Griswold #8 waffle iron base height comparison

[hobby party]

Hi all, I'm starting to collect cast iron and recently got a Griswold #8 waffle iron from my aunt. It came with the tall base and I've only used it once on my gas range. I noticed it took a while to heat up and I spilled batter into the base ring, which was a mess to clean. Would the short base be easier to manage for someone still learning? I'm open to tips on seasoning and cleanup, too.

 

[Matthew F]

Welcome to the cast iron club! I started collecting last year after finding a rusty Griswold #8 at a flea market and now I'm hooked.

I've used both base styles, and yeah, the short base is easier to handle, especially on a gas range. Heats up quicker and less chance of batter dripping down. For cleanup, I let the iron cool, then use a soft brush and warm water with no soap. For seasoning, I like flaxseed oil, thin layers, and low heat in the oven.

Enjoy the waffle adventures!

 

[gold3ns3als]

I started with a Griswold #8 from my grandpa, it has a tall base too. And yeah, it took forever to heat evenly. I later picked up a short base and found it much easier to handle, especially on a gas range. For cleanup, I use a soft brush and heat it to dry, then wipe with a thin layer of peanut oil to season. That keeps it smooth without getting sticky.

 

[Kos_Mos]

Yeah, the tall base is kind of a pain for first-timers. The short base sits closer to the flame and heats quicker, so you don't wait forever between pours. Just remember, no matter which base, overfill once and you'll be scraping batter for days.

 

[hobby party]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. I've got both base styles now and I agree the shorter one is easier to manage on the stove and clean up after. I hadn't considered how the taller base might trap debris over time, so I'll keep an eye on that. @Matthew F I'm with you on the flea market finds. There's something about spotting one in the wild that makes it more fun. For anyone who's used both regularly, do you notice any difference in heat distribution or waffle texture between the 2?