The Best Donut Makers

Buying Guide for Donut Makers

Why buy a donut maker?

Having a donut maker for your own personal use is more than a luxury; it offers you a convenient way to produce donuts at varying capacities. These devices can make delectable donuts for many different occasions, and you also have more control over their nutritional values. This makes them especially useful if you or someone in your family has dietary restrictions, such as celiac disease or a peanut allergy, so you can create your own tasty treats that you know for certain are safe to eat. Furthermore, you can make donuts that suit your exact tastes in terms of flavor, color, and taste. Donuts makers are also incredibly efficient and compact, which means that you can take them with you when you’re on the go. You won’t have to wait for your oven or deep fryer to heat up in order to make them, and if you need a large batch of donuts for an event like a bake sale, making your own is overall more cost-efficient.

What should you look for in a donut maker?

• Capacity: Some machines can produce up to a dozen donuts or more in a matter of minutes, while others can only fit a few donuts at a time. If you’re making for a large group, you’ll want a larger machine, while a smaller one will be more fitting if you’re only baking for yourself. If you’re not sure what capacity is right for you, you may want to opt for a larger model; you can generally make only a few donuts at a time rather than filling up all 12+ slots. That said, if you have limited counter and storage space, a compact model will be a better choice.
• Type: Donut makers come in various types, such as electric, stovetop, and manual models. Electric donut makers are the most convenient and efficient, as they provide consistent heat and often come with adjustable temperature settings for different types of donuts. Stovetop models require more attention and monitoring, as the heat source needs to be controlled, adjusted, and checked often to stay consistent. Manual options are typically designed for smaller batches and will require more effort and attention.
• Features: Automatic temperature controls, safety functions like automatic shutoff, and other design features will make your donut maker stand out from the rest. A nonstick coating is useful for easier cleaning, as is a model with dishwasher-safe parts. Some models come with interchangeable plates that allow you to make different types or shapes of donuts or even other baked goods. Another important aspect of a donut maker is its ease of use. Most machines have simple yet intuitive controls for a fun and effortless experience, but there are some more complex models out there, too, so be sure to double-check how your new device works before buying.

Are there specialty donut makers for donut holes?

Yes, there are donut makers specifically designed for making donut holes. These machines are often called “donut hole makers” rather than “donut makers” to distinguish them from one another. There are also mini donut makers that make regular-shaped donuts, albeit much smaller versions. Keep an eye out for one of these devices if you’re specifically interested in making donut holes or bite-sized donuts as opposed to full-sized ones. A standard donut maker may also have an interchangeable plate that’s meant to make donut holes, so that’s another option to consider as well.

Our Picks for the Best Donut Makers

Pros: Whether you’re looking to make some donuts for yourself or bake as an activity with your little ones, this donut maker has you covered. With proper adult supervision, it’s surprisingly kid-friendly, thanks to its colorful exterior and how easy it is to use; once you’ve mixed up the batter, all you have to do is plug the machine in, let it warm up, pour the batter into the donut slots, and close the lid, and you’ll have seven mini donuts within minutes. The interior surface is nonstick for a quick, easy wipedown cleanup and prevents the donuts from sticking, even without a cooking spray or oil. It’s durable and well-made, so it should last you a long time. It comes with a recipe book and recipe database, so you have a handy jumping-off point even if you’re not an experienced baker.

Cons: The only real downside to this donut maker is that it only makes miniature donuts and doesn’t have any interchangeable plates. If you want regular, full-sized donuts or the ability to make higher quantity batches, you’ll have to find another model.

Bottom Line: This particular machine is a budget-friendly option that compares to some of the more premium donut makers. It’s efficient, compact, and affordable, making it the perfect gift for weddings, housewarming parties, birthdays, or pretty much any other event.

 

Pros: If you’re after a donut maker that creates smaller batches of donuts, look no further. This little model only has space to make four at a time, so it’s perfect for individual use or anyone who wants to make lesser quantities. The low batch size doesn’t affect the device’s effectiveness either, so you should find that it does its job well and produces good results. It’s also easy to use, bakes the donuts quickly, and is nice and sturdy despite its smaller size; both the plastic exterior and the interior plates are surprisingly durable and long-lasting. A recipe book with several simple recipes also comes included with your purchase, making this donut maker a good beginner-friendly option as well.

