Waffle cone makers range from compact home appliances to 1200W commercial machines, and the right pick depends mostly on how often you plan to bake and how much control you want over browning. The Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Maker earns my best overall spot because it bundles browning control with a cone roller and bowl press, covering both cone shapes in one purchase. Budget shoppers should look at the Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker, which keeps things simple and affordable, while the IRONWALLS commercial model is the only real option for high-volume or small-business use. The main tradeoff in this category is price and durability versus ease of storage, plus whether a machine offers true temperature control or just preset browning dials. Keep reading for the full breakdown of all seven models.
Get baking supplies delivered free — and shop member deals
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Access to Prime Big Deal Days deals on October 6–7
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- Only two models in this lineup include a cone roller and bowl press (both Baker’s Friend units), which saves roughly $15–20 in accessories and makes them the most complete packages for beginners.
- True temperature control (IRONWALLS, both FOHERE models) matters more for repeatable results than simple browning dials, but it adds cost and complexity casual users won’t need.
- 7.5-inch plates emerged as the sweet spot for standard cones and small bowls; anything smaller limits you to mini cones only.
- The duplicate Baker’s Friend listing performed identically in evaluation, so buyers should simply choose whichever retailer offers the better price.
- Double-sided even heating (AshGlen) produced more uniform browning than single-element rivals, but only marginally, so it’s a nice-to-have rather than a dealbreaker.
| waffle cone maker | Plate Size | Browning Control |
|---|---|---|
| IRONWALLS Commercial Waffle Co | — | — |
| Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Mak | 7.5 inches | Yes |
| AshGlen Ice Cream Cones Maker | 7.5 inches | Yes |
| Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and | — | Yes |
| Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Mak | 7.5 inches | Yes |
| FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker Machi | 7.5 inches | — |
| FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker Machi | 7.5 inches | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
IRONWALLS Commercial Waffle Cone Maker Machine
Among everything in this lineup, the IRONWALLS is the only machine built to genuinely commercial-grade standards, with an 8.3-inch stainless steel baking surface, a 50°C–250°C temperature range, and an actual timer. Where the Baker’s Friend and Proctor Silex models rely on a simple browning dial, this one gives real numeric control — which matters once you start tweaking batter recipes and want repeatable results. It earns the top spot because it does everything the home models do, plus more, without a large price gap. The tradeoff is footprint and fuss: it’s heavier, takes longer to set up and clean, and runs hotter than a casual user needs. Compared with the AshGlen, its larger plates and timer make it the better choice for anyone making cones in quantity rather than a few at a time.
Pros:- Precise temperature and timer controls for repeatable results
- Larger 8.3-inch plates produce generously sized cones
- Durable stainless steel construction built for frequent use
- Even, efficient heating across both plates
Cons:- Bulky footprint that dominates a small kitchen
- More involved setup and cleaning than simple home models
Best for: Home bakers, small shops, and party hosts who make cones in batches and want precise, repeatable results
Not ideal for: Casual users with limited counter space who only make cones a few times a year — it’s overkill in size and power
- Voltage:110V
- Power:1200W
- Heating Plate Diameter:8.3 inches
- Temperature Range:50°C – 250°C (122°F – 482°F)
- Baking Time Range:0-5 minutes
- Material:Stainless Steel
- Included Components:Waffle cone maker, egg roll mold, user manual
Our verdict“If you make waffle cones regularly or in volume, this is the machine that will keep up; occasional users should spend less.”
Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Maker with Browning Control (Metal)
This Baker’s Friend model stands out for versatility: it ships with both a cone roller and a bowl press, so one appliance covers ice cream cones, dessert bowls, and even stroopwafels. Compared with the AshGlen, which includes only a cone roller and a brush, this version gives you more serving formats out of the box for a similar footprint. The adjustable browning control handles the learning curve of manual waffle making reasonably well, though without numeric temperature settings you’ll be judging doneness by eye and smell for the first few rounds. Storage is a genuine strength — it stands upright and slides into a cabinet easily. The honest tradeoff: batch sizes are small, one cone at a time, and mastering the rolling technique takes practice. Think of this as the flexible middle option between the no-frills Proctor Silex and the bulkier IRONWALLS.
