National Waffle Iron Day Date in the current year: June 29, 2024

A waffle is a dish made from batter or dough that is cooked between two heated patterned plates. A device comprising these plates is called a waffle maker or waffle iron. Early waffles were baked over the fire in the hearth, which determined the design of the first waffle irons.

The earliest waffle irons, consisting of two plates connected by a hinge and attached to tongs with wooden handles, were invented in the Low Countries (present-day Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg) sometime in the 14th century. Even back then waffle irons already had elaborate plate designs meant to imprint patterns on the surface of the waffles, including landscapes, coats of arms, and even religious symbols.

Waffle makers were brought to America by Dutch colonists in the 1620s. In 1869, American inventor Cornelius Swartwout patented an improved waffle iron design. It included a novel handle that allowed to open, close and turn a stovetop waffle maker with ease. Swartwout’s waffle iron had little similarity to its modern electric counterparts. Nevertheless, the anniversary of the patent is observed as National Waffle Day in the United States.

Depending on which source you believe, the prototype electric waffle iron was developed either by the Simplex Electrical Company in 1906 or by General Electric in 1911. The first commercially successful waffle irons were produced by General Electric around 1918. Another early manufacturer of electric waffle irons for home use was Landers, Frary & Clark.

By the mid-20th century, waffle irons became a common appliance in American households. A modern electric waffle iron is a self-contained tabletop appliance with a heating element and an internal thermostat. In some waffle makers plates cannot be removed, but there are many models that come with removable plates and allow to experiment with the thickness, shape and pattern of waffles. Most domestic waffle irons have non-stick Teflon coating.

To celebrate National Waffle Iron Day, break out your waffle iron and make some delicious waffles for breakfast or brunch and enjoy them with syrup, fruit and berries, whipped cream, or whatever topping you prefer. Don’t forget to snap a picture of your waffles and share it (and the recipe!) on social media with the hashtag #NationalWaffleIronDay.

You can even make a waffle party out of it. Invite your family and friends to experiment with waffle recipes and make different kinds of waffles: sweet and savory, thick Belgian waffles and very thin pizzelle waffles that can be molded into various shapes. If your waffle iron doesn’t have plates for different kinds of waffles, ask some of your guests to bring their waffle makers along — or buy a new waffle iron if you’ve been meaning to but never had the time.