I have always been a donut person, but I never thought I would own a single-use appliance just to make them. Then I tested a donut maker on a slow Sunday, and I made 7 warm mini donuts in under 4 minutes while my coffee was still hot. After that, I was hooked. Our team has now spent over 60 hours testing 10 of the best donut makers on the market to figure out which ones actually deliver fresh homemade donuts without the mess of deep frying.
Homemade donuts hit different. You control the sugar, the batter, and the toppings, and you skip the drive-thru. A modern electric donut maker bakes cake-style donuts in 3 to 6 minutes per batch, and most of them wipe clean with a damp cloth. We focused on real home use: weekday breakfasts, weekend brunches, kids’ birthday parties, and the occasional “I just want a donut” moment.
In this guide, you will find our top 3 picks up front, a full comparison table, and detailed reviews of all 10 mini donut makers and home donut machines. We also break down the key features that actually matter: capacity, nonstick quality, wattage, cleanup, and real-world value. If you are shopping for the best donut makers in 2026, this is the only guide you need.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks at a Glance
- Best Donut Makers in (August 2026): Quick Comparison
- 1. Dash Mini Donut Maker — Best Overall Donut Maker for Home Use
- 2. Baker’s Friend 12-Donut Maker — Best Value for Larger Families
- 3. DSP 16-Donut Maker — Best for Parties and Big Batches
- 4. DSP 6-Donut Cool-Touch Maker — Best Budget Option
- 5. KEINVE 7-Slot Mini Donut Maker — Best Compact Design
- 6. AshGlen 2-Inch Ceramic Donut Maker — Best Ceramic Coating
- 7. SugarWhisk Bundt Donut Maker — Best for Variety
- 8. CucinaPro 7-Donut Maker — Best for Storage
- 9. Baker’s Friend 3-Inch Donut Maker — Best 3-Inch Donuts for Kids
- 10. Laven Birch 23-Donut Party Maker — Best for Large Gatherings
- What to Look for in a Donut Maker: Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Donut Maker Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Best Donut Makers in (August 2026): Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Dash Mini Donut Maker |
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 DSP 6-Donut Maker |
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 DSP 16-Donut Maker |
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Check Latest Price |
 KEINVE 7-Slot Donut Maker |
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| Baker’s Friend 12-Donut Maker |
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 Baker’s Friend 3-Inch Maker |
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 AshGlen Ceramic Donut Maker |
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 SugarWhisk Bundt Maker |
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 CucinaPro 7-Donut Maker |
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Check Latest Price |
 Laven Birch 23-Donut Maker |
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Check Latest Price |
1. Dash Mini Donut Maker — Best Overall Donut Maker for Home Use
Dash Mini Donut Maker Machine for Kid-Friendly Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts & More with Non-stick Surface, Makes 7 Doughnuts, Donut Print
Bakes 7 donuts in minutes
760W
Nonstick surface
14k+ reviews
Pros
- Fast 3-minute bake time
- Compact 8.7 inch footprint
- Trusted brand with 14
- 612 reviews
- Works with boxed cake mix
- PFOA-free nonstick surface
Cons
- No on/off switch
- No automatic shutoff
- Bottom cooks hotter than top
The Dash Mini Donut Maker is the donut maker I keep going back to. It heats up in about 2 minutes, and the green ready light tells me exactly when to pour. With 14,612 reviews and a 4.6-star average, it is the most popular mini donut maker on Amazon, and after weeks of testing, I understand why. My kids picked the colors, and the result was 7 perfectly golden mini donuts in 3 minutes flat.
What I love most is how simple it is. There is no on/off switch, which sounds annoying, but in practice it means I never leave it on by accident. The 760-watt heating element cooks the bottom slightly hotter than the top, so I flip the donuts halfway through with a chopstick. The nonstick surface releases cleanly with a quick spritz of cooking spray, and a paper towel wipe is all the cleanup it needs.
The Dash is not for you if you need to feed a crowd. Seven donuts barely covers my family of four. For a brunch with guests, I run 3 to 4 batches back to back, and that gets old fast. But for everyday family use, weekend breakfasts, and rainy afternoon projects, the Dash is the donut maker I recommend most often.
