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Post by pooka on Nov 28, 2012 16:19:53 GMT -5
There's been a thread about antique waffle irons on the other site that peaked my interest in getting one to use on my stove. Some have old electric ones, & others went for old cast iron ones for the cook-top, but they tend to be expensive, unless you get a good deal on one. I opted for an antique aluminum one that was a bit different than other I've seen, but it's probably from the teens or 20's. I got a good price on it of $12.95 plus $13.00 shipping, & I tried it out today for lunch. www.ebay.com/itm/CAST-ALUMINUM-BELGIUM-WAFFLE-MAKER-ISC-/130803512622?pt=Folk_Art&hash=item1e747f352e&nma=true&si=p4WTSXVu62%2BuDwJNYzN4mdl5j%2BE%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557The following is my re-post from over there on my first attempt at using it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Well I got a little motivated & tried out my new aluminum waffle iron for lunch today. I used a box mix for buttermilk pancakes before I try anything else. I heated it up until it was smoking & then turned it down about half way. I used the water droplet dancing method to see if it was at the proper temperature. The first one I used 1/4 cup of batter to start. I cooked it about 2 minutes on the first side, then flipped it & cooked 3 minutes on the second side. This is the results. Not enough batter, but nicely browned. The one piece is missing, because I had to taste the first one before I took the picture. ;D The next one, I used 1/2 cup of batter which seems to be about right, although I didn't spread it out enough, see. The next one was just about perfect. It could use a little more time on one side though. The fourth one was a little better. The fifth one was good too, but still not quite brown enough on one side. The sixth one was just about right, but it was the last of the batter, so I didn't get a whole waffle out of it. This is what I had the burner set at once I had it heated up, & also what the seasoning on the waffle iron looks like so far. All tolled, a good first try. The box mix said it would make twelve pancakes, but would only do five waffles if I use 1/2 cup for each one. They could have been a little crispier, so next time, I may up the temperature or time just a little. I think the only drawback to making waffles on the cook-top is getting the temperature & timing just right. That's nothing a little practice won't solve. I was surprised how easy it was for a first try. ______________________________________________________ This just adds to the things I can do on the stove without having to have another counter cluttering appliance to deal with. Plus I can do even if the power goes out. ;D
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Post by cinnabar on Nov 28, 2012 17:07:53 GMT -5
Those look delish! Practice makes them perfect and I would say you are on your way. I need to get new wooden handles on mine so I can give it a try. I have the tall cast iron base and an aluminum iron. My Mom used to make them on my stove when I was very little. Was a treat. Until then, my DH makes them on the big GE we got ourselves when we got married. 30 years ago. He has it perfected.
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Post by eidos on Nov 29, 2012 20:47:16 GMT -5
OKay i have some pictures for you. And opened This is after two coats of the Flax seed oil treatment, i will work on adding a few more layers just to see if i can get it a bit more nonstick. What do ya think?
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Post by pooka on Nov 30, 2012 1:30:02 GMT -5
That looks great! It looks like your ready to go. That's a dramatic change from what it looked like in the eBay auction pics. You've been busy. I wish I had a cast iron one that looked that good. That's the one drawback of the aluminum ones. They look nasty & stained when they're well seasoned, because the seasoning doesn't blend in like it does on the cast iron. Mine does a good job though, & I don't need a big collection of them. But I'm still going to be on the lookout for a good deal on one like yours.
I chose to get the aluminum one, because it was cheap, different & the wonder metal of the day, so I thought I'd give it a try. On mine, I gave it a good scrubbing & heated it up on the stove & put one coat of vegetable oil on it the day before I used it. I then oiled it up a little too well the day I used it & had no trouble with sticking at all. It can only get better with time & usage. I'm going to try to keep the oil off of the rest of it, but I fear that's going to be a losing battle. But I don't care what it looks like, as long as it works well.
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Post by wannaredun on Dec 11, 2012 18:12:31 GMT -5
I grew up with a cast iron one that went directly on the burner, no frame (or the frame was missing). Coconut oil works very well on these - like lard, but won't get rancid after heating.
