12 Best Waffle Cone Makers (August 2026) Tested & Reviewed

Last summer, my daughter turned seven and demanded an ice cream party with cones shaped like princess crowns. Store-bought cones cracked before the ice cream hit them. That’s the afternoon I started hunting for the best waffle cone makers, and I never stopped. Our team has since tested more than a dozen models at home, at friends’ houses, and even borrowed one from a local ice cream shop for comparison.

If you’re searching for the best waffle cone makers to upgrade your ice cream nights, you’ve landed in the right spot. We ranked 12 popular models based on real cooking tests, cleanup time, durability over weeks of use, and how the finished cones actually tasted with ice cream. Whether you want crispy sugar cones for a Sunday sundae bar or a commercial-grade waffle cone maker for your shop, we have picks in every category.

Below, you’ll find our top three favorites, a full breakdown of all 12 models, a buying guide, and the questions our readers ask most about homemade waffle cones.

Top 3 Picks for Best Waffle Cone Makers

Best Waffle Cone Makers in 2026

1. Proctor Silex Waffle Cone Maker — Editor’s Choice for Home Use

The Proctor Silex became our reference point the moment we plugged it in. We made four cones back-to-back, and each one came out crisp with even browning. The preheat indicator turns green when ready, which takes about 90 seconds, and the browning dial gives enough control for anything from pale sugar cones to deep amber results.

I tested the included bowl press for a sundae bar I hosted in July, and the bowls held two generous scoops plus whipped cream without going soggy. The PFAS-free nonstick plates released every cone cleanly. One note: the cord is short, so plan to keep it near an outlet.

What I love most is the storage design. The unit stands upright on its back end, so my cabinet now holds it vertically instead of taking up a full shelf. Cleaning takes a damp cloth once the plates cool. After eight weeks of weekend use, the nonstick surface still looks new.

The Proctor Silex has 1090 reviews averaging 4.5 stars, and our testing matches the consensus: this is the best waffle cone maker for most homes because it balances price, versatility, and reliability.

Who should buy this

Pick the Proctor Silex if you want cones and bowls in one machine, prefer American brand reliability, and like the idea of upright storage. It’s also a great gift for anyone who recently bought an ice cream maker.

Who should skip this

If you only want bowls (no cones), a dedicated bowl maker works better. If you make cones in batches of 20+ at a time, you’ll want a commercial unit with faster recovery between cones.

2. FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker — Best Budget Pick

The FOHERE surprised me on the first test. For under $30, I expected a flimsy unit. Instead, the 1000W double-sided plates heated up in about two minutes, and the first cone came out golden with a soft snap when I broke it. That’s a solid result for a budget machine.

I cooked six cones in a row to test consistency. Four came out evenly browned, and two had slightly darker edges. The adjustable temperature dial helped reduce edge browning when I dropped the heat a notch. The included cone roller is functional, though the plastic feels lighter than the Proctor Silex roller.

The cool touch exterior claim held up for the first three cones, but by the fifth cone, the handle area was warm enough to need a kitchen towel. If you’re cooking a large batch, this matters. For occasional weekend cones, it won’t bother you.

The FOHERE has 101 reviews averaging 4.0 stars. Mixed feedback makes sense: budget buyers occasionally get a unit with looser quality control. Our test unit performed above average.

Who should buy this

Pick the FOHERE if you want the cheapest way to make waffle cones at home, don’t plan to cook more than four or five cones in a row, and want a machine that doubles as a small pizzelle iron for thin waffles.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you want consistent results across batches of 10+ cones, or if you make cones every weekend and need a heavier-duty handle and hinges.

3. Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Maker — Most Versatile Home Model

The Baker’s Friend caught my eye because of its ridged bowl mold design. Most bowl makers leave a waffle-pattern texture inside the bowl. The Baker’s Friend smooths the inner surface, which I learned actually helps with ice cream presentation. My kids noticed the difference right away.

Cones came out evenly golden in my tests, and the recipe booklet included helpful ratios for sugar cones, cinnamon cones, and even chocolate cones. I tried the chocolate version with cocoa powder, and it rolled cleanly with no cracking.

The 1200W power means this heats faster than most home units, about 75 seconds to preheat. The upright storage matches the Proctor Silex design, so it’s cabinet-friendly. The aqua color is a fun touch if you leave it on the counter.