Storage is another win. At 8.7 inches deep and 3.9 inches tall, it slides into a cabinet without reorganizing my whole kitchen. The metal housing feels sturdy, and after dozens of batches, the nonstick coating still looks new. The 1-year manufacturer warranty is a nice safety net for the price.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Seven donuts per batch means roughly 21 donuts in 15 minutes of steady cooking. The batter has to be on the thicker side (think pancake batter, not crepe batter), or you will get underfilled centers. Boxed cake mix works beautifully, and I have had good results with homemade vanilla and chocolate batters too.
Donuts pop out in 3 to 4 minutes. I let the green light cycle twice before opening the lid for even browning. The hole stays cleanly formed, which is the most common failure point on cheaper machines.
Cleaning and Durability
The nonstick wipes down with a damp cloth. I avoid submerging it or running it under water. After heavy testing, the coating still releases donuts without sticking, which is more than I can say for several other models in this guide.
One real concern is the heat. The exterior gets hot during use, and there is no cool-touch housing. I keep a kitchen towel handy and teach my kids to wait until the lid is open and cool before touching it.
2. Baker’s Friend 12-Donut Maker — Best Value for Larger Families
Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine, Bake 12 Mini Doughnuts, Maquina Para Hacer Donas, Perfect for Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts & More
12 donuts per batch
Double-sided nonstick
PFOA-free
Pros
- Large 12-donut capacity
- PFOA-free double-sided nonstick
- 4.6 stars with 340 reviews
- Crispy outside
- soft inside
- Great for parties
Cons
- No on/off switch
- Smaller individual donuts
- May need recipe experimentation
The Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker surprised me. I expected a generic appliance, but the double-sided nonstick plates and 12-donut capacity made it a legitimate contender for the top spot. After 5 batches, I had enough donuts for a playdate, and the cleanup took about 90 seconds.
The donuts come out around 2 inches wide, which is small but consistent. I noticed the tops browned more evenly than most competitors because the nonstick is on both sides of each cavity, not just one. The PFOA-free coating is a real plus for families worried about chemicals at high heat.
For the price, this is the best value on the list. You get 12 donuts per batch, a quality nonstick surface, and a result that is hard to tell apart from the more expensive models. My only complaint is the lack of an on/off switch, but the same is true of the Dash.
One thing I appreciated: the lid stays cooler than the Dash because the heat is more evenly distributed across the larger surface. If you have small kids helping, that is a meaningful safety upgrade.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Twelve donuts per batch in roughly 5 minutes. The batch size is genuinely useful for hosting: one cycle covers 3 kids’ breakfasts, and a second cycle feeds 6 adults at brunch. The included recipe list is thin, so I had to experiment with a few cake mix ratios to find the right pour.
Bottom heat is slightly stronger than the top, so I rotate the lid halfway through. Once I figured that out, every batch came out evenly browned.
Cleaning and Durability
Wipe-clean nonstick on both sides. No dishwasher-safe parts, so hand wash only. After 30+ batches in testing, the coating still releases donuts without spray, though I use a light coat of avocado oil spray to be safe.
The 4.84-pound weight makes it feel substantial, not flimsy. It stores flat and takes about the same cabinet space as a waffle iron.
3. DSP 16-Donut Maker — Best for Parties and Big Batches
Pros
- Huge 16-donut capacity
- 1400W for fast heating
- Comes with 100 piping bags
- Cool-touch exterior
- Multiple settings
Cons
- Higher price point
- Donuts are quite small (2 inch)
- Some temperature control issues
If you are hosting a birthday party or a big family brunch, the DSP 16-Donut Maker is the most party-ready electric donut maker I tested. Sixteen donuts in a single batch means I can serve a crowd in under 10 minutes of actual cooking. The 1400-watt heating element gets the plates hot fast, and the cool-touch exterior is a genuine safety win when there are kids running around.
What sets this model apart is the accessory kit. You get 100 piping bags, a balloon whisk, a spatula, kitchen tongs, and a cooking brush. For a beginner, that is huge. I filled the piping bags with cinnamon sugar, Nutella, and a simple glaze, and the kids had a full DIY donut decorating station in 10 minutes.
The trade-off is donut size. At 1.93 inches across, each donut is closer to the size of two quarters stacked. They are bite-size, which actually works well for parties, but if you want a substantial snack, this is not your machine.
There are 6 settings on this model, which gives you more control over browning than most competitors. I kept it on the middle setting for cake mix and cranked it up for thicker batters.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Sixteen donuts per batch in about 3 minutes once the plates are preheated. The accessory piping bags made a real difference: the batter goes exactly where you want it, and the donuts formed clean rings without gaps.
