My daughter and I were discussing her grandmother's (Teacher Wife 82's mom) waffle iron. As we recall, it was stainless steel (maybe cast iron), NOT a traditional waffle pattern (more of a single cast outline of a shape in the center), but really thin and perfectly crispy. I've looked, and can find anything like it. Are we insane in that memory? Anybody seen such a waffle iron.

Tough to understand from that description what you mean by the design.

The best classic waffle maker out there is the All-Clad classic, but it's no longer made so you'd have to shop Ebay for one. I love ours. Breville is the closest I see to it in current production. It's a shame manufacturers and consumers want the deep pockets because the Classic waffle is obviously superior. Most people with Belgian waffle makers don't really even make true Belgian waffles...they just make thick waffles

Could you be remembering a pizzelle? Pizzelle Maker

My grandmother made these often and they are delicious. It is very different from a waffle and more like a large cookie.

My family has the All-Clad. Love it. Make great waffles. We also have a Belgian maker that does thicker fluffier ones, but we have not used it in years.

Can't stand the trend to Belgian waffles. Who the Hell decided that's what people wanted? Glad we have a traditional waffle maker.

I recently got an old 1960s GE waffle maker. This thing makes amazing crispy waffles.

https://imgur.com/Kc63nG2