If you have a sweet tooth, then a donut maker might just be the right product for you. A donut maker will allow you to make a number of donuts in a very short time. All you need to do is plug the best donut maker into a power source and wait for it to do its magic. A donut maker is a convenient tool since you only need to pour in the batter and wait for it to bake perfectly round donuts each time.
Best Pick
The Brentwood Mini Donut Maker Machine is our best pick because it has tons of convenient features such as cool-touch handles, non-stick plates, and indicator lights. It is a versatile machine that can be used to prepare other treats. Moreover, it comes with clear instructions that make it easy to use.
Budget Pick
The Dash DDM007 Mini Donut Maker Machine is our budget pick because it allows you to make donuts in no time. You will not need to flip the donuts as both the top and bottom parts of the item heat up quickly and evenly. Plus, it comes with tons of recipes that enable you to make donuts in a variety of styles.
Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Donut Makers
1. Brentwood Mini Donut Maker Machine
Powerful, sturdy, and convenient is what most users say when asked to describe this donut maker from Brentwood. It runs on 750 watts and can produce a maximum of seven mini donuts that have a diameter of about 2 inches in one batch. You will also be able to make other interesting desserts such as brownies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and lots more. Your guests will be amazed by how delicious and appealing your dessert table looks during parties or special events.
Since the plates of the donut maker have a non-stick coating, the donuts slide right off when they are fully cooked. You will not need to scrape them off which tends to ruin their shape and texture.
Moreover, the non-stick coating also makes cleaning easier as the hardened bits of food wash off quickly. You will not need to use any special dish detergents or cleaning brushes to clean this donut maker. All you need to do is wipe the plates well with a damp towel or cloth.
Moreover, the donut maker has red and green indicator lights that notify you when the donut maker is connected to power and when it has been preheated. The indicator lights help to make your cooking session easier. On the other hand, the donut maker is equipped with heat-resistant handles that remain cool throughout the cooking process. You will not need to wear oven mitts or potholders when lifting the lid.
What we liked: The cooking area heats up quickly and quite evenly. You will be able to make round donuts in just a few minutes. Moreover, the donut maker remains hot for quite some time so you do not need to wait between batches to cook the donuts.
What we didn’t like: The parts, other than the handles, tend to become too hot during the cooking session. You will need to be very careful when using this machine.2. Dash DDM007 Mini Donut Maker Machine
This mini donut maker from Dash is one of a kind. You will be able to make a total of 7 mini donuts using this item. You can also use cake batter or brownie batter to make bite-sized treats. The aqua color of this donut maker really stands out and enables you to cook in style. This item is equipped with lots of interesting features that allow you to use it easily.
The top part of the donut maker has an indicator light on it. The light will turn on when you connect the donut maker to a power source. When it has been heated evenly and is ready to cook your donuts, the light will turn off automatically. Then, you can pour the batter into the plates and wait for a few minutes to cook the donuts.
The non-stick coating on the cooking area does not contain any PFOA or other harmful chemicals, making it safe for consumption. The non-stick surface allows for quick release which helps to retain the shape and texture of the mini donuts. Plus, you do not have to use a large amount of grease, oil, or cooking spray which helps to limit your oil intake.
The donut maker has sturdy legs at the bottom that prevent it from skidding across the surface while in use. It is unlikely to wobble or lose balance when kept on a flat surface. You can place this item on any tabletop without worrying about damaging the surface when it gets too hot. Moreover, it also makes it easier to store. This item is not bulky and can fit well into tight spaces.
What we liked: The donut maker allows you to set a timer. The machine turns off automatically when it completes the set time. This prevents it from overcooking your donuts and does not need to be monitored at all times.
What we didn’t like: It might be difficult to clean in between the cooking plates as you cannot submerge the donut maker in soapy water. The cooking plates are not removable.3. Babycakes Donut Maker
If you are looking for a donut maker that is easy to store, you might be interested in this one by Babycakes. It is a compact-sized donut maker that can make up to four donuts at the same time. This one is perfect for making quick snacks for a few people or for kids since the donuts can be made within just 4-5 minutes. Each plate can hold up to two tablespoons of batter and can make donuts with the perfect shape.
The entire donut maker along with the latching handle and the feet are painted yellow. The latching handle makes it easier to open and close the donut maker while it is connected to power.
Moreover, the latching handle does not get too hot while in use. On the other hand, this donut maker is equipped with slip-resistant rubber feet that keep it stable during use. You can easily set it up on any flat surface without worrying about it losing balance or becoming unstable.
The top part of the donut maker has a red indicator light. It lights up when the machine is connected to power and turns off automatically to notify you that the cooking plates are well-heated to cook the four donuts. This enables you to make donuts in a short time since all you need to do is pour in about two tablespoons of batter when the red light turns off.
