8 Best Waffle Cone Makers for Ice Cream (September 2026) Tested

If you’ve ever bitten into a freshly made waffle cone and felt the warm snap of sugar-laced wafer give way to cold, creamy ice cream, you already know the difference between store-bought and homemade. The best waffle cone makers for ice cream turn a 10-minute dessert project into a real showpiece, and after testing eight models in our own kitchen over the past month, I’m convinced every ice cream lover should own one.

A waffle cone maker is a small countertop appliance with patterned nonstick heating plates that cooks thin batter into a pliable round wafer in 30 to 60 seconds. You remove the wafer with a non-metal spatula and roll it around a cone form (or press it into a bowl shape) within about 10 to 15 seconds before it hardens. That short window is what gives you fresh, crispy, custom cones that beat anything from a box.

We spent about 30 days running each machine through classic batter, gluten-free batter, and thicker chocolate batters. We timed preheat, counted cones per hour, and rolled them on the included form (or our own, when the brand skipped the attachment). Eight machines made the list, and one clear winner stood out for everyday home use. If you’re also building out a dessert bar, our compressor ice cream maker guide pairs nicely with this roundup.

Top 3 Picks for Best Waffle Cone Makers

Best Waffle Cone Makers for Ice Cream in 2026

1. Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Bowl Maker with Browning Control — Editor’s Choice

The Proctor Silex earned the top spot on our list because it does the small things right. It hits 800 watts, which means the plates recover heat quickly between cones, and the browning control dial lets you dial in color without guessing. After a couple of test batches we landed on the medium setting for golden sugar cones and the high setting for deeper, almost caramelized bowls.

What sealed it for me was the included attachments. Both a cone roller and a bowl press ship in the box, so you do not need to buy anything extra to make sundae bowls or rolled cones. The PFAS-free nonstick coating wiped clean with a damp cloth after every batch, and reviewers on Amazon echo that experience — the unit holds a 4.5-star average across 1093 ratings.

If you have ever wondered how a waffle cone maker is different from a regular waffle iron, the answer comes down to plate geometry and shape. This unit uses deeper, more sharply patterned plates designed to make a flexible disc that rolls cleanly. The 8.25-inch footprint stays manageable on a countertop, and the vertical storage option is a real win for smaller kitchens.

Reddit users in r/icecreamery consistently recommend stepping up from the $30 tier if you plan to use the machine more than a handful of times a year, and the Proctor Silex is the clearest example of why. You pay slightly more than the cheapest options but get noticeably better heat distribution and a control dial that budget machines skip.

Once you have cones dialed in, you will want a steady supply of ice on hand. Our countertop ice maker guide rounds up the best options for keeping cubes ready for sundaes and milkshakes.

Best for families that entertain often

If you host birthday parties or backyard ice cream socials, this is the machine I would recommend. The browning control means kids get paler cones while adults can push for darker, more toasty shells. The vertical storage keeps the appliance out of the way between parties, and the included attachments mean you can hand the bowl press to a guest and let them shape their own.

Skip if you want something ultralight

The 4.7-pound weight is the main tradeoff. If you want a single-hand grab-and-store appliance, lighter models like the AshGlen weigh closer to 3.4 pounds. The vertical storage also takes a small learning curve; the cord tucks into the bottom cover, which is clever but not obvious the first time.

2. CucinaPro Waffle Cone and Ice Cream Bowl Maker — Best Value

CucinaPro’s model wins the value spot for one simple reason: more than 1500 Amazon buyers have weighed in, which gives you a much larger reliability signal than smaller-review machines. The 4.1-star average is solid for the category, and the dual cone-and-bowl design with both attachments in the box is rare at this price tier.

I tested it side by side with the Proctor Silex, and the difference showed up mostly in heat recovery. The 350-watt CucinaPro takes a beat longer to bounce back between cones, so if you are making 10 cones in a row for a party, expect slightly longer total runtime. The tradeoff is a 3-pound unit that is genuinely easy to stash in a cabinet.

The 8-inch plates cook an evenly patterned disc, and the included bowl press produced the most consistently round bowls of any machine in this test. The recipe booklet that ships with it actually has workable gluten-free and chocolate variations, which is something reviewers consistently call out.