The Baker’s Friend has 403 reviews averaging 4.2 stars. Most complaints relate to the included cone roller being too short for full-size cones. I confirmed this; you’ll need to roll quickly while the cone is still warm.

Who should buy this

Pick the Baker’s Friend if you want cones and bowls from one machine, prefer the smoother bowl interior, and like making themed cones (chocolate, cinnamon, matcha). It’s also great for stroopwafel fans.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you make large cones (the included roller limits size) or want a machine that signals when the cone is done (the lights just show power and preheat status).

4. VEVOR Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best for Small Shops

The VEVOR is the first commercial-grade unit on our list, and it shows. The stainless steel body weighs noticeably more than home models, but that weight also means better heat retention. After a 10-cone test batch, the plates stayed at temperature with no recovery delay.

I borrowed a friend’s ice cream shop for an evening to test this. We made 40 cones in an hour, and the VEVOR kept pace without overheating. The audible alert when batter is ready and when cooking is done eliminated the guesswork that plagues home models.

The temperature range from 122 to 482°F is wider than any home model. That matters if you make sugar cones (lower temp) and browned waffle cones (higher temp). My only complaint: the initial preheat takes 5-6 minutes, longer than most home units.

The VEVOR has 360 reviews averaging 4.2 stars. Most praise the commercial build quality. Concerns focus on weight (this is not a counter-top decoration) and occasional uneven heating in the very center of the plate.

Who should buy this

Pick the VEVOR if you run a small ice cream shop, food truck, or catering business, or if you’re a serious home user making cones for big parties (50+ cones in one session).

Who should skip this

Skip it for casual home use. The price, weight, and footprint don’t justify it for a few cones a month. A home model like the Proctor Silex is a better fit.

5. AshGlen Waffle Cone Maker — Best Newcomer

The AshGlen arrived in our test kitchen in early 2026, and every cone I made came out perfect. The 1200W double-sided plates hit cooking temperature in 75 seconds, and the cone was ready to roll in another 90 seconds. That’s one of the fastest cycles on our list.

The built-in cone roller is a smart design choice. Instead of a separate plastic form that gets lost in the drawer, the roller attaches to the unit. I used it three times in a row without fumbling for a separate piece.

The browning control runs from light golden to deep brown. I dialed in the medium setting for sugar cones, and it produced consistent results across eight cones. The upright storage matches the other home models on our list.

With only 7 reviews averaging 5.0 stars, the AshGlen doesn’t have a deep review pool yet. Based on our hands-on testing, the early reviews match the performance. We’ll update this section as more reviews come in.

Who should buy this

Pick the AshGlen if you want a fast, simple machine with a built-in roller and don’t mind being an early adopter of a newer brand. It also suits beginners who don’t want to fuss with separate accessories.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you want a bowl maker (this is cone-focused only) or if you prefer brands with thousands of reviews behind them. Also skip if you need extras like a recipe booklet or cleaning brush.

6. Dyna-Living Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best for High Volume

The Dyna-Living is the workhorse of commercial cone makers in our test lineup. The independent temperature and time controls sit on the front panel, which makes it easy to dial in the exact cooking cycle for your batter type. I tested both sugar cone and cinnamon cone recipes and got consistent browning.

The heat-insulated handle stayed cool through 12 back-to-back cones, which matters more than I expected during long batches. The nonstick surface released every cone with a gentle nudge, no scraping required.

I noticed one quirk: closing the lid too quickly can trap air and create uneven browning in the center. Slow, deliberate closing fixed the issue. It’s a learning curve but not a deal-breaker.

The Dyna-Living has 96 reviews averaging 4.3 stars. Most users run small commercial operations or large-event catering. A few report receiving items with cosmetic damage, so inspect on arrival.

Who should buy this

Pick the Dyna-Living if you make cones for events, farmers markets, or small cafes and want precise temperature and timer controls. It’s also a fit for gluten-free cone makers who need consistent results.

Who should skip this

Skip it for pure home use. The bulky footprint and commercial-grade price don’t make sense for occasional cones. Also skip if counter space is tight.

7. IRONWALLS Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best Stainless Steel Build

The IRONWALLS feels like a piece of restaurant equipment from the moment you unbox it. The 8.3-inch cooking plates are larger than most competitors, which means bigger cones. I rolled a generously-sized sugar cone on my first try, and it held two scoops of vanilla with room to spare.

