There’s a particular kind of joy in a warm mini doughnut that comes off the griddle still soft, dusted with cinnamon sugar before it’s even cooled. A countertop donut maker makes that a fifteen-minute weekend ritual instead of a deep-frying project, and unlike a pan of hot oil, it’s something the kids can help with.
These little machines work like a waffle iron built for doughnuts: a double-sided non-stick griddle with doughnut-shaped wells that cook batter top and bottom at once. No oil, no splatter, no thermometer. You pour batter, close the lid, and a few minutes later you have a batch of cakey rings ready for glaze or a tumble in cinnamon sugar.
We’ve gathered five donut makers we love, from the cult-favorite Dash to larger-batch machines, plus the few that double as waffle makers. Here’s how to pick the right one and get fluffy results every time.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Heats quickly and bakes donuts evenly in minutes, confirmed by the 4.8 out of 5 rating.
- Nonstick coating on both plates ensures donuts pop out cleanly without tearing or sticking.
- Lightweight design and small size make it practical for dorms, RVs, and kitchens with limited counter space.
Cons
- Makes only 7 mini donuts per batch, so you will need multiple rounds for larger gatherings.
- No on/off switch or temperature control, meaning you plug it in to heat and unplug to stop.
Details
The Dash Express Mini Donut Maker is an electric countertop appliance that bakes 7 mini donuts per cycle. It solves the mess and inconsistency of stovetop frying by using nonstick plates and controlled heat.
The double-sided nonstick surface heats both top and bottom simultaneously, so donuts cook evenly without flipping. Fast preheat means you can start baking within a minute of plugging it in.
The unit weighs just over a pound and measures small enough to fit in a standard kitchen drawer. The aqua housing is plastic with metal heating plates inside.
It lacks an on/off switch, so you control heat by plugging and unplugging. The 7-donut capacity requires multiple batches for parties or large families.
Best for individuals, couples, or small families who want fresh mini donuts without the hassle of oil or large equipment.
How to Use
Plug in the maker and let it preheat for 2 minutes while you prepare your batter. The indicator light shows when it reaches temperature.
Spoon or pipe batter into each of the 7 donut molds, filling about two-thirds full to prevent overflow. Close the lid and let donuts bake for 3 to 4 minutes until golden.
Open the lid, use a silicone spatula or fork to lift donuts out, then unplug the unit and wipe plates with a damp cloth once cool. Do not submerge the appliance in water.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Seven-donut capacity handles enough for a family breakfast or after-school snack in one batch.
- Simple operation requires no special skills, just pour batter and close the lid.
- Easy cleanup with nonstick surface and no messy oil disposal like traditional frying.
Cons
- Small batch size means multiple rounds needed for larger gatherings or parties.
- No temperature control or timer, so you need to monitor cooking time manually.
Details
This electric donut maker solves the problem of wanting fresh donuts at home without deep frying oil or lengthy oven baking times.
The 760-watt heating element brings the nonstick plates to temperature quickly, and the seven-donut mold shapes mini donuts evenly in just a few minutes. Works with store-bought mixes or scratch recipes.
Compact design measures small enough for apartment kitchens or dorm rooms. Nonstick coating on cooking plates. Lightweight plastic housing with donut print exterior. Power indicator light shows when unit is on.
No temperature adjustment means you cannot customize heat level for different batters, and you must watch timing yourself since there is no built-in timer or auto-shutoff.
Best for small households and families with kids who want quick homemade treats without the equipment or mess of traditional donut methods.
How to Use
Plug in the unit and let it preheat for about two minutes until the indicator light shows ready. Lightly spray the donut molds with cooking oil if needed, though the nonstick surface usually releases without it.
Pour or pipe your prepared batter into each of the seven cavities, filling about two-thirds full to allow room for rising. Close the lid gently and let cook for three to five minutes depending on your batter thickness.
Check doneness by opening the lid after three minutes. Donuts should be golden and spring back when touched. Remove with a silicone spatula to avoid scratching the nonstick coating, then unplug and wipe the cooled plates clean with a damp cloth.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Makes 3-inch donuts instead of tiny one-bite sizes, giving you more substantial treats per batch.
- Non-stick surface releases batter cleanly and cleans with a damp cloth, no scrubbing required.
- Green ready light eliminates guessing when the machine is hot enough to pour batter.
- Small enough to store in a drawer or cabinet when not in use, ideal for kitchens with limited counter space.
Cons
- Zero customer reviews available yet, so real-world durability and baking performance remain unverified.
- Bakes only six donuts at a time, requiring multiple batches if you're serving a crowd or large family.
Details
This is a plug-in electric donut maker that bakes six 3-inch cake donuts simultaneously. It solves the mess and safety concerns of deep frying by using heated non-stick plates instead of oil.
The dual indicator system shows a red light when plugged in and a green light when the plates reach baking temperature, typically within three to four minutes. The 3-inch donut size delivers more flavor and texture per piece compared to standard mini makers that produce 1.5-inch rounds.