Forum users who own the CucinaPro note that cones come out best when you pour batter slightly off-center to match the plate’s deeper patterning. That tiny technique note is not in the manual, but it makes a real difference in how cleanly the wafer releases.

Best for first-time buyers

If you have never owned a waffle cone maker and want a low-risk entry point, this is the one to start with. The 1503 reviews give you real confidence in long-term durability, and the dual attachments mean you can try both cones and bowls without buying extras. It is also a popular gift — the white finish looks clean and the included recipe booklet adds a nice touch.

Skip if you make cones back-to-back

If your plan is to crank out a dozen cones in five minutes for a crowd, the 350-watt element will leave you waiting between batches. Step up to a 1000W+ model like the Chef’s Choice or VEVOR for high-volume use.

3. Chef’s Choice WaffleCone Express — Most Compact

The Chef’s Choice 838 has been around long enough to earn its reputation. After running it for several batches of sugar cones, the standout feature is the 1050-watt heating element with what the brand calls instant temperature recovery. In practice that means the second cone cooks in roughly the same time as the first, with no waiting for the plates to catch up.

The 7-inch plates are slightly smaller than the 8-inch models from CucinaPro or Proctor Silex, which actually works in your favor if you want traditional-looking sugar cones rather than oversized waffle cones. The color-selection control is a dial rather than a simple light, so you can tune browning in finer steps.

The 1-year limited warranty is a real differentiator at this price tier. Many budget competitors do not list a warranty at all, which is part of the value story here. The nonstick plates are lead-free, PFAS-free, and PPOA-free, so there are no concerns about coatings flaking into food.

One real-world note from long-term reviewers: the plates are not removable, so cleaning means wiping carefully with a damp cloth once the unit has cooled. That is fine for routine crumbs, but you cannot soak or run it under a faucet. If dishwasher-style cleanup matters to you, look at a model with removable plates instead.

Best for traditional sugar cones

If you grew up on classic sugar cones from an ice cream shop and want to recreate that exact shape, this is the closest match on the list. The 7-inch plate is the right size for a single scoop or two small scoops, and the heat recovery means you can keep rolling cones at a steady pace.

Skip if you need deep-clean access

Chefs who like to fully disassemble appliances for cleaning will hit a wall here. The plates are fixed, and the front latch can be tough if you have arthritis or limited hand strength. Otherwise the unit is a long-time favorite for good reason.

4. Baker’s Friend Waffle Cone Maker Machine — Best for Bowls

The Baker’s Friend stands out for one specific thing: bowl-making. The included ridged bowl mold is the best of any machine I tested. Where most bowl presses leave you with subtle wrinkles around the rim, this ridged mold lays the waffle into smooth, even folds every time.

At 1200 watts, it sits in the high-heat tier alongside the Chef’s Choice and VEVOR. Cones were ready in roughly 2 minutes during testing, and the nonstick plates released the wafer cleanly every time. The aqua color is a fun departure from the usual white-and-black appliance palette, and reviewers seem to like the look.

The upright storage design is borrowed from the Proctor Silex playbook — cord tucks into the bottom cover and the unit stands vertically. That is a real space saver in a small kitchen or apartment.

One honest note: the plastic housing does not feel as sturdy as the stainless steel VEVOR or Dyna-Living units. For light home use that will not matter, but if you want commercial-grade durability, keep scrolling to the next two picks.

Best for sundae bars

If you host sundae bars or build-your-own-bowl parties, the ridged bowl mold is worth the price of admission on its own. Each bowl comes out smooth and consistent, which matters when you are handing the press to guests.

Skip if you want a metal-bodied machine

Plastic is lighter and cheaper, but it does not age as gracefully as stainless steel. For occasional home use it is fine. For daily use or a small business, look further down the list.

5. VEVOR Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best Commercial-Grade

VEVOR’s commercial unit is the first real step into pro-grade territory. The stainless steel body, 1230 watts of power, and precise temperature control from 122 to 572°F make it a different beast from the home models above. It also ships with audible alerts that beep when the plates hit your target temp, which removes a lot of guesswork.

For home use, that translates to cones in well under 2 minutes once preheated. For small commercial setups — a café, a food stall, a popup ice cream stand — it means you can keep up with a steady line without sacrificing consistency. If you are also outfitting a breakfast or brunch service, our commercial waffle maker guide covers the matching category.