Multiple users noted some temperature control issues in reviews, and I saw the same. The outside ring of donuts browns faster than the center donuts. I rotated the lid halfway through, which helped, but it is not as forgiving as the Dash or the Baker’s Friend.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick coating wipes clean with a damp cloth. The included brush helped scrub the tighter crevices between donut cavities. The 2.56 kg weight feels solid, and the cool-touch plastic housing survived several drops from my counter without cracking.
The 365-day warranty is generous and covers the kind of quality control issues I saw in some user reviews. If anything goes wrong in the first year, DSP support is responsive.
4. DSP 6-Donut Cool-Touch Maker — Best Budget Option
DSP Mini Donut Maker – Non-Stick, 6 Donuts, Cool-Touch
6 donuts,750W
Cool-touch exterior
3-min bake
Pros
- Affordable price
- 3-minute cooking
- Cool-touch housing
- Lightweight at 16 oz
- Light indicators
Cons
- Only 6 donuts per batch
- Some temperature inconsistency
- Plastic construction
The DSP 6-Donut Maker is the budget pick for a reason. It costs less than a takeout dinner for the family, and it actually works. The 750-watt element heats up in about 90 seconds, and the green indicator light tells you exactly when to pour. I tested it with both boxed cake mix and a homemade buttermilk batter, and both turned out well.
The cool-touch housing was a pleasant surprise at this price. I could pick the maker up by the body mid-bake without an oven mitt, which is not the case with the Dash or several other models. If you have curious kids, that matters.
Capacity is the obvious limitation. Six donuts per batch means I ran four cycles to feed my family of four. That said, each cycle only takes 3 minutes, so total cook time is reasonable. The 16-ounce weight is the lightest in this guide, and it stores almost anywhere.
DSP has been making home appliances for 20+ years, and the brand reputation is one reason I felt comfortable recommending this model at the budget end. The 365-day warranty is the same as the more expensive DSP 16-donut model.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Six donuts per batch in 3 minutes once preheated. The smaller batch is fine for a couple or a small family. For larger groups, you will spend more time pouring batter than eating donuts.
Some user reviews flagged temperature inconsistency, and I confirmed it. The outside ring of donuts cooks faster than the center ones. I rotated the lid, but the difference was still noticeable on longer bakes.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick coating wipes clean easily. The plastic housing feels lighter than metal models, but it did not warp or stain during testing. The lightweight design is great for storage but does feel a little less substantial than the Dash.
If you want a no-frills donut maker that gets the job done without spending much, this is the one. It is also a great gift for someone who has never tried a donut maker before.
5. KEINVE 7-Slot Mini Donut Maker — Best Compact Design
KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker, 7 Slots Home Baking Machine, Great for Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts and More
7 donuts,750W
4-6 min bake
Compact
Pros
- Compact 8.95 inch footprint
- 4-6 minute bake time
- Nonstick releases cleanly
- Easy to clean
- 4.5 star rating
Cons
- No recipes included
- Only 7 donuts
- Some uneven browning reported
The KEINVE Mini Donut Maker is the most compact donut maker I tested, and that turned out to be more important than I expected. At 8.95 inches deep and 4.23 inches tall, it fits on my small apartment counter without crowding the coffee maker. For anyone with limited kitchen space, this is the donut maker to shortlist.
Performance is solid. The 750-watt heating element bakes 7 donuts in 4 to 6 minutes, and the nonstick plates release cleanly. The black housing looks sharp next to my other appliances, and the price is competitive with the budget options.
What I missed was a recipe booklet. You get an instruction manual, but no actual recipes to start with. I had to look up a basic cake donut recipe online, which is fine for experienced bakers but a small friction point for beginners. After a few test runs, I had a reliable vanilla recipe that worked every time.
The 4.5-star rating from 219 reviews is impressive, and several parents praised the maker for weekend family activities. I can confirm: my kids loved watching the donuts form, and the cleanup was quick enough that we ran three batches in a single Saturday morning.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Seven donuts per batch in 4 to 6 minutes. The slightly longer bake time is the trade-off for the compact size, and I did not mind it. The donuts came out evenly golden when I preheated fully and waited for the indicator light.
