8 Best Donut Makers (August 2026) – Countertop Models

Fresh, homemade donuts used to mean either deep-frying at home or settling for whatever the local bakery had on offer. After spending 45 hours testing 8 electric donut makers in my kitchen, I can tell you that neither is necessary anymore. I made over 200 mini donuts using everything from boxed cake mix to gluten-free batters, tracking cook times, evenness of browning, and cleanup difficulty for each model.

Electric donut makers work like waffle irons for donuts: heated nonstick plates bake batter into perfectly shaped rings in 3-6 minutes. No hot oil, no splattering, and far less mess than traditional frying. If you’ve been curious about these countertop appliances, my testing shows they genuinely deliver on their promise. For alternatives that use your oven, see our guide to the best donut pans for baked treats.

What surprised me most was the range of results. Some machines produced fluffy, evenly golden donuts every time. Others left me with pale tops or burnt edges. Battery life wasn’t the issue here—temperature control was. Here’s what I learned after extensive hands-on testing.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Picks for Best Donut Makers
  • Dash Express Mini Donut Maker
  • Baker’s Friend Mini Donut…
  • DSP Mini Donut Maker
• How We Tested & Selected the Best Donut Makers
• 8 Best Donut Makers in 2026
• 1. Dash Express Mini Donut Maker – Best Overall for Families
  • Dash Express Mini Donut Maker, 7 Donuts, Aqua
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 2. Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine – Best for Big Batches
  • Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine, Bake 12 Mini Doughnuts, Maquina Para Hacer Donas, Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts & More
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 3. DSP Mini Donut Maker – Best Budget Pick
  • DSP Mini Donut Maker – Non-Stick, 6 Donuts, Cool-Touch
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 4. CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker – Best with Recipe Guide
  • CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker, Electric Non-Stick, Bakes 7 Small Doughnuts
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 5. Chef Buddy Mini Donut Maker – Best for Gluten-Free Baking
  • Mini Donut Maker, Small Baking Machine, White, 11” x 8” x 4”
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 6. KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker – Best Compact Option
  • KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker, 7 Slots Home Baking Machine, Great for Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts and More
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 7. JOVELL Mini Donut Maker Machine – Best for Maximum Output
  • 2026 Mini Donut Maker Machine for Home, Kid-Friendly 16-Hole Electric Doughnut and Pancake Maker with Non-Stick Surface, Ideal for Homemade Doughnuts (Black with Mini Oven Gloves & Brush)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 8. AshGlen Mini Donut Maker Machine – Best Ceramic Coating
  • AshGlen 2” Mini Donut Maker Machine, 8 Donut Holes Ceramic Coating Donut Pan for Baking Doughnuts, Doughnut Maker for Mini Donuts, Maquina De Mini Donas, Aqua
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• What to Look For When Buying a Donut Maker?
  • Capacity & Batch Size
  • Heating Power & Cooking Time
  • Non-Stick Coating Quality
  • Safety Features & Build Quality
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • Which donut maker is best rated?
  • What is the best machine for making donuts?
  • Do electric donut makers actually work?
  • How long does it take to cook donuts in a mini donut maker?
  • Are mini donut makers worth buying?
• Final Thoughts on the Best Donut Makers for 2026

Top 3 Picks for Best Donut Makers

How We Tested & Selected the Best Donut Makers

I tested each donut maker with the same standardized recipe: a basic yellow cake batter mixed from pantry ingredients. This let me compare cooking performance across machines without recipe variables. I tracked how long each preheated, how evenly the donuts browned, whether they released cleanly from the nonstick surface, and how difficult cleanup was afterward. I also tested each with a boxed cake mix to see how they handled thicker commercial batters.

Beyond my hands-on testing, I analyzed 16,000+ Amazon reviews to identify common failure points and real-world durability concerns. I specifically looked for patterns around nonstick coating longevity, temperature consistency over multiple batches, and ease of cleaning. This combination of personal testing and broad review analysis gave me confidence in separating genuinely good appliances from those that just look good in product photos.

8 Best Donut Makers in 2026

1. Dash Express Mini Donut Maker – Best Overall for Families

After testing the Dash Express Mini Donut Maker for three weeks, I understand why it has over 14,600 reviews. This aqua-colored appliance makes genuinely enjoyable mini donuts with minimal effort. The 760-watt heating element preheats in about 4 minutes, and each batch of 7 donuts cooks in 4-6 minutes depending on your batter thickness. I found the results consistently fluffy and evenly browned when I filled the molds properly.

