Most people view breakfast as a utility – a quick fuel stop before the day starts. But in my kitchen, Saturday morning is a performance, and the equipment on the counter is the star of the show. I recently decided to settle a long-standing curiosity by pitting two of Presto’s most famous machines against each other: the Presto 03500 Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker and the Presto 03510 Ceramic FlipSide Belgian Waffle Maker.
While they both belong to the Presto family, these two gadgets are essentially the “odd couple” of the breakfast world. One is a playful, creative mold that turns batter into a deep-dish vessel for anything you can imagine, while the other is a sleek, professional-style powerhouse that mimics the high-end iron found in luxury hotels. After a week of flipping, filling, and (mostly) enjoying the results, I’ve found that while both have their charms, one is a clear winner for the serious home cook.
The Key Difference: Presto 03500 vs. Presto 03510 Belgian Waffle Maker
The gap between the Presto 03500 and the Presto 03510 comes down to the intended “soul” of the waffle.
- Engineering for Evenness: The Presto 03510 is built around a 180-degree rotating base. By flipping the iron, you ensure that the batter fills every pocket and cooks evenly on both sides. The Presto 03500 is stationary, relying on rising steam to fill its deep bowl-shaped cavity.
- Heating Muscle: The FlipSide (03510) packs 1100 watts of power, allowing it to sear the exterior of the waffle quickly. The Waffle Bowl (03500) runs at 750 watts, which results in a gentler, more “cake-like” cook that is necessary for its structural bowl shape.
- The Timer Advantage: The 03510 features a built-in digital countdown timer to prevent burning. The 03500 relies solely on an indicator light, requiring you to pay much closer attention to the steam levels and time.
Comparison Table: Presto 03500 vs. Presto 03510 Belgian Waffle Maker
| Feature | Presto 03500 (Waffle Bowl) | Presto 03510 (FlipSide) |
| Output Style | 4-inch Edible Bowl | 7-inch Professional Waffle |
| Primary Motion | Stationary Press | 180-degree Flip |
| Coating Type | Traditional Nonstick | Ceramic Nonstick (PTFE-free) |
| Wattage | 750 Watts | 1100 Watts |
| Timer | No (Light Only) | Yes (Digital Countdown) |
| Best For | Desserts, Tacos, Kids | Gourmet Breakfast, Purists |
| Storage | Horizontal | Vertical (Locked) |
| Check Latest Price On Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Take: A Detailed Comparative Review
Design: Playful Innovation vs. Industrial Precision
The first time I picked up the Presto 03500, I noticed how approachable it felt. It’s light, compact, and finished in a friendly matte black. The interior is a deep mold that looks more like a piece of pottery equipment than a kitchen appliance. It’s designed to be the “center of the party,” and its small size makes it easy to pull out for a quick dessert.
The Presto 03510 FlipSide, by contrast, feels like it belongs in a commercial kitchen. The stainless steel exterior and the heavy-duty rotating hinge speak to a higher build quality. What really impressed me was the base design – it allows the entire unit to lock in a vertical position. In my cramped pantry, the 03510 takes up less usable space than the much smaller 03500 because it stands tall like a book on a shelf.
- Makes a 4-inch waffle that's thick, fluffy and tender because it's a real waffle
- Fill with your favorite toppers: butter and syrup, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, hash browns and more
- PROFESSIONAL FLIP WAFFLE MAKER: This Belgian waffle maker features a professional-style rotating design, ensuring perfectly cooked waffles every time....
- EXTRA-THICK BELGIAN WAFFLES: Bakes extra-thick, 7-inch diameter waffles with four easy-to-cut sections. Enjoy restaurant-quality Belgian waffles at...
Ease of Use: The Learning Curve of the Pour
Using the Presto 03500 is a game of “Goldilocks.” On my first try, I filled it too high and ended up with a batter volcano. On the second, I was too cautious and ended up with a waffle “plate” instead of a bowl. It takes exactly a half-cup of batter to get it right. Once you nail the measurement, though, the removal is surprisingly easy – the bowl pops right out of the nonstick grids without tearing.
The Presto 03510 is much more forgiving. You pour the batter onto the open grid, close it, and flip. The flipping action is incredibly satisfying and feels professional. The digital timer is the real MVP here. I found that 3.5 minutes was the “sweet spot” for my favorite recipe. I loved being able to set the timer and focus on frying bacon without constantly checking if my waffle was turning into charcoal.
Functions: The “Container” vs. The “Crunch”
The Presto 03500 is a “transformation” tool. I didn’t just use it for waffles; I used it to make hash brown bowls for breakfast and cookie-dough bowls for ice cream sundaes. The result is always soft, fluffy, and thick. Because it’s a bowl, the texture is more dense – it has to be to hold a scoop of ice cream or a serving of chili.