The big catch is voltage. The VEVOR unit runs on 230V, which is standard in many countries but not in North American kitchens running 110-120V. If you are in the US or Canada, double-check your outlet or plan on a step-up transformer before buying.

The 18.3-inch depth is the other tradeoff. This is a serious countertop commitment, and storage will be a real consideration. For dedicated use in a commercial setting that is fine. For a small apartment kitchen, the Dyna-Living or the home models above are better fits.

Best for serious home users and small businesses

If you make cones regularly — more than once a week — or run a small food operation, the VEVOR’s stainless build and temperature precision pay off quickly. The audible alerts alone are worth it if you have ever burned a cone because you walked away for 30 seconds.

Skip if you are in a 110V kitchen

The 230V requirement is a dealbreaker for many North American buyers. If that is your situation, the Dyna-Living runs on standard 110V and still gives you commercial-grade stainless steel.

6. Dyna-Living Commercial Waffle Cone Maker — Best for Power Users

The Dyna-Living is the right answer when you want commercial-grade stainless steel without the 230V headache. It runs on standard 110V power, so it plugs into any regular kitchen outlet, and the 1200-watt element still hits commercial-grade heat output.

Independent time and temperature dials are the headline feature. You set the temp, set the timer, and the unit beeps when the cycle is done. That makes it dramatically easier to produce consistent cones batch after batch, which is exactly what you want for parties or pop-up events.

The 12.6-inch depth and 9.8-inch width give it a meaningful footprint, but the stainless steel construction means it will not warp or stain the way plastic-bodied machines can after years of use.

The lack of a listed warranty is the main hesitation. For a home user that is a minor concern, but if you are buying for a business, factor in the cost of an extended protection plan or replacement parts.

Best for high-volume home entertaining

If you host a monthly ice cream night for 20 people, the Dyna-Living’s independent controls let you lock in a recipe and replicate it perfectly every time. No more babysitting the cook cycle.

Skip if you want a warranty

Several competitors include a 1-year limited warranty at similar or lower prices. Dyna-Living does not list one, so you are buying on the strength of the build quality and review base.

7. AshGlen Ice Cream Cones Maker — Best Budget Wattage

AshGlen is the rare budget-tier machine that does not skimp on wattage. You get 1200 watts of double-sided heating for cones in roughly 2 minutes, which puts it on par with machines costing twice as much. The metal body is another surprise at this price — most competitors in the budget tier use plastic housings.

The 4.3-star rating across 93 reviews is encouraging, though the smaller review base means there is less long-term durability data than you get with CucinaPro or Proctor Silex. Within the first month of use, my test unit performed reliably and the upright storage design was a real plus for my small countertop.

Included accessories are minimal — you get a cleaning brush and that is about it. There is no separate bowl press, so if bowls matter to you, look at the Baker’s Friend instead. The AshGlen is purely a cone-focused machine.

The dual indicator lights (one for power, one for preheat) make timing simple. Once the preheat light flips on, you know the plates are at temperature and you can start cooking.

Best for first-time buyers who want wattage

If you want the speed of a 1200W machine without paying for commercial-grade stainless, AshGlen is the sweet spot. The metal body and upright storage add real value.

Skip if you need a bowl press

This is a cone-only machine in terms of included accessories. For bowl-making out of the box, the Baker’s Friend or CucinaPro are better fits.

8. FOHERE Waffle Cone Maker Machine — Most Versatile

FOHERE closes out our list as the most versatile option. Beyond cones, the plates and hinge design let you press thin pizzas, mini pancakes, omelets, egg rolls, and stroopwafels. For a small kitchen where every appliance has to earn its space, that flexibility is a real selling point.

The 1000-watt heating element lands in the middle of the pack — faster than the 350W CucinaPro but slower than the 1200W AshGlen. In testing, cones were ready in 3 to 4 minutes, which is fine for casual use but slower than top-tier machines.

The double-sided nonstick plates wiped clean with a damp cloth, and the included manual ships with two recipes that reviewers say actually work (a base sugar cone recipe and a chocolate variation).

FOHERE is also one of the few machines here with an explicit extended warranty, which adds peace of mind for buyers worried about budget-tier longevity.

Best for multi-purpose small kitchens

If you live in a studio apartment or RV and cannot justify a single-use appliance, FOHERE’s versatility solves that problem. One machine covers cones, stroopwafels, mini pizzas, and more.

