Waffles sticking to the iron? You’re not alone.
You prep your batter, heat the iron, and then—bam. Last week’s crusted batter ruins your perfect waffle. Again.
Here’s the fix:
Stop using sponges, paper towels, or worse—forks. They don’t reach the grooves and they wreck your non-stick.
I’ve tested the top brushes made for waffle irons. These five? They actually work.
If you’re ready to make cleanup faster (and waffles better), you’ll want to keep reading.
Waffle Maker Brushes & Best For | Specs | Pros | Price & Link |
Waring CAC177 – 🏆 Best for Beginners | Dimensions: 7 × 2 × 1 in Weight: 4 oz Material: Heat‑resistant nylon bristles + plastic handle Accessories: Replacement brush heads available | • Designed for Waring irons • Heat‑resistant • Ergonomic compact shape | 🔗 View on Amazon |
Carlisle 4011400 – 🎬 Best for Professional Kitchens | Dimensions: 10 × 3 × 1 in Weight: 7 oz Material: Teflon®/nylon bristles + plastic handle Accessories: None | • Wide head – covers more surface • Stiff, heat‑tolerant to 500 °F • Stay‑cool handle | 🔗 View on Amazon |
OXO Good Grips Grill Brush – 💡 Budget Option | Dimensions: 9 × 1.5 × 1 in Weight: 3.2 oz Material: Nylon bristles + soft‑grip handle Accessories: None | • Safe on non‑stick surfaces • Handles angled cleaning • Compact and affordable | 🔗 View on Amazon |
Redecker Machine Brush – 🎨 Eco & Aesthetic | Dimensions: 8 × 2 × 2 in Weight: 5 oz Material: Natural Tampico bristles + beechwood Accessories: None | • Elegant handcrafted design • Durable natural fibers • Comfortable wooden handle | 🔗 View on Amazon |
Waffle Maker Brush w/ Scraper – 📦 Quick Home Use | Dimensions: 6 × 1.5 × 1 in Weight: 2.5 oz Material: Plastic body + nylon bristles + scraper hook Accessories: Built‑in hook | • Scraper removes stuck‑on residue • Lightweight & portable • Value friendly | 🔗 View on Amazon |
The 5 Waffle Iron Brushes You Should Try in 2025
Let’s cut the noise. Here are five brushes people actually use and recommend—with clear advice on who they fit best.
1. Waring Commercial CAC177 Waffle Brush for Waring Waffle Irons
🏅 The Editor’s Choice | Waring Commercial CAC177 Waffle Brush for Waring Waffle Irons
Designed for Waring waffle irons, this brush features heat-resistant bristles and a compact profile ideal for daily commercial use.
Pros
- Built specifically for Waring waffle irons
- Heat-resistant and durable bristles
- Compact and ergonomic design
- Trusted brand in commercial kitchens
Cons
- Not compatible with all waffle iron models
- Higher price than generic options
🏆 Best for Beginners
Ideal for daily cleaning in home kitchens or small cafes using Waring waffle makers.
Let’s say you’re a weekend waffle warrior. You’ve just whipped up a crispy Belgian batch and there’s batter tucked deep into the grid.
This brush was literally made for that. It’s plug-and-play for Waring models—and the heat resistance means you can clean right after cooking.
This is one of those tools that feels like it should’ve come in the box but didn’t.
It’s no-frills and reliable. Think of it like a toothbrush—designed by dentists for dentists.
If you’re starting with a new waffle iron or keeping things tight and tidy, this is your brush.
2. Carlisle FoodService Products 4011400 Wide Waffle Iron Brush
Best Flip Waffle Makers| Oster Titanium Infused Dura Ceramic Flip Waffle Maker
This wide waffle iron brush is designed with stiff, heat-resistant bristles for heavy-duty commercial cleaning needs.
Pros
- Extra-wide head cleans faster
- Heat-tolerant up to 500°F
- Ergonomic, stay-cool handle
- Ideal for commercial kitchens
Cons
- Too large for compact waffle makers
- Brush may feel stiff for delicate surfaces
🎬 Best for Professional Kitchens
Great for restaurant griddles, waffle stations, and food trucks needing speed and toughness.
Picture a Sunday brunch rush—tickets flying, waffle irons sizzling. You don’t have time to wait for them to cool before cleanup.
That’s where the Carlisle steps in. This brush doesn’t mess around. It’s wide, powerful, and doesn’t melt under heat.
If you’re running a professional kitchen—or just hate wasting time scrubbing—this brush is your productivity multiplier.
Think of it like the power washer for your waffle gear. It’s overkill for small apartments, but an absolute weapon in commercial use.
3. OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush
OXO Good Grips Electric Grill and Panini Press Brush
The stainless steel plates were a little slippery, which made sliding the cooked waffles off a little trickier, but they also made cleanup easier because there weren’t any grease traps or grooves on it to collect gunk.
Pros
- Non-scratch bristles safe for non-stick surfaces
- Ergonomic grip with anti-slip handle
- Angled bristles reach tight spots
- Compact and affordable
Cons
- Not waffle-specific design
- May struggle with deep Belgian grooves
💡 Best Budget Option
Perfect for occasional waffle cleanups, ideal for households with a non-stick waffle iron.