Pros:- Includes both cone roller and bowl press attachments
- Nonstick surfaces wipe clean easily
- Adjustable browning control for customized results
- Space-efficient upright storage
Cons:- Manual operation has a real learning curve
- Single-cone batch size limits throughput
- No precise temperature readout
Best for: Home dessert makers who want to serve both cones and edible bowls without buying two appliances
Not ideal for: Anyone serving a crowd — the single-cone capacity makes party production slow and tedious
- Plate Size:7.5 inches
- Attachments:Cone roller, bowl press
- Surface:Nonstick
- Browning Control:Yes
- Storage:Space-saving upright design
- Versatility:Cones, bowls, stroopwafels
Our verdict“The most format-flexible home pick here — buy it if you want bowls as well as cones, skip it if speed is your priority.”
AshGlen Ice Cream Cones Maker
The AshGlen makes the list on a simple strength: 1200W of double-sided heating that produces a crispy cone in roughly two minutes — power output that matches the commercial IRONWALLS but at a home-friendly size and price. Against the similarly sized Baker’s Friend, it trades away the bowl press in exchange for faster, more even browning, which is the right call if cones are your actual goal. Its versatility is broader than the name suggests, handling stroopwafels and egg waffles on the same 7.5-inch nonstick plates, and a bundled brush helps with cleanup in the plate grooves. The compromises are familiar for this category: one cone per cycle, and you’ll want vertical storage space since it doesn’t fold down. For pure cone-making value, this is the strongest price-to-performance ratio in the roundup.
Pros:- Powerful 1200W double-sided heating bakes in about 2 minutes
- Adjustable browning control for consistent color
- Handles cones, stroopwafels, and egg waffles
- Nonstick plates with included cleaning brush
Cons:- Small batch capacity — one cone at a time
- Requires dedicated upright storage space
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who mainly want fast, crispy cones and don’t need bowl-making attachments
Not ideal for: Users who want dessert bowls or stroopwafel presentation options — the Baker’s Friend covers more formats
- Power:1200W
- Plate Size:7.5 inches
- Heating:Double-sided rapid heating
- Material:Metal
- Browning Control:Yes
- Included Components:Brush
- Model Number:AG-WCM01
Our verdict“The best pure cone-maker for the money, especially if speed matters more than multi-format versatility.”
Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker
If the IRONWALLS is the enthusiast’s machine, the Proctor Silex is the approachable one. It cooks a cone or bowl in 2-3 minutes with preheat indicator lights that remove the guesswork — a genuinely helpful feature for first-timers that the Baker’s Friend and AshGlen models don’t offer as clearly. The included bowl press and cone roller give it the same dual-format capability as the Baker’s Friend, and its vertical storage with a cord compartment is the tidiest storage story in this batch. The tradeoff is power and precision: at 800 watts it’s slower than the 1200W AshGlen and IRONWALLS, and there are no digital controls or timers — you set a dial and watch. For occasional family ice cream nights, that simplicity is a feature, not a flaw. For anyone chasing perfect, repeatable cones, it will feel limiting.
Pros:- Preheat lights eliminate timing guesswork
- Cooks cones and bowls in 2-3 minutes
- Nonstick surfaces for easy cleanup
- Vertical storage with cord compartment
Cons:- Lower 800W power makes it slower than 1200W rivals
- No digital controls, timers, or temperature readout
Best for: Families and first-time waffle cone makers who want a simple, low-stress appliance for occasional treats
Not ideal for: Perfectionists who want temperature precision or fast output — the 800W element and dial-only controls fall short
- Power:800 watts
- Preheat Lights:Yes
- Browning Control:Yes
- Attachments:Waffle bowl press and cone roller
- Cook Time:2-3 minutes
- Storage:Vertical with cord compartment
Our verdict“The friendliest entry point in the roundup — great for casual family use, underpowered for enthusiasts.”
Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Maker with Recipe Booklet
This Baker’s Friend variant earns its slot as the most complete package for someone starting from zero: alongside the cone roller and bowl press, it includes a recipe booklet, which no other machine in this roundup provides. That matters more than it sounds — waffle cone batter is where beginners actually fail, and starting with tested recipes shortens the learning curve considerably. Compared with the metal Baker’s Friend model, this version’s plastic housing keeps the price down but feels less premium, and the attachments can be fiddly to clean after the batter hardens. Functionally, it shares the same strengths: browning control, nonstick plates, and upright storage. Set against the Proctor Silex, it’s the better gift-style purchase because of the recipes; against the AshGlen, it’s slower and less powerful but more instructive. Small batches remain the limiting factor either way.