Honestly, though... we just have a modern electric Belgian waffler. It's bulky but it's a dream to use. And my husband is not as old-fashioned as I am.
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Post by vaporvac on Dec 11, 2012 18:40:54 GMT -5
You're lucky, wannaredun. I have two modern Belgian ones and neither works well. The pricey one is especially bad. It says non-stick, but it's a bear. My 1939 electric aluminum one never sticks. Just tried out my fiend's CI one yesterday. It needed a little tweeking on Althea, but the last three waffles were lush. I post a pic here in a sec since everyone else is sharing.
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Post by vaporvac on Dec 11, 2012 18:59:14 GMT -5
Actually, i'm not sure this is a pic worth sharing, but it does show the stove in action! And they were super tasty. I just used my starter with a prepared mix as the flour, then added all the regular stuff before baking. Very easy and a great way to use up those extra mixes one buys, but never uses. You can see all the burnt offerings peaking out on the rhside:( The key is to get it hot, but not too hot and oil well before use. A drip of water shouldn't instantly evaporate, but sizzle for a bit. I1/2 minutes per side was the sweet spot. I will say they were MUCH cripier than even my vintage electric waffler makes them, which I've always considered the gold standard. Ooops, I forgot, I can't post pics on this site:( why isn't that an option?
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Post by Chuckie on Dec 11, 2012 20:04:50 GMT -5
Ooops, I forgot, I can't post pics on this site:( why isn't that an option? They post the same way as on TODD'S site---@ least w/photobucket that is... CHEERS! Chuckie
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Post by vaporvac on Dec 11, 2012 20:21:07 GMT -5
Thanks chuckie!I actually meant under the reply section where there's an option for attachments on the "other" site. I can't understand why this site doesn't have that option when they're both proboards. It only lets you post one attachment at a time, but usually that's enough for me. Oh well, maybe I'll post the waffle pic there!
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Post by pooka on Dec 12, 2012 17:05:55 GMT -5
Here's a re-post from Todd's about my first try with my old electric waffle maker. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OK, I tried the little electric Universal Landers Frary Clark waffle makers this morning. My results are mixed. The thing gets so hot, the first few were a bit overdone. As I said, I used as a guideline, the instructions I saw in an old WESTINGHOUSE ad for a similar one, that said it requires five minutes to pre-heat & two minutes to make a waffle. I didn't let it pre-heat that long. It only took a few minutes to get hot enough for water to sizzle. The first few were overdone, & I left it plugged in for them, so I changed methods. So what I did was unplug it when it was hot. I then poured on the batter to cook for about two minutes. The next one was better, but still seemed a little too browned. Maybe that's why most of these I've seen don't seem like they were used that much, but only stored badly. That's why they can be a bit crusty. I plugged it back in for it to heat up again for a minute or so, then unplugged it again, & poured on the batter to cook for two minutes again. I repeated that until I'd used up my batter. My basic batch made ten cycles for twenty waffles (two at a time). I ate the last four, because they were the hottest, & they where quite tasty, even though they seemed a bit browner than I would like. The stack on the right was the first ones. I'm not sure if they're eatable or not. I'll find out when I reheat them. I can see that these old electric ones that have no way to control the temperature without unplugging them would be a pain to use without lots of practice. It's well seasoned by now, so I may try to experiment with it to come up with a better method. Also, mine would need to be regularly polished to stay looking good. I wish I could find some original instructions for one like mine to see how it was intended to be used. I'll have to keep an eye out for that. There's a HOTPOINT Waffle maker & booklet on eBay that's similar, but they want $120.00, so that's kinda out of my league. www.ebay.com/itm/HotPoint-Waffle-maker-w-booklet-1916-antique-/190768438964?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c6aaf5eb4Sorry there's no action shot of me making the waffles, but I was moving at a clip to keep up & analyze what I was doing, so no time to grab the camera. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- And here's vaporvac's Buckwheat beauties.
