Walking into the kitchen on a Saturday morning usually involves a choice: do I want a quick bite, or do I want to create a culinary masterpiece? This past week, I decided to push my breakfast boundaries by putting the Presto 03512 Stuffler Stuffed Waffle Maker up against the Presto 03517 Flip Belgian Waffle Maker. It was a clash of titans – one designed to hide an entire meal inside its batter, and the other built to deliver a crisp, 5.5-inch classic Belgian experience with modern safety features.
Both machines rely on that iconic 180-degree flip to ensure your waffles don’t end up with one pale side and one burnt side. However, after making everything from apple-pie-stuffed treats to simple, syrup-drenched minis, I’ve realized that while they share a brand name and a rotation mechanic, they are built for two entirely different types of mornings.
The Key Difference: Presto 03512 vs 03517 Waffle Maker
The fundamental gap between the Presto 03512 and the Presto 03517 is all about the “middle” of the waffle.
- The “Stuff” Factor: The Presto 03512 Stuffler is an architectural tool. It’s built with deep, high-walled grids specifically to enclose fillings like fruit, meat, or cheese. The Presto 03517 is a traditional flipper that creates a solid, extra-thick Belgian waffle without any internal cavities.
- Surface Safety: The 03517 boasts a PFAS-free nonstick coating, catering to the health-conscious cook. The 03512 uses a high-durability, standard nonstick aluminum grid designed to withstand the heavier weight and varied textures of stuffed ingredients.
- Footprint and Portability: The 03517 is a “mini” maker, designed for small counters and easy storage. The 03512 is a significantly larger “large-format” machine that requires more real estate but produces a much more substantial, meal-sized output.
- Heat Distribution: With 900 watts, the Stuffler (03512) is built to push heat through thick layers of batter and potentially cold fillings. The 03517 uses a focused 750 watts to rapidly crisp its smaller 5.5-inch diameter.
Comparison Table: Presto 03512 vs. Presto 03517 Waffle Maker
| Feature | Presto 03512 (Stuffler) | Presto 03517 (Mini Flip) |
| Waffle Style | Stuffed Belgian (Deep Dish) | Classic Mini Belgian |
| Wattage | 900 Watts | 750 Watts |
| Rotation | 180° Flip Design | 180° Flip Design |
| Grid Material | Nonstick Aluminum | PFAS-Free Nonstick |
| Dimensions | 7.75″D x 15.5″W x 4.34″H | 5.5″D x 9.75″W x 3.5″H |
| Key Accessory | Built-in Lifting Tongs | Cord Wrap Storage |
| Best For | Full Meals, Keto, Creativity | Quick Bites, Small Kitchens |
| Weight | ~4.7 lbs (2.14 kg) | 3.4 lbs |
| Check Latest Deals on Amazon | Buy on Amazon | Buy on Amazon |
My Take: A Detailed Comparative Review
Design: The Heavyweight Creative vs. The Brushed Professional
When I first cleared space for the Presto 03512 Stuffler, I realized this wasn’t just a waffle iron – it’s a statement piece. It feels industrial and rugged. The long handle provides excellent leverage for the flip, which is necessary because a stuffed waffle is considerably heavier than a standard one. The built-in tongs are a stroke of genius; they sit flush in the design until you need to “rescue” your massive creation from the deep wells.
- STUFFED WAFFLE MAKER: Bake your favorite fillings like fruits, pie fillings, chocolate, cheese, and meats inside for delicious stuffed...
- BREAKFAST MADE EASY: The Stuffler waffle maker is perfect for sweet or savory creations. Just pour in the batter, add your fillings,...
- Bakes extra-thick Belgian waffles in minutes
- EXTRA-THICK BELGIAN WAFFLE: This waffle maker bakes delicious, extra-thick waffles quickly, ensuring a perfect breakfast every time
The Presto 03517 is much more refined. The brushed stainless steel top gives it a “chef’s kitchen” vibe that looks much more expensive than its price tag suggests. It’s light, easy to maneuver, and feels like the perfect tool for a solo breakfast or a couple’s brunch. The cool-touch handles are well-insulated, which I appreciated when I was flipping four or five waffles in a row for the family.
Ease of Use: The Multi-Stage Process vs. The Instant Classic
Using the Stuffler (03512) is an art form. You can’t just dump and run. You pour about a third of your batter, arrange your fillings (I highly recommend a ham and swiss combo), and then cover it with the remaining batter. The flip is the most important part – it ensures the batter “envelopes” the filling. It took me two tries to get the timing right, but once I did, the results were incredible.
The Presto 03517 is zero-stress. It’s the “autopilot” of waffle makers. The 5.5-inch size means the batter spreads almost instantly when you flip it. The indicator light is reliable, and because the plates are smaller, the heat recovery time between waffles is very fast. If you’re in a rush on a weekday morning, the 03517 is the one you’ll reach for.