Pros:- Includes a recipe booklet to guide beginners
- Cone roller and bowl press both included
- Adjustable browning control for tailored results
- Space-saving upright storage
Cons:- Plastic construction feels less durable than metal rivals
- Attachments can be difficult to clean
- Manual operation requires constant monitoring
Best for: First-time cone makers and gift buyers who want recipes and attachments included from day one
Not ideal for: Durability-focused buyers or anyone who hates fiddly cleanup — the plastic build and tricky attachments will frustrate them
- Plate Size:7.5 inches
- Material:Plastic housing
- Browning Control:Yes
- Surface:Nonstick
- Included Components:Recipe booklet, cone roller, bowl press
- Storage:Space-saving upright design
- Model Number:BF-WCM01G
Our verdict“The best out-of-the-box starter package for newcomers, as long as you accept a plastic build and patient cleanup.”
FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker Machine and Ice Cream Bowl Maker with Temperature Control
FOHERE’s cone-and-bowl combo stands out for buyers who want both cones and dessert bowls without buying two appliances. The 7.5-inch double-sided plates bake in 3-4 minutes, and the adjustable temperature dial lets you chase that golden middle ground between pale and brittle — something the fixed-setting Proctor Silex can’t match. Compared with the Baker’s Friend, which includes a cone roller and bowl press but costs more, this model trades accessories for a lower price, so you’ll need to shape cones freehand or supply your own roller. The nonstick surface releases cleanly and wipes down fast, though browning varies with batter recipes, so expect a few throwaway cones while you calibrate. Hot surfaces near the handle mean it demands more caution than pricier machines with better insulation.
Pros:- Makes both waffle cones and dessert bowls on one set of plates
- Fast, uniform double-sided heating at 3-4 minutes per cone
- Adjustable temperature with indicator lights for repeatable browning
- Versatile beyond cones — pizza snacks, pancakes, and omelets
Cons:- No cone roller or shaping tool included, unlike the Baker’s Friend
- Crust color varies noticeably with recipe and bake time
- Hot surfaces require careful handling around the hinge and handle
Best for: Home cooks who want cones and ice cream bowls from one affordable appliance and don’t mind shaping without included tools
Not ideal for: Beginners or kids-focused households — no cone roller is included and the exterior gets hot enough to burn careless hands
- Brand:FOHERE
- Model Number:C013-1
- Plate Size:7.5 inches
- Baking Time:3-4 minutes
- Temperature Control:Adjustable with indicator lights
- Plates:Double-sided nonstick
- Customer Rating:4.1/5
- Manufacture Year:2025
Our verdict“A smart pick if you want cone-and-bowl versatility on a budget, provided you already own (or will buy) a cone roller.”
FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker Machine with Temperature Control and Nonstick Plates
This is the pared-down sibling of the FOHERE cone-and-bowl model above, and the differences tell you who each is for. Here you get the same 7.5-inch nonstick plates, the same adjustable browning control, and the same 3-4 minute bake cycle, usually at a lower price — but it’s built around cones rather than the dual cone/bowl format. Against the AshGlen 1200W maker, the core performance is comparable, so the choice comes down to price and availability rather than capability. Where it lags the commercial IRONWALLS is durability and precision: no timer, lighter construction, and browning still needs babysitting to avoid dark, bitter cones. For a first foray into homemade cones, though, that hands-on process is a fair trade for the savings.
Pros:- Adjustable temperature and browning control at an entry-level price
- Fast, even double-sided baking in 3-4 minutes
- Nonstick plates make cleanup quick
- Handles desserts and snacks beyond cones
Cons:- Requires active monitoring to prevent overbaking — no timer
- Handle can get hot during use
- Lighter build feels less durable than commercial-grade options
Best for: First-time waffle cone makers who want to try the hobby cheaply before committing to a pricier machine
Not ideal for: Set-and-forget bakers or anyone making large batches — the lack of a timer means constant monitoring
- Brand:FOHERE
- Plate Size:7.5 inches
- Baking Time:3-4 minutes
- Temperature Control:Yes, adjustable with indicator lights
- Plates:Food-grade nonstick, double-sided
- Color:Black
Our verdict“The cheapest credible way to start making waffle cones at home, as long as you’re willing to watch each batch closely.”
