⚠️This fact has been debunked
No historical sources confirm that Cornelius Swartwout disliked waffles. This appears to be a modern internet myth with no basis in documented history.
The inventor of the Waffle Iron did not like waffles.
Did the Waffle Iron Inventor Really Hate Waffles?
You've probably heard this delicious piece of irony: the inventor of the waffle iron hated waffles. It's the kind of fact that makes you pause mid-bite, syrup dripping, wondering about the cruel twists of fate. There's just one problem—it's complete nonsense.
Cornelius Swartwout of Troy, New York, patented the first modern stovetop waffle iron on August 24, 1869. And despite what the internet might tell you, there's zero historical evidence that he had anything against the breakfast food that would make him famous.
The Man Behind the Iron
Swartwout came from Dutch ancestry, which is actually a pretty big clue. The Dutch didn't just eat waffles in the 14th century—they basically kicked off the waffle craze in Europe. They devised deeper waffle iron indentations that created those perfect crispy pockets we still love today.
Growing up in a Dutch-American household, Swartwout would have been surrounded by waffle-making traditions. His family probably made them regularly, using those old-school irons that required an open flame and nerves of steel.
Why He Actually Invented It
Here's what likely happened: Swartwout watched people getting burned trying to cook waffles over open flames with long-handled contraptions. The old waffle irons were dangerous, awkward, and resulted in plenty of scorched hands and ruined breakfasts.
His genius was adapting the technology for stovetop use. His design was easier to turn, distributed heat better, and dramatically reduced the chances of burning either the cook or the waffles. That's not the work of someone who hates waffles—that's someone who wants better waffles.
Where Did This Myth Come From?
The "inventor who hated his invention" trope is internet gold. It's ironic, it's memorable, and it sounds like it could be true. Similar myths circulate about other inventors and their creations.
But historians who study Swartwout's life and patent have never found any primary sources—letters, diary entries, newspaper interviews—suggesting he disliked waffles. His personal food preferences simply weren't documented, which makes sense. In 1869, patent filings didn't include a section for "How do you feel about the food this makes?"
In fact, August 24 is now celebrated as National Waffle Day in the United States, specifically commemorating Swartwout's patent. If the man genuinely despised waffles, that would be the world's most ironic holiday.
The Real Irony
Want actual waffle iron irony? Despite revolutionizing breakfast, Swartwout never became a household name. Most people don't know who invented the waffle iron—they just know they love waffles.
Meanwhile, his invention spawned an entire industry. From classic Belgian waffle makers to novelty irons that stamp waffles with your favorite superhero logo, Swartwout's basic design principle remains unchanged: make it easy to use, and make the waffles turn out great.
The bottom line: Cornelius Swartwout probably loved waffles, or at minimum appreciated them enough to dedicate serious time to improving how they're made. The next time someone tries to serve you this "fun fact" at brunch, you can confidently call it what it is—a waffle-flavored lie.