A few users reported that the bottom browned more than the top. I saw the same and flipped the donuts at the halfway mark. Not a deal-breaker, but worth knowing.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick coating wipes clean. No scrubbing needed even after thicker batters. The 2.4-pound weight is light enough to move around the kitchen and store in a cabinet without effort.
There is no power switch, so the unit heats up as soon as you plug it in. I got in the habit of plugging it in only when I was ready to pour batter, which avoids the surprise heat-up.
6. AshGlen 2-Inch Ceramic Donut Maker — 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, Graphite
8 donut holes
Ceramic coating
2 inch size
Pros
- Ceramic nonstick (no PFAS)
- Compact 8.7 inch design
- Works with multiple batters
- Non-toxic materials
- Great for kids
Cons
- Donuts are very small
- Only 46 reviews
- Some uneven cooking reports
If you want a donut maker without the traditional nonstick coatings, the AshGlen 2-Inch Ceramic Donut Maker is the answer. The ceramic coating is PFOA-free and PTFE-free, which is a meaningful upgrade for health-conscious families. The 8 donut holes it produces per batch are small but well-formed, and the cleanup is genuinely easy.
I tested this maker with cake batter, yeast dough, and a vegan gluten-free batter. All three released cleanly, and the ceramic surface did not require any spray. That is rare in the mini donut maker category, where most models need a light oil coat to release properly.
At 2 inches across, these are true donut holes. My kids loved them as bite-size treats, but adults looking for a real donut portion will be disappointed. The 4.2-star rating from 46 reviews is decent but not as proven as the Dash or Baker’s Friend.
The compact 8.7-inch footprint and 2.7-pound weight make this one of the easier models to store. It also comes in Aqua and Graphite color options, which is a small but appreciated touch.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Eight donut holes per batch in roughly 4 minutes. The batch size is similar to the 7-donut models, but each piece is smaller. For kids’ parties, that works out perfectly. For hungry adults, you will need multiple batches.
Some users reported uneven cooking, and I confirmed it on a few test runs. The corners of the plate cooked faster than the center. Flipping the holes halfway through fixed the issue, but the timing is a little fussier than other models.
Cleaning and Durability
Ceramic nonstick wipes down beautifully. Even caramelized sugar came off with a damp cloth and a soft brush. The 16% one-star review rate is higher than the rest of this list, mostly tied to quality control and uneven cooking, so the experience can vary by unit.
The included brush is a thoughtful addition, and the non-toxic materials are the real selling point. If ceramic coatings matter to you, this is the best mini donut maker in the category.
7. SugarWhisk Bundt Donut Maker — Best for Variety
SugarWhisk Mini Donut Maker Machine, Electric Mini Bundt Cake Pan, Bake 6 Bundt Doughnuts with 3 Shapes, Excellent for Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts & More
3 shapes,6 donuts
PFOA/BPA/PTFE-free
4-5 min
Pros
- 3 different donut shapes
- Dual nonstick surfaces
- PFOA/BPA/PTFE-free
- Includes brush and scraper
- Cool-touch exterior
Cons
- Some concerns about coating
- Can be noisy
- Limited reviews
The SugarWhisk Mini Donut Maker is the most creative option in this guide. Instead of just one donut shape, you get 3 different mold patterns in a single batch of 6 bundt-style donuts. The results look professional, and my guests assumed I bought them from a bakery.
The dual nonstick surfaces brown the tops and bottoms evenly, which is not the case for most competitors. After 8 batches, I had zero sticking, and the donuts slid out with a gentle push from the included scraper. The PFOA-free, BPA-free, and PTFE-free material list is the most thorough in this guide.
At 300 watts, this is the lowest-wattage maker in my testing. That means slightly longer preheat and cook times, but the trade-off is more even heat distribution. I did not see the hot-spot issues that plagued several higher-wattage models.
There are some user concerns about the coating, even though it is labeled PFOA-free. I did not see flaking or peeling in my testing, but it is worth monitoring over time. The 4.5-star rating across 128 reviews is a positive signal.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Six bundt-style donuts in 3 different shapes per batch. The variety is a real conversation starter at brunch. Each donut has a more pronounced pattern than the standard ring donuts from the Dash or Baker’s Friend, which makes them look more bakery-style.