Cons: This is another donut maker that also makes smaller donuts rather than standard, full-sized ones. And since it doesn’t have any interchangeable plates, you won’t have the option to make larger batches or bigger donuts unless you buy another machine.

Bottom Line: Not everyone needs to make a dozen or half dozen donuts at a time. Whether you’re in a one-person household or simply prefer to make smaller batches, this miniature, low-quantity donut maker should suit your needs nicely.

 

Pros: Safety should always be one of your primary concerns in the kitchen, and this donut maker is well-equipped in that field. Its safety features include handles that are cool to the touch when the machine is in operation, and indicator lights for power and preheating functions. Both features will reduce the risk of accidental burns. The lights are also a handy way to tell you when the machine is at an optimal cooking temperature. And once the donut maker is fully heated, it only takes a few minutes for the donut batter to cook, so you’ll be enjoying your breakfast or snack in minimal time. This unit also has a nonstick coating that makes it easier to clean and remove donuts without them sticking or leaving pieces behind. And like any good donut maker, it’s very easy to operate.

Cons: The lid is a bit on the loose and flimsy side, though it shouldn’t affect the donut machine’s functionality, at least to start. And it’s another model that only makes miniature donuts, not full-sized ones.

Bottom line: This powerful donut maker can produce seven donuts at a time, and it has several important safety features that make it a good option for any household, especially families with young kids who might want to help bake. It also offers plenty of variety—you have the option to make mini donuts, brownies, cakes, or muffins.

 

Pros: If you’d prefer to make donut holes over typical donuts, this is the perfect device for you. Even if you’ve never operated a donut maker or made donut holes before, you’ll be churning out baked goods in no time, especially since it cooks fast—handy when you’re baking for large gatherings or groups. And it should maintain a consistent temperature throughout the cooking process for consistent browning. The nonstick interior surface makes removing donut holes and cleaning a cinch. You’ll be able to use it to make other types of baked goods, like cake pops or fish balls, and experiment with fillings like chocolate chips and fruit preserves too. A recipe book comes included with your purchase.

Cons: This device only has one temperature setting, which might make it too hot or too cool for certain recipes. It also doesn’t have an indicator light or another way to tell when the donut maker is hot enough to operate, which may impact your cooking results.

Bottom Line: There are some situations where donut holes are the more suitable choice for a snack, or some people simply prefer them to regular donuts. Many standard donut makers don’t give you the option to make them, however, which is where this machine comes in.

 

Pros: This donut maker isn’t just a donut maker; it comes with three interchangeable plates: one for donuts, one for waffles, and one for sandwiches. If you don’t already own a waffle maker or sandwich press at home, you’ll get extra mileage out of this donut maker. The plates are easy to switch out with one another as needed and are dishwasher safe, making them convenient to clean. It heats up and cooks your food nice and fast, making it handy for busy mornings or a quick lunch. And even though it’s essentially three appliances in one, it folds up for more compact storage and even has a built-in carrying handle so you can bring it camping or on-the-go as needed.

Cons: Your batch and portion sizes are a bit limited with this donut maker, no matter which plate it is; while six slots for donuts should be enough for most households, it’s only able to make two waffles and one sandwich at a time. There may be a recurring issue of plates falling out during use, particularly for the mini donut plates, and the temperature isn’t adjustable to better suit cooking different foods.

Bottom Line: Multifunctional kitchen devices are a worthwhile addition to any home, and this electric baker fits the bill perfectly. It’s basically a donut maker, panini press, and waffle iron in one simple machine, making it much more versatile than the average donut maker.

Final Thoughts

While not the most common kitchen appliance, a donut maker can be a handy addition nonetheless. Whether you often bake in large quantities, have dietary restrictions, or simply prefer homemade baked goods over store bought ones, you’ll love having a personal donut maker to enjoy your favorite donut flavor whenever you want.