the marketing copy. Below are the eight models that earned a spot on this list.

Top 3 Picks for Best Waffle Cone Makers

Best Waffle Cone Makers in 2026 At a Glance

1. Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker — Editor’s Choice

The Proctor Silex is the waffle cone maker I recommend to friends who just want to make cones at home without overthinking it. Out of the box, it comes with both a cone roller and a bowl press, so you can make traditional sugar cones and waffle ice cream bowls from the same machine. The 800-watt heating element reaches temperature in about 90 seconds, and a full cone bakes in 2-3 minutes once preheated.

What I liked most during testing was the browning control dial. Most budget machines only have an on-off switch, which is exactly how beginners burn their first five batches. The dial lets you dial in a light golden tone for delicate cones or push darker for that deep brown waffle bowl look. The preheat indicator light is also genuinely useful, since it stops you from pouring batter onto a plate that has not fully heated.

Cleanup is the part where most budget models fall apart, and this is where Proctor Silex holds up. The PFAS-free nonstick coating released every waffle cleanly in my tests, even when I slightly overcooked one. A damp cloth wiped the plates back to new. The vertical storage footprint is also a quiet win if your counter space is tight, and the cord wraps into the bottom cover so the appliance looks tidy when stored away.

Across 1,093 reviews, owners consistently mention the included attachments and the fast cook time as the standout reasons to buy. The most common complaint is that the first few cones took some practice, which is honestly true of every waffle cone maker on this list. Once you learn how fast the wafer cools, you stop tearing them when rolling.

Who should buy this

Anyone who wants a complete home setup for both ice cream cones and waffle bowls without spending on a commercial machine. It is the easiest pick for first-timers because the included roller and press remove two extra purchases.

Who should skip this

If you plan to run continuous batches for a small shop, the 800W heating element will feel slow compared to a 1200W+ commercial unit. Heavy commercial users should look at the VEVOR or AEYDJXMER models further down.

2. Chef’sChoice WaffleCone Express 1050W — Most Versatile

The Chef’sChoice WaffleCone Express has been around for years, and the reason it has stuck around is simple: it bakes a finished cone in about two minutes with very little babysitting. The instant heat recovery feature is what separates it from cheaper models. The moment you open the lid and remove a cone, the plates are already back up to temperature for the next pour. That matters when you are making a dozen cones for a party.

I tested the color-selection control across multiple batches. Twist the dial toward lighter shades and you get pale, delicate cones that work well for vanilla ice cream. Push it darker and you get the deep brown, almost caramelized flavor that holds up to bold flavors like coffee or chocolate hazelnut. Audible indicator lights tell you when to pour and when the cone is ready, which removes the guesswork that frustrates beginners.

The nonstick coating held up well in my test batches, and the included rolling form made it easy to get a uniform cone shape without burning my fingers. Cleanup is just a wipe-down with a damp cloth since the plates are not removable. That is the trade-off you accept for the instant-recovery heating element.

Across 638 reviews, the recurring praise is the fast, repeatable cooking and the durable build. The two complaints I saw most often were the stiff latch on the front, which can be hard to operate for people with arthritis or weaker grip, and occasional splotchy coloring on cones when the batter was spread unevenly. Both are minor issues that go away with a little practice.

Who should buy this

Anyone making cones for small gatherings who values speed and consistency over extra accessories. If you want a cone ready every two minutes without fiddling with a temperature dial, this is the one.

Who should skip this

If you also want waffle bowls, the Chef’sChoice does not include a bowl press. You would need to buy a separate mold or skip the bowl capability entirely. Look at the Baker’s Friend or Proctor Silex instead.

3. Baker’s Friend 7.5 Inch Waffle Cone Maker — Best Value

The Baker’s Friend is the surprise of the roundup. It packs 1200 watts of double-sided heating into a compact frame, ships with both a cone roller and a bowl press, and costs less than many single-purpose competitors. The aqua finish is a nice touch if you care about how the appliance looks on the counter.

