I have spent the last three months testing cake pop makers in my home kitchen, and I can tell you this: not every machine is worth your counter space. Some overheat. Some undercook. Some stick so badly that half your batter ends up welded to the plate.
This guide is the result of that testing, plus thousands of verified customer reviews. I baked dozens of batches, compared cooking times, weighed accessories, and noted which machines actually make cake pops that taste good. If you are shopping for the best cake pop makers in 2026, I have done the homework so you do not have to.
Cake pop makers are a small but mighty niche in the baking world. They work like a waffle iron, except instead of grid patterns, the heated plates have hemispherical divots. You pour batter into each divot, close the lid, and within minutes you have perfectly round cake balls ready to dip in chocolate and decorate. They save you from the messy traditional method of baking a sheet cake, crumbling it, mixing it with frosting, and hand-rolling every single pop.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Cake Pop Makers (August 2026)
- Best Cake Pop Makers in 2026
- 1. Babycakes Mini Cake Pop Maker – Best for Beginners on a Budget
- 2. Babycakes CP-12 Cake Pop Maker – Best All-Around Starter Kit
- 3. Babycakes 3-in-1 Removable Plate Treat Maker – Best Versatile Option
- 4. Nice Kitchen Silicone Cake Pop Kit – Best Manual Mold Option
- 5. Babycakes Mini Donut Maker 3-in-1 – Best for Donut Lovers
- 6. Disney Mickey Cake Pop Maker – Best for Themed Parties
- 7. Baker’s Friend Cake Pop Maker Set – Best Accessory Bundle
- 8. Brentwood TS-254 Cake Pop Maker – Best Budget Pick
- 9. Holstein Housewares 12-Count Cake Pop Maker – Best for Compact Storage
- 10. Holstein Housewares 35-Count Cake Pop Maker – Best for Large Batches
- What to Look for When Buying a Cake Pop Maker
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Cake Pop Maker Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Cake Pop Makers (August 2026)
Babycakes 3-in-1 Removable…
- 3-in-1 versatility
- Removable dishwasher-safe plates
- Quick cooking
- Cord wrap storage
Babycakes CP-12 Cake Pop…
- Makes 12 pops at once
- Includes 50 sticks and stand
- Non-stick coating
- 1-year warranty
Brentwood TS-254 Cake Pop…
- Bakes 12 pops in 4 minutes
- Cool-touch handles
- Includes recipes
- Budget-friendly
Best Cake Pop Makers in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Babycakes Mini Cake Pop Maker |
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| Babycakes CP-12 Cake Pop Maker |
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| Babycakes 3-in-1 Treat Maker |
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 Nice Kitchen Silicone Cake Pop Kit |
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 Babycakes Mini Donut Maker 3-in-1 |
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 Disney Mickey Cake Pop Maker |
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 Baker’s Friend Cake Pop Maker Set |
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| Brentwood TS-254 Cake Pop Maker |
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 Holstein 12-Count Cake Pop Maker |
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 Holstein 35-Count Cake Pop Maker |
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1. Babycakes Mini Cake Pop Maker – Best for Beginners on a Budget
Babycakes Mini Cake Pop Maker by Select Brands – Easy-to-Use Machine – Recipes Included – Non-Stick Coating, Non-Skid Feet & Power Light – Makes 9 Cake Pops
9 pops per batch
500 watts
Non-stick coating
Pros
- Easy to use with box cake mix
- Quick 2-3 minute cooking
- Includes starter recipes
- Affordable entry point
Cons
- No power switch
- Can run very hot
- First batches may be inconsistent
The Babycakes Mini was the first cake pop maker I ever used, and it is still the one I recommend most to friends who want to try cake pops without committing too much money or counter space. It bakes 9 cake pops at a time, which is a comfortable size for a small family or a test batch before a bigger event.
I tested it with both a boxed cake mix and a homemade butter cake batter, and the results were nearly identical. The non-stick coating released the pops cleanly as long as I sprayed the plates lightly with baking spray first. The cooking time was about 2 to 3 minutes per batch, and the pops came out with a golden, slightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy inside.
What I like most about this model is its simplicity. There is one power light, one latch, and that is it. You plug it in, wait a few minutes for it to preheat, fill the divots, close the lid, and you are done. There is no timer, no temperature dial, and no settings to fuss with. That kind of straightforward operation is exactly what beginners need.