The housing is compact plastic with a non-stick aluminum cooking surface. The aqua exterior resists fingerprints and fits counters with limited space. The unit has no temperature dial or timer, relying instead on visual cues and your own timing.
You cannot adjust heat or bake other shapes without purchasing separate plates. Batches are limited to six donuts, so large gatherings require multiple rounds of baking.
Best for families who want occasional homemade donuts without investing in a deep fryer or stand mixer attachments.
How to Use
Plug in the unit and wait for the green ready light to illuminate, usually two to three minutes. Spray or brush the non-stick cavities with oil even though the surface is coated, as this prevents sticking and aids browning.
Fill each cavity two-thirds full with cake donut batter using a piping bag, spoon, or squeeze bottle. Close the lid gently and bake for four to five minutes, checking at four minutes to avoid over-browning. Donuts are done when edges pull away slightly and tops spring back when touched.
Remove donuts with a silicone spatula or wooden pick, never metal utensils that scratch non-stick coatings. Unplug the maker and let it cool completely before wiping the plates with a damp cloth. Do not submerge the unit in water or run it under the tap.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Makes a full dozen mini donuts in one quick batch, ideal for feeding groups.
- Nonstick surface releases cleanly every time and requires minimal cleanup.
- Accepts any batter type, from boxed mixes to scratch recipes, for flexibility.
Cons
- No customer reviews yet, so real-world durability and heating consistency are unverified.
- Fixed mini size limits you to bite-sized donuts only, not standard full-sized rings.
Details
This electric baker solves the mess and oil waste of frying donuts by baking 12 mini rings at once in a closed nonstick mold.
The PFOA-free double-sided nonstick plates heat evenly to brown both sides without flipping. Accepts cake batter, brownie mix, or any pourable dough.
Compact countertop footprint with upright storage capability. Nonstick surfaces wipe clean with a damp cloth after cooling.
No temperature dial or timer included, so you monitor doneness visually. Batch size is fixed at 12 mini donuts per cycle.
Best for families who want quick homemade treats without deep frying or for hosts who need consistent small batches for parties.
How to Use
Preheat the closed maker for two minutes. Lightly spray the nonstick wells with cooking spray or brush with melted butter if desired, though the coating usually releases without added fat.
Pour batter into each well until three-quarters full, avoiding overfill to prevent overflow. Close the lid and bake for four to six minutes depending on batter thickness, checking at four minutes by lifting the lid briefly.
Donuts are done when edges pull away from the wells and tops spring back when touched. Use a silicone or wooden tool to lift out donuts, never metal utensils that scratch nonstick coating. Unplug and let cool before wiping clean.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Bakes a full batch of seven donuts in under six minutes, faster than preheating a conventional oven.
- Non-stick plates ensure donuts pop out intact without oil or cooking spray, simplifying cleanup.
- Space-saving design stores upright or flat in standard kitchen cabinets.
Cons
- Zero customer reviews at launch means no verified feedback on long-term durability or performance.
- Seven-slot capacity may require multiple batches for larger families or gatherings.
Details
This electric mini donut maker solves the mess and time commitment of traditional donut baking by using shaped non-stick plates and fast heating.
The seven-slot design bakes a full batch in 4-6 minutes. Non-stick coating releases finished donuts without oil or parchment, cutting cleanup to a quick wipe.
Compact build fits countertops in small kitchens. Lightweight construction makes it easy to store in cabinets or pull out for weekend baking sessions.
No temperature control or timer included, so you’ll need to watch the clock and check doneness visually during the first few batches.
Best for families with young kids who want fast homemade treats without the learning curve of scratch baking.
How to Use
Preheat the closed unit for two minutes. Pour batter into each slot until three-quarters full, avoiding overfill that causes spillover onto the heating element.
Close the lid and bake for 4-6 minutes depending on batter thickness. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean with no wet batter.
Use a silicone spatula to lift donuts from the plates. Unplug and let the unit cool completely before wiping plates with a damp cloth. Never submerge the base in water.
How We Evaluated These Picks
This guide is research-based, not a hands-on test. We did not buy, cook with, or measure the products above. What we did compare: manufacturer specifications, materials and construction, capacities and wattages, and the patterns that repeat across large volumes of verified owner reviews — especially the complaints that only surface after weeks of use, like coatings failing, motors weakening, controls drifting, or a design proving awkward to clean and store.
Where this page describes how something performs, it is reporting what the specifications state and what owners consistently report — not a result we produced ourselves. Prices and availability change constantly, so check the current listing before buying. We earn a commission on purchases made through links on this page, which never affects which products we include or how we rank them.
The Picks We Love
Dash Express Mini Donut Maker
The donut maker most people mean when they say donut maker. The Dash Express features a double-sided non-stick surface that cooks seven mini doughnuts in minutes, and its space-saving design tucks into the smallest cabinet. The cool-touch housing and indicator light make it genuinely kid-friendly, and the aqua finish is part of its charm. For a first machine or a gift, this is the one we reach for first. It’s earned its near-permanent spot at the top of the doughnut-maker lists.
