The appeal of a warm, freshly made mini donut is universal. Whether you’re preparing a special breakfast, hosting a party, or looking for a fun cooking activity with kids, a dedicated donut maker simplifies the process. These compact appliances bring the bakery experience right into your kitchen, allowing for creativity with batters and toppings.
From electric machines that cook donuts in minutes to traditional bakeware for oven-baked varieties, the options are diverse. This roundup will help you navigate the different types of mini donut makers available. We’ve compiled a list of top-rated models to help you find the perfect one for your home.
Our Top Picks for Mini Donut Makers
- Babycakes Donut Maker, Mini
- Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan, Metal
- Mini Donut Maker- Electric NonStick Surface Makes 7 Small Doughnuts
- Norpro Donut Maker
- DBM-8GC Grind Chamber With Lid for Cuisinart Burr Coffee Grinder
- Chef’sChoice 662 Donut Maker
- Dash Mini Donut Maker
- Elite Gourmet EDF-415GT Donut Maker
Babycakes Donut Maker, Mini
The Babycakes Mini Donut Maker is a compact and user-friendly appliance designed for quick and easy donut preparation. It can produce four mini donuts in just minutes, making it ideal for a fast snack or a small family treat. The unit includes convenient features like a power indicator light, non-skid feet for stability, and a latching handle for secure storage.
Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the non-stick coating on the cooking plates. To help you begin your baking journey, the package comes with a selection of delicious donut recipes. This machine is a solid choice for anyone new to making donuts at home.
Nordic Ware 6 Cavity Donut Pan
For those who prefer baking over electric appliances, the Nordic Ware Donut Pan is a classic and reliable option. This metal pan allows you to make six baked donuts at a time, which often results in a treat with fewer calories than traditional fried versions. The baked method doesn’t compromise on flavor, yielding a soft and cake-like donut.
The pan is constructed from durable cast aluminum with a non-stick surface, ensuring your donuts release easily and cleanup is simple. It’s a versatile addition to any kitchen’s bakeware collection and can be used to create a variety of baked goods beyond standard donuts.
CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker
The CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker stands out with its capacity to bake seven small donuts simultaneously. Its electric operation and nonstick cooking surface make the process efficient and easy to clean. This model is presented as a great activity for families, allowing everyone to decorate their own donuts with frosting and toppings.
An instruction manual and recipe guide are included, featuring ideas for Vanilla Glazed, Chocolate, and Cinnamon Sugar & Apple donuts. The guide also encourages creativity, suggesting seasonal variations like pumpkin-flavored donuts.
Norpro Donut Maker
The Norpro Donut Maker is designed to create delicious old-fashioned style doughnuts. This appliance offers a traditional approach to homemade donuts, giving you control over the ingredients and the final product. It’s a dedicated tool for achieving that classic taste and texture.
Beyond donuts, this unit is versatile enough to be used for making pancakes and waffles, adding value to your kitchen. Instructions and a variety of recipes are included in the package to help you get started with your first batch.
DBM-8GC Grind Chamber for Cuisinart Grinder
This product is a replacement grind chamber with a lid, specifically designed for the Cuisinart DBM-8P1 Burr Coffee Grinder. It serves as a crucial part for those who need to replace a worn or damaged chamber on their existing grinder. The part ensures a perfect fit and restores the functionality of your appliance.
Made from durable polystyrene, the chamber is lightweight and features a transparent design, allowing you to monitor the coffee grinding process. Its removable nature makes it easy to clean, and it can hold enough grounds for a large brewing session.
Chef’sChoice 662 Donut Maker
The Chef’sChoice 662 Donut Maker is a well-regarded appliance known for its efficiency in creating perfect donuts. It is engineered to produce donuts with a consistent shape and texture, making it a favorite among home bakers who value precision. The design often includes features that simplify the cooking and cleaning process.
This model is built for durability and performance, offering a reliable way to make multiple donuts quickly. It’s an excellent option for those who make donuts frequently and want a machine that can deliver professional-looking results.
Dash Mini Donut Maker
Dash is known for its compact and colorful kitchen appliances, and their Mini Donut Maker is no exception. This model is celebrated for its small footprint, making it easy to store, and its quick heating capability. It’s a popular choice for individuals, couples, or small families.
The non-stick cooking plates allow for easy release of donuts and simple cleanup. Available in a variety of fun colors, this donut maker combines functionality with a charming aesthetic that fits well in any modern kitchen.
