If you like grilled cheese sandwiches, then you’ll love the Mexican version called quesadillas. This delicious snack is like a grilled cheese on steroids — two tortillas filled with cheese and a variety of delicious ingredients and then grilled to hot, melty perfection. Fill it with vegetables, meat, chicken, salsa or anything else you want to eat smothered in cheese. While you can make a quesadilla in a pan or skillet on the stove, it’s easier to make it in a quesadilla maker.
A quesadilla maker looks like an electric grill or griddle but is specifically designed for quesadillas. So, it will typically have a round shape with marks for easier cutting. Some even have additional features such as indicator lights, removable plates, digital controls and two closure settings to accommodate extra stuffing.
We’ve curated a list of some of the best quesadilla makers you can purchase online. Read on to find the one that best suits your appetite.
1. Editor’s Choice: George Foreman Electric Quesadilla Maker
If you’re a stickler for perfection and you enjoy making and eating quesadillas, then you’re going to want to find a no-nonsense quesadilla maker that has many of the bells and whistles to get the job done right, without costing a fortune.
Joe Foreman is name we’ve all come to trust when it comes to home grills, and this model doesn’t disappoint. What you get is a large 10-inch surface to accommodate six deep-dish pockets so you can get really creative on your fillings. Lots of cheese? No problem. Cheese, meat, salsa and veggies? No problem. In less than five minutes, you’ll be chowing down on hot, fresh quesadillas.
The durable non-stick plates have press and seal lines to lock in the fillings for quick, even cooking and mess-free results, and when you’re done, the grill plates are easy to wipe clean. Perfectly safe for apartment living, the machine has power on and ready light indicators, a slip-resistant grip, and stores vertically, so it will easily fit anywhere when not in use.
Pros:
- Non-stick plates
- Press and seal line on plates
- Stores vertically
Cons:
- Plates are not removable for cleaning
- No on/off switch
2. Best Runner-Up: Elite Gourmet EQD413 Non-Stick Electric, Quesadilla Maker
Our runner-up pick, an electric quesadilla maker from Elite Gourmet, is a bit smaller than our top pick, but it also costs a bit less, which makes it an ideal option if you are on a bit of a budget.
This quesadilla maker has an eight-inch non-stick cooking surface on which you can create six quesadilla wedges in less than five minutes. The cooking plates are not removable, but they wipe clean easily with a damp cloth or paper towel. This model also has a handy drainage rim and removable drip tray to catch any excess grease or liquid. When you’re done cooking those cheesy, meaty and delicious quesadillas, slip the tray out and dispose of the drippings.
The bright red unit also has two indicator lights to let you know when it’s on and when the plates are pre-heated and ready for cooking. When you’re done cooking and feasting, and the quesadilla maker is cleaned, it stands for convenient vertical storage. And the best part? It also comes in an 11-inch option that costs a bit more, but gives you a bit more, too.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Two indicator lights
- Drainage rim and removable drip tray
Cons:
- No on/off switch
- Plastic hinge can break
3. Best Adjustable: Nostalgia Deluxe 10-Inch 6-Wedge Electric Quesadilla Maker
Thin or thick — how do you like your quesadillas? Thin and simple with just cheese or do you prefer to sink your teeth into something thick and stuffed with melted cheese, ground beef, bacon, onions, diced tomatoes, chilies and peppers for a hot, melted gooey delight? Maybe it just depends on how you are feeling, and you’d like to be free to choose. Well, with this quesadilla maker from Nostalgia, you can pick the size to match your mood.
The 10-inch unit has cooking plates that are divided into six sections to seal in the ingredients in individually delicious wedges. It’s the two-position latch that makes the difference: you can adjust it to give you the option of a thick or thin-stuffed quesadilla. Once you have added your ingredients and adjusted the latch accordingly, your food will be ready in five minutes.
The quesadilla maker’s two indicator lights let you know when the unit has power, and when it’s ready for cooking. The non-stick plates wipe clean, and the unit stands vertically for storage.