This donut maker comes with clear instructions that make its usage quite simple. The instruction booklet also contains a few recipes that you can look into to get more ideas about how to make donuts in a variety of styles. The users have said that the recipes are easy to follow and they are super delicious as well.
What we liked: You will not need to flip the donuts to cook both sides. The heat transfers well into all parts of the donut maker. This helps to cook the donuts in a shorter period of time.
What we didn’t like: The bottom part of the donuts may get burned if you use the donut maker for too long. Moreover, the donuts are not that thick.4. Babycakes Multi-Treat Baker
This donut maker by Babycakes can make mini donuts, cupcakes, muffins, and even cake pops. It is a multi-functional machine that can make seven donuts, seven cupcakes, or twelve cake pops in one single batch. You can create one of the best dessert tables without having to spend a hefty sum on it.
The multi-treat baker comes with three interchangeable cooking plates so you can choose to cook either donuts, cupcakes, or cake pops, depending on your mood and preference. It will take about five minutes to cook each batch. All three cooking plates have a non-stick surface that prevents the food from sticking. You can easily transfer the donuts from the donut maker onto another plate without much hassle.
There are two indicator lights, a red one and a green one. The red one lights up when the donut maker is connected to power while the green one lights up when the donut maker is ready to cook the donuts or other food. The green one lights up to notify you that the cooking plates have been preheated. This makes your donut-making process much simpler as you do not need to look for other methods to check if the cooking plates are hot enough.
This machine comes with a recipe booklet that includes a wide range of donut recipes that you can easily try at home. The recipe booklet also includes tips and tricks for making the most delicious donuts.
What we liked: The cooking plates are removable which makes cleaning much easier. You can easily clean the cooking plates by using warm, soapy water.
What we didn’t like: The donut maker tends to release a strong odor when being used for the first time. You might want to carry out some test batches.5. Chef Buddy 82-KIT1066 Mini Donut Maker
If you are looking for a donut maker that will make donuts like the ones you see in high-end bakeries, then this one by Chef Buddy might be the perfect investment for you. You will be able to create seven mini donuts that are about two inches wide. These make a great snack and they can be prepared in just a few minutes. The donuts can be decorated with sprinkles and chocolate ganache to make them look more professional.
This donut maker is super lightweight. It weighs only 3.56 pounds and has large handles that allow you to carry it from one place to another easily.
The handles remain cool throughout the cooking session so you do not need to wear oven mitts or potholders while opening or closing the lid. Moreover, the donut maker has legs at the bottom that allow you to set it up almost anywhere.
The cooking plates have a non-stick surface that allows you to transfer the golden-crust donuts to another dish easily. Moreover, it makes cleaning easier as you do not need to scrape off the hardened bits of food from the cooking space. All you need to do is wipe the non-electrical parts with a damp cloth or towel once the donut maker has cooled off. You do not need to submerge it in water to make it squeaky clean.
What we liked: The rubber feet at the bottom prevent the donut maker from moving or skidding across the surface while in use. Moreover, it includes recipes for making the perfect donuts.
What we didn’t like: The donuts are pretty tiny so you will need to make a lot of batches, which can be very exhausting.6. VonShef Mini Donut Maker
This donut maker from VonShef offers a large capacity that allows you to make twelve mini donuts in one single batch. This donut maker is great for parties since you can easily make lots of mini treats in a few batches. It is a sturdy machine that ensures that all the cooking plates are heated quickly and evenly. Plus, it comes with clear instructions that allow you to make delicious, perfectly cooked donuts every time.
There are two indicator lights that turn on when the donut maker is connected to power and when it is ready to bake the donuts. This reduces the need for guesswork when checking if the donut maker is functioning properly.
All you need to do is fill up the cooking plates with donut batter once the indicator lights turn on. You can also adjust the temperature of the donut maker which allows you to make crunchy or tender donuts of your choice.
The latching handle is large enough for you to wrap your fingers around it comfortably. Moreover, you do not have to wear heat-resistant gloves when opening or closing the donut maker because the handle remains cool throughout the cooking session.
The non-stick allows you to transfer the donuts from the cooking plates to another plate easily. You are unlikely to struggle while taking the donuts out of the cooking plates. This helps to retain the shape of the donuts as you will not need to scrape the sides to lift them out of the tray. The non-stick coating also makes cleaning easier as the dried-up bits of food come off quickly when you wipe the cooking plates with a damp cloth.
What we liked: The donut maker heats up very quickly which allows you to make a batch of mini donuts within just a few minutes.
