When I was a kid my mom had the coolest waffle iron that she pulled out on Sunday mornings to make endless waffles for our family. It was a Sunbeam W-2 that made four good sized waffles. I usually couldn't eat the whole 4 squares but someone else always managed to finish them off. They were the best waffles ever! She got it as a wedding gift in 1966 along with numerous other items that I dearly wish she still had. I do believe my love for kitchen gadgets started right there!

There's nothing like finding that really cool kitchen appliance or gadget your mom used all the time when you were growing up. It's bound to bring back fond memories regardless of your age.

Which brings me to the reason for this guide and I hope you find it helpful if you are in the market for a vintage kitchen appliance. I have sold dozens of waffle irons and have never had a complaint. I have also bought some on ebay and unfortunately every one of them had issues. So, if you are in the market for a genuine 1950 era waffle iron there are some very important things to pay attention to.

I am only 39 years old and I honestly do not remember when electrical cords switched from cloth to the plastic or whatever coated material they are now...I simply was not born yet. Anyway, that is one of the most important features to question.

The cord should be free of fraying, burn marks or any damage at all. Make sure to ask if it has been tested or test it out if you can. Most of them have a plastic indicator light, a jewel light that glows red when it heats up. It's not critical if it lights up as long as the appliance gets hot.

The next most important thing is the condition of the exterior (chrome). Most of the appeal is in the shiney finish of the appliance. So, if it's not mentioned always ask if there are scratches. Most vintage chrome appliances have some minor scratches from storage and cleaning but heavy scouring can cause the chrome to dull which makes it less appealing.

The third thing to find out is how much it appears to have been used. These old waffle irons were typically raw aluminum that needed heavy oiling to prevent sticking but it also caused a lot of build up which most people refer to as seasoning. Now, seasoning is fine if it's your own doing but the last thing you want is someone else's mess! Ick! So, if you don't know how to clean them stick to the one's that are already clean and ready to use.

I hope this all comes in handy if you are shopping for a fabulous vintage waffle iron. They can be rather expensive but remember, they have already stood the test of time and are probably older than you are...and will more than likely keep working perfectly long after you are gone. They are truly an investment and a keepsake that can be handed down for generations.

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