Krups 601966-GQ502YA Waffle Iron Review
Our verdict
The Krups GQ502 is a high-power Belgian waffle iron with 1200 watts, a stainless steel build, and one of the larger review bases in its class at 11,100 reviews and a 4.4-star average. At $79.60 it is priced in the mid-upper range but delivers the wattage and construction to back it up.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Buyers who want a heavy-duty, high-wattage Belgian waffle iron with wide community validation and a stainless look.
Skip if
You are on a tight budget or you do not need deep Belgian pockets and would be fine with a lighter, cheaper model.
- Wattage 1200 W
- Material Stainless Steel
- Color Silver/Black
- Dimensions 18.9 X 9.84 X 9.84 In
- Weight 9.1 lb
- Voltage 120 Volts
- Priced 127% above the category median ($34.99 across 96 tracked models)
- Wattage of 1200 W - higher than 77% of the 98 models we track
- Weight of 9.1 lb - heavier than 90% of the 98 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.4/5
4.4 average across 11,100 owner ratings
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Popularity4.8/5
11,100 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other toaster ovens, convection and pizza ovens, toasters, stand and hand mixers, bread machines and baking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
['The Krups GQ502 runs at 1200 watts on 120 volts, placing it among the higher-wattage consumer waffle irons available. It measures 18.9 x 9.84 x 9.84 inches and weighs 9.1 pounds, which is a substantial footprint. The stainless steel and black exterior keeps it looking sharp on the counter, and the weight adds stability during cooking.', 'At 1200 watts the iron heats quickly and holds temperature better across multiple back-to-back batches than lower-wattage models. This matters if you are cooking waffles for a group rather than just one or two servings. The large physical dimensions reflect a full-size Belgian waffle plate rather than a compact or mini format.', 'With 11,100 reviews at 4.4 stars, this is one of the most reviewed waffle irons in the mid-to-upper price range. That review volume at a consistent rating is a strong indicator of real-world reliability across a wide range of households. The $79.60 price is reasonable given the wattage, build quality, and community track record.']
Pros
- 1200 watts delivers fast preheat and good heat recovery between batches
- 11,100 reviews at 4.4 stars is one of the strongest validation pools in this price range
- Stainless steel body is durable and resists surface wear
- Large plate size suits families and batch cooking
Cons
- 9.1 pounds and an 18.9-inch length make it one of the bulkier irons to store
- $79.60 is a meaningful step up from budget and mid-range options
- Large footprint means you need dedicated counter or cabinet space
Specifications
| Wattage | 1200 W |
|---|---|
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Color | Silver/Black |
| Dimensions | 18.9 X 9.84 X 9.84 In |
| Weight | 9.1 lb |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Performance notes
At 1200W on 120 volts, the GQ502 sits at the upper end of consumer waffle iron wattage. The 18.9 x 9.84 x 9.84 inch body and 9.1-pound weight reflect a full-size Belgian iron design. The stainless steel construction should handle daily use without degrading quickly.
What buyers say
Buyer sentiment is strongly positive. 11,100 reviews at 4.4 stars is a large and consistent pool, and it is very rare for a waffle iron above $70 to accumulate that many reviews without dipping below 4 stars. The pattern points to reliable, repeatable satisfaction across diverse buyers.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Krups GQ502 flip or rotate?
The GQ502 series from Krups includes a rotating design that flips the batter to distribute it evenly across the plate. The 18.9 x 9.84 x 9.84 inch dimensions and 9.1-pound weight are consistent with a flip Belgian waffle maker. Confirm on the current product listing for the specific orientation mechanism.
Is 1200 watts noticeably better than a 750W or 800W iron?
Yes, in practical terms. Higher wattage means the iron recovers heat faster between waffles, which matters when you are cooking multiple rounds for a family. A 750W iron may need more time to reheat between batches, while a 1200W iron stays closer to cooking temperature throughout.
How does the stainless steel body hold up over time?
Stainless steel exteriors resist rust, staining, and surface wear better than plastic or painted finishes. The GQ502's 9.1-pound weight suggests a thick, well-braced body. For the cooking plates, the key factor is the nonstick coating care, not the outer shell material.