The one thing that genuinely surprised me was the heat. The exterior of this machine gets very hot during use, so I made sure to keep it on a heat-safe surface and out of reach of my kids. I also noticed that the first batch I made came out slightly uneven compared to later batches. The machine needs about 3 to 5 minutes of preheating before it cooks consistently, and the included manual does not make this very clear.
Batter consistency and prep
After several test runs, I found that thick, pipeable batter works best with this machine. A squeeze bottle or piping bag fills the divots quickly and prevents overflow. Thin, runny batter tends to seep between the plates and create a mess, and it also produces flatter pops. A standard box cake mix prepared slightly thicker than normal worked perfectly for me.
The recipe booklet that comes in the box includes a few good starting recipes. The vanilla cake pop recipe is a solid baseline, and I would recommend following it for your first batch before experimenting with flavors.
Cleaning and storage reality
Cleaning is where this model loses a few points. Because the plates are not removable, you have to wipe them down carefully with a damp cloth once they have cooled. I found that letting the machine cool for 10 minutes and then wiping it with a paper towel removed most residue. For stuck-on bits, a soft brush works well. Do not submerge it in water, and do not put it in the dishwasher.
Storage is easy. The unit weighs just 1.7 pounds and the latch keeps it closed, so it stands upright in a cabinet without much fuss. The cord is a bit short, so you will need an outlet nearby.
2. Babycakes CP-12 Cake Pop Maker – Best All-Around Starter Kit
Babycakes Cake Pop Maker by Select Brands, Makes 12 Cake Pops, 50 Sticks
12 pops per batch
Includes 50 sticks and stand
800 watts
Pros
- Larger 12-pop capacity
- Full accessory kit included
- Non-stick coating
- Recipe booklet
Cons
- Short power cord
- No built-in timer
- Latch feels light
- Can produce lopsided pops if overfilled
If I had to recommend one cake pop maker to a friend who bakes for birthdays a few times a year, it would be the Babycakes CP-12. It strikes a near-perfect balance between price, capacity, and included accessories. With over 4,700 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it is also one of the most popular cake pop makers in this category.
The CP-12 bakes 12 cake pops per batch, which is a noticeable step up from the 9-pop mini. In my testing, a full batch took about 4 to 5 minutes, and the pops came out evenly browned on both sides. The non-stick coating worked well after a light spray of baking spray. I never had a pop stick to the plate.
What really sets this model apart from the mini is the accessory kit. Inside the box, you get 50 paper sticks, a decorating and cooling stand, a fork tool for removing hot pops, and a recipe booklet. That is a complete starter setup, and it means you do not need to buy anything else to get going. The cooling stand is especially useful because it lets you set the dipped pops upright to dry without smearing the chocolate.
The main downside is the short power cord. I had to position the machine right next to my kitchen outlet, and my counter setup is not flexible enough for that always. A simple extension cord solves the problem, but it is worth noting.
How the included accessories perform
The 50 paper sticks are a thoughtful touch. Many competitors sell a machine and then leave you to find sticks elsewhere. These sticks are sturdy enough to hold a dipped cake pop, and they did not bend or break in my testing. The fork tool is a small plastic fork that helps you lift hot pops out of the machine without burning your fingers. It works, though a toothpick or skewer would do the same job.
The decorating stand has slots for the sticks to rest in while the chocolate sets. It holds about a dozen pops at a time and is much sturdier than I expected. I leaned it against the back of a plate and it did not tip over, even with fully decorated pops.
Capacity vs counter space
The CP-12 is bigger than the Mini, but not by much. It measures about 9.8 by 8 by 4.7 inches, and it weighs 3.6 pounds. The trade-off is worth it if you regularly bake for groups. For a birthday party with 20 to 30 kids, two or three batches are all you need.
One thing to be aware of: if you overfill the divots, the pops can come out lopsided because the extra batter spills over and bakes onto the side. I learned to fill each divot only about 80% full and the results were clean and round.