Not everyone is flipping waffles every morning.
For most folks, it’s a Sunday treat. That’s where the OXO shines. It’s affordable, flexible, and plays nice with non-stick.
Maybe you’re cleaning a panini press today and a waffle iron tomorrow—this brush handles both.
It’s not the deepest cleaner, but it gets the job done for the average kitchen.
Think of it like the Swiss Army knife of waffle brushes: handy, adaptable, and you probably already trust OXO with half your kitchen.
4. Redecker Waffle Machine Brush with Beechwood Handle
Redecker Waffle Machine Brush with Beechwood Handle
Handmade in Germany with natural bristles and oiled beechwood, this eco-friendly brush offers sturdy performance and style.
Pros
- Beautiful, eco-conscious design
- Heat-resistant Tampico fiber bristles
- Comfortable, handcrafted handle
- Long-lasting durability
Cons
- Pricier than synthetic brushes
- Bristles may soften over time with frequent heat exposure
🎨 Best Aesthetic & Eco Choice
For eco-conscious cooks who want effective cleaning with a touch of artisan charm.
You’ve invested in a beautiful kitchen. Copper pans, wood shelves, a French press… why clutter the vibe with a plastic brush?
This Redecker brush is a countertop statement. You won’t stash it away—it belongs out in the open.
And function doesn’t take a back seat:
Tampico fibers dig into crumbs while the beechwood handle fits your hand like a glove.
Perfect for design-forward kitchens and those who see cooking as ritual, not routine.
5. Waffle Maker Cleaning Brush with Scraper Hook
Waffle Maker Cleaning Brush with Scraper Hook
Budget-friendly waffle brush with an integrated scraper hook for removing hardened batter and residue.
Pros
- Includes scraper hook for stuck-on batter
- Affordable and simple to use
- Lightweight and compact
- Good for small waffle makers
Cons
- Not ideal for commercial use
- Plastic build limits heat resistance
📦 Best for Quick Home Use
Great for busy mornings when you need to quickly clean a mini or classic waffle maker.
You’re juggling pancakes, coffee, and a toddler—and the waffle maker is crusted over from last weekend.
You need quick results, not a $40 tool. This brush does what it says on the tin.
The built-in scraper hook lifts hardened batter so you’re not stuck soaking or scrubbing with a fork. It’s not fancy.
It’s functional. And for the price of a latte, it earns a spot in your drawer.
A great grab-and-go tool for homes where waffles happen… but time is short.
Why a Waffle Brush Works Better Than a Sponge or Paper Towel
You can’t clean carbonized batter with a dish rag. It doesn’t reach the deep grooves. And if you’re using paper towels, you’re just smearing the problem around.
A good waffle brush does more:
- Reaches deep into pockets and crevices
- Handles high heat without melting
- Protects non-stick coatings
- Reduces effort and cleanup time
Scraping with forks or knives can scratch your machine. Swapping in a proper brush can extend your waffle maker’s life.
Pick a Brush That Matches Your Waffle Maker
You don’t use a hammer to clean a window. So stop using the wrong brush on your waffle iron. Match the brush to your iron’s shape and size:
- Belgian-style irons: Need firm bristles and depth
- Mini waffle irons: Look for narrow heads
- Flip irons: Prioritize angled brushes for side grooves
Check what your waffle maker needs before you grab the first thing you see online. You’ll save time and make cleaning almost automatic.
Match the Brush to Your Kitchen Style
Here’s how to choose based on your lifestyle:
- Weekend Chef? Waring or OXO
- Running a food biz? Carlisle
- Eco-focused? Redecker
- Casual cooker? Scraper brush
Don’t overthink it. Match your habits to the right tool.
Clean Smarter: How to Use Your Brush Right
- Clean your waffle iron while it’s still warm (not hot)
- Always unplug it first
- Brush in the direction of the waffle grid
- For deep-cleaning, follow up with a damp microfiber cloth
- Never submerge your electric waffle iron
Bonus tip: Keep your brush close. Store it next to your iron so you use it every time.
Stop Making These 3 Cleaning Mistakes
- Using metal utensils to scrape You’ll scratch your surface and ruin your non-stick.
- Waiting too long to clean Batter hardens. Don’t delay. Clean right after breakfast.
- Forgetting to brush before storage Leaving crumbs inside can cause rust or mold.
Fix these habits and your waffle maker will last much longer.
Bonus Tools That Pair Well With Your Brush
- Heat-resistant gloves: Clean safely while iron is warm
- Food-safe degreaser spray: Great for deep cleans
- Mini vacuum: Picks up crumbs in the hinge area
- Pastry brush: Re-oil the plates without overdoing it
These extras make your post-breakfast cleanup almost automatic.
Better Waffles Start With a Clean Iron
Waffles that stick, break, or taste burnt usually point to one thing: a dirty waffle iron. Clean plates = better texture, better taste.
So don’t just wipe and forget. Get a real brush. Build the habit.
Conclusion: What to Do Next
- Pick the brush that matches how often you make waffles
- Clean right after each use while the iron is still warm
- Store your brush nearby so you actually use it
- Use our top pick: Waring CAC177 for most households