Pros:
- Adjustable latch for thin or thick stuffing
- Non-stick plates
- Two indicator lights
Cons:
- No on/off switch
- Some users found it difficult to clean
4. Best Versatile: DASH 8” Express Electric Round Griddle for Quesadillas
Having a designated quesadilla maker is great — all that melted cheese, spicy salsa, chicken and veggies nestled inside a crispy tortilla is just the right slice of heaven. But what if you could have a quesadilla maker that you could use to also churn out delicious grilled eggs, pancakes, bacon and even burgers?
This eight-inch quesadilla maker from Dash has two smooth cooking plates without the press and seal markings usually found in other units. So, although you’ll have to cut your quesadilla into wedges to eat it once it is cooked, the surface becomes a perfect place to grill a host of other foods, too. Talk about convenience and versatility!
The quesadilla maker’s compact size makes it an ideal choice for a first apartment, small kitchen or even a college dorm where there’s no room for multiple pots and pans (or even a stove!). Easy to use, you just plug in the unit, wait for it to heat up and then start cooking. The dual PFOA-free, non-stick cooking plates provide even heating for consistent results.
Pros:
- Versatile use
- Non-slip feet
- Recipe book
Cons:
- Small size
- Cooking plates are not removable
5. Best Large Size: Santa Fe QM2R 900-Watt Quesadilla Maker
Large appetites require large portions, right? If you love quesadillas, then consider this large quesadilla maker by Santa Fe that measures 12 inches by 12 inches in circumference and is able to accommodate a full 10-inch-size tortilla.
The 900-watt unit is easy to operate. Place a flour tortilla on the non-stick bottom plate and fill it with your choice of shredded cheese, salsa and thinly sliced pieces of chicken beef, pork or vegetables. Make sure to spread the ingredients evenly up to about a half-inch to the edge of the tortilla. Gently lower the top of the quesadilla maker to cook and when it’s done, remove the quesadilla with a plastic or wooden spatula.
The unit has an on/off power light and ready indicator, a steam guard and soft cool-touch pads. There is also a convenient drip tray to catch any excess run-off or grease. When you’re done, just wipe the plates, lid and base clean with a damp cloth and towel dry.
Pros:
- Larger size cooking surface
- Drip tray
- Steam guard
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Need to oil the cooking plate to remain non-stick
6. Best Non-Electric: Bruntmor Pre-Seasoned 8″ Cast Iron Quesadilla Maker & Pre Seasoned Cast Iron 12-inch Skillet
So far, the quesadilla makers on this list have all been electric models that plug in, heat up and cook your quesadilla in minutes. While an electric unit is fast and convenient, the cooking plates are usually not removable, so cleaning consists of wiping them clean. With a quesadilla maker such as this cast iron one from Bruntmor, you can submerge the whole thing in water or put it into the dishwasher to remove any gooey, sticky residue.
This choice is different in other ways, too. The eight-inch seasoned cast-iron press allows you to make traditional tortillas from scratch. The base and the handle have been specifically engineered for better resistance and stability, and to avoid pinching, for more successful results.
When you have made a few, you can put a tortilla on the included 12-inch cast-iron skillet, top it with your favorite fillings and another tortilla, and soon you will have a crispy and delicious quesadilla. The skillet can also be used to make other foods such as eggs, bacon and hamburgers and is suitable for all cooktops including gas, induction and electric, is oven-friendly up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit and is fire-pit friendly, too.
Pros:
- Makes traditional tortillas
- Comes with a cast-iron skillet
- Can be cleaned in a dishwasher
Cons:
- Needs a cooktop as a source of heat
- Does not have sealed and pressed edges
- Cannot put too much stuffing in quesadillas
7. Also Consider: Brentwood TS-120 Quesadilla Maker
If you live alone and don’t entertain, why crowd your kitchen cupboards and spend the extra money on large-capacity cooking appliances when you can find something that is right-sized just for you? If you need a compact quesadilla maker to satisfy your Taco Tuesday cravings every day, then this eight-inch model may be what you’re looking for.
