The 5 Best Pizzelle Makers [Ranked]
In this post, we examined 5 of the best-selling pizzelle makers.
A pizzelle is a thin, round, Italian waffle that’s made flour, eggs, sugar, and butter. A pizzelle maker is like a traditional waffle maker that used to be made of cast iron, but today of them are made of aluminum or Teflon.
Contents
How do they work?
Modern pizzelle makers heat up via electricity. To use, you pour your batter onto the hot baking plate and press down the lid to create your pizzelle. Most make two large waffles at a time.
Pizzelles are a delicious and sweet holiday treat, and experts recommend when choosing a pizzelle maker, experts say to go with a cast iron or metal type if you’re planning on baking these treats on a regular basis because cast iron is more durable and will likely last your entire lifetime. For less frequent baking, get an electric maker (Source).
Comparing The Options
| Pizzelle Makers | Our Rating | Price ($) | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | The Chef’s Choice Pizzelle Pro | 4.6 | $$ |
 | The Cuisinart Pizzelle Press | 4.7 | $$ |
 | The Cucina Pro Piccolo Pizzelle | 3.8 | $$ |
 | The CucinaPro Polished Pizzelle Maker | 4.7 | $$ |
 | The Palmer Classic Pizzelle Maker | 4.3 | $$$ |
How Do They Compare
Here’s a deeper comparison:
- The Chef’s Choice Pizzelle Pro is an electric option maker that makes two 4 3/4 inch waffles in about 30 seconds. It features a non-stick surface and instant temperature recovery, which means it’s always ready for baking. Users praised the device for the speed at which it bakes and the ease of clean up afterward.
- The Cuisinart WM-PZ10 bakes two 4 inch wafers at a time. Like the previous model, this too features a surface that’s always ready to bake once it’s heated up. Also, like the previous model, this features a no-stick surface for easy cleanup. Where this differs is in its five-setting browning control, which lets you select how brown your treats get, and temperature indicators to let you know when they’re done.
- The Piccolo Pizzelle Baker made by Cucina Pro bakes four smaller (3 1/4 inch) pizzelles at a time. Like the previous models, this too features a non-stick surface. Users liked this for times when they needed to make a lot of waffles quickly.
- The Cucina Pro Polished pizzelle maker makes two large, 5-inch waffles at a time. It features a steam guard that protects your hands while baking, and the baking plates are thick, which provide for more even heat distribution. If you’re looking for a machine that makes these treats the same as when you were a kid, this is the model to get (Source).
- The Palmer Classic is a pizzelle maker made in the USA and makes two, 5-inch wafers at a time. This no-frills machine is a throwback to the old iron pizzelle makers grandma used to use. This machine is solid cast aluminum, which is more durable than the other makers we reviewed. In fact, this unit comes with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty. Buyers praised this for making “more authentic” pizzelles than other machines. While some users did notice issues with the batter sticking, others said the trick is to properly treat the baking plates before baking (Source).
Best Pizzelle Makers For 2023
Effectiveness
Price
Ease Of Use
This pizzelle maker offered by Chef’s Choice is easy to use, quick, efficient, and suitable for making cannoli as well. Users love the price and the speed, but some do note that there is no temperature control dial. Chef’s Choice pizzelle pro baker measure12.4” x 10.5” x 5”, and you can use it to make two delicate 4 3/3” pizzelle in 30 seconds.
Another great thing about this cookie machine is that it features baking indicator light, consistent heating, instant temperature recovering, and non-stick coating. In addition to this, it has user-friendly locking latch, and it comes with pizzelle recipes.
As a whole, users are extremely satisfied with the pizzelle pro express maker, and they praise its design and performance. A reviewer comments that the pizzelle machine works far better than she imagined and that the cookies are perfect every time. She adds that you don’t have to worry about the pizzelle sticking to the surface and that you can clean the baker very quickly. Another user also mentions that the maker heats consistently and evenly and that she hasn’t had any issues with it.