Functions: The Meal-in-One vs. The Perfect Side
The Presto 03512 is the ultimate “Chaffle” machine for my friends on the Keto diet. By stuffing cheese and chicken inside a low-carb batter, you get a portable, high-protein meal that feels like a cheat day. For the kids, I stuffed it with leftover apple pie filling, and it was a total hit. It’s more than a waffle maker; it’s a sandwich press and a pie maker rolled into one.
The Presto 03517 excels at the “classic” Belgian experience. Because it’s an extra-thick maker, you get deep pockets that are perfect for holding pools of maple syrup or melted butter. The texture is consistently “diner-quality” – that specific crunch on the outside that yields to a cloud-like interior. It doesn’t try to be a meal-replacement tool; it just tries to make the best possible waffle, and it succeeds.
Maintenance: Navigating the Deep End
Cleanup for the Presto 03517 was almost non-existent. The PFAS-free coating is incredibly slick. I didn’t even need oil for most of my bakes, and any stray crumbs just brushed away. It stores vertically with a neat cord wrap, taking up almost no room in my cabinet.
The Presto 03512 requires a bit more care. Because you’re dealing with fillings, there’s a higher chance of something like chocolate or cheese melting onto the grids. Since the plates aren’t removable, you have to be diligent about wiping it down while it’s still warm. However, the nonstick is high-quality, and the built-in tongs actually help keep your hands away from the messy parts during serving.
Presto 03512 Stuffler Stuffed Waffle Maker
- STUFFED WAFFLE MAKER: Bake your favorite fillings like fruits, pie fillings, chocolate, cheese, and meats inside for delicious stuffed...
- BREAKFAST MADE EASY: The Stuffler waffle maker is perfect for sweet or savory creations. Just pour in the batter, add your fillings,...
Pros:
- Versatile: Can make savory meals, desserts, and Keto-friendly chaffles.
- High Power: 900W ensures thick, filled waffles are cooked all the way through.
- Unique Accessory: Built-in tongs make serving the heavy waffles a breeze.
- Fun Factor: Kids and guests love the “surprise” inside.
Cons:
- Size: It’s a long machine that needs significant storage space.
- Learning Curve: Requires patience to master the batter-to-filling ratio.
Presto 03517 Flip Belgian Waffle Maker
- Bakes extra-thick Belgian waffles in minutes
- EXTRA-THICK BELGIAN WAFFLE: This waffle maker bakes delicious, extra-thick waffles quickly, ensuring a perfect breakfast every time
Pros:
- Health-Conscious: PFAS-free nonstick coating is a great peace-of-mind feature.
- Compact: Perfect for small kitchens, dorms, or RVs.
- Fast: Quick preheat and cook times for a 5.5-inch waffle.
- Premium Look: Brushed stainless steel housing is very stylish.
Cons:
- Limited Capacity: You can’t add fillings or make “stuffed” recipes.
- Small Diameter: Might feel “mini” compared to standard 7 or 8-inch irons.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Buy?
After a full week of flipping and stuffing, here is where I stand.
I recommend the Presto 03512 Stuffler if:
You love to experiment. If you want your breakfast to be a conversation starter, or if you’re looking for a way to make handheld, portable meals for a busy family, the Stuffler is worth every penny. It’s a specialty tool that actually lives up to the hype and makes “filling” a waffle feel like a gourmet skill.
I recommend the Presto 03517 if:
You want a reliable, high-quality, “no-fuss” waffle. If you have a small kitchen and just want a perfect Belgian waffle to go with your coffee, the 03517 is the superior daily driver. The PFAS-free coating and the compact vertical storage make it incredibly practical for the modern home.
The Verdict: My heart goes to the Presto 03512 Stuffler. While the 03517 is a flawless classic maker, the Stuffler opened up a whole new world of “Waffle Pizzas” and “Breakfast Burrito Waffles” that I just can’t give up. If you’re going to buy a flip maker, you might as well get one that lets you put a burger inside it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a regular waffle in the Stuffler?
Technically, yes, but it will be an incredibly thick, deep-dish waffle. If you aren’t putting anything inside it, you’ll need a lot of batter to fill the cavity, resulting in a very dense breakfast. It’s really designed to have a “filling” to take up that middle space.
Does the 03517 flip 360 degrees?
No, it is a 180-degree flip. You pour the batter, close the lid, and rotate it half a turn. This is all that’s needed to let gravity pull the batter into the top grid for an even cook.
Is the Stuffler hard to flip when it’s full?
Not at all. The handle is long enough that even a fully loaded waffle (with ham, eggs, etc.) flips with very little effort. It feels balanced and secure.
What’s the best way to clean the PFAS-free grids on the 03517?
A simple damp cloth or a soft sponge is all you need. Since it’s PFAS-free, you want to be extra careful not to use abrasive scrubbers or metal forks, as you don’t want to compromise that healthy nonstick surface.
Can I use the Stuffler for gluten-free recipes?
Absolutely! Stuffed gluten-free waffles are actually a great way to make them less “crumbly,” as the fillings can help hold the structure together. Just ensure your batter is thick enough to support the ingredients!