This 900-watt quesadilla maker comes in a bright fire-engine red color with smartly designed plates to create six sectioned pieces. The unit also has a drip tray to catch all the juices and excess runoff. Not only will it save your counter from messy spillage, the drip tray can be removed, so getting rid of the contained drippings is quick and easy.
The non-stick cooking plates wipe clean with a cloth and the quesadilla maker features power and pre-heat indicator lights. The locking lid and vertical feet mean you can stand it up and slip it into a cupboard for compact storage between uses.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Removable drip tray
- Locking lid
Cons:
- Size may be too small for some needs
- Cooking plates are not removable for cleaning
8. Honorable Mention: Black & Decker Quesadilla Maker
Black & Decker is a brand that is well-known for its array of home and garden tools, utensils and small kitchen appliances and gadgets, so it’s no surprise that the company offers up a quesadilla maker, too.
This bright red eight-inch model has a black base and stands on four sturdy, non-slip legs. With 1,000 watts of power, the non-stick plates produce heat from both sides, cooking up your quesadillas quickly and evenly in less than five minutes. There are six deep-dish quesadilla pockets to accommodate all of your favorite fillings, from cheese and salsa to chicken, meat and veggies.
The design of the quesadilla maker has press and seal lines that work from the sides and the back for a more cantina-style result and less mess. A power on light and ready indicator light make the process easy, and after the plates have cooled and been wiped clean, the unit stands vertically for space-saving storage.
Pros:
- Non-slip legs
- Power on and ready lights
- Six deep-dish quesadilla pockets
- Removable drip tray
Cons:
- Pricey
- Non-removable plates
What to look for when choosing a quesadilla maker:
Quesadillas are fun to make and delicious to eat. They are a quick, easy and healthy snack and although you can cook them up in a pan or skillet on your stovetop, doing so can be quite a production. Using a quesadilla maker simplifies and speeds up the process from beginning to end, from the prep and cooking time to the cleanup. A quesadilla maker is an ideal choice for those times when you’re hungry and don’t really want to spend a lot of time cooking. A quesadilla cooked in a quesadilla maker is so easy to prepare, you can be chowing down in less than 15 minutes from start to finish, depending on if you want just plain cheese or a thick-stuffed quesadilla. With a quesadilla maker, you just place a soft tortilla on the bottom plate, spread out grated cheese and maybe a tablespoon or two of salsa and some slices of salami or bologna, or ground beef or pork, cover it with another soft tortilla, bring down the cover and turn it on. In about five minutes it’s done and you’re in quesadilla heaven. And, because most models are electric, a quesadilla maker is great to have on hand in a college dorm or small apartment with limited space.
Size: Most quesadilla makers are round in shape with a base that holds a non-stick cooking plate and a lid that also has a non-stick cooking plate. Typically, most units are either eight inches or 10 inches in circumference, although some larger models can be found. Choose the size you want according to your needs and remember that the final product is always smaller because you need to leave at least a half-inch of space from the edge when adding ingredients to avoid extra stuff from leaking out and making a mess.
Features: Look for a quesadilla maker that has indicator lights that let you know when the machine is on and when it is pre-heated and ready for cooking. Ideally, that light should turn off when the quesadilla is done, so it is not burned.
Some units have a removable drip tray and a drainage rim. If you don’t like to make a mess on your countertop, it is highly recommended to choose a quesadilla maker that comes equipped with a drainage rim and removable drip catcher. These two simple additions will capture and hold any excess juices or grease, making cleanup quicker and saving the surface of whatever you are cooking on.
Finally, most quesadilla makers have non-stick plates that are not removable. This makes cleaning the unit a bit tricky, since the best you can do is wipe everything with a damp paper towel or cloth. If this is a concern for you, look for a model that has removable plates, although keep in mind that it may cost more than a model where you cannot remove the plates.
Photo credit: Marcos Castillo/Shutterstock