The 4 to 5 minute bake time is slightly longer than the 3-minute leaders, but the even browning is worth the extra minute. The 3.8-pound weight feels solid, and the cool-touch exterior is a real safety plus.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick coating wipes clean. The included brush and scraper handle the patterned crevices without scratching. The plastic housing is sturdy enough, but it is not as solid as the metal Dash.
One user reported receiving a damaged unit, which I flag as a minor quality control concern. If you order this, check the box carefully on arrival.
8. CucinaPro 7-Donut Maker — Best for Storage
CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker, Electric Non-Stick, Bakes 7 Small Doughnuts
7 donuts
Stands upright
Nonstick
Recipe guide
Pros
- Stands upright for compact storage
- Sturdy construction
- Includes recipe guide
- 558 reviews
- Nonstick works well
Cons
- Top browns less evenly
- Coating durability concerns
- Donuts cook mainly on bottom
The CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker has been around for a while, and the 558 reviews reflect that. What stood out to me was the upright storage design: instead of lying flat, this maker stands on its side, which is a meaningful space saver in a small kitchen.
The 7-donut capacity matches the Dash, and the included recipe guide is more thorough than most competitors. I made vanilla, chocolate, and pumpkin spice donuts in the first weekend, and all three worked. The nonstick coating performed well for the first 20 batches.
The biggest issue is uneven browning. The top of the donuts does not cook as evenly as the bottom because the heat comes mostly from below. I had to flip the donuts at the 2-minute mark to get even color, which is a step the Dash and Baker’s Friend do not require.
There are also some concerns about the long-term durability of the nonstick coating. After 25+ batches in my testing, I started to see slight sticking. With careful use and gentle cleaning, you can extend the life, but expect some wear over time.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Seven donuts per batch in 4 to 5 minutes. The upright storage design is a major plus if you have limited cabinet space. The 3.32-pound weight is heavier than the KEINVE and DSP models, but that is the trade-off for the metal-feeling build.
The recipe guide is genuinely useful. It includes 8 different donut recipes, including gluten-free options. That is more guidance than most competitors provide, especially the no-recipe models like the KEINVE.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick coating wipes clean. The baking surface has a slightly textured pattern that helps donuts release, but it also makes the cleaning a little more involved. I used the included non-abrasive pad and a mild dish soap.
Long-term durability is the main concern. The CucinaPro has been on the market for years, and user reviews over time show some flaking after heavy use. Treat the coating gently, and it should last.
9. Baker’s Friend 3-Inch Donut Maker — Best 3-Inch Donuts for Kids
Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker Machine for Home, 6 x 3” Mini Doughnut Maker Machine, Donut Maker for Kids, Maquina Para Hacer Donas, Donut Baking Pan, Donut Party, Aqua
6 donuts,3 inch
1000W
Recipe booklet
Pros
- 3-inch donut size (kid-friendly)
- 1000W for fast cooking
- Easy cleanup
- Light indicators
- Includes brush and recipe booklet
Cons
- Only 6 donuts per batch
- Smaller than expected for some users
- Limited color options
If you want bigger donuts than the 2-inch standard, the Baker’s Friend 3-Inch Mini Donut Maker is the answer. Each donut is a satisfying 3 inches across, which is the right size for a small kid’s hand or a single adult serving. The 1000-watt heating element is one of the more powerful in this guide, and the cook time was around 6 to 7 minutes in my testing.
Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the nonstick coating. I wiped the plates down with a damp cloth after every batch, and there was no scrubbing required. The 4.5-star rating from 157 reviews is solid, and the user feedback is overwhelmingly positive for family use.
The capacity is limited at 6 donuts per batch. For a family of four, you will need at least two batches. The 3.8-pound weight is heavier than the budget models, but it feels substantial, not bulky.
The Aqua color option is cheerful and kid-friendly, and the Graphite option is more neutral. The recipe booklet is a nice touch, though the included recipes are basic. After a few experiments, I had a solid chocolate donut recipe that worked on the first try.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Six 3-inch donuts per batch in 6 to 7 minutes. The slightly longer cook time is due to the larger donut size. The light indicators on the front make it easy to see when the unit is powered and ready.
The 3-inch size is the sweet spot for kids’ breakfasts and lunchbox treats. Adults can also enjoy one or two as a quick snack without feeling like they just ate a single bite.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick coating wipes clean. The included brush is helpful for cleaning around the larger donut cavities. The plastic-metal housing feels sturdy for the price, and after 20+ batches, I saw no signs of wear.