What we didn’t like: The green indicator light is very dim so it might be difficult to tell when it is ignited. Moreover, the bottom part heats up faster than the top part which results in uneven baking. You might need to flip the donuts in between the baking session.7. Sunbeam Fpsbdml920 Donut Maker
What’s interesting about this donut maker is that it can make full-sized donuts within just five minutes. This donut maker has five cooking plates that create freshly baked donuts with minimal effort. All you need to do is make the donut batter, pour the donut batter into the cooking plates, and wait for the donut maker to do its job. This is a very simple machine that can be used to make donut cakes or brownie bites as well.
The cooking plates have a non-stick surface that allows you to take the donuts out without ruining their shape. The non-stick surface also makes cleaning easier as most of the hardened bits of food can be removed easily.
All you need to do is take a damp cloth and wipe it across the cooking space once the donut maker has been unplugged and cooled down.
The donut maker has two indicator lights. The red light turns on when the donut maker is connected to power whereas the green light turns on when the donuts are ready to be cooked. The latching lid ensures that the donut maker remains closed during the baking process. It also enables you to store the donut maker in an upright position for quick and easy storage.
What we liked: The donut maker retains heat well which allows you to make several batches at once.
What we didn’t like: The donuts are quite small. Moreover, only the bottom part of the donut maker heats up so you will need to flip the donuts in between the baking process.8. Betty Crocker BC2938CO Mini Donut Maker
This donut maker from Betty Crocker can make seven mini donuts within a very short time. It also comes with a piping bag, three different nozzles, and a spatula for decorating the golden-brown donuts. You can easily amaze your guests by showcasing your donut-decorating skills. This is a complete set that comes in handy during parties and special occasions.
The non-stick cooking plates allow you to transfer the donuts from the donut maker to another plate without much hassle. You do not have to scrape the sides or use any sharp objects to move the donuts. Moreover, the non-stick surface prevents the hardened bits of food from sticking to the cooking plates. You can just easily wipe off the leftover food using a damp cloth or towel.
This donut maker is made using stainless steel so it heats up pretty quickly. Heat is distributed evenly across the cooking plates within a very short period of time. You do not have to wait for long for the preheating session to be over. There are two indicator lights that tell you when the donut maker is active and ready to cook the donuts. Moreover, the handle remains cool throughout the baking process. You do not have to wear heat-resistant gloves when opening or closing the lid.
What we liked: You do not have to flip the donut in between the baking process as both the top and bottom parts of the donut maker get heated evenly. Moreover, it comes with a recipe booklet that contains lots of delicious and easy donut recipes.
What we didn’t like: The cooking plates are not that deep and the donuts may turn out to be very tiny.9. Nostalgia JFD100 Donut Maker Kit
If you do not mind having a few donut holes throughout the day, then you might be interested in this donut maker that can make seven donut holes within just 5-7 minutes. You will be able to make cake pops as well using this machine.
This donut maker comes with 25 bamboo sticks that you can insert into your cake pops or donut holes. It also includes an injector tool that can be used to inject any type of filling into your dessert, be it cream, jelly, or even caramel. You can also use it to decorate the donuts and other sweet treats.
The donut maker is constructed using polycarbonate materials that enable the machine to perform well for a long period of time. The donut maker heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly throughout its cooking surface area. Moreover, the cooking space is coated with non-stick materials that allow for a quick release of food. It also makes cleaning easier as everything comes off in a single wipe. You no longer need to spend your time trying to scrub off the hardened pieces of food from the cooking plates.
Moreover, the donut maker weighs only 2 pounds. You can easily carry it from one place to another easily. The two indicator lights notify you when the donut maker is hot enough to cook your desired food. It comes with a recipe booklet that includes tons of easy-to-follow recipes for making delicious donuts, muffins, cupcakes, brownies, and lots more.
What we liked: The large cooking plates allow for full-sized donut holes. It does not make mini donuts.
What we didn’t like: The donut maker becomes very hot within a short time so you need to monitor it at all times to prevent it from burning your donuts.10. Bella Cucina 13466 Donut Maker
Made of sturdy steel, this donut maker from Bella Cucina is extremely durable and easy to use. It is pretty lightweight, too, which makes it easy to transport. This donut maker weighs only 2.85 pounds and it is not too bulky which allows for easy and quick storage. You will be able to bake seven mini donuts within a few minutes using this item.
It is a powerful machine that heats up within just a few minutes. All parts of the cooking plates heat up quickly and evenly. You are unlikely to have any undercooked spots when using this item to bake your donuts. This donut maker, too, has non-stick cooking plates so you will not need to grease the cooking plates much.
This donut maker has legs at the bottom that help to keep direct heat exposure away from the tabletop or kitchen countertop. Moreover, the legs help to set the donut maker in one place without much movement during its usage.
What we liked: This donut maker can make baked donuts within just 2-4 minutes. This allows you to make several batches without becoming too tired.