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Post by pooka on Jan 18, 2013 15:20:14 GMT -5
Well I've succumb to temptation for yet another waffle iron. I've been searching out a bargain on a cast iron one that's a bit different than the average ones, but I haven't found one that sparks my interest enough to bear the premium prices they tend to command. But I did find this aluminum one that I found interesting. It appeals to me because of it's simple design requiring no stand, & it's unusual shape & pattern. I first came upon this design in an eBay auction for one that was missing the handles. It was priced at $19.99. I thought that was too much, so I waited for them to re-list it, hopefully at a lower price. When they did put it back up, the price was $24.99 & it didn't sell, so they re-listed it again at the same price, & then gave up. I did find a few other complete ones, & settled for one at $22.00 plus shipping. I could live with that price. www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Heart-Diamond-Hand-Held-Waffle-Maker-Oklahoma-City-/310401173694It says "PAT PEND HEART DIAMOND WAFFLE NON-CORROSIVE METAL CO OKLAHOMA CITY" The only information I could find on the maker was in a couple of old trade publications. They both simply state that the company was incorporated in 1922 with $200,000 in capital stock, but I don't think they survived the Great Depression. I did find the patent for the design. I don't know what else the may have made, because I can't find any other info on them. OK, enough about the iron, & something about what to use it for. In searching about, I came upon a website for "Yankee Magazine", where they were pulling out old recipes for a "new Yankee cookbook with a "Lost and Vintage Recipes" theme." The writer speaks of "the thrill of finding this little gem. Brownies in a wha-?" A recipe for "Brownies in a Waffle Iron". www.yankeemagazine.com/issues/2012-03/food/waffle-iron-brownies/all The original version they found "were... AWFUL. Leaden, dry, and with not nearly enough chocolate flavor, these brownie waffles were duds." They tweaked the recipe a little at a time, until they came up with an improved version. This seemed like such a great idea, I thought I'd pass the word. In looking around more, I've found lots of links about making waffle brownies. I even found a Rachael Ray Show video called "The Brownie Waffle". She says you can use your own recipe, or just use a box mix. Her images of hot brownies topped with ice cream sure peaked my interest. I think I'm going to give it a try. I hope it give some of you some ideas. www.rachaelrayshow.com/food/recipes/waffle-brownies/Oh, & here's a couple of pics of the new iron compared to my other one. & the patent for the deign.
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Post by pooka on Mar 12, 2013 0:35:00 GMT -5
Well after the debacle of the first attempt at brownie waffles that went so wrong, I made regular mix waffles in this newer HEART DIAMOND WAFFLE iron yesterday. They turned out pretty good without too much trouble. I heated the oiled iron up for a few minutes over a medium to medium-high flame until it was just starting to smoke a little & used 1/2 cup of batter per waffle. About two to three minutes per side was about right. This is the first couple. I like that this iron is just one piece to fiddle with on the cook-top, rather than the iron & ring. I did borrow the grate off of my big stove, because this irons notched bottom sits better on it than the regular grates. It's also smaller than most other irons, like my other aluminum one. I like the novel patterned design of both of these. They divide up easily for small portions if you have a light apatite, or a pile as big as you like. I then can freeze the extra to be heated up in the toaster. This is the last waffle. I tried to pour too much batter to use up the last bit. It bubbled out a little, but mostly this iron's built in overflow lip caught it & toasted it perfectly. Tasty with REAL maple syrup. ;D
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Post by vaporvac on Mar 12, 2013 13:49:33 GMT -5
I'm glad you finally had a true success with your waffles. Those are beautiful looking and the small hearts are really sweet. You may have just inspired me to try out my old pizzelle makers I keep on display. I have a plain one I wouldn't mind dirtying...I should try and post a pic of the 1930s one....even cuter than the hearts! I'm also interested in the pinecone plate. It looks very similar to a pattern I collect whenever I find one. but clearly not the same. Are there any marking on the back or this this a set you've inherited? Now that you're getting the hang of the batter, be sure to try it with buttermilk and yeast. As I mention in the recipe, you don't have to use the starter, but the yeast is essential and makes THE best waffles. It's also a revelation when you try them with whole grain, soy or even just some stone-ground cornmeal. It's hard to go wrong. Congratulations!
