Best Mini Donut Makers
National Donut Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of June. Oh how we Americans love those sweet fried circles of dough that come with a variety of glazes and fillings.
It can be National Donut Day every day in your home if you have a mini donut maker. This handy kitchen appliance allows you to whip up a batch of those tiny morsels of joy any time you want. Get as creative as you like with fillings and glazes, from decadent chocolate to cherry preserves or just a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
Making donuts with a mini donut machine is easy and healthier than the store bought variety. Most commercially made donuts are deep-fried in oil, packing on the fat and calories. An electric mini-donut maker uses little to no oil, giving you a healthier, yet delicious version of your favorite treat.
We narrow down the best mini donut makers that you can buy online. Read on and find the machine that best suits your needs.
1. Editor’s Choice: VonShef 12 Mini Donut Electric Maker Kit Set
You don’t need to eat a huge donut for it to be satisfying. A mini-donut machine lets you make your own donuts at home, and even though they are ‘mini’ in size, they still pack a powerful punch to your taste buds. In fact, if you’re making a dozen at a time, you don’t have to limit yourself to having only one, when two or even three of these doughy treats are hot and fresh and within easy reach.
If you want to bring the bakery into your home and make your own delicious mini-donuts anytime the mood hits you, we recommend the VonShef 12 Mini Donut Electric Maker Kit, Small Donut Snack Machine. Perfect for making a dozen at a time, no one gets left out of the baking frenzy. Even if the first batch gets gobbled up, another dozen can be ready in no time.
This lightweight machine – it weighs slightly less than 7 lbs. – produces light, fluffy donuts that you can smother in delicious dark chocolate, fruity icing, sprinkles, a dusting of sugar or any other glaze to satisfy your sweet tooth. The features on this model make it so easy to use. The power and ready light indicators take the guessing out of knowing when it’s time to get baking. And the automatic temperature control ensures perfect donuts every time.
We all know that store-bought donuts are pretty yummy. But that deliciousness comes at a cost far beyond dollars and cents – the donut shop varieties are deep-fried, making them unfriendly to the waistline. Not so with a mini-donut maker. There is no frying and no oil. The donut molds on the VonShef 12 Mini Donut Electric Maker are coated with a non-stick surface, so donuts slip easily out when done. You can enjoy your delicious mini-donuts guilt-free. Oh, and the non-stick surface also means an easy cleanup. Measuring 15.3 x 12.9 x 5.9 inches, this fun appliance will fit nicely on your kitchen counter so you can have mouth-watering donuts any time you like.
Pros:
- Makes a dozen mini-donuts at a time
- Good for a party or large family
- Non-stick coating
- Easy to clean
- Heats up quickly
- Cool-touch handle
Cons:
- Donuts don’t always cook evenly
2. Runner Up: Health and Home 3 Interchangeable Baking Plates for Making Doughnuts, Waffles, Eggs and More
The Health and Home 3-in-1 baking plates are a decent option for cooks looking to strike three pinecones with two stones. This includes waffles, mini-donuts, and eggettes. The latter refers to traditional egg waffles. The biggest concern we had with this product was the lack of fine temperature control. Although there is a handy indicator light the actual cook times didn’t seem to line up quite right.
Health and Home’s 3-in-1 interchangeable baking sheets and sport a non-stick Teflon coating. The sheets themselves are dishwasher safe, according to the manual. All told the unit measures 10.51 by 10.28 by 4.57 inches. This means it fits nicely in most kitchens – especially those that are short on space.
Pros
- 3-in-1 trays for waffles, eggs, and – of course- mini donuts.
- Non-stick Teflon coating on all baking sheets.
- Sheets are dishwasher safe.
- 51 x 10.28 x 4.57 inches.
- Pre-heating indicator lights.
Cons
- No adjustable temperature settings.
- Indicator is binary, and some customers report uncooked waffles when it indicates the cook is finished.
- Concerns with build quality.
- Requires a non-stick spray in addition to the non-stick coating for best results.
- More expensive than simpler alternatives.
3. Best Small Batch: Bella Cucina 13466 Donut Maker
Some mini-donut machines make more than you need. Sure you can freeze the extras – if you have a large freezer – but fresh is always best. Machines that churn out a larger number of mini-donuts can also be more expensive than smaller versions. If you’re looking for an affordable way to make a small batch of delicious mini-donuts in the comfort of your kitchen, then this is the model for you.
We recommend the Bella Cucina 13466 Donut Maker, an efficient little kitchen appliance that makes 7 mini-donuts at a time, perfect for a one- or two-person snack. Measuring 11.2 x 9.9 x 4.3 inches and weighing only 2.85 lbs., this lightweight model cooks up your favorite donut recipe in no time at all.
Use your favorite cake mix or whip up something from scratch. Either way, just pour the batter in the molds, close the top, and you’re good to go. Did we mention the ‘ready’ light indicator lets you know when the baking is done? Take the guesswork out of making successful mini-donuts every time.