A buyer also shares that this is the best pizzelle maker you can find and that the included pizzelle recipes are very handy.
However, some customers have noted that the plastic latch breaks easily and that it takes time to figure out the right cooking time and thickness of the pizzelle.
Video Overview
Pros
- Easy to use
- Quick
- A baking indicator light
- Non-stick surface
- A user-friendly latch
- Recipes
Cons
- No temperature control
- Plastic latch
Effectiveness
Price
Ease Of Use
If you’re looking for a high-quality pizzelle maker, you might take a look at this pizzelle press offered by Cuisinart. Users love the non-stick surface, but some do note that it’s expensive.
The Cuisinart Pizzelle maker measures 9” x 5.8” x 10.5”, and it’s made of stainless steel. In addition to this, you can use the cooker to bake two 4” treats, and it features a ready-to-eat indication light, five browning controls, and a 3-year warranty. The maker comes ready-to-bake, arriving with a measuring scoop, roiling dowel, and a recipe book.
A buyer shares that he loves the Cuisinart press and that it’s one of the best makers she has ever used. She adds that the ready indication is handy and that the cookies never stick to the surface even if you don’t use oil. Another reviewer observes that the maker is easy to clean and that it doesn’t take much space in the kitchen. She also states that you don’t have to use oil because the non-stick surface is great.
A user mentions that the press works great and that you can count on it to make tasty pizzelle every time. However, one user has said that he is not happy with the non-stick surface and that the cookies break down when he removes them- but that might be user error.
Video Overview
Pros
- High-quality
- Non-stick surface
- Stainless steel
- A ready-to-eat light
- Controls
- Pizzelle accessories
Cons
- Not the cheapest option
Effectiveness
Price
Ease Of Use
This maker offered by Cucina Pro is well-made, efficient, and an excellent choice if you want to surprise your friends with freshly baked Italian delicacies.
Users love the steam guard, which protects the hands from burning accidents, but some do note that there is no temperature control. The Cucina Pro baker measures 10.2” x 10” x 5”, and you can use it to bake four 3.25” treats at a time. Furthermore, the maker features extra-thick baking plates, which is great because it ensures even cooking, and it has a non-stick grid so that the wafer will be easy to remove.
A happy buyer observes that she uses the Piccolo baker regularly and that it cooks fast and even. She adds that it makes perfect wafers every time and that she uses it in a professional bakery. Another reviewer mentions it takes practice to learn how to place the dough properly, but the wafer treats are delicious.
A satisfied user also shares that the cookies never stick to the surface and that it takes seconds to clean the baker. However, some customers have noted that the baker cooks unevenly and that the cookies are half burnt/half cooked. Some also state that it’s hard to get the bake right and that they think it’s too much of a bother to use the maker.
Video Overview
Pros
- Well-made
- A steam guard
- Thick baking plates
- Non-stick grid
Cons
- No temperature control
- Doesn’t cook well according to some users
Effectiveness
Price
Ease Of Use
If you love pizzelle and you want to prepare some at home, you might take a look at this polished maker offered by CucinaPro.
Users love that the maker is easy to clean, but some do note that the quality is not what they expected. The CucinaPro maker measures 10.2” x 10” x 5”, and it’s made of aluminum. You can use it to bakes two treats measuring 5”, and then you just have to wash it by hand to clean it. In addition to this, the pizzelle baker features extra-thick baking plates for even heat distribution and steam guard, which is great because you won’t get accidentally burnt.
In general, buyers have a high opinion of CucinaPro baker, and they praise its performance and usefulness. A reviewer remarks that the maker works wonderfully and cooks the cookies evenly. She warns that you must follow the instructions and spray the baker with Pam so that the pizzelle won’t stick.
Another user states that the baker is easy to figure out and operate and that the pizzelle are the perfect size. A purchaser also mentions that this is the best maker she has ever used and that she highly recommends it. However, some customers have noted that the pizzelle stick to the surface all the time and that it’s hard to remove them. Some also state that the pizzelle baker stop working in a couple of months.