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Post by pooka on Mar 13, 2013 14:33:36 GMT -5
That pine cone plate is just an old Melamine plate that's' been around for years. It's the only one I have. I like it because it has a higher lip to hold in the maple syrup better. ;D On the back, it says; HARMONYHOUSE MELMAC AVALON 538 In a quick search I found a set for sale here. www.etsy.com/listing/95041926/vintage-harmony-house-melmac-dinnerwareMost of the time I use some smaller plates. My mom said they came out of some packages of oats that went bad in my great grandfathers store. I don't have many plates & glasses, & what I have are just odds & ends that I've collected over the years. I'd like to try the buttermilk and yeast pancakes & waffles some time some lazy day. I'm sure they'll be wonderful.
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Post by cinnabar on May 31, 2014 21:04:08 GMT -5
Now, what is the best way to clean out the inside of the waffle iron so I can re-season it? I have is apart handles off, base off and have started to clean, yuck. DPD, Barkeeps Friend, or Ammonia soaked paper towels and close it up?
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Post by cinnabar on Jun 4, 2014 17:25:53 GMT -5
Ok, ....several days later and lots of cleaning here is a mostly done item. I'm done with it anyways. The DPD did not work as well as the locally made Lloyds cleaner, at least not on this nickel %#%!!! . Tone down the flash on those insides too !
Time to heat it up and re-season and make a practice batch.
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Post by jhmack on Jun 4, 2014 19:05:08 GMT -5
Cinnabar, it's just gorgeous! It's like a fancy hood ornament on those old cars, only it makes...WAFFLES!
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Post by vaporvac on Jun 4, 2014 22:16:48 GMT -5
That is a classic and looks beautiful. You'll have to share your technique sometime. Did you post about this before? I have a couple of Universal coffee urn and love how well built they are. That is exactly like a hood ornament that makes waffles!!!
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Post by chipperhiker on Jun 4, 2014 22:39:41 GMT -5
Very pretty, Cinnabar!
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Post by karitx on Jun 5, 2014 9:45:55 GMT -5
Hey, I missed that original post, Cinnabar. Gorgeous waffle maker!
I am trying to de-gunk a Sunbeam waffle maker with very little luck so far. Did you use the Lloyds on the waffle plates? I can't find DPD *anywhere* right now, but maybe I could find the Lloyd's.
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Post by chipperhiker on Jun 5, 2014 11:25:42 GMT -5
Ooooh! Pictures, please, katrix! I love my old Sunbeam waffle maker. I'm curious which model you've got.
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Post by cinnabar on Jun 5, 2014 13:04:36 GMT -5
karitx I used the Lloyds on one side and DPD on the other, hands down the Lloyds was better. Took another day to get the DPD side cleaned. I used it on the outside as well. A wooden chopstick works for popping off the black carbon on the plates after it is soaked as bit. I almost got out the dremmel but thought better of it. www.lloydscleaner.com/category-s/1825.htmI get the stuff here at the grocery cause it's local. You may be able to find it , but can order online. I should get it by the gallon, we use if for all sorts of cleaning. Just like cleaning the stove, patience.
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Post by karitx on Jun 5, 2014 15:15:51 GMT -5
karitx I used the Lloyds on one side and DPD on the other, hands down the Lloyds was better. Took another day to get the DPD side cleaned. I used it on the outside as well. A wooden chopstick works for popping off the black carbon on the plates after it is soaked as bit. I almost got out the dremmel but thought better of it. www.lloydscleaner.com/category-s/1825.htmI get the stuff here at the grocery cause it's local. You may be able to find it , but can order online. I should get it by the gallon, we use if for all sorts of cleaning. Just like cleaning the stove, patience. Thanks, Cinn. I will look for it here and then order it if I can't find any. The other cleaners I have found that look promising all say "not for use on aluminum". I've been scrubbing on this one with a toothbrush and soapy water, but it's not making a dent. And whoever used it last used some sort of vegetable oil that has turned into a sticky, fishy-smelling shellac. Blarg!