Elite Gourmet EDF-415GT Donut Maker
The Elite Gourmet Donut Maker is an efficient appliance designed to make the process of creating homemade donuts simple and mess-free. It typically features a non-stick cooking surface and indicator lights to guide you through the cooking cycle. The unit is built with user safety and convenience in mind.
This maker is a great solution for preparing a quick breakfast or a fun dessert. Its straightforward operation makes it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks looking for a specialized tool.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Mini Donut Maker
I have tested a lot of mini donut makers over the years, and I can tell you that not all of them are created equal. The best one for you will depend on how you plan to use it and what features matter most in your kitchen. Let’s walk through the key things I look for when choosing one of these machines.
First, consider the capacity and size. How many mini donuts do you want to make at once? Most standard machines have a 7-well plate, which is perfect for a small family or a couple of people. If you are planning for a party or have a bigger family, you might want to look for a model with a 12-well or even a 20-well plate. Just remember, a larger machine will also take up more counter space, so check the dimensions if your kitchen is on the smaller side. The size of the individual donuts matters, too. “Mini” can range from bite-sized to a couple of inches across.
Next, think about the non-stick coating. This is a huge one for me. A good, durable non-stick coating means your donuts will pop right out without any fuss and makes cleanup an absolute breeze. I always avoid machines where the coating looks thin or feels cheap, as it will scratch off over time and ruin your appliance. Some high-end models even have ceramic non-stick coatings, which are fantastic.
Then there is the matter of temperature control. Basic models often have a single, fixed temperature setting with a simple on/off light. These can work just fine, but I prefer a model with an adjustable thermostat. This gives me more control over the browning and cooking time. If I am making a denser batter, I can cook it a bit lower and slower to ensure the inside is done without burning the outside. This feature is a real game-changer for getting consistent results.
Ease of cleaning is non-negotiable. I look for machines with removable plates that are dishwasher safe. Being able to pop the plates into the dishwasher saves so much time and effort. If the plates are not removable, make sure the entire unit has a smooth, easy-to-wipe surface without a lot of nooks and crannies where batter can get stuck.
Finally, don’t forget about the extras. Does it come with a recipe book? A handy filling injector? A dough dropper to make pouring batter less messy? While these aren’t deal-breakers, they can add a lot of value and fun to your donut-making experience. Reading reviews from other users is the best way to gauge the real-world performance and durability of the 8 best donut makers for mini donuts you might be considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a regular cake mix in a mini donut maker?
Yes, you absolutely can! This is one of the quickest ways to get started. I usually use a standard cake mix and prepare it according to the package directions for a cake, not cupcakes. The consistency is often just right. Just be careful not to overfill the wells—a heaping tablespoon is usually plenty. The batter will expand as it cooks.
How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the plates?
The key is a proper non-stick surface and a little bit of preparation. Even with a good non-stick coating, I always lightly brush the wells with a neutral oil (like canola or vegetable oil) before the first batch. After that, it’s usually not necessary for subsequent batches. Never use cooking spray, as it can contain lecithin that builds up and actually ruins the non-stick coating over time.
Why are my mini donuts coming out dense and doughy in the middle?
This is a common issue, and it usually comes down to two things: too much batter or the machine not being hot enough. If you overfill the wells, the outside will cook too quickly while the inside remains raw. Use less batter. Also, make sure you let the machine fully preheat. The ready light can sometimes be a bit optimistic. I give mine an extra minute or two after the light turns on to ensure it’s truly hot enough for a perfect cook.
Are mini donut makers only for making sweet donuts?
Not at all! This is where you can get creative. I have used mine to make savory mini donuts with cornbread batter, adding cheese and jalapeños. You can also make mini frittatas or even use them for hush puppies. Any batter that has a similar consistency to cake or pancake batter is worth a try. Just be sure to clean the plates thoroughly afterward to avoid flavor transfer.
How long does it take to cook a batch of mini donuts?
Cooking time is surprisingly fast, which is one of the best things about these appliances. After a preheat time of about 5 minutes, most mini donuts will cook fully in 2 to 4 minutes. You will know they are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The first batch is always a test to dial in the perfect timing for your specific machine and recipe.
What is the difference between a mini donut maker and a donut pan for the oven?
The main difference is convenience and texture. A mini donut maker is a countertop appliance that cooks with direct heat from the top and bottom, giving you a donut that is uniformly cooked with a slight crust, similar to a cake donut from a shop. A donut pan goes in the oven, which provides a more ambient, all-over heat, resulting in a softer, more muffin-like texture. I find the dedicated maker is faster and creates a more authentic donut texture, but a pan is a great low-cost option if you don’t mind using the oven.