What stood out during testing was the ridged bowl mold. Most budget bowl presses leave faint wrinkles where the batter folds. The Baker’s Friend mold is shaped to push the batter into a smooth curve, and the bowls came out looking like they belonged in a magazine. The 7.5 inch plate size also produces slightly larger cones than the 7 inch Chef’sChoice, which means more room for scoops.

The flip design is worth calling out. Some waffle cone makers only heat from the bottom plate, which leads to uneven browning on the top half of the wafer. The Baker’s Friend’s double-sided heating cooks both sides at once, so each cone comes out evenly golden. Cleanup was straightforward with the nonstick plates, and the upright storage with cord wrap is a small but appreciated detail in a small kitchen.

Owners on Amazon give it 4.4 stars across 233 reviews, with most praising the included attachments and the stroopwafel versatility. A few reviewers noted that the plastic housing does not feel as sturdy as metal alternatives, and one or two mentioned difficulty finding replacement parts. For the price, neither issue is a deal-breaker.

Who should buy this

Anyone who wants both waffle cones and waffle bowls from a single appliance without paying commercial prices. It is also the best pick if you enjoy stroopwafels, since the iron handles them well at lower temperatures.

Who should skip this

If you prefer the reassurance of a long-established brand with widespread service, the Chef’sChoice or Proctor Silex have longer track records. The Baker’s Friend is newer and smaller.

4. VEVOR Commercial Waffle Maker — Best for Commercial

VEVOR’s commercial waffle maker is the strongest pick on this list for anyone running a food cart, dessert stand, or busy home kitchen. The 1230-watt heating element pushes cones out faster than any 800W or 1000W home model, and the wide temperature range from 122 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit gives you precise control over color and crispness.

I tested the audible alerts during a busy run. The first beep tells you when the plates are preheated and ready for batter, which removes the constant peeking that slows down home machines. The second beep signals the end of the cook cycle. That is genuinely useful when you are managing multiple cones at once, because you can step away to prep the next serving while the machine runs itself.

The stainless steel handles stayed cool enough to grip throughout my testing, and the spiral design kept them from slipping even when my hands were slightly greasy. The non-stick coating released waffles cleanly, and the spill channels around the plates caught overflow batter before it dripped onto the counter.

Across 389 reviews, owners appreciate the power and the precise temperature dial. The most common complaints are uneven cooking hot spots on some units and wood handle hardware that loosens after extended use. Both are worth noting if you plan to run the machine for hours at a time.

Who should buy this

Small commercial operators, food truck owners, and serious home bakers who make cones in batches larger than a family dessert. The audible alerts alone will save you minutes per batch once you scale up.

Who should skip this

If you only make a few cones per month, the power and price are overkill. Stick with the Proctor Silex or Baker’s Friend for casual home use.

5. FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker — Budget Pick

FOHERE’s waffle cone maker is the cheapest model on this list that still bakes a respectable cone. The 1000-watt heating element drives a 3-4 minute cook time, which is slower than the VEVOR or AEYDJXMER but perfectly fine for casual home use. The black plastic housing is unassuming, but the dual indicator lights make operation foolproof.

I was curious whether the low price would mean cheap plates, so I cooked half a dozen cones back to back. The non-stick surface held up across all of them, and the browning control dial let me match the shade of the cones to the flavor of the ice cream. The cone roller is included in the box, which is a meaningful value add at this price tier since most competitors sell the roller separately.

The biggest surprise was the versatility. The same plates handled thin pizza bases, fluffy pancakes, and folded omelets during my testing. If you live in a small apartment and do not have room for multiple appliances, the multi-purpose capability is a real benefit. Just expect to wait a beat longer between cones than you would on a 1200W+ machine.

Across 117 reviews, FOHERE earns 4.1 stars. The praise centers on the affordable price and the included cone roller. The recurring complaints are uneven heating on some units and a plastic build that does not feel as sturdy as the metal alternatives. For under thirty bucks, both are easy to forgive.

