A waffle iron is a heated griddle press with a grid pattern to give the characteristic waffle shape. Older versions of the waffle iron were made of cast iron, and because of this the device eventually became known as a waffle iron.http://www.jitterbuzz.com/waftrip.html Most modern waffle irons have a timed heating mechanism with a light or sound signal when it is at the appropriate heat or when the waffle is ready. Older versions of the waffle iron were held over a flame or used on the stove top. They consisted of two hinged iron plates and wooden handles.

There are different types of waffle irons available today, including cast iron, Belgian, seasoned, and stove top varieties. The Belgian waffle iron has deeper pockets in the mold. Most modern waffle irons are covered in a non-stick coating that helps prevent the waffle from sticking while it is cooking. Waffle irons are available from many of the different leaders in cookware including Presto, Black & Decker, Cuisinart, Waring, and KitchenAid.

Waffle irons came from Holland or Germany in the 1300s. These waffle irons were made of two decorative iron disks and wooden handles. In the 1620s, waffle irons came to America with Dutch pilgrims. Cornelius Swarthout patented the first U.S. waffle iron in 1869. This model was intended for stove top use. General Electric and Thomas J. Steckbeck produced the first electric waffle iron in 1911. A waffle iron was not something that many people had in their household. The majority of people that used waffle irons back then were professionals. The modern waffle iron has the same basic structure as the 1911 model.http://www.foodtimeline.org/foodfaq2.html#waffles