Welcome back, gadget lovers! Today, I’m diving into two breakfast gadgets: the Star Blue Bubble Waffle Maker (also labeled as the Egg Waffle Maker) and the Agogo Pour Over Coffee Maker. Both of these were requested by viewers, and I’m excited to see if they’ll take your breakfast up a notch.
Where to Purchase
Below you can find links where to purchase each of the items in this review.
The Star Blue Bubble Waffle Maker: An Overview
Features and First Impressions
The Star Blue Bubble Waffle Maker promises to bring a unique twist to your typical breakfast waffle. I picked mine up for $36.99, and it currently has a solid 4.3-star rating on Amazon. Key features include:
- Non-stick surface
- 180° flip feature
- Overheat protection
- Non-slip feet
- Cool-touch handle
According to the reviews, this model is known for its ease of use and quality of results. The main complaints, however, focus on the difficulty of cleaning and the lack of temperature control. Let’s see how it performs in my test!
Testing the Basic Bubble Waffle Recipe
To start, I put on my Freakin’ Reviews apron and went with a bubble waffle recipe I found online rather than the one provided in the manual. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and process I followed:
- Wet ingredients: 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/3 cup of milk.
- Dry ingredients: 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of sugar.
- Final touches: 2 teaspoons of melted butter.
After preheating the waffle maker, I applied a bit of oil to the plates, poured about 2/3 cup of batter in the center, closed the lid, and flipped it over as instructed.
Cooking Time and Results
I let the waffle cook for about three minutes, flipping halfway through. When I opened it up, the results were impressive for a first attempt. The waffles had a nice golden color and great texture, with a satisfying flavor. This basic recipe was a winner!
Trying a Second Recipe: Peanut Butter Bubble Waffles
For round two, I tested the Peanut Butter Bubble Waffle recipe from the included cookbook. The recipe was straightforward, and the results were just as tasty. While the cooking process is quick, the prep took a bit longer, especially since I had to flip between pages in the cookbook for ingredients and instructions.
Cleaning and Final Thoughts
Cleaning the waffle maker was relatively easy. The non-stick surface combined with a bit of oil made cleanup straightforward. One design flaw I noted, though, was the lack of a back handle, which makes flipping the device awkward. I ended up using the power cord for stability—probably not the safest method! Overall, the Star Blue Bubble Waffle Maker does a great job at creating bubble waffles, with only minor quirks in its design.
Agogo Pour Over Coffee Maker: An Overview
Key Features and Unboxing
The Agogo Pour Over Coffee Maker cost $28.99, and it has a 4.5-star rating. It features a wooden neck grip, stainless steel filter, and a heat-resistant glass carafe. The package includes a cleaning brush and cloth as well, making it fairly easy to maintain.
The Pour Over Process
Having never used a pour-over coffee maker, I was excited to try this hands-on brewing method. Here’s how I brewed my first batch:
- Add coffee grounds to the stainless steel filter.
- Pour water over the grounds in a pulsing motion, allowing the coffee to bloom gradually.
The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the room as I poured. This method takes a bit more effort than a standard drip coffee maker, but there’s something satisfying about watching the coffee drip down.
Taste Test and Comparison with Drip Coffee
For my taste test, I brewed two batches: one with the Agogo Pour Over Coffee Maker and another with my Cuisinart drip coffee maker. I used the same water-to-grounds ratio for consistency.
Results
The pour-over coffee had a slightly cleaner and more nuanced flavor than the drip version, with a more balanced and less bitter taste. While the difference is subtle, the pour-over method offered a more refined flavor that coffee aficionados might appreciate. However, casual coffee drinkers may not notice a dramatic difference.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The pour-over coffee maker cleaned up nicely after use, and the filter held up well even after running it through the dishwasher. One minor issue I found was with the wooden neck grip, which some users reported can be difficult to remove for cleaning. The strap that holds it in place seems delicate, so handle with care.
Conclusion: Are These Gadgets Worth It?
Both of these breakfast gadgets deliver on their promises. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Star Blue Bubble Waffle Maker: This gadget is great for making unique bubble waffles with little fuss. Just be cautious with the flip feature and handle placement.
- Agogo Pour Over Coffee Maker: Ideal for those who enjoy a more involved brewing process, it offers a slightly superior coffee flavor. The pour-over method does add a richer taste compared to drip coffee, but the difference is subtle.
Final Verdict
If you’re looking to elevate your breakfast routine, these two gadgets are solid choices. Both worked as advertised, and I’ll be experimenting with them even more. Let me know if you’ve tried these or similar products in the comments below!