New Video Alert: Ninja Vertical Waffle Maker

Does this design really make perfect Belgian waffles?

Author

James White
September 07, 2025

Welcome back everybody!

I’ve got a fun one for you today. Ninja decided to flip breakfast on its head (literally) with their Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker, and I put it through the wringer to see if it’s genius or just another kitchen gimmick. I’m usually a pretty big fan of Ninja products, although not all of their offerings have been home runs.

Along with the video, I’ve included a handy waffle maker hack you can try at home and a few solid deals I think are worth checking out.

Let’s get started!

NEW VIDEO ALERT 📽️
Ninja Vertical Waffle Maker

Is a vertical waffle maker better than the old school way?

Today I put Ninja’s Vertical Belgian Waffle Maker to the test. At $99, it promises “no-mess” waffles with five different shade settings and a unique vertical design. Sounds good, right? Well… there was certainly a learning curve to getting them just right.

I tried every shade setting from 1 through 5, with waffles ranging from crispy and fluffy to oddly undercooked in my first test. Some rounds worked surprisingly well, while others highlighted just how finicky this design can be, especially if your batter is not the ideal consistency.

If you’ve ever wondered whether making waffles vertically is a genius idea or just another gimmick, you’ll want to see how this one turned out.

DEALS 🏷️
Fanttik X8 Tire Inflator: 38% Off

I reviewed an earlier model of this Fanttik inflator and still use it regularly today. This upgraded version normally sells for around $120, but right now it’s just $75. With a 4.7-star rating and Amazon noting that most customers keep it, this deal looks like a solid upgrade from the model I tested.

Gorilla Grip Can Opener: 22% Off
When I see a #1 Best Seller on sale from a reputable brand, I pay attention. This can opener has nearly 30,000 ratings, holds the top spot in its category, and is currently marked 22% off. Based on my tracking, this is the lowest price in at least 3 months.

Pet Fountain: 29% Off
As a lifelong pet owner (and someone who just finished caring for six pets at once), I can say water fountains are a game-changer. Cats especially love running water, and this one keeps it fresh and flowing. It’s also the lowest price I’ve seen in months, making this a great time to pick one up if you’ve been considering it.

Household Hack: Beyond Waffles
Standard waffle makers aren’t just for waffles!
Some people have reported using them for these items:

  • Hash Browns: Shredded potatoes cook evenly and get extra crispy when pressed.

  • Grilled Cheese: Perfectly toasted bread with melty cheese in just minutes.

  • Brownies: Pour in a thin layer of brownie batter for rich, chewy waffle-shaped brownies.

ON THIS DATE 🗓️
Five Unique Kitchen Gadgets (2024)

From a bagel guillotine to a singing pasta timer!

Exactly one year ago today, I posted my review of five unique kitchen gadgets. These included a bagel guillotine, potato ricer, car-shaped can opener, donut stand, and a singing pasta timer. It was a wide range of success and failure, and a lot of fun throughout. If you missed this a year ago, queue it up and check it out.

Don’t want to watch it? You can read my written version here.

SHORT SPOTLIGHT 🎥
Golden Goose Eggs?

In today’s Short Spotlight, we take a look at a short that I recently posted of a product I tested a few years back that supposedly allows you to make “golden” eggs. All you have to do is spin the unit with an egg inside, hard boil it, and you’ll be left with golden hard boiled eggs.

Sounds too easy, right? Check out the short here, or the long version if you want to see that.

That’s it for this newsletter! If you’ve ever tried a vertical waffle maker (or have your own waffle tricks), I’d love to hear your take.

I should also mention… If you don’t follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or TikTok, I have been posting more behind the scenes stories on those platforms (because YouTube no longer offers stories), so be sure to look me up on any of those if you are into that sort of thing!

Until next time,
James