Perfect for personal use or as a housewarming, birthday or Christmas gift.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Cooking can be uneven
4.Best High-End Commercial Grade: VBENLEM 110V Commercial Waffle/Donut Machine
You love to bake and only want the best appliances in your kitchen. On top of that, you love donuts, but don’t like what all that deep-frying does to your waistline. If you are looking for a top-quality mini-donut machine to add to your arsenal of kitchen utensils that won’t cost a fortune and when only the best will do, we think this model is for you.
We recommend the VBENLEM 110V Commercial Waffle Donut Machine with 6 Holes, Double-Sided Heating from 50-300 degrees Celsius, 1550 W, Non Stick for a dynamic appliance that comes with many attractive features to enhance your baking experience.
This mini-donut maker is constructed from food-grade stainless steel for its outer casing and cast aluminum non-stick Teflon coated heating plates for fast cooking and easy cleaning. The double-sided heating pans distribute the heat evenly to both sides, baking up 6 delicious 3-inch donuts that are soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. Eat them plain hot off the grill, or decorate them with your favorite glaze, sprinkles or sugar topping.
This model comes with some neat features like 4 non-slip footpads for added stability. A precise timer and temperature-adjusting controls with a clear scale of 0-5 minutes and 50-300 degrees Celsius takes the guesswork out of knowing when your treats are done. And when they are cooked to perfection, a bell goes off to let you know.
This commercial grade machine, which measures 14″ x 12″ x 10″ and weighs 27 lbs., also has air vents on both side for quicker heat dissipation and the anti-scald stainless steel handle prevents accidents. And with this model, you won’t have to go out to buy cooking utensils. Included with the machine are 1 food clip, 2 brushes, 1 eggbeater and 4 sponges. Talk about convenience!
Pros:
- Top quality
- Has a food-grade stainless steel outer casing and cast aluminum non-stick Teflon coated heating plates
- Temperature and heat controls
- Heats evenly on both sides
Cons:
- Pricey
- Heavy at 27 lbs.
5. Best Budget-Friendly: Dash DDM007GBAQ04 Mini Donut Maker
You love kitchen gadgets and small appliances but you like to live within a budget. You also love donuts and you treat yourself occasionally to the store-bought variety. But if you want to indulge in a donut or two any time you want and are looking for a budget-minded mini-donut machine to do the job well, then this is the machine for you.
We recommend the Dash DDM007GBAQ04 Mini Donut Maker Machine. This affordable and cute little machine makes 7 mini-donuts at a time, right in the comfort of your kitchen. Perfect for snacking, entertaining and kids, you can frost, fill, glaze and decorate them with whatever suits your fancy.
Just pour in the batter of your choice and set the timer. This model features an auto-shut function to prevent over-cooking and a buzzer alerts you when the donuts are done. It’s so simple, even your kids can use it.
Measuring only 11.73 x 9.09 x 5.04 inches and weighing 3.4 lbs., this mini-donut maker is lightweight and won’t take up much space on the counter and will fit easily into a cupboard for storage. Makes a perfect housewarming or birthday gift. And did we mention it comes with a 1-year manufacturer warranty and includes a recipe book and recipe database access? Simple as pie – except we’re talking mini-donuts.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Affordable
- 1-year warranty
- Makes a great gift
- Kid-friendly
Cons:
- Cooking can be uneven
6. Best for Ease of Use: Babycakes Donut Maker
The Babycakes mini donut maker is perfect for anyone looking for a fool-proof way to get great donuts every time. This mini donut maker excels at set it and forget it cooking in just under 5-minutes. Babycakes includes a recipe booklet as well, but you can easily find recipes for mini donuts elsewhere on the internet. Either way, expect your donuts to begin almost as soon as you ladle the batter into the trays.
The Babycakes donut maker also comes equipped with non-stick baking plates on both inside flaps of the unit. Unlike some other mini donut makers on the market there’s no need to flip halfway through. Cleaning is likewise a breeze thanks to the non-stick surface – just wipe down with a damp cloth once finished (watch your fingers!). It also comes with a illuminated power light that will flick on when the unit begins heating up. When you hit your target temperature for perfect donuts the light will blink off.
Pros
- Non-stick baking plates make cleaning a breeze/
- Smaller capacity means donuts in 4 to 5 minutes at the most.
- Includes an illuminated safety light to track the heating cycle.
Cons
- Only makes 4-donuts per batch, but the smaller size allows for faster baking.
7. Best for Families with Children: Dash Mini Donut Maker
Dash’s mini donut maker is a versatile tool that makes donut making, regardless of batter types, easy as pie. Like many of the smaller mini donut makers on the market one of the biggest advantages is time-saving. Dash includes a control panel that allows you to designated batter type (e.g. cake mix, brownie mix, etc) with pre-programmed cook times and temperatures. It also includes a built-in shut off time, couple with a buzzer.
One of the things Sous Vide Guy really liked about the Dash mini donut maker was its accessibility for families. It comes with better safety features – like the buzzer and the set-and-forget baking options – that make it fun and easy to work with your kids. We also liked the robin’s egg blue model for style points. Making mini donuts can easily be a Sunday-afternoon routine, complete with the fun of decorating and glazing. It also comes equipped with recipe books and the like so if you’re a little stuck, or unsure of ratios, Dash has back.