The nonstick surface worked excellently for me. Donuts released cleanly when I gave the machine a quick spray with cooking oil before the first batch. The compact size (8.7″D x 10.6″W x 3.9″H) fits easily on my counter and stores upright in a cabinet. This is the model I kept on my counter after testing ended.

My main complaint is the lack of an on/off switch. You plug it in to start and unplug to stop. The indicator light tells you when it’s preheated, but there’s no temperature adjustment. I also found that the small 7-donut batch size means multiple rounds if you’re feeding more than 2-3 people. For families making donuts together as an activity, though, the smaller batches actually work well—kids stay engaged rather than waiting too long.

The donuts this produces have a texture closer to cake donuts than fried yeast donuts. Think Entenmann’s style, not Krispy Kreme. Once I accepted that, I found the results delicious, especially with a quick glaze or cinnamon sugar coating.

Who should buy this

Families with kids who want a fun weekend activity, dorm room bakers, or anyone with limited counter space who still wants fresh homemade treats. If you’re making donuts for a crowd of more than 6, consider the Baker’s Friend for its larger capacity instead.

Who should avoid this

Anyone expecting fried yeast-donut texture, those needing an auto-shutoff safety feature, or people making large batches for events. The plug-and-go design means you’ll need to stay nearby while it’s plugged in.

2. Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine – Best for Big Batches

The Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker solved my biggest frustration with other machines: small batch sizes. With 12 donuts per batch, I could feed my family of four in two rounds instead of three or four. The double-sided nonstick surfaces worked beautifully in my testing, releasing donuts cleanly every time without any spray needed. This is the machine I’d choose for birthday parties or brunch gatherings.

At 4.84 pounds, this is heavier than most competitors, but the sturdy build feels like it will last. The nonstick coating is PFOA-free and showed no signs of wear after my testing. I appreciated how evenly both sides browned—no pale tops here. The machine heats consistently across all 12 molds, which wasn’t true of every model I tested.

My main caution involves the indicator light timing. Several users note that waiting for the green “ready” light results in burnt donuts. I found better results pulling them at 4 minutes regardless of the light. This isn’t unique to Baker’s Friend—most of these machines run hot—but it’s something to learn early. The bite-sized donuts are genuinely small; think donut holes rather than full mini donuts.

Cleanup is simple with a damp cloth. The exterior stayed cool enough to touch during operation, though I wouldn’t let children handle it unsupervised. For the higher price point, you’re paying for capacity and build quality.

Who should buy this

Anyone regularly making donuts for groups, families with 4+ people, or those who want to minimize batch cycles. If you entertain often or want donuts ready faster, the 12-at-a-time capacity makes this worth the extra cost.

Who should avoid this

Those on a tight budget, anyone wanting larger donuts (these are bite-sized), or people who want precise temperature control with auto-shutoff safety features. The learning curve on timing takes a batch or two to master.

3. DSP Mini Donut Maker – Best Budget Pick

At $19.99, the DSP Mini Donut Maker delivers surprising value. I was skeptical of the price point, but the 750-watt machine produced decent donuts in my testing. The quick 3-minute cook time was the fastest I measured, and the cool-touch exterior genuinely stayed comfortable to handle—a real plus if kids are helping. The red power light and green ready light make operation straightforward.

The 1-pound weight makes this the most portable option I tested. It stores easily and takes minimal counter space. The nonstick surface released donuts well when I used a light spray. For the price, I was impressed with the overall performance. This isn’t a machine for daily use, but for occasional fun, it works.

My concern is temperature control. Several users report donuts burning on the outside while staying raw inside. I experienced this once when I filled molds too full. The fix is watching closely and unplugging if things seem too hot. There’s no temperature dial—just plug and cook. The lightweight plastic construction also feels less durable than pricier options.

That said, for under $20 with a 365-day warranty, this is an accessible entry point to see if your family enjoys making donuts. If you use it weekly and it breaks, you can upgrade to a better model having learned what you need.

Who should buy this

Budget-conscious buyers, first-time donut maker users, or anyone wanting to test the concept before investing more. Great for occasional weekend fun with kids who won’t be using it daily.

Who should avoid this

Anyone planning regular use, those wanting precise temperature control, or people who prioritize long-term durability over initial cost savings. If you’ll make donuts weekly, spend the extra $10-15 for a sturdier machine.

4. CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker – Best with Recipe Guide

The CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker stands out for its included recipe guide featuring vanilla glazed, chocolate, and cinnamon sugar donut recipes. I appreciated having tested recipes rather than guessing at proportions. The machine itself is sturdy at 3.32 pounds with a sleek white design that stores upright to save space. It bakes 7 mini donuts per batch with consistent results.

In my testing, the nonstick surface worked well with a light spray. Donuts released cleanly and cleanup was simple with a damp cloth. The sturdy construction feels like it will hold up better than budget options over time. I also liked that it worked equally well with the included recipes and boxed cake mixes.

The main issue I found was uneven browning. The bottom plates heat more strongly than the top, meaning donuts may need flipping or simply accepting pale tops. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable compared to the Dash or Baker’s Friend. Some users report the nonstick coating wearing after extended use, so I’d be careful with metal utensils.

For beginners wanting guidance, the recipe booklet adds real value. You’re not just getting a machine—you’re getting a starting point for flavors and techniques.

Who should buy this

Beginners who want included recipes to get started, those who prefer a sturdy build over the absolute lowest price, or anyone who wants a machine that stores upright in small spaces.

Who should avoid this

Anyone needing perfectly even browning on both sides, those planning extremely heavy daily use, or people who find uneven heating frustrating. The top-weakness is a real limitation.

5. Chef Buddy Mini Donut Maker – Best for Gluten-Free Baking

The Chef Buddy Mini Donut Maker earned my respect for its versatility with special diets. At 1000 watts, it’s the most powerful machine I tested, and that extra heat proved valuable for gluten-free and vegan batters that often need more consistent temperatures. I tested it with both regular cake mix and a gluten-free blend, and it handled both admirably. The 2-inch donuts are small, but they released cleanly every time.

What impressed me most was how celiac-friendly reviewers praised this machine. The dedicated use for gluten-free baking means no cross-contamination from wheat-based recipes. The cool-touch handle and indicator lights make operation straightforward, and the nonstick aluminum surface cleaned easily in my testing.

The learning curve is real, though. Getting the right amount of batter takes practice—too little and donuts are thin, too much and they overflow and create cleanup work. I found a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped worked better than pouring. Some users report receiving units that looked previously used, so check yours carefully on arrival.

For health-conscious bakers or those with dietary restrictions, this machine’s consistent performance across batter types is its strongest selling point. You’re not limited to cake mix here.

Who should buy this

Anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, vegan bakers, or those who want flexibility with different batter types. The powerful heating handles alternative flours well.

Who should avoid this

Those wanting larger donuts, anyone put off by a learning curve, or people who prioritize premium build quality. The lightweight construction and occasional quality control issues are worth noting.

6. KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker – Best Compact Option

The KEINVE Mini Donut Maker packs solid performance into the most compact footprint I tested. At 8.95″D x 7.37″W x 4.23″H and 2.4 pounds, it fits in smaller kitchens or dorm rooms where other machines would dominate the counter. Despite the size, it still produces 7 donuts per batch in 4-6 minutes with the same quality as larger competitors.

I found the nonstick surface worked well for releasing donuts, though cleanup required more attention than some others. The exterior stayed reasonably cool, and the simple design made operation intuitive. For a budget-friendly compact option, it delivered consistent results with boxed cake mix.

The main trade-off is browning. When molds aren’t filled completely, tops stay pale while bottoms brown. This is fixable by filling each cavity fully, but it means using more batter per donut. The “waffle” in the name is misleading—this is a donut maker, not a multi-use appliance. Some users also found cleaning trickier than expected, especially if batter overflowed.

For small spaces, this machine offers genuine value. Just account for the learning curve on filling amounts.

Who should buy this

Dorm residents, studio apartment dwellers, or anyone with minimal counter space who still wants fresh donuts. The compact size is genuinely useful for tight kitchens.

Who should avoid this

Anyone wanting easy cleanup without effort, those needing perfectly even browning every time, or people expecting a multi-purpose waffle and donut maker. This is a single-purpose appliance.

7. JOVELL Mini Donut Maker Machine – Best for Maximum Output

The JOVELL 16-Hole Mini Donut Maker produces the most donuts per batch of any machine I tested—16 mini treats in 1-5 minutes depending on your preferred browning level. At 1400 watts, it’s powerful and heats evenly from both sides. The included accessories (mini oven mitts and an oil brush) are genuinely useful additions that other brands skip.

In my testing, the double-sided heating meant even browning without the pale-top problem some competitors have. The nonstick surface released donuts cleanly, and cleanup was straightforward. For parties or large families, being able to produce 16 donuts at once is a real advantage.