The Presto 03510 is all about the “crunch.” Because of the 1100W heating elements and the Ceramic grids, the exterior of the 7-inch waffle gets a crisp, golden sear that the 03500 simply can’t match. The interior stays light and airy. If you are a fan of the traditional Belgian style where the syrup pools in deep, crispy wells, the 03510 is the superior machine. The ceramic plates also seemed to brown the waffle more evenly than the traditional nonstick of the bowl maker.
Maintenance: The Ceramic Cleaning Advantage
After a long morning of cooking, I’m usually looking for the quickest exit from the kitchen. The Presto 03510 makes that possible with its ceramic coating. Ceramic is naturally more “slick” than traditional nonstick. Even when I let a bit of batter overflow and dry onto the grids, it flaked off with a gentle brush.
The Presto 03500 is a bit more labor-intensive to clean simply because of its geometry. You have to wipe down the “hill” of the center mold and the “valley” of the outer ring. It’s not difficult, but it requires a bit more detail work with a damp cloth. Note: neither of these units have removable plates, so you’ll want to avoid making a massive mess in the first place.
Presto 03500 Belgian Waffle Bowl Maker
- Makes a 4-inch waffle that's thick, fluffy and tender because it's a real waffle
- Fill with your favorite toppers: butter and syrup, fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, ham, sausage, hash browns and more
Pros:
- Infinite Creativity: Use it for lunch, dinner, or dessert bowls.
- Kid-Friendly: Makes breakfast fun and interactive for families.
- Space-Saver: Very small footprint on the countertop.
- Fluffy Texture: Ideal for those who prefer a cake-like waffle.
Cons:
- No Timer: Easy to undercook or overcook if you aren’t vigilant.
- Low Power: Takes longer to reach a golden brown finish.
- Messy Overfills: No “spillover” channel if you add too much batter.
Presto 03510 (FlipSide) Belgian Waffle Maker
- PROFESSIONAL FLIP WAFFLE MAKER: This Belgian waffle maker features a professional-style rotating design, ensuring perfectly cooked waffles every time....
- EXTRA-THICK BELGIAN WAFFLES: Bakes extra-thick, 7-inch diameter waffles with four easy-to-cut sections. Enjoy restaurant-quality Belgian waffles at...
Pros:
- Professional Flip: Ensures the perfect distribution of batter every time.
- High-End Finish: Stainless steel and ceramic materials are built to last.
- Digital Timer: Provides consistent results without hovering.
- Vertical Storage: Locks upright to save valuable cabinet space.
- The Crunch: Produces the crispiest waffles in its price bracket.
Cons:
- Weight: Heavier than the Waffle Bowl maker.
- Single Form: You can only make flat, round waffles.
Conclusion: My Final Recommendation
After putting both through their paces, I’ve realized that these machines target two completely different types of cooks.
I recommend the Presto 03500 if:
You are looking for a “fun” appliance. If you have kids who are bored of regular pancakes, or if you love the idea of serving fruit salad or fried chicken inside a waffle, the 03500 is a fantastic, affordable specialty tool. It’s a “secondary” appliance – something you bring out when you want to impress.
I recommend the Presto 03510 if:
You want the best possible breakfast every single morning. The 180-degree flip and the Ceramic coating elevate this from a gadget to a serious kitchen tool. It produces a restaurant-quality waffle that is consistently crispy and delicious.
The Verdict: If I could only keep one, it would be the Presto 03510 FlipSide. The combination of the digital timer, the ceramic plates, and the superior “crunch” makes it a more versatile and professional machine. The Waffle Bowl is a great novelty, but the FlipSide is a breakfast legend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make gluten-free waffles in these?
Yes! Both machines handle gluten-free batters very well. In fact, the Ceramic coating on the 03510 is particularly good for gluten-free recipes, which can sometimes be stickier than traditional flour-based batters.
How do I know when the Waffle Bowl is done without a timer?
Watch the steam! When the steam stops billowing out of the sides of the Presto 03500, it’s usually a sign that the moisture has cooked out and the bowl is ready. I usually wait about 30 seconds after the steam subsides for a crisper finish.
Is the ceramic coating on the 03510 safer?
Ceramic is often preferred by those looking to avoid PTFE and PFOA (chemicals found in traditional nonstick). It is also more scratch-resistant, though you should still only use plastic or wooden utensils.
Does the 03510 take a long time to heat up?
Because it has 1100 watts of power, the FlipSide heats up very quickly – usually in about 3 to 5 minutes. The indicator light will tell you exactly when it’s ready for the batter.
Can I put the Waffle Bowl maker in the dishwasher?
No. Like most electric waffle makers, the plates are not removable. You should never submerge the unit in water. A simple wipe-down with a damp, soapy cloth followed by a dry one is all you need.