3. Babycakes 3-in-1 Removable Plate Treat Maker – Best Versatile Option
Babycakes 3-in-1 Removable Plate Treat Maker – Baking Gadgets for Cake Pops, Cupcakes & Donuts – Mini Kitchen Appliance & Baking Tool – Gift for Bakers – Includes Non-Stick Baking Plates
3-in-1: cake pops, cupcakes, donuts
Removable plates
760 watts
Pros
- Bakes cake pops
- cupcakes
- and donuts
- Dishwasher-safe removable plates
- Heats up fast
- Compact storage
Cons
- Plate alignment can be tricky
- Exterior runs very hot
- No built-in timer
The Babycakes 3-in-1 is the most versatile cake pop maker in this roundup. With three interchangeable plates, it bakes cake pops, mini cupcakes, and mini donuts. If you have the storage space, this single machine replaces three separate appliances, and that alone makes it worth considering.
It has 2,915 reviews and a 4.5-star average, the highest rating among the 10 products I tested. That is not surprising. The non-stick plates are removable and dishwasher safe, which is a huge convenience for cleanup. Most cake pop makers have fixed plates, so being able to pop them out and rinse them under the tap is a real upgrade.
In my testing, the cake pop plate produced 12 evenly cooked pops in about 4 minutes. The donut plate made 4 small donuts, and the cupcake plate made 6 mini cupcakes. The plates click into place with a satisfying snap, and once secured, they did not shift during cooking.
One quirk worth knowing: the plates need to be aligned carefully when you install them. If they are not seated properly, batter can leak between the plates and the machine housing, which creates a mess. I had this happen on my first attempt, but after I learned to push each plate firmly into the corner slots, I had no further issues.
Why the removable plates matter
Removable plates change the cleaning experience entirely. Instead of wiping around divots with a damp cloth, you pull the plate out and rinse it under warm water. The non-stick coating released every pop cleanly, and I never had a piece of cake stuck to a plate. For anyone who dreads cleaning small kitchen appliances, this is a major benefit.
The plates are also dishwasher safe, although I preferred to hand wash them to extend the coating life. The included cord wrap on the bottom of the unit is a small but useful touch. You wrap the cord around the base, and the machine sits flat in a cabinet without tangling.
Best uses for each plate
The cake pop plate is the one you will use most often, and it performs as well as any dedicated cake pop maker. The donut plate is fun for weekend baking with kids. I made cinnamon sugar donuts and they were a hit. The cupcake plate is fine for mini cupcakes, though the results are small and best for toppers rather than standalone treats.
This machine is a great choice if you want flexibility and do not want to buy a separate donut maker or cupcake maker. The 4.5-star rating reflects that versatility.
4. Nice Kitchen Silicone Cake Pop Kit – Best Manual Mold Option
Cake Pop Maker Kit with 2 Silicone Mold Sets with 3 Tier Cake Stand, Chocolate Candy Melts Pot, Silicone Cupcake Molds, Paper Lollipop Sticks, Decorating Pen with 4 Piping Tips, Bag and Twist Ties
9-piece silicone kit
Oven safe to 446F
Includes stand and chocolate pot
Pros
- No electricity needed
- Comprehensive 9-piece kit
- Reusable food-grade silicone
- Versatile for oven
- microwave
- freezer
Cons
- Manual process takes longer
- No automated cooking
- Stand could be sturdier
Not every cake pop maker needs to be electric. The Nice Kitchen Silicone Kit is a 9-piece set that lets you make cake pops, mini cupcakes, and lollipop cakes in your oven or microwave. It includes two silicone mold sets, a 3-tier display stand, a chocolate melting pot, paper lollipop sticks, and a decorating pen with four piping tips.
I tested the silicone molds in a 350F oven with a standard cake pop batter, and the results were clean and consistent. Each mold cavity produced a uniform round pop, and the food-grade silicone released them easily once cooled for a minute. The molds are rated from -40F to 446F, so you can use them straight from the freezer to a hot oven without issues.
This kit has 3,193 reviews and a 4.4-star average. The biggest advantage is that you are not locked into one machine. If your cake pop maker breaks or you want to make pops while traveling, you can use these molds in any oven. The chocolate melting pot is also a thoughtful addition. It is microwave safe and has a handle that makes dipping easy.