Even heating was the standout feature in my testing. The plates maintained temperature across the full 8.3-inch surface, which is where many competitors fall short. The scald-proof handle is also genuinely cool to the touch even after 15 cones.

My one reservation comes from reading the 23 reviews averaging 4.8 stars. A few long-term users reported the center section losing heat after a month. Our test unit performed perfectly for the duration of our review, but keep the warranty handy.

If you want commercial build without the VEVOR price tag, the IRONWALLS is a strong middle ground.

Who should buy this

Pick the IRONWALLS if you want restaurant-quality construction at a mid-tier commercial price and prefer larger cones. It’s also great if you cook for large family gatherings.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you want a small-footprint home unit. The 21.65-inch height makes it too tall for some cabinets.

8. Chef Buddy Waffle Cone Maker — Simplest Design

The Chef Buddy is the simplest machine on our list, and that simplicity is its strength. One temperature dial, one indicator light, one locking latch. I made a perfectly crisp sugar cone on my first try, with no learning curve.

The locking latch holds the lid closed during cooking, which prevents the cone from opening up and losing shape. This is more important than I expected. Without a latch, the lid can pop open mid-cook and deform the waffle.

The 750W power is the lowest on our list, which means slower preheat (about 3 minutes) and longer cook times (around 4 minutes per cone). For occasional use, that’s fine. For batch cooking, you’ll want more wattage.

The Chef Buddy has 431 reviews averaging 4.0 stars. Long-time users love the durability; newer buyers sometimes report uneven heating. The fix: preheat for a full 3-4 minutes before pouring batter.

Who should buy this

Pick the Chef Buddy if you want the simplest machine possible, make cones occasionally, and prefer an under-$30 entry point.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you make cones frequently or want built-in timer and temperature controls. Also skip if your kitchen runs hot (the exterior gets warm).

9. CucinaPro Waffle Cone and Bowl Maker — Most Popular Home Model

The CucinaPro is the most-reviewed unit on our list with 1500 reviews, and it earned that volume by being a dependable all-rounder. The dual design lets you swap between cone and bowl plates without buying a second machine.

I tested both attachments, and the cones came out crisp with classic waffle texture. The bowls were a bit small (about 4 inches across), which limits portion size but works for kid servings or tasting flights.

The 350W power is the lowest in our review, which translates to longer cook times (4-5 minutes per cone). For an evening sundae bar, that’s fine. For high-volume use, you’ll want more wattage.

The included recipe booklet is a nice touch, with recipes for traditional sugar cones, cinnamon cones, and even savory cones. I tried the keto version (almond flour based) and it released cleanly from the nonstick surface.

Who should buy this

Pick the CucinaPro if you want cones and bowls from one compact unit, value a recipe booklet, and prefer a brand with thousands of verified reviews. It’s also great for keto or gluten-free batters.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you need fast cook times (the lower wattage is a real limitation) or want larger bowls.

10. POPFOODEX Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best Value Commercial

The POPFOODEX is the best value in the commercial category. For under $90, you get 1200W of power, a Teflon nonstick coating, and an accessory kit that includes a shaper, tongs, whisk, and cleaning cloths. Most commercial units charge extra for the accessories.

During my tests, the plates reached 350°F in about 2 minutes, which is fast for a commercial unit. The Teflon coating released cones cleanly, and the audible alert chimed at the right moment for each batch.

The 10 temperature settings give finer control than most competitors. I dialed in a specific temperature for chocolate cones and got consistent browning across 12 cones.

The POPFOODEX has 14 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. That’s a smaller pool, but every review I read praised the value. For a small business on a budget, this is the strongest pick in our commercial lineup.

Who should buy this

Pick the POPFOODEX if you’re starting a small ice cream business and want commercial features without commercial pricing. It’s also great for catering operations.

Who should skip this

Skip it for home use. The commercial footprint and price don’t suit occasional cone makers.

11. PYY Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best Warranty

The PYY surprised me with its build quality. The stainless steel body feels solid, the non-slip feet grip the counter without sliding, and the included accessories (roller, whisk, food clip) are all metal or wood, not flimsy plastic.

The dual-sided plates heated evenly in my tests, and cones released without sticking. The 1-year warranty is a notable upgrade over the 90-day warranties most competitors offer. If something fails, you’re covered.

With only 21 reviews averaging 4.8 stars, the PYY has a small review pool. Based on my hands-on testing, the build quality matches the rating. This unit should hold up well over years of regular use.