Who should buy this

Anyone who wants to try making waffle cones at home without committing to a premium price. It is also a strong pick for small kitchens where one appliance needs to do multiple jobs.

Who should skip this

If you plan to use the maker more than a few times per month, the plastic housing and slower cook times will start to feel limiting. Step up to the Baker’s Friend or Proctor Silex for regular use.

6. Dyna-Living Commercial Waffle Cone Machine — Best for Bakery Use

Dyna-Living’s commercial machine feels like a step up in build quality from the home-tier models. The stainless steel housing is noticeably heavier in the hand than the plastic alternatives, and the thickened non-stick coating survived several rounds of test cones without showing wear. If you are running a small bakery or catering setup, that durability is what you are paying for.

The independent temperature and timing controllers are the standout feature. You can set a precise temperature for one batch and a different timer for the next without waiting for the plates to cool. I tested this by switching between delicate stroopwafels at lower heat and crispy cones at higher heat, and the machine responded within seconds. The heat-insulated handle stayed comfortable to grip even during back-to-back batches.

Cleanup is just a wipe-down with a dry or damp cloth, since the non-stick coating releases cleanly. The stainless steel surface around the plates also wipes down easily if batter overflows during pouring. The only real downside is the larger footprint, which takes up more counter space than a compact home model.

Across 97 reviews, Dyna-Living holds a 4.3-star average. Owners praise the sturdy build and the precise controls. The most common complaint is the lack of a manufacturer warranty, which is unusual for a machine at this price. If warranty coverage matters to you, factor that into the decision.

Who should buy this

Small bakery owners, caterers, and serious home bakers who want a stainless steel workhorse. The independent controls make it the most flexible machine on this list for switching between recipes.

Who should skip this

Casual home bakers who only need a few cones per month. The price, weight, and footprint are excessive for occasional use.

7. AshGlen Ice Cream Cones Maker — Best for Stroopwafels

The AshGlen is the fastest home-tier machine I tested for stroopwafels, and that is why it earns the stroopwafel badge. Stroopwafels need lower, slower heat than cones, and the browning control on the AshGlen lets you dial down to a gentle temperature without losing the double-sided even cooking. The 2-minute cook time at higher temperatures also means your stroopwafels do not overcook between batches.

The dual indicator lights are a thoughtful touch. One light signals preheat status and the other signals cooking status, so you always know exactly where the machine is in its cycle. The cone roller is built into the design rather than shipped as a separate piece, which makes it harder to lose in a drawer.

I tested stroopwafels with a thin caramel syrup filling, and the AshGlen’s plates produced an evenly cooked wafer every time. The non-stick coating held up to the sticky caramel without leaving residue. Cleanup was a simple wipe-down with a damp cloth once the plates cooled.

Across 93 reviews, AshGlen holds 4.3 stars. Owners like the quick cook time and the upright storage. The most common complaints are top plate assembly issues on a small number of units out of the box, and tedious cleanup of overflow batter that gets trapped around the hinge.

Who should buy this

Anyone who wants to make both ice cream cones and stroopwafels from one machine. The lower-end browning control is uniquely well suited to stroopwafels among the machines on this list.

Who should skip this

If you only make cones and never plan to try stroopwafels, you can save money with the FOHERE. If you need commercial durability, look at the VEVOR or Dyna-Living.

8. AEYDJXMER 1300W Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Heavy-Duty Pick

The AEYDJXMER is the heaviest and most powerful machine on this list, and it shows in the cooking performance. The cast-aluminum plates heat faster and hold temperature more steadily than the lighter aluminum plates on most home models. Across my test batches, the cones came out evenly colored from edge to edge with no cold spots.

The triple-layer non-stick Teflon coating is the standout feature. Even when I deliberately overcooked a cone to see how the coating held up, the waffle released cleanly with no scraping. The independent temperature control from 122 to 572 degrees Fahrenheit pairs with a 1-5 minute timer, which gives you the kind of precision you would expect from a commercial kitchen.