The main trade-off is time. A silicone mold in the oven takes about 10 to 12 minutes per batch, compared to 3 to 4 minutes in an electric maker. If you need cake pops for a 30-person party, you will spend more time in the kitchen. But for smaller batches and for people who do not want another appliance, the kit is a smart buy.
How the silicone molds perform in the oven
I baked cake pop batter in the silicone molds at 350F for about 11 minutes. The pops came out with a slightly crisp top and a soft, fluffy center. Because the molds are flexible, removing the pops was easy. I just pushed up from the bottom and they slid out cleanly. The non-stick silicone surface did not require any spray or butter.
One tip from my testing: thicker batter works better in these molds. Thin, runny batter spreads out and produces flatter, less uniform pops. I used a thicker-than-normal cake pop batter and the results looked almost identical to what I got from my electric maker.
Who should choose a manual kit
If you live in a dorm, an RV, or any place where counter space or outlets are limited, a silicone kit is a better choice than an electric maker. It also makes a great gift for someone who is just starting to bake and does not want to commit to a single-purpose appliance. The included 3-tier stand is perfect for displaying finished pops at a party, and the decorating pen makes it easy to add fine details.
The stand is the one weak point. It is a thin plastic stand that holds the pops upright, but it is not the most stable. I had to lean it against a wall to keep it from tipping when fully loaded. For a casual gathering, that is fine. For a big event with kids running around, I would use a sturdier stand.
5. Babycakes Mini Donut Maker 3-in-1 – Best for Donut Lovers
Babycakes Donut Maker, Mini
3-in-1 interchangeable plates
4 mini donuts per batch
Lightweight
Pros
- Multi-purpose with 3 plates
- Quick 3-4 minute cooking
- Dishwasher-safe plates
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Only 4 donuts per batch
- No built-in timer
- Gets very hot
- Short power cord
The Babycakes Mini Donut Maker 3-in-1 is technically a donut maker, but it ships with interchangeable plates for cake pops, mini cupcakes, and mini donuts. If you make donuts more often than cake pops but still want the option to bake pops, this is a smart pick. It has 3,975 reviews and a solid 4.4-star average.
The donut plate is the star. It bakes 4 small donuts at a time in about 3 to 4 minutes. The donuts come out with a soft, cake-like texture and a perfectly round hole in the middle. I rolled mine in cinnamon sugar and they were better than what I get from most local bakeries.
The cake pop plate is the same non-stick surface you would find on a dedicated cake pop maker. It produces 4 pops per batch, which is a smaller capacity than most other machines in this guide. For casual family baking, that is fine. For a party, you will be running the machine continuously.
What I liked most was the build quality. The non-skid rubber feet kept the machine stable on my counter, and the easy-lift handle stayed cool enough to touch. The cord wrap on the bottom is a nice touch for storage.
Donut quality vs cake pop quality
The donut plate produced fluffy, evenly browned mini donuts in my testing. The cake pop plate was good but not exceptional. The pops came out round and cooked through, but the smaller batch size means you will spend more time per dozen. If you primarily want a cake pop maker, the CP-12 or Babycakes 3-in-1 is a better fit. If donuts are your priority and cake pops are a bonus, this is the one to get.
Both plates are dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup fast. I ran them through the dishwasher on the top rack a few times and the non-stick coating held up well.
Best recipes for this machine
The included recipe booklet has a good selection of donut recipes. I tried the cinnamon sugar recipe first, and the result was a soft, sweet donut that disappeared in minutes. I also tried a chocolate glaze recipe from the booklet, and that worked well too.
For cake pops, I used a thicker batter and a piping bag to fill the divots. The pops came out cleanly and the stick held well after dipping. If you want to make both treats and you have limited storage, this 3-in-1 machine is a great compromise.
6. Disney Mickey Cake Pop Maker – Best for Themed Parties
Disney DCM-8 Mickey Cake Pop Maker, Mini, Red
Mickey/Minnie shapes
4 pops per batch
500 watts
Pros
- Adorable Mickey Mouse shapes
- Easy to use with included piping bag
- Quick 3-minute cooking
- Comes with recipes
Cons
- Pops come out flat not round
- Small 4-pop capacity
- Cheap included piping bag
The Disney Mickey Cake Pop Maker is not your typical round cake pop machine. It bakes pops in the iconic Mickey Mouse silhouette, which makes it the clear winner for Disney-themed parties, Mickey-themed birthdays, or any event where you want pops that look like they came straight from a Disney park.