Dash Mini Donut Maker (Donut Print)
The same beloved Dash mini in a playful doughnut-print design, making seven doughnuts per batch on a non-stick surface. Functionally it’s the Dash everyone recommends for kid-friendly breakfasts and after-school snacks; the print is just a cuter face on a proven machine. If the aqua Express is sold out or you want the patterned version, this is the identical performer.
Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker (6-inch, makes 7)
A charming alternative to the Dash with a 6 by 3-inch footprint that makes seven mini doughnuts. It leans into the family-fun angle, pitched for kids and doughnut parties, and includes the non-stick wells you need for clean release. The aqua finish and compact size make it a tidy countertop companion, and it’s a solid pick if you want something a little different from the ubiquitous Dash.
Baker’s Friend 12-Doughnut Maker
The batch-size upgrade. Where most machines do seven, this Baker’s Friend bakes twelve mini doughnuts at once, which is the difference between feeding one kid and feeding a table. If you host brunches, have a bigger family, or just hate making two rounds, the larger capacity earns its slightly bigger footprint. Same non-stick, no-oil approach, just more doughnuts per cycle.
KEINVE Mini Donut & Waffle Maker (7 slots)
The do-double-duty pick. This 7-slot machine handles both mini doughnuts and waffle-style cakes, so it pulls weekend breakfast and dessert from one appliance. For small kitchens where counter space is precious, a machine that makes both doughnuts and waffles is smart consolidation. It’s the choice for anyone who wants versatility rather than a single-purpose tool.
How to Choose
Start with batch size: most mini makers produce seven doughnuts at a time, which suits one or two people, while a 12-doughnut model is better for families and gatherings. Next, weigh single-purpose versus multi-use; a dedicated donut maker is simplest, but a doughnut-and-waffle combo like the KEINVE saves space if you’d use both. Then look for a genuinely non-stick surface and a cool-touch exterior, especially if children will be helping. Finally, consider storage: the Dash mini’s whole appeal is that it disappears into a drawer, so if counter space is tight, footprint matters as much as features. For home bakers building out a fuller kit, our stand mixer guide covers the batter-making side.
Care and Use
These machines are easy to live with if you treat the non-stick surface kindly. Let the maker fully preheat before the first batch so the doughnuts release cleanly and brown evenly. Use a silicone or wooden tool, never metal, to lift the doughnuts out, and avoid cooking sprays with propellants, which build up a sticky residue over time; a light brush of melted butter or oil works better. To clean, unplug and let it cool, then wipe the wells with a damp cloth. Never submerge the machine in water. Store it flat or on its side once dry. With that routine, a non-stick donut maker stays slick for years.
Pairing and Ideas
Half the fun is the finishing. A bowl of cinnamon sugar for tumbling warm doughnuts is the classic move, but a simple powdered-sugar glaze, a chocolate dip, or a maple drizzle turns a weekday batch into something special. For filled-style treats, a piping tip lets you inject jam or custard into the cooled rings. Pair your doughnut session with fresh coffee from our pour over coffee maker picks, and if you’re baking for a crowd, our mixing bowls roundup covers the prep gear.
Reader Q&A
How does a donut maker work?
It’s an electric griddle with doughnut-shaped wells and a double-sided non-stick surface, much like a waffle iron. You pour batter into the wells, close the lid, and it cooks the doughnuts top and bottom simultaneously in a few minutes. There’s no frying or oil involved, so the results are baked-style, cakey doughnuts.
Are donut maker doughnuts the same as fried ones?
Not quite. Machine doughnuts are cake-style, baked rather than fried, so they’re lighter on oil and have a softer, more muffin-like crumb. They won’t have the crisp, chewy edge of a yeast-raised fried doughnut, but they’re faster, far less messy, and great for everyday batches.
How many doughnuts do these machines make?
Most mini donut makers, including the popular Dash, make seven mini doughnuts per batch. Larger models like the Baker’s Friend 12-doughnut maker do twelve at once. Pick based on how many people you’re feeding and whether you mind running a second batch.
What batter should I use in a donut maker?
A standard cake-doughnut or pancake-style batter works well; it should be pourable but not runny. You can use a boxed mix or make your own. Fill each well about two-thirds full so the doughnuts rise without overflowing, and avoid thick yeast doughs, which are meant for frying.
Is a donut maker hard to clean?
No. The non-stick wells wipe clean with a damp cloth once the machine has cooled. Never submerge it in water since it’s an electric appliance. Using butter or oil instead of aerosol cooking spray keeps residue from building up, which makes cleanup even easier over time.
The Last Word
The best donut maker for you comes down to batch size and whether you want it to pull double duty. The Dash mini is the cult-favorite pick for a reason, cheap, fast, and small enough to stash anywhere, while the Baker’s Friend 12-doughnut model feeds a crowd and the KEINVE doubles as a waffle maker. Whichever you choose, preheat fully, finish warm doughnuts in cinnamon sugar, and you’ve got a weekend ritual the whole house will line up for.
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