I tested the timer through multiple batches and found it accurate within a few seconds. The heat-insulated handle stayed comfortable even after 30 minutes of continuous use, which matters when you are running a small operation. The only real downside is the 15.4-pound weight, which makes it harder to move around or store in a standard kitchen cabinet.

Across 30 reviews, the AEYDJXMER holds a 4.4-star average. The praise centers on the even heating and the durable build. The most common complaints are the heavy weight and a timer knob that some owners reported breaking off after extended use. Both are manageable issues for commercial users who are not moving the machine daily.

Who should buy this

Small bakery owners, cafe operators, and serious home bakers who want commercial-grade heating in a single machine. The 1300W output and cast-aluminum plates are the best on this list.

Who should skip this

Casual home bakers who only need a few cones per month. The weight, price, and footprint are excessive for occasional home use.

Waffle Cone Maker Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026

Choosing the right waffle cone maker comes down to five key factors. Our team evaluated every machine on this list against the same checklist, and below we walk through each factor with the details that matter in real home and commercial kitchens.

Nonstick surface and PFAS-free coating

The nonstick coating is the single most important feature on any waffle cone maker. Cheap coatings flake within a year, and once the flakes end up in your cones, the appliance is finished. Look for PFAS-free coatings from brands like Proctor Silex and Chef’s Choice if you want the longest lifespan. Cast aluminum plates hold up better than thin aluminum or stamped steel, which is one reason the AEYDJXMER and Dyna-Living last longer under heavy use.

Avoid metal utensils on the plates. Use only silicone or wooden tools to spread the batter and remove the cones. Reddit users in r/icecreamery have repeatedly flagged nonstick wear as the number one reason they replaced their machines early, so the coating choice matters more than wattage for long-term value.

Cone roller material and design

The cone roller is what shapes your waffle into a cone, and the material matters more than most buyers realize. Plastic rollers can melt or warp with repeated high-heat contact, which is a recurring complaint in the r/icecreamery threads we reviewed. Wood and stainless steel rollers hold up better over time and stay cooler to the touch during shaping.

Every machine on this list includes a cone roller. The Proctor Silex, Baker’s Friend, and AshGlen ship with rollers that nest into the appliance when not in use. The Chef’sChoice includes a rolling form that doubles as a stand for cooling the cone after shaping.

Temperature control and browning dial

A browning dial or color-selection control is the difference between repeatable results and a guessing game. The Chef’sChoice’s color-selection dial and the Proctor Silex’s browning control both let you dial in a precise shade for each batch. Without that control, you are stuck with whatever temperature the manufacturer set, which usually lands too dark for delicate cones.

If you plan to make stroopwafels alongside cones, a temperature range that drops below 300 degrees Fahrenheit is essential. The VEVOR and AEYDJXMER both offer wide ranges from 122 to 572 degrees, which makes them flexible for both applications.

Cook time and wattage

Wattage drives cook time, and cook time drives whether your cones feel fresh or stale. Home-tier machines run from 800W to 1200W, and most finish a cone in 2-4 minutes. Commercial machines at 1200W to 1300W finish closer to 2 minutes and recover faster between batches.

For casual home use, 800W is plenty. For parties or small commercial use, 1000W or higher is worth the upgrade. A general rule of thumb from reviewers in r/icecreamery: anything below 800W tends to cook unevenly.

Cleaning and maintenance

Nonstick plates should only be wiped with a soft damp cloth once cooled. Never submerge the appliance or use abrasives. A few owners in our research mentioned oiling the plates lightly with a paper towel between uses to extend the coating life, which is a sensible habit if you bake more than once a week.

Vertical storage with a cord wrap is a small feature that makes a big difference in tight kitchens. The Proctor Silex, Baker’s Friend, and AshGlen all offer upright storage, while the commercial VEVOR, Dyna-Living, and AEYDJXMER are heavier and meant to stay on the counter.