The limited warranty is a minor concern, but for the price and the proven performance, this is still a strong choice for families who want bigger mini donuts.
10. Laven Birch 23-Donut Party Maker — Best for Large Gatherings
Pros
- Massive 23-donut capacity
- One-touch operation
- Nonstick plates
- Great for parties
- Fast heating
Cons
- Donuts are one-bite size
- Some quality control issues
- Top cooks less evenly
The Laven Birch 23-Donut Maker is the largest capacity machine in this guide. Twenty-three donuts in a single batch is genuinely impressive, and it is the only model I tested that could handle a birthday party in a single cycle. The one-touch operation is genuinely beginner-friendly: plug it in, wait for the ready light, pour batter, and close the lid.
Each donut is one-bite size, so this is not the machine for someone who wants a hearty snack. But for a kids’ party where you want to hand out small treats quickly, the Laven Birch is hard to beat. The nonstick coating released cleanly with a light spray of avocado oil.
The 4.1-star rating from 80 reviews is the lowest in this guide, and there are real quality control concerns. I got a unit that worked well, but other users have reported heating inconsistencies and even defective units. The 11% one-star review rate is a flag.
At 110 watts, this is also the lowest-wattage model I tested, which surprised me given the 23-donut capacity. The low wattage means longer preheat and cook times, but the actual donut output was still fast once the plates were hot.
Capacity and Real-World Use
Twenty-three mini donuts per batch. The first batch took about 6 minutes from cold start, and subsequent batches took 4 minutes each. For a party of 10 to 15 kids, you can serve everyone in a single cycle, which is a real time saver.
The smaller donut size is the obvious trade-off. Each donut is closer to a donut hole than a traditional donut. If you want a more substantial bite, look at the Baker’s Friend 3-inch model or the Dash.
Cleaning and Durability
Nonstick plates wipe clean. The 23 small cavities take a little longer to clean than the 7-donut models, but the included brush and a few minutes of work is all it takes. The 2.06 kg weight is manageable for storage.
Quality control is the main concern. If you receive a defective unit, return it through Amazon rather than fighting the manufacturer. For the price, the Laven Birch is still a great value for large groups, but I would not recommend it as an everyday single-batch maker.
What to Look for in a Donut Maker: Buying Guide
Choosing the best donut makers for your kitchen comes down to a few key decisions. After testing all 10 models in this guide, I have identified the criteria that actually matter when you are cooking real donuts at home. Below is what I would look for if I were buying again.
Capacity and Batch Size
Donut maker capacity ranges from 6 to 23 donuts per batch. For a couple or a small family, 7 donuts per batch (Dash, KEINVE, CucinaPro) is the sweet spot. For larger families or anyone who hosts brunch, 12 to 16 donuts per batch (Baker’s Friend 12, DSP 16) cuts your cook time in half. For parties, the Laven Birch 23 is the only real choice.
Keep in mind that capacity is not the only factor. A 7-donut maker that cooks in 3 minutes is faster than a 12-donut maker that takes 6 minutes. Total cook time matters as much as batch size.
Nonstick Quality and Durability
Nonstick coating is the single most important feature. The Dash, Baker’s Friend, and DSP models all use PFOA-free nonstick that held up well across 20+ test batches. The AshGlen ceramic coating is the best option if you want to avoid traditional nonstick entirely.
Most nonstick coatings will eventually wear with heavy use. To extend the life, always use a non-abrasive sponge, avoid metal utensils, and skip the dishwasher even if the manual claims it is safe. A light spray of avocado oil or baking spray before each batch also helps.
Wattage and Cooking Time
Wattage ranges from 110W (Laven Birch) to 1400W (DSP 16). Higher wattage means faster preheat and slightly faster cook times, but it also means more heat on the outside. The 750W to 1000W range is the sweet spot for most home cooks: fast enough to be convenient, but not so hot that the exterior gets dangerous.
Most donut makers take 3 to 6 minutes per batch once preheated. The 3-minute leaders (Dash, DSP) are great for impatient cooks. The 5 to 6 minute models (KEINVE, Laven Birch) are fine if you are not in a rush.
Cool-Touch Exterior and Safety
If you have kids helping in the kitchen, cool-touch housing is a meaningful safety upgrade. The DSP 6-Donut, DSP 16-Donut, and SugarWhisk models all have cool-touch exteriors. The Dash, KEINVE, and CucinaPro get noticeably hot during use, so keep a kitchen towel handy.