Pros
- Non-stick coating on baking plates.
- 7-donut capacity.
- Automatic shut-off and buzzer.
- Pre-sets for multiple batter types.
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons
- Flipping donuts improves quality, but isn’t absolutely necessary.
- Some consumer reports of uneven heat distribution.
8. Best for Minimalists: Brentwood Mini Donut Maker Machine
The Brentwood mini donut maker is cute as a button, and a great addition to your kitchen – especially if you like pastels. It makes 7-donuts in just a few minutes and sports both non-stick baking plates for easy clean-up and, unlike some other donut makers on this list, cool-touch handles. The latter in particular is something that Sous Vide really liked compared to standard operating procedure for donut makers. With that said, the metal components themselves – aside from the handles – do get extremely hot. Make sure to operate with oven mitts just to be safe.
Brentwood’s mini donut maker also comes with an included recipe book. With that said, Sous Vide Guy found that the basic recipes in particular were less than perfect. It appears that cake mix is a good substitute for the battering process instead. It’s also important to note that this mini donut maker takes up to 10-minutes to heat up. The indicator light is a great touch as well, but it can be hard to spot the switch from red to green
Pros
- Non-stick coating on baking plates.
- 7-donut capacity.
- Red-Green indicator light.
- Cool-touch handles.
Cons
- Slightly slower warm-up compared to other units.
- Indicator light can be hard to spot as there’s no accompanying chime.
Things to look out for:
Consider these things when looking for a mini-donut making machine so you will choose a model that works best to suit your needs:
Usage:
Before purchasing your min donut maker, it’s best to first evaluate how you will use it. If it’s just for you and you’re looking to make a small batch at a time, find a machine that makes 6 or 7 at a time. If you’re purchasing it as a gift for a child or teenager, make sure it’s kid-friendly and easy to use. Finally, if you have a large family or want to pull out the machine for parties, look for one that makes at least 12 quickly and with no mess so you can make a few dozen at a time.
Price:
Mini-donut machines come in a variety of price points, so it’s likely you will find one to suit your budget. It’s never a good idea to spend more than you can afford, so set your budget and you can probably find a number of models within the range.
The mini-donut makers that are more expensive usually offer added features, so take this into account. If you’re purchasing one as a housewarming or birthday gift, a mid-priced model will do the job nicely.
Added Features
All mini-donut makers pretty much do the job: they heat up and quickly bake donuts. Many models offer some bells and whistles that make the process easier, with more consistent results. Look for a product with a sturdier construction like a stainless steel casing and molds made from high-quality, BPA-free non-stick coating. This will make your mini-donuts slide out easily, and cleanup will be a breeze. Options like interchangeable plates give you the choice of baking donuts, waffles or cupcakes by switching from one mold to another. A double-sided heating pan contributes to more even cooking. Finally, look for safety features like non-skid legs and insulated handles.
FAQs
How do you make donuts in a mini donut maker?
Making donuts in a donut maker – mini or otherwise – follows a lot of the same basics as brick-and-mortar baking. Combine your dry ingredients in one bowl and your wet ingredients in another. After mixing thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients until a batter is formed. Finally, fill your donut make with the batter, making sure not to overfill. When the donuts are done use a toothpick to check the integrity of the crumb. If it comes away clean then you’re good to glaze and lay down some toppings!
How much does a donut maker cost?
Donut vary widely in cost from personal use to commercial grade. At their cheapest, you can find a mini donut maker for less than $50 USD, while a larger unit for home chefs will be between $50 and $100. However, a commercial grade unit can easily run you well over $300 USD, and in the case of large-scale production units over $1,000.
What is the best mini donut maker machine?
When it comes to min-donut makers there’s a fair amount of competition for home chefs to wade through. In general Sous Vide Guy would recommend Dash and Babycakes as two brands that are reliable. Brentwood is also another good option.
How do you wash a donut maker machine?
Donuts produce a lot of oils during the cooking process. As such you’ll want to begin by using a dry paper towel to soak up and residue left behind. Pay special attention to the tray where you ladled in the batter, but don’t neglect any areas where there may have been spillage. Next, use a wet cloth (not sopping wet, mind you) to carefully wipe down all of the cooking surface in addition to the power cable. Donut making is something that becomes easier over time so it’s entirely possible that your first half-dozen or so bakes will lead to spillage onto some electrical components. Finally let the unit air dry, or use a second set of paper towel. Avoid using detergents and solvents.
What else can I use instead of a donut maker machine?
The simple answer is that, in most cases, you’ll have to go the traditional route. Donuts are first boiled then fried. These two cooking techniques are markedly different, and the magic of a donut maker it this 2-in-1 process. When making donuts at home go for a specialized donut pan if possible. In a pinch you can also use a cake or muffin pan, but you’ll need to simulate the central “spike” in a donut pan. To do so Sous Vide Guy recommends using either aluminum foil or parchment paper to create the central hole. As always, do not confuse parchment paper and wax paper. If you use wax paper you’ll end up with a smoky oven at best, and flaming donuts at worst.