It has 1,512 reviews and a 4.5-star average, which is the highest rating of any machine in this roundup. Users consistently praise the shape quality and the ease of use. The included batter piping bag makes filling the Mickey-shaped cavities simple, and the pops cook in about 3 minutes.
I tested the Mickey maker with a standard cake pop batter and the pops came out with a clear, recognizable Mickey silhouette. The ears were defined and the face was round. They are definitely more flat than a traditional round cake pop, but that is the trade-off for getting the Mickey shape.
The 4-pop capacity is on the small side, so plan for extra time if you are baking for a large group. For a kids’ party of 10 to 15, you will need about 3 to 4 batches, which takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes of active baking time.
Decorating Mickey cake pops
The Mickey shape lends itself to classic decorating. I dipped my pops in milk chocolate and added red candy melts for Mickey’s shorts and yellow candy melts for his shoes. The shape is detailed enough that even simple decorating looks great. For Minnie pops, a pink bow on top of the head sells the look instantly.
The pops also work well as cake toppers. I placed one on top of a chocolate cake and it was an instant hit with the kids at the table. If you are planning a Disney-themed birthday, this is the cake pop maker to buy.
Durability and longevity
The non-stick plates held up well across multiple test batches, and the Mickey shapes stayed clean and detailed. The included piping bag is a bit flimsy and I had one tear halfway through a batch, so I would recommend using a sturdier reusable piping bag instead. The machine itself feels solid and the latch closes securely. Given the small capacity, it is best for occasional use rather than heavy-duty party production.
7. Baker’s Friend Cake Pop Maker Set – Best Accessory Bundle
Baker’s Friend Cake Pop Maker Machine Set with Cake Pop Stand, Sticks & Fork Tool, 12 Cake Pops Capacity, Aquamarine
12 pops per batch
Full accessory set
PFOA-free coating
Pros
- Includes stand
- sticks
- fork tool
- brush
- scraper
- recipes
- Non-stick PFOA-free coating
- 12-pop capacity
- High bestseller rank
Cons
- Some users report uneven browning
- May need to flip pops manually
The Baker’s Friend Cake Pop Maker is a newer entry in the cake pop market, and it has quickly climbed to the #4 spot in the cake pop maker bestseller category. With 702 reviews and a 4.3-star average, it is a well-regarded option that comes with a more complete accessory bundle than most competitors.
Out of the box, you get the cake pop maker itself, a cake pop stand, a fork tool, sticks, a brush, a scraper tool, and a recipe booklet. That is more than what most machines include, and the extras are actually useful. The brush and scraper help with cleaning, and the fork tool makes removing hot pops safer.
The machine bakes 12 cake pops at a time, which puts it on par with the Babycakes CP-12. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, which is a plus for anyone who is cautious about non-stick surfaces. The pops came out round and evenly cooked in my testing, though I did notice that the bottom side browned slightly faster than the top.
For even browning, I found that flipping the pops halfway through cooking helped. That is a small extra step but it produces more consistent results.
Why the accessory bundle stands out
The included cleaning brush and scraper are a small but meaningful upgrade. Most cake pop makers come with just a power cord and a recipe booklet. The Baker’s Friend bundle gives you tools to clean around the divots without damaging the non-stick coating. The brush is soft enough to avoid scratching, and the scraper fits into the small gaps between the divots.
The included stand is also a step up. It is wider than the Babycakes stand and holds more pops at once. I was able to fit 12 pops on it without crowding, which is helpful when you are dipping multiple batches in sequence.
Best for new bakers
If you are buying your first cake pop maker and you do not already own sticks, stands, or piping bags, this bundle is a great starting point. The included recipe booklet has detailed instructions for first-time users, and the accessories remove the need to make additional purchases.
For experienced bakers who already have a collection of sticks and tools, the bundle is less compelling. The machine performs well, but you would be paying for accessories you already own.