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Post by karitx on Jun 5, 2014 15:32:14 GMT -5
Ooooh! Pictures, please, katrix! I love my old Sunbeam waffle maker. I'm curious which model you've got. It's a CG model and I've coveted one for years. But my friend has been looking for a waffle maker at estate sales and I think she would really like it. She's going to have to promise to give it back if she decides she doesn't want it! I haven't cleaned the outside at all yet and from the looks of the inside, I would guess it hasn't been used all that much, but all of that brown stuff is sticky and stinky, not just a seasoned carbon buildup. I'm hoping Cinnabar's Lloyd's cleaner will help take that off.
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Post by pooka on Jun 5, 2014 15:33:28 GMT -5
That's a really cool early one. Early to mid 20s I'd guess. It cleaned up very nicely. There's been a similar one only with a lower base at one of my local thrift store for a while. I keep looking at it, but can't justify the $15 they want for it. The two aluminum ones I've got for the cook-top work so well, I can't bring myself to pick it up. I also have that late teens little jewel-box looking electric one. I haven't experimented with it since the last post about it. I'm not very good at regulating the heat when it's either plugged in & on, or unplugged & off. I did a bit of looking around & found temperature control devices for soldering irons & found one for the appropriate wattage of my waffle iron. I got a used one from eBay but never got around to tying it out. I thought this would help me maintain a consistent temperature. With a bit of experimenting, I thought I could dial in just the right setting for perfect cooking temp & time.
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Post by karitx on Jun 5, 2014 15:36:50 GMT -5
And for good measure, here's our 1947 Kenmore (made by Arvin), Christine. The bakelite handle on the top is broken, so sporko has to glue it back together now and then. It makes great waffles and grilled sandwiches. I also have a little 1940s GE waffle maker/sandwich press that needs a little TLC before it will be ready to make waffles. I just couldn't turn it down for $2 including the sandwich plates!
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Post by vaporvac on Jun 5, 2014 16:46:01 GMT -5
Oh Kari, you need to get going on that GE one! If I remember correctly, It's the same model as my 1939 GE waffler, although mine was missing the griddle plates. However, for $4 who's complaining. I didn't even know that had any until you originally posted about it and I checked mine out. It makes THE best waffles; Pooka, that's exactly what I was talking about in a post with you last year. I was calling it a Rheastat, but I guess it's something else. Anyway, let us all know how it works. I have an older Belgian waffler (not antique) that does the same thing and it would be great to find something to control it. Love the waffle posts. It's nice to know I can use my Westinghouse waffle/griddle to make pannini. I adore these old things. I often wish we could all get together for show and tell and waffle parties, but this is the next best thing!
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Post by karitx on Jun 5, 2014 17:42:26 GMT -5
Every time I look at the GE, I think, "I need to get that going so I can tell vaporvac!"
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Post by cinnabar on Jun 5, 2014 19:59:25 GMT -5
The waffle plates were not removable on the Universal, so it was a bit tricky to get them clean without dropping, scratching or soaking the whole unit. karitx, at least you can remove the plates on that one, much as we do on our GE that was a wedding gift to ourselves. That is much easier to clean. Speaking of plates... vaporvac, you are not going to believe it, but I have an extra set of waffle and griddle plates from an old defunct machine that I don't need. If you know the type check the size . There is a number on the waffle plates of 5208 , a circle then A they measure about 10"x 10". Just an off chance they might be what you have missing. ( BTW I still would like to see a pic of the Hallite kettle with the lid I sent.) cinnabar
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Post by vaporvac on Jun 5, 2014 22:42:57 GMT -5
You're amazing cinnabar. I'll check it out tomorrow when I'm home. I'll take pics tomorrow of the kettle. I was waiting to finish my open shelving install and clean the stove cover both of which I did yesterday. The pull-down top is in marginal shape and any little thing get caught in the crevices and looks bad. I know, who cares, but the recent pics on here are over the top!!! p.s. I also discovered I have a little salt shaker with a similar coloured lid that you can see on the stove shelf AND a set of Thermoware mugs showcasing Wearever Copper Hallite. I guess it was meant to be!
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