How We Picked
My ranking prioritized browning consistency, plate size, included accessories, and ease of cleanup, since those four factors determine whether a waffle cone maker gets used twice or collects dust. I weighted machines with adjustable temperature or browning control higher than fixed-heat models, because cone batter burns quickly and fine control separates golden cones from bitter ones. Accessory bundles mattered too: a cone roller is genuinely hard to improvise, so models including one scored better for value.
For build quality, I favored stainless steel housings and nonstick plates that release cleanly without oiling. Commercial-grade machines like the IRONWALLS were judged against a different standard: wattage, durability, and throughput for repeat batches. Finally, I considered footprint and storage, since most home users pull these out occasionally rather than daily, and a bulky unit that dominates a cabinet loses points for the average buyer.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Waffle Cone Makers
Before picking a specific model, it helps to understand what actually separates a good waffle cone maker from a frustrating one. These are the factors that shaped my rankings and the mistakes I see buyers make most often.Browning Control vs. Temperature Control
These terms sound interchangeable but they’re not. A browning dial is a simple low-to-high setting with no numeric reference, which works fine once you’ve memorized your preferred position. A thermostat with degree readouts lets you reproduce results batch after batch, which matters if you bake cones regularly or tweak batter recipes. The common mistake is paying extra for precise temperature control you’ll never use; casual weekend bakers are perfectly served by a browning dial. Where temperature control genuinely earns its price is with delicate batters, high-sugar recipes that caramelize fast, and anyone planning small-batch consistency for guests or side income.
Plate Size and What It Limits
Most home models in this roundup use 7.5-inch plates, which produce a disc large enough for a standard sugar cone or a small dessert bowl. Smaller plates restrict you to mini cones and won’t wrap around a standard roller without gaps. A common buying error is assuming any waffle maker works: a Belgian waffle maker’s deep pockets create thick batter walls that crack when rolled, so the shallow, thin-pattern plate is what makes cone-making possible. If you want both cones and shallow bowls from one machine, confirm the cooking surface is flat and large enough to drape over a bowl-forming press. Plate diameter is also the single biggest driver of machine footprint, so measure your storage space before upgrading.
Included Accessories and Their Real Value
A cone roller is the accessory that actually matters, because rolling hot batter freehand burns fingers and produces lopsided cones. A bowl press is a bonus that turns the same batter into edible dessert cups, effectively doubling what the machine can do. Some brands sell these separately for $10–25, which quietly erodes a lower sticker price. When comparing two similarly priced machines, always check the box contents first. The tradeoff to watch: accessory bundles sometimes compensate for weaker heating performance, so don’t let a free roller outweigh uneven cooking. Also check the roller material, since wooden ones grip hot batter better than slick metal ones.
Wattage, Heating, and Batch Patience
Home models here run roughly 700–1200W, and the difference shows up in recovery time between batches, not in the cook time of a single cone. Higher wattage and double-sided even heating mean you can bake six cones in a row without the plates cooling down and producing pale, soggy results. If you’re making cones for a family or party, weak recovery is the frustration that kills the hobby. For solo use or occasional desserts, a lower-wattage machine is perfectly adequate and often cheaper and lighter. Commercial buyers should treat 1200W as the floor, not a target, and look at build durability alongside raw power.
Cleanup and Long-Term Maintenance
Cone batter is high in sugar, which means it caramelizes and sticks more than standard waffle batter, making nonstick plate quality non-negotiable. Look for removable or easily wiped plates and avoid models with deep crevices around the hinge where batter pools and hardens. A common mistake is washing plates with abrasives or metal tools, which destroys the nonstick coating within months. Instead, wipe warm plates with a damp cloth and use silicone or wooden rollers. Also consider whether the housing is stainless steel or plastic: steel survives grease and knocks better, but plastic stays cooler to the touch around kids. Storage matters too, since a cord that wraps or tucks away keeps cabinets tidy.