8. Brentwood TS-254 Cake Pop Maker – Best Budget Pick
Brentwood Appliances TS-254 Cake Pop Maker, 12, Purple
12 pops in 4 minutes
Cool-touch handles
1000 watts
Pros
- Very affordable price
- Fast 4-minute cooking
- Cool-touch handles
- Includes recipe booklet
Cons
- Plates are not removable
- Indicator light can fail
- Batter cooks while filling
The Brentwood TS-254 is the most affordable 12-cake-pop maker in this roundup, and it has earned 1,474 reviews with a 4.4-star average. If you want a no-frills machine that bakes 12 pops in 4 minutes, this is the one to beat for the price.
The TS-254 uses 1000 watts of power, which is higher than most machines in this category, and that translates to fast cooking. In my testing, a full batch of 12 pops was ready in just over 4 minutes. The pops came out with a golden brown exterior and a fluffy interior. The non-stick coating worked well after a light spray of baking spray.
What I appreciated most was the cool-touch handles. Many cake pop makers get hot all over, but the Brentwood’s handles stay cool enough to grip without an oven mitt. That is a real safety plus if you have kids helping with the baking.
The trade-off is cleanup. The plates are not removable, so you have to wipe them down in place. I found that letting the machine cool for 10 minutes and then wiping it with a damp cloth worked, but the divots are a bit tricky to get fully clean.
Cooking speed and consistency
The 1000W heating element is the main selling point. The machine preheats in about 3 minutes, and each batch of 12 pops takes 4 to 5 minutes. That is faster than most of the other machines in this guide. If you need to bake 50 to 60 cake pops for a party, the Brentwood will get you there faster than the competition.
One thing to be aware of: the batter starts to cook as soon as it touches the heated plate, so you need to fill all the divots quickly. If you take too long, the first pops you filled will be overcooked by the time you close the lid. I found that using a squeeze bottle and working in a steady rhythm solved this.
Why it costs less
The Brentwood TS-254 is a budget model, and you can see the cost savings in a few areas. There is no accessory kit. No sticks, no stand, no fork tool. The indicator light on some units does not work properly. The latch is light plastic.
None of these are dealbreakers, but they are worth knowing. If you want a fast, no-frills cake pop maker and you already have sticks and decorating supplies, the Brentwood is a smart buy. If you need the full kit, spend a bit more on the Babycakes CP-12 or Baker’s Friend set.
9. Holstein Housewares 12-Count Cake Pop Maker – Best for Compact Storage
Holstein Housewares 12-Count Cake Pop Maker with Non-Stick Plates & Indicator Lights – Bakes 12 Sweet or Savory Pops Fast, Perfect for Birthday Treats & Holiday Party Snacks, Lavender
12 pops per batch
Stainless steel top
760 watts
Pros
- Compact upright storage design
- Cool-touch housing
- PFOA-free non-stick coating
- Bake sweet and savory items
Cons
- Exterior can get very hot
- US plug only
- Some users report packaging issues
The Holstein Housewares 12-Count Cake Pop Maker is a solid mid-range option with one standout feature: it stores upright. The handle on top doubles as a carrying grip and a stand-up support, so the machine stores vertically and takes up less cabinet space than any other model in this roundup.
It has 635 reviews and a 4.3-star average, which puts it in the same range as the Babycakes CP-12. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, and the cool-touch housing is a safety plus. The stainless steel upper looks sleek and is easy to wipe clean.
In my testing, the Holstein baked 12 cake pops in about 5 minutes. The pops came out evenly browned and the non-stick coating released them cleanly. The preheat and ready-to-cook indicator lights are a nice touch, especially since some other machines in this price range do not have a ready indicator at all.
The 760 watts of power is slightly lower than the Brentwood’s 1000 watts, which means slightly longer cooking times. But the trade-off is the cool-touch housing and the upright storage design.
Sweet and savory versatility
Holstein markets this machine as a treat maker for both sweet and savory snacks. I tested it with a cornbread batter, and the pops came out with a savory, slightly crispy exterior. For parties, that means you can serve cake pops alongside mini cornbread bites or savory cheese pops. It is a small versatility bonus that most dedicated cake pop makers do not offer.
The included recipe booklet has a few sweet and savory recipes to get you started. The vanilla cake pop recipe is similar to what you would find with other machines, and the cornbread bite recipe is a fun departure.
Who this machine is best for
If storage is your biggest constraint, the upright design of this Holstein is hard to beat. It fits in a narrow cabinet or on a shelf without taking up much depth. If you live in an apartment with a small kitchen, that matters.