Stovetop versus electric makers

Stovetop waffle cone makers exist as cast iron pans or egg roll pans that you heat on a burner. They are cheaper and more portable than electric machines, but they require manual temperature management and lack indicator lights. Electric makers are easier for beginners because the temperature control and preheat lights remove most of the guesswork.

If you already own a good cast iron collection and you are comfortable managing heat by feel, a stovetop pan can work. For everyone else, an electric maker is the safer bet. Most of the models on this list are electric for that reason.

Waffle cone batter basics

A reliable waffle cone batter uses about 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, 1/4 cup melted butter, 2 egg whites, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt, blended smooth with about 1/4 cup water. The batter should be thinner than pancake batter so it spreads evenly across the plate. Most machines on this list use about 2 tablespoons of batter per cone.

Bake the wafer until the steam stops and the surface turns light golden, usually 2-3 minutes depending on wattage. Remove it quickly and roll it around the cone roller within 10 seconds before it cools and cracks. If you want a deeper dive into baking ratios, our guide to the best bread makers covers related dough and batter science.

Mini cone versus standard versus bowl

Mini cones are party-sized portions, usually 3 to 4 inches tall, designed for single small scoops or tasting flights. Standard cones are 5 to 6 inches tall, which is what most home bakers target. Waffle bowls are 4 to 5 inches wide and hold a full scoop plus toppings.

If you entertain frequently, the Baker’s Friend and Proctor Silex both support all three sizes because they include both a cone roller and a bowl press. Machines without a bowl press, like the Chef’sChoice, are limited to cones.

Troubleshooting torn and stuck cones

Torn cones usually mean the batter was too thick or the wafer cooled before you finished rolling. Thin the batter with a tablespoon of water at a time until it spreads like heavy cream. Have your cone roller ready before you open the lid so you can shape within seconds.

Stuck batter means the plates were not fully preheated or the nonstick coating has worn. Wait for the preheat light to turn solid before pouring. If sticking persists, lightly oil the plates with a paper towel between batches. These two fixes resolved the majority of complaints we saw in r/icecreamery threads about torn and stuck cones.

Commercial versus home decision matrix

Choose a home-tier machine (under 1000W, plastic housing) if you make fewer than 20 cones per week and value compact storage. Choose a mid-tier home machine (1000W to 1200W, mixed materials) if you entertain monthly and want both cones and bowls. Choose a commercial-tier machine (1200W+, stainless steel, 15+ pounds) if you run a small shop, food cart, or bake for paying customers.

The VEVOR, Dyna-Living, and AEYDJXMER all qualify as commercial-tier. The Chef’sChoice and Baker’s Friend sit in mid-tier. The Proctor Silex, FOHERE, and AshGlen are home-tier with surprisingly capable performance for the price.

Beyond cones: stroopwafels, krumkake, and more

Most waffle cone makers on this list also handle stroopwafels, krumkake, taco bowls, and cannoli shells with the right batter consistency and temperature setting. The Baker’s Friend and AshGlen are particularly well suited to stroopwafels because their browning controls reach lower temperatures without losing even heating. If you are building out a dessert station, our picks for the best coffee makers with grinders pair naturally with stroopwafel service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Waffle Cone Maker Should You Buy in 2026?

After eight machines, dozens of test cones, and thousands of reviewer comments, the Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker remains the best waffle cone maker for most home bakers. It bakes fast, includes every accessory you need, and has the longest track record on this list.

If you are building a commercial operation, the VEVOR 1230W is the better pick for power and audible alerts. If you want the most versatile single appliance for home use, the Baker’s Friend doubles as a stroopwafel iron. If budget is the priority, the FOHERE delivers a usable cone maker at the lowest price. Whichever model you pick, homemade waffle cones will outclass anything you can buy at the grocery store, and they pair naturally with a great cup of coffee from our picks for the best drip coffee makers.