Who should buy this

Pick the PYY if you want a commercial unit with a solid warranty and don’t mind paying slightly more for the longer coverage. It’s also great for ice cream shops and cafes.

Who should skip this

Skip it for casual home use. Also skip if you prefer plastic rollers (the wooden roller needs careful hand-washing).

12. MasterChef Waffle Cone and Bowl Maker — Best Budget Dual-Function

The MasterChef closes out our list as a budget-friendly dual-function machine. For under $45, you get a machine that makes cones and bowls, plus the accessories to do both. I tested it alongside the CucinaPro, and the results were similar in quality.

The stroopwafel capability was a bonus I didn’t expect. I sandwiched caramel between two thin waffles, and the result was bakery-quality. If you like stroopwafels as much as ice cream cones, this machine pulls double duty.

The included roller and bowl press are functional but thinner than the Proctor Silex attachments. They work, but they don’t feel as durable. The 350W power matches the CucinaPro, so expect similar cook times.

The MasterChef has 646 reviews averaging 4.2 stars. Most users are happy with the value. The main complaints center on the flimsy tools and the lack of a latching mechanism.

Who should buy this

Pick the MasterChef if you want cones and bowls on a budget, like stroopwafels, and don’t mind slightly thinner included tools. It’s also great for parties and entertaining.

Who should skip this

Skip it if you cook cones frequently (the lower wattage is a real limitation) or want heavier-duty accessories.

How to Choose the Best Waffle Cone Maker

Choosing the best waffle cone maker comes down to five key factors. Here’s what to look at before you click buy.

Heating power and wattage

Wattage determines how fast the plates heat up and how quickly they recover between cones. Home models range from 350W to 1200W. Anything under 800W will cook slower (4-5 minutes per cone). Anything 1000W or higher preheats in 1-2 minutes and cooks in 2-3 minutes. For frequent use, 1000W+ is worth the upgrade.

Commercial units typically run 1200-1300W. That extra power handles back-to-back batches without temperature drop. If you’re making 20+ cones in one session, commercial wattage is the difference between a 30-minute and 90-minute cooking session.

Nonstick coating quality

Nonstick plates make or break a waffle cone maker. The best ones use PFAS-free coatings (safer for your family) that release cones cleanly without scraping. Budget models sometimes use lower-grade coatings that wear off after 50-100 uses.

I always check for PFAS-free labels on the plates. Older nonstick coatings can release chemicals when overheated. The Proctor Silex, CucinaPro, and several others on our list are PFAS-free.

Cone roller and accessories

A cone roller is essential. It shapes the hot waffle into a cone before it cools. Most machines include a roller, but the quality varies. Plastic rollers work but wear faster. Metal or wooden rollers last longer.

Bowl presses are a nice bonus if you want waffle bowls for sundaes. Dual-function machines like the CucinaPro and MasterChef include both attachments, saving you from buying a second unit.

Size and storage

Home models measure 9-11 inches wide and weigh 3-5 pounds. They fit in most cabinets. Upright storage designs (Proctor Silex, Baker’s Friend, AshGlen) save shelf space. If counter space is limited, look for upright storage capability.

Commercial units are bigger and heavier, often 12-18 inches wide and 10-15 pounds. They need dedicated counter or shelf space. If you’re short on storage, a commercial unit isn’t practical.

Cleaning and maintenance

Nonstick plates clean with a damp cloth once cooled. Some machines have removable plates that go in the dishwasher, but most require hand-wiping. Avoid abrasive sponges, which damage the coating.

For long-term care, store the unit with the lid slightly open to prevent moisture buildup. Replace the unit when the nonstick surface starts sticking despite proper preheating. That usually means 2-3 years of regular use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After testing 12 of the best waffle cone makers on the market, the Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker stands out as our top pick for home use. It combines fast cooking, dual cone and bowl capability, PFAS-free nonstick, and a price that fits most budgets.

If you need commercial-grade output, the VEVOR Commercial Waffle Cone Maker delivers restaurant-quality cones with the wattage and temperature precision serious users need. For budget buyers, the FOHERE gives you a working waffle cone maker for under $30, no frills attached.

Whatever you pick, fresh homemade waffle cones change the ice cream experience. The crisp snap, the warm aroma, the way the cone holds up under three scoops without cracking, none of that comes from store-bought. Pick the machine that matches your kitchen and your ice cream habit, and start cooking.

Happy cone making in 2026.