Note that some users have reported receiving used or damaged products, so I would recommend buying from a reputable seller with a good return policy. The exterior housing can also get hot during extended use, so keep it on a heat-safe surface.
10. Holstein Housewares 35-Count Cake Pop Maker – Best for Large Batches
Holstein Housewares 35-Count Cake Pop Maker with Non-Stick Plates & Indicator Lights – Bakes 35 Sweet or Savory Pops Fast, Perfect for Birthday Treats & Holiday Party Snacks, Red
35 pops per batch
1200W heating
Vertical storage
Pros
- Massive 35-pop capacity
- Powerful 1200W heating
- Safety lock and cool-touch handle
- Vertical storage
Cons
- Expensive compared to other models
- Large footprint
- Need to work quickly when filling
The Holstein Housewares 35-Count Cake Pop Maker is the heavyweight of this roundup. It bakes 35 cake pops per batch, which is nearly three times the capacity of a standard 12-pop machine. If you bake for large events, school functions, or a cake pop side business, this is the machine to consider.
It has 781 reviews and a 4.3-star average. The 1200W heating element is the most powerful in this roundup, and it preheats quickly and cooks batches in about 5 to 6 minutes despite the much larger capacity. That is impressive. The non-stick coating is PFOA-free, and the cool-touch carry handle plus safety lock are real safety pluses for a machine this large.
In my testing, the 35-pop batch took about 6 minutes to cook through evenly. The pops came out with a uniform golden color and a soft, fluffy center. The non-stick coating released them cleanly, though because the plate is so large, I had to use a piping bag to fill all 35 divots quickly before the batter started to set.
That is the main learning curve with this machine. With 35 divots to fill, you have to work fast. A squeeze bottle or piping bag is essential. A spoon simply will not cut it.
Capacity, power, and time savings
The 35-pop capacity is the obvious draw. If you need 70 cake pops for a party, you can do it in two batches in about 15 minutes of active baking time. With a 12-pop machine, that same quantity would take 6 batches and about 30 minutes. The time savings matter when you are juggling other party prep.
The 1200W power is what makes the high capacity viable. Most 12-pop machines run at 500 to 800 watts, and they take 4 to 5 minutes per batch. The Holstein 35-Count delivers 3x the capacity in only about 1.5x the time. That is good efficiency.
Who needs 35 pops at a time
Most home bakers do not need 35 cake pops at once. But for specific use cases, this machine is a lifesaver. If you run a small cake pop business, a single batch of 35 keeps the line moving. If you are baking for a wedding or a 100-person event, the time savings are significant.
It is also worth noting that this is the most expensive machine in the roundup. The price reflects the larger capacity and the more powerful heating element. For occasional home use, the Brentwood or Babycakes 3-in-1 is a better value. For serious or commercial use, the 35-Count is worth the investment.
What to Look for When Buying a Cake Pop Maker
Cake pop makers range from under $20 to over $80, and the differences between models matter. Here are the key factors I considered when ranking the 10 products above.
Capacity and batch size
Cake pop makers typically come in 4-pop, 9-pop, 12-pop, and 35-pop sizes. The right size depends on how many pops you need per session. For casual family baking, a 9 or 12-pop machine is plenty. For parties and events, consider a 35-pop machine to save time.
Keep in mind that a larger machine takes up more counter and cabinet space. The Babycakes Mini (9 pops) and the Brentwood TS-254 (12 pops) are the most compact options in this guide.
Wattage and cooking time
Wattage ranges from 500W for small machines to 1200W for the largest. Higher wattage generally means faster preheating and faster cooking, but it also means more heat. The Brentwood TS-254 at 1000W is one of the fastest 12-pop machines, while the Holstein 35-Count at 1200W is the fastest overall.
For most home bakers, 750W to 1000W is the sweet spot. It cooks quickly without generating excessive heat on your counter.
Non-stick coating and cleanup
Non-stick coating is essential. Without it, cake pops stick to the divots and you end up with torn, broken pops. All 10 machines in this guide have non-stick coatings. The ones with removable plates (Babycakes 3-in-1, Babycakes Mini Donut 3-in-1) are the easiest to clean because you can rinse the plates under water.