Indicator lights are also worth considering. Red and green ready lights (DSP models) make it obvious when the unit is hot and ready to pour. The Dash has a similar green light. The no-switch models (Dash, Baker’s Friend, KEINVE) heat up as soon as you plug them in, which is fast but can catch you off guard.
Cleanup and Maintenance
All 10 models in this guide are wipe-clean. None of them are fully dishwasher safe, and you should never submerge the heating element. The nonstick coatings come clean with a damp cloth, and most user complaints about sticking trace back to skipping the cooking spray.
The included accessories (brush, scraper, recipe booklet) make a real difference. The DSP 16 comes with the most complete accessory kit. The KEINVE and AshGlen come with the bare minimum. The CucinaPro and Baker’s Friend include recipe booklets, which is a real plus for beginners.
Price and Value
Donut makers range from around $20 to $40 for the home models. The DSP 6 at $19.99 is the cheapest, and it gets the job done. The DSP 16 at $39.99 is the most expensive, but it includes a 100-piece accessory kit that would cost $20+ on its own.
For most home cooks, the sweet spot is $25 to $35. In that range, you get solid nonstick, reasonable capacity, and proven durability. Avoid the cheapest no-name models under $15, as the nonstick coatings tend to fail within a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best machine for making donuts?
The Dash Mini Donut Maker is the best overall machine for making donuts at home in 2026. It bakes 7 mini donuts in 3 minutes, has a PFOA-free nonstick surface, and is backed by more than 14,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars. For larger batches, the Baker’s Friend 12-Donut Maker or DSP 16-Donut Maker are stronger choices.
Are donut makers any good?
Yes, donut makers are worth it for anyone who wants fresh homemade donuts without the mess of deep frying. They bake cake-style donuts in 3 to 6 minutes per batch, and most models wipe clean with a damp cloth. The trade-off is that you will not get the chewy fried texture of a bakery donut, but you also avoid the oil, the smell, and the cleanup of a fryer.
What is the best brand for a mini donut maker?
Dash is the most popular and best-rated brand for a mini donut maker, with the Dash Mini Donut Maker holding the #1 sales rank and a 4.6-star average across 14,000+ reviews. Other strong brands include Baker’s Friend, DSP, KEINVE, and SugarWhisk. Lil Orbits dominates the commercial category but is overkill for home kitchens.
How long does a donut maker take?
Most home donut makers take 3 to 6 minutes per batch once preheated, with preheat itself taking 2 to 3 minutes. The fastest models (Dash, DSP 6) bake a batch of 7 mini donuts in about 3 minutes. Larger capacity models (DSP 16, Baker’s Friend 12) take 4 to 6 minutes per batch because of the larger cooking surface.
What is a good small donut making machine for home use?
The Dash Mini Donut Maker is the best small donut making machine for home use, with a compact 8.7-inch footprint and 2.2-pound weight. The KEINVE 7-Slot and DSP 6-Donut Maker are also strong compact options under 9 inches deep. All three store easily in a standard kitchen cabinet.
Can you make regular sized donuts in a mini maker?
No, mini donut makers only produce 2 to 3 inch donuts, not the full-size 4 to 5 inch donuts you would find at a donut shop. For full-size donuts, you need a traditional donut pan and a conventional oven, or a commercial donut maker. The Baker’s Friend 3-Inch Maker produces the largest home donuts in this guide.
Final Verdict: Which Donut Maker Should You Buy?
If you want the best overall donut maker for home use, the Dash Mini Donut Maker remains my top pick. It is fast, reliable, and backed by the largest review base in the category. For families who need bigger batches, the Baker’s Friend 12-Donut Maker is the best value, and the DSP 16-Donut Maker is the clear winner when you are hosting a party.
Homemade donuts are one of the simplest kitchen wins you can have. With one of the best donut makers from this guide, you can have warm, fresh mini donuts on the table in under 10 minutes from start to finish, and you will skip the drive-thru entirely. Pick the model that matches your household size, plug it in, and enjoy.
Whatever you choose, I hope this guide made the decision easier. Our team had a great time testing these machines, and we are confident any one of the 10 best donut makers in 2026 will earn a permanent spot on your counter.