What we didn’t like: The donuts tend to stick to the cooking plates if you do not grease them well with a generous amount of oil, butter, or cooking spray.Things To Consider Before Buying The Best Donut Makers
Capacity
A large capacity, of say 12 cooking plates, will allow you to cook a large number of donuts within a short period of time. If you host parties or gatherings regularly, you might want to grab a donut maker that has 7-12 cooking plates so you can easily make a large batch in just a few minutes. Making 2-4 batches will work just fine if you do not have too many guests over. On the other hand, if you are the only one who has a sweet tooth in the house, you might be interested to grab a donut maker that can make 4-5 donuts in one baking session. The size of the donut maker you choose will depend on your baking needs and preferences.
Mini Donuts vs. Full-Size Donuts
If you are a fan of mini donuts, then you might be interested in a mini donut maker that has the ability to make a number of bite-sized donuts within just a few minutes. The cooking plates of a mini donut maker are likely to be quite small and such donuts are more suitable for kids since the size of the donuts is quite tiny. On the other hand, a donut maker that can make full-sized donuts usually have a lower capacity and larger cooking plates. Making two or three batches will work just fine for parties or large events.
Cooking Plates
The cooking plates of your donut maker should be made using high-quality sturdy materials that enable them to perform well for a long time. If the cooking plates have a non-stick surface on top, make sure that the non-stick surface does not contain any harmful materials that could deteriorate your health. The non-stick surface should be free of PFOA and other toxic substances. The cooking plates should be able to retain heat well for efficient use.
Handles
A latching handle will help to keep the donut maker closed while baking donuts. It is important to get a donut maker that has a sturdy handle so you can easily open or close it. A handle that provides a comfortable grip will allow you to carry the donut maker from one place to another easily. Moreover, if your donut maker has heat-resistant handles, you will no longer need to wear potholders or oven mitts while using it.
Indicator Lights
A donut maker with indicator lights is easier to use since you will be notified when the machine is connected to power and when it is ready to bake the donuts. A donut maker usually has two indicator lights of different colors. The indicator lights should not be dim and they should function properly at all times.
Cord Length
If the cord is too short, you might not be able to set the donut maker on a high tabletop or kitchen countertop. You might want to get an extension cord to be able to use your donut maker without much hassle. A donut maker with a long cord will allow you to set it up further away from the power outlet.
Ease of Storage
If you do not have much storage space, then you should invest in a donut maker that is not too bulky. Donut makers that can be stored in an upright position will be easier to store as you can fit them into tight spaces without much difficulty. You should store the donut maker in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight.
Legs
A donut maker that has sturdy slip-resistant legs will be easier to use as it is unlikely to move while in use. Slip-resistant legs will prevent the donut maker from skidding across the surface and will help to keep it steady at all times. The legs should be made of high-quality materials that prevent breakage and can withstand harsh conditions.
Weight
A lightweight donut maker will be easier to carry from one place to another. It will make it easier to store it in your tall kitchen cabinets. If your donut maker is quite heavy, then you might require some assistance when carrying it or transporting it.
Cleaning
Although these donut makers are not dishwasher-safe, you will be able to clean them easily using a damp cloth. All you need to do is wipe the cooking space with a damp towel once the donut maker has been unplugged from the power source and given enough time to cool down. If you are having difficulty wiping the cooking plates clean with a damp cloth, you might want to get a donut maker that has removable cooking plates. Then, you will be able to submerge the cooking plates in water and clean them quickly without much hassle.
FAQ
How do I pour the donut batter into the cooking plates without making a mess?
One thing you can do is pour the donut batter into a piping bag to prevent the batter from spilling everywhere. This will allow you to fill up the cooking plates neatly. Another thing you can do is use a soup spoon to pour the donut batter into the cooking plates.
Do I still need to grease the non-stick cooking space?
For best results, you might want to grease the cooking plates with oil, butter, or use the cooking spray before pouring in the donut batter.
How much batter do I need to put on the cooking plates?
You should put at least two tablespoons of donut batter on each cooking plate. It is important to not put in too much batter as the shape of the donuts may get disrupted.
How can I tell if the donuts are fully cooked?
You can insert a toothpick, fork, or bamboo stick into the center part of your donuts. If it comes out clean, then the donuts are ready to eat. If not, then you should bake them for another 2-4 minutes in the donut maker.
Conclusion
Donut makers allow you to prepare baked donuts with minimal effort. They help to save time and effort as you can prepare a handful of donuts within a very short time. It would take you more time if you were frying the donuts in a pan. Moreover, donut makers provide you with healthier snacks since they bake rather than fry the donuts. The best donut makers allow you to make sweet snacks without putting in much effort. You will also be able to make bite-sized brownies, cupcakes, muffins, and lots more using this convenient and versatile machine.