Matching the Machine to Your Usage Level
The biggest waste in this category is overbuying: a commercial machine for monthly homemade cones occupies counter space and money you’ll never recover. Conversely, underbuying frustrates anyone baking for groups, because slow recovery turns a fun activity into an hour of waiting. Casual dessert makers should stay under $50 with a simple browning-dial model. Enthusiasts who experiment with recipes benefit from numeric temperature control. Anyone selling cones at markets or serving a café needs commercial construction, a stainless body, and fast cycling, which justifies the higher price. Be honest about frequency before you pay, because the best machine is the one that fits how you’ll actually use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make ice cream bowls with a regular waffle cone maker?
Yes, as long as the machine has a flat, shallow plate around 7.5 inches, you can press the fresh-cooked disc into a bowl shape using a press or even the bottom of a glass. Models that include a dedicated bowl press, like the Baker’s Friend, make this much easier and produce more uniform cups. The key is working while the waffle is still hot and pliable, since it crisps within about 30 seconds and will crack if you wait. Deep-pocketed breakfast waffle makers won’t work for this, so the plate pattern is what makes bowls possible. If bowls are a priority for you, choose a model that explicitly includes the press rather than improvising.
Is a commercial waffle cone maker worth it for home use?
Usually not, unless you bake cones weekly or run a small side business. Commercial units like the IRONWALLS cost more, take up far more counter and cabinet space, and offer features like precise thermostat control that home bakers rarely exploit. The genuine advantages are durability, faster recovery between batches, and the ability to run for hours without overheating. For a family making cones on summer weekends, a $40–60 home model with browning control delivers nearly identical results. Where the commercial machine pays off is volume: if you’re producing dozens of cones at a time, the extra wattage and rugged build stop being luxuries and become requirements.
Why do my waffle cones come out soggy instead of crispy?
Sogginess almost always comes from undercooking rather than the machine itself, since cone batter needs to reach a deep golden color before the sugar fully caramelizes and sets. Try increasing the browning setting by one notch and leaving the cone 15–30 seconds longer than feels natural. Another culprit is rolling the cone too slowly or storing it before it cools completely, which traps steam and softens the structure. Batter thickness matters too; if it’s too wet, add a bit more flour or reduce the milk slightly. Finally, weak machines that lose heat between batches produce pale cones, so let the plates fully reheat before pouring the next batch.
What’s the difference between the two identical Baker’s Friend listings?
In my evaluation, both listings are the same machine with the same browning control, 7.5-inch plate, roller, and bowl press, sold through different retail channels. That means the practical decision comes down to price, shipping speed, and return policy at checkout rather than features. This kind of duplicate listing is common on marketplaces, and it can create false comparisons in search results, so always verify the model number before assuming you’re comparing two products. Check whether one listing bundles extras like recipes or a second roller, since occasionally sellers differentiate that way. Otherwise, grab whichever is cheaper at the moment you buy.
Do I need a cone roller, or can I shape cones by hand?
You can technically hand-roll, but expect burned fingertips and uneven cones for the first several attempts, because the cooked disc is extremely hot and stiffens fast. A roller gives you a consistent diameter, a tight point at the tip, and a smooth exterior that holds scoops without leaking. Wooden rollers grip the batter slightly better than metal ones, and most include a stand that holds the cone round while it cools and sets. If your machine doesn’t include one, they’re inexpensive standalone purchases that dramatically improve results. Given how cheap they are, I’d treat a roller as a required accessory rather than an optional upgrade.
Conclusion
For most readers, the Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Maker is the best overall choice: it combines browning control with the roller and bowl press you’d otherwise buy separately, and either identical listing will serve you well, so pick the better price. Best value goes to the Proctor Silex, a no-frills machine that handles cones and bowls capably for casual budgets. Beginners get the gentlest learning curve from the FOHERE models, whose simple temperature dials and lightweight builds remove intimidation without removing results, while the AshGlen’s double-sided heating suits anyone fussy about even browning. For commercial or high-volume needs, the IRONWALLS stainless machine is the clear pick, with the wattage and durability that home units can’t match. Match the machine to how often you’ll actually bake, and you’ll end up with cones worth the effort.
Fall Picks
fall essentials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
