Who invented the waffle iron?

The waffle iron's origins date back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest known designs appearing in the 9th century in Europe. These early versions were made of two metal plates held together by a hinge and were often decorated with intricate patterns. The modern waffle iron, as we know it today, was popularized in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, but no single inventor can be credited with its creation. Instead, it evolved through various designs and innovations over the centuries.