Best Waffle Makers Australia: Breville vs Sunbeam

The best waffle makers in Australia are not interchangeable. Shortlist the Breville No-Mess BWM520 for a simple round-waffle format, the Breville Smart Waffle BWM640 for four-slice batches and more cooking controls, or the Sunbeam Shade Select WAM5000BK if you prefer top-pour filling. Choose the format first, then check the exact Australian model, storage space and delivered price.

This is a researched buying comparison, not a hands-on test or a performance ranking. Manufacturer pages and the Sunbeam model manual were checked on 9 November 2026. We have not independently measured cooking speed, crispness, durability or cleaning time. The cover is an AI-generated illustration, not a photograph of the reviewed models.

Quick decision: round waffles and straightforward controls → BWM520; four slices in one batch → BWM640; upright filling and a countdown display → WAM5000BK. A higher price or more shade settings does not establish better results for your recipe.

In this guide: format comparison; three model shortlists; batter and cleaning checks; Australian checkout worksheet; FAQs.

Best waffle makers Australia: compare the formats

These are buying-use recommendations, not test winners. Four slices are not four guaranteed adult servings: portion size and appetite still matter. We have not timed consecutive batches, so do not treat the table as a breakfast-throughput comparison.

Breville No-Mess BWM520: shortlist for the round format

Breville documents seven browning settings, a ready light and a circular moat designed to catch overflow. Its Australian page lists dimensions of 28.7 × 22.8 × 14.6 cm, in width × depth × height order. That gives you a specific starting point for measuring the storage shelf rather than relying on a listing labelled compact.

Our buying view: put this on the shortlist if you want straightforward controls and prefer the round format over a four-slice machine. The trade-off is batch format, not a proven difference in taste. Check whether one waffle at a time suits how your household eats; do not equate sections cut from a round waffle with separate full waffles.

Source: Breville Australia — No-Mess BWM520 specifications

Breville Smart Waffle BWM640: shortlist for batch format

Breville identifies the BWM640 as a four-slice waffle maker with 12 browning settings. Waffle IQ provides settings for Belgian, Classic, Chocolate and Buttermilk styles, plus customisation. The documented dimensions are 39.3 × 31.8 × 14.7 cm, in width × depth × height order. Those controls describe the feature set; they are not independent proof of more consistent waffles.

Our buying view: consider it when multiple slices per batch and recipe controls are worth the storage commitment. If you cook only occasionally, ask whether you will actually use the extra choices before paying more. Compare the exact BWM640 listing rather than assuming every product called Smart Waffle has the same capacity.

Source: Breville Australia — Smart Waffle BWM640 specifications

Sunbeam WAM5000BK: shortlist for top-pour filling

The Sunbeam Shade Select WAM5000BK uses an upright funnel, five shade settings and an LCD countdown. Sunbeam says the timer starts when batter is detected. This makes the filling method a useful point of comparison with an open horizontal iron, but it is not a promise of spill-free results with any mixture.

Our buying view: shortlist it if the upright workflow appeals to you, then read the batter directions before ordering. Do not choose it solely because a retailer calls it space-saving: measure the appliance, the shelf opening and the room needed to use the funnel. Confirm WAM5000BK on the listing so you are not comparing a different Sunbeam model.

Source: Sunbeam Australia — Shade Select WAM5000BK product information

Batter and cleaning: check the exact model manual

The WAM5000BK guide says to use the supplied measuring cup and not add extra scoops. If batter will not flow through the funnel, its guidance is to smooth it out or add liquid a tablespoon at a time. For cleaning, unplug and cool the appliance, wipe the grids with a damp cloth, and do not immerse the body or use metal scourers. These are instructions for that model, not universal rules for every waffle iron.

Source: Sunbeam WAM5000BK user guide — preparing waffles, hints and care

Before buying any model, download its own manual and look for the recipes you intend to make, filling instructions and cleaning method. Do not assume a removable-looking plate lifts out, or that non-stick means dishwasher-safe. If the manual does not clearly answer your cleaning question, ask the manufacturer before purchase rather than treating marketplace copy as permission.

Australian checkout worksheet: compare the whole purchase

• Model and market: record the full model number, confirm an Australian-market appliance, and check the electrical rating and plug shown by the seller. Do not assume a travel adaptor makes an imported model suitable.

• Fit: record the closed dimensions and the shelf opening. Separately check the manual for operating clearance, lid movement and access to the filling point. Storage dimensions are not permission to cook inside a cupboard.

• Complete price: write down the item price, delivery charge, any checkout conditions and the final total. Compare the same model and finish across sellers; an RRP badge is not proof of the lowest current price.

• Seller and support: check who is selling and dispatching the item, the return terms and the warranty process. Save the invoice and the model details rather than relying on an advertisement screenshot alone.

• Actual use: note your preferred waffle shape, usual batch size, recipe and cleaning routine. Pay for features you expect to use, not an unsupported promise of café results.

We have not verified current retailer prices, Amazon stock or a cheapest seller for these models. The Amazon cards are attributed searches, not confirmed product offers. Open a result, check the exact model and seller, and compare the delivered total before deciding.

For other breakfast purchases, see our sandwich-press buying guide and toaster buying guide. Use WhatsCheap product search to check available comparison listings; coverage varies by product.

Frequently asked questions

Is a Belgian waffle maker automatically the better buy?

No. Choose according to the shape and recipe you want, not the Belgian label alone. Check the exact plate format, controls and model manual. A four-slice unit may suit your batch preference, while a round machine may suit you better. We have no comparative taste tests establishing a universal winner.

Is a vertical waffle maker better for thick batter?

Do not assume that it is. For the WAM5000BK, Sunbeam specifically addresses batter that will not flow through the funnel and explains how to adjust it. If you often make a particular thick mixture, check that model’s recipe instructions before buying. A funnel is a workflow choice, not a guarantee of compatibility.

Do more browning settings mean better waffles?

More settings provide additional choices, but the setting count does not establish taste, evenness or durability. The three shortlisted models offer different controls, and we have not tested them side by side. Decide whether you want a straightforward dial or more recipe controls, then judge whether the difference is useful to you.

Which waffle maker should you buy?

For the best waffle makers in Australia shortlist, start with BWM520 for the round format, BWM640 for four-slice batches, or WAM5000BK for top-pour filling. Then eliminate any option that does not suit your recipe, storage or cleaning preferences. Check the exact Australian model and delivered price through the relevant Amazon search card before paying.

Source: WhatsCheap Australia. As an Amazon Associate, WhatsCheap earns from qualifying purchases. Search cards help you find listings; they do not guarantee price, availability or seller suitability.