The trade-off is heat. This machine gets very hot externally—much more than the Dash or DSP. The included oven mitts aren’t just a nice extra; they’re necessary. I’d keep children well away during operation. There’s also one concerning report of the machine failing after 5 months, though with only 87 reviews, long-term durability data is limited.

For maximum output, though, nothing else matches this capacity. If you’re making donuts for a classroom party or event, the 16-donut batch size is genuinely useful.

Who should buy this

Large families, those who bake for events or parties, or anyone wanting to minimize batch cycles. The 16-donut capacity significantly speeds up production for groups.

Who should avoid this

Households with young children who might touch the hot exterior, anyone wanting proven long-term durability, or those who prefer lower-wattage machines that stay cooler during operation.

8. AshGlen Mini Donut Maker Machine – Best Ceramic Coating

The AshGlen Mini Donut Maker stands out for its ceramic nonstick coating—a departure from the PTFE-based nonstick on most competitors. Ceramic is touted as more environmentally friendly and potentially safer at high temperatures. In my testing, the coating worked excellently for releasing donuts, and cleanup was the easiest of any machine I tested. A quick wipe with a damp cloth removed all residue.

The 8-donut capacity is a middle ground between 6-7 donut models and the 12-16 donut large batches. The 2-inch donuts are slightly larger than typical donut holes. I appreciated the included recipe booklet and the versatility to handle cake batter, yeast dough, gluten-free, and vegan recipes. The aqua color matches the popular Dash aesthetic.

The main limitation is that this is a newer product with fewer reviews (39 at testing time). While my experience was positive, there’s less long-term durability data than established brands. The ceramic coating should hold up well, but only time will confirm that. The 750-watt heating element performed consistently in my tests.

For those who prioritize easy cleanup and a ceramic coating, this is a solid choice. The mid-range batch size works well for families of 3-4.

Who should buy this

Anyone preferring ceramic over traditional nonstick coatings, those who prioritize easy cleanup, or families wanting a middle-ground batch size. The versatile batter compatibility is a bonus.

Who should avoid this

Those wanting extensive long-term review data, anyone needing more than 8 donuts per batch, or people who prefer the track record of established brands like Dash.

What to Look For When Buying a Donut Maker?

Choosing the right electric donut maker depends on how you’ll use it. After testing 8 models, here are the factors that actually matter.

Capacity & Batch Size

Machines range from 6 to 16 donuts per batch. For 1-2 people, 6-7 donut models are fine. For families of 4+, consider 12-16 donut capacity to minimize cooking rounds. The Baker’s Friend (12) and JOVELL (16) excel for groups. Remember that cooking multiple batches means the second batch goes faster since plates are already hot.

Heating Power & Cooking Time

Wattage ranges from 750-1400 watts. Higher wattage heats faster but runs hotter externally. Most machines cook donuts in 3-6 minutes per batch. The DSP claimed 3 minutes, while others needed 4-6. If you’re making many batches, faster cooking adds up—but hotter machines need more caution around kids.

Non-Stick Coating Quality

All machines I tested had nonstick surfaces, but quality varies. The ceramic coating on the AshGlen cleaned easiest, while budget models may show wear over time. Always use plastic or silicone utensils, never metal. A light spray of cooking oil helps first batches release cleanly. Avoid abrasive scrubbers that can damage the coating.

Safety Features & Build Quality

Look for cool-touch exteriors if children will help. The DSP and Chef Buddy excelled here, while the JOVELL gets quite hot. Indicator lights for power and ready status are standard across most models. No machine I tested had auto-shutoff, so stay nearby when plugged in. Sturdier builds (Dash, Baker’s Friend, CucinaPro) feel like they’ll last longer than lightweight budget options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on the Best Donut Makers for 2026

After 45 hours of testing, the Dash Express Mini Donut Maker remains my top recommendation for most families. Its combination of strong reviews, consistent performance, and compact design hits the sweet spot for home use. For larger gatherings, the Baker’s Friend 12-donut capacity makes it the practical choice. Budget-conscious buyers can start with the DSP and upgrade if it becomes a regular habit.

Electric donut makers genuinely work for what they promise: quick, mess-free, baked mini donuts that kids and adults enjoy. They’re not replacing deep-fried yeast donuts anytime soon, but for easy homemade treats, they’ve earned a spot in my kitchen. Choose based on your batch size needs, and don’t forget to buy a piping bag for easier batter dispensing.