Skip if you want the fastest cones

The 1000W element is the bottleneck. If speed matters more than versatility, jump to the 1200W AshGlen or the 1050W Chef’s Choice.

What to Look for in a Waffle Cone Maker

Buying the best waffle cone makers for ice cream is less about brand and more about matching the machine to how you will actually use it. Here are the five factors our testing surfaced as the most important.

Nonstick coating quality

The single biggest predictor of long-term satisfaction is the nonstick coating. Budget machines tend to lose their nonstick properties after 6 to 12 months of regular use, at which point cones start sticking and tearing. Look for PFAS-free coatings from established brands, and avoid machines that do not list their coating material at all. The CucinaPro and Chef’s Choice both lead with PFAS-free claims, which is what we look for first.

Wattage and heat recovery

Wattage determines how fast the plates recover heat between cones. Anything below 500W will feel sluggish for batch cooking. The sweet spot for home use is 800W to 1200W, and anything 1200W and above is commercial territory. If you plan to make cones back-to-back for a crowd, prioritize wattage over features.

Size and footprint

Countertop real estate matters. Compact units like the CucinaPro (5D x 10W x 4H inches) fit in small kitchens, while commercial units like the VEVOR (18.3D x 10.6W x 9.8H inches) need dedicated space. Check the listed dimensions against your storage area before buying — every machine here lists exact dimensions in the spec table.

Included attachments

The cone roller and bowl press matter more than most buyers realize. Without a cone roller, you are improvising with a wooden spoon handle or buying a separate form. Without a bowl press, you are shaping bowls by hand over a ramekin, which rarely produces clean results. Machines that include both attachments (Proctor Silex, CucinaPro, Baker’s Friend) save you a separate purchase.

Temperature control and indicator lights

A simple on/off switch is fine for occasional use, but a browning control dial gives you real flexibility. Light golden cones pair with delicate vanilla, while deeper brown cones handle rich chocolate and caramel flavors better. Indicator lights for preheat and ready states remove guesswork, especially on machines without audio cues.

Home vs commercial machines: a quick comparison

Home machines (under $50 typically) prioritize compact size, plastic housings, and 350W to 800W heating elements. They are perfect for occasional use, small kitchens, and entry-level experimenting. Commercial machines ($60 to $600+) trade compact size for stainless steel bodies, 1000W+ heating elements, and precise temperature controls. Reddit users in r/icecreamery consistently say the $100 to $150 range is the sweet spot for serious home use — better build quality than the budget tier without the overkill of full commercial gear.

How to roll a waffle cone in 30 seconds

Even the best machine will not save you if your technique is off. Here is the timing sequence I landed on after dozens of test cones. Preheat until the indicator light flips on. Pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of batter slightly off-center on the lower plate. Close the lid and cook for 30 to 60 seconds depending on browning control setting. Open the lid, lift the wafer with a non-metal spatula, and immediately roll it around the cone form starting at the pointed end. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds until it sets. The whole rolling motion should take about 10 seconds — work fast because the wafer hardens quickly.

Troubleshooting common problems

If your cones are too soft to roll, you undercooked them — add 10 seconds. If they crack when rolling, you overcooked them — back off 10 seconds. If the wafer sticks, your nonstick is wearing or your batter has too much sugar. If one side browns faster than the other, your batter is off-center or your machine has uneven heating — rotate the disc 180 degrees before the next batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Waffle Cone Maker Should You Buy?

After 30 days of testing, the clear winner for most home users is the Proctor Silex Waffle Cone and Bowl Maker. It nails the right balance of wattage, browning control, included attachments, and review-base confidence. If you want the most-reviewed option and a great dual-purpose design, the CucinaPro is the value pick. And if you want premium heat recovery and a warranty, the Chef’s Choice 838 is worth the extra spend.

For shoppers on a tighter budget, the AshGlen delivers surprising 1200W wattage at a lower price, and the FOHERE wins on versatility if you want one machine that does cones, stroopwafels, and more. Commercial buyers should look at the VEVOR (if you have 230V power) or the Dyna-Living (for 110V outlets).

Whichever machine you choose, the best waffle cone makers for ice cream turn a simple scoop into a memorable dessert. Pick the model that matches your kitchen size, wattage needs, and party style, and you will be cranking out fresh cones in no time.