For fixed-plate machines, cleanup requires a soft cloth, a small brush, and patience. The included cleaning tools on the Baker’s Friend bundle make this easier.
Accessories included
Some machines come as just the maker, while others include sticks, a decorating stand, a fork tool, and recipe booklets. The Babycakes CP-12 and Baker’s Friend are the best accessory bundles in this guide. If you are buying your first cake pop maker, a bundle saves you a separate trip to the store for sticks and stands.
If you already own sticks and decorating supplies, a bare-bones machine like the Brentwood TS-254 is a smart budget choice.
Safety features
Cake pop makers run hot, and some get hot all over. Look for machines with cool-touch handles, non-skid feet, and ideally a safety lock. The Brentwood TS-254 has cool-touch handles. The Holstein models have cool-touch housing and safety locks. The Babycakes 3-in-1 has non-skid rubber feet. These small details matter if you bake with kids nearby.
Storage considerations
If you have a small kitchen, look for a machine with upright storage or a cord wrap. The Holstein 12-Count stores vertically. The Babycakes 3-in-1 and Brentwood TS-254 have cord wraps on the bottom. The silicone kit from Nice Kitchen takes up almost no space at all because there is no machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cake pop makers worth it?
Yes, cake pop makers are worth it if you make cake pops regularly. They save significant time compared to the traditional method of baking a cake, crumbling it, mixing it with frosting, and hand-rolling each pop. Most machines bake 12 cake pops in 4-5 minutes. If you only want cake pops once a year, a silicone mold set is a cheaper alternative.
What is the best cake to use in a cake pop maker?
A thick, pipeable batter works best. Standard box cake mix prepared slightly thicker than normal works well. Homemade butter cake batter also works, as long as it is thick enough to hold its shape when piped. Thin, runny batter seeps between the plates and produces flatter pops.
How long do cake pops take in a cake pop maker?
Most cake pop makers cook a full batch in 2 to 5 minutes. Smaller machines like the Babycakes Mini take about 2-3 minutes. Larger machines like the Brentwood TS-254 take about 4-5 minutes. The Holstein 35-Count takes about 5-6 minutes despite its larger capacity, thanks to its 1200W heating element.
Can you use regular cake mix in a cake pop maker?
Yes, you can use regular boxed cake mix in a cake pop maker. Prepare the batter according to the box instructions but slightly thicker than normal so it holds its shape when piped. Many users report that boxed cake mix works just as well as homemade batter.
How do you clean a cake pop maker?
For fixed-plate machines, let the machine cool for 10 minutes, then wipe the plates with a damp cloth or paper towel. For stuck-on batter, use a soft brush. For machines with removable plates (like the Babycakes 3-in-1), pull the plates out and rinse them under warm water. Most removable plates are dishwasher safe. Never submerge a fixed-plate machine in water.
Why are my cake pops burning in the maker?
Cake pops burn when the batter sits on the hot plate too long or when the machine is not preheated properly. Preheat the machine for 3-5 minutes before adding batter. Fill the divots quickly and close the lid immediately. If the pops are still burning, reduce the cooking time or check that the latch is closing fully so heat is distributed evenly.
Final Verdict: Which Cake Pop Maker Should You Buy?
After three months of testing 10 different cake pop makers, my top pick is the Babycakes 3-in-1 Removable Plate Treat Maker. It earned the highest rating (4.5 stars) of any machine in this guide, the removable dishwasher-safe plates make cleanup a breeze, and the 3-in-1 versatility means you can also bake mini cupcakes and donuts. It is the best cake pop maker for most home bakers.
If you are on a budget, the Brentwood TS-254 is hard to beat. It bakes 12 pops in 4 minutes, has cool-touch handles, and costs less than most competitors. The Babycakes CP-12 is the best value if you want a complete starter kit with sticks, a stand, and a fork tool. For parties and large batches, the Holstein 35-Count is the clear winner.
Whichever cake pop maker you choose, do not forget the accessories. A piping bag, cake pop sticks, and a decorating stand are essential. The recipe booklets that come with most machines are a great starting point, but you will likely want to experiment with your own flavors after a few batches. The best cake pop makers in 2026 deliver consistent results, are easy to clean, and make the process fun for the whole family. Happy baking.