Video Overview
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Extra-thick baking plates
- Even heat distribution
- A steam guard
Cons
- Pizzelle stick to the surface according to some users
Effectiveness
Price
Ease Of Use
This classic pizzelle maker offered by Palmer is quick, efficient, well-made, and an excellent choice if you’re looking for a high-quality pizzelle baker.
Users love the design and the quality of the baker, but some do note that it’s expensive. The Palmer maker measures 14.9” x 10.4” x 3.7”, and it features cast aluminum plates, a chrome/cast aluminum body, and it’s made in the USA. Another great thing about this product is that you can make two 5” cookies at the same time faster than if you use hand irons. You also get a 5-year manufacturer warranty.
A reviewer comments that the Palmer classic baker heats quickly and evenly and that the cookies very delicious. She adds that you should brush the top and bottom plates with oil to avoid sticking.
Another purchaser shares that she received the press as a Christmas gift and that she uses it regularly with no burning or sticking. A user also observes that the treats are ready in 30-40 seconds and that they are crisp, light and thin. She highly recommends it as the best press available.
However, some customers have noted that the baker arrived damaged and that it makes the treat thicker than they would like.
Video Overview
Pros
- Quick
- Well-designed
- Cast aluminum plates
- Made in the USA
- A 5-year warranty
Cons
- Arrived damaged according to some users
What is Reddit saying?
- One post in the food subreddit displayed a gorgeous Italian waffle. One user chimed in and complimented the appearance- saying that while they look like waffles in both preparation and appearance that you actually consume them like a thin wafer cookie. You can even use a rotary cheese grater to add some cheesy zest.
- Another user supplied an old family recipe for making them, saying that the ingredients include six eggs, one and three-quarter cups sugar, a half pound margarine, 3 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 tablespoon of vanilla and 2 tablespoons of anise seed. Other users said that part of their Christmas tradition is baking hundreds of these delicacies to supply their home for large family gatherings.
- Yet another user says that in their neighborhood there's a local family that prepares them and sells them at the farmer's market. There are about a dozen different flavors and their family always buys a big stack of them every time they go there. Even further, you can use them for ice cream sandwiches or to rollup cannolis.
- Some people even make some fondue to dip these in- delicious!
- From a historical perspective, one user said that they used to be baked so that the family crest would appear on them- this was done using a custom-built iron so that it would monogram the family seal onto this dessert. When their daughter would marry, these confections would be used on the tables.
- Many users shared experiences with their grandmothers- saying that these old world women, frequently from Italy, were famous for making them with hand mixers. A user said that her own grandmother would take a long time making these complicated recipes, ensuring that everything was just right, and each cookie was individually blessed.
- In the family recipes subreddit, one user shared a recipe for how to make them- saying that it originated from Italy over a century ago. A user commented that their own recipe varies slightly by ingredient and they also are in the habit of having the dough sit for a day before making the actual wafer. The consensus was that after a few days they taste even better, becoming tastier and crunchier.
- In the cast iron subreddit a user posted a photo of an old maker- they had discovered a pair of these irons at a Philadelphia thrift shop that was monogrammed. They also unearthed a recipe. The cast-iron skillets are actually stuck into a wood-burning stove to create an authentic, Italian waffle.
The original poster provided a recipe and amended it saying that instead of using shortening, next time he would use butter from a sprayer, increase the vanilla amount, and a pinch of salt and of course use some anise. - One of the weirder posts that we saw was in a tattoo subreddit- users showed off an elaborate tattoo of pizzelle and blackberries painted onto a woman's upper arm.
- In an entirely different subreddit focused on the low carbohydrate ketogenic diet, a user submitted a request for crispy cookies as a cheat meal. One of the top suggestions was just to buy one of these presses- this seems to satisfy the original poster who was in desperate need of a crispy, low-calorie dessert.
