Making fresh doughnuts at home is easier when you choose a machine that matches your batch size, cooking style, and cleanup preferences. The options in this roundup range from compact seven-cavity appliances to higher-capacity commercial fryers.
Whether you want kid-friendly weekend baking, versatile dessert plates, or faster production for a busy kitchen, this guide highlights the features that matter most before you buy.
Best 10 Doughnut Makers Picks for 2026
Best Kid-Friendly Pick
- Makes seven mini doughnuts in minutes
- Simple batter-to-baking setup
- Compact nonstick design for easy cleanup
Best For: Kids, families, and quick decorated treats
Most Versatile Option
- Includes doughnut, pie, and taiyaki plates
- Detachable nonstick plates ease cleanup
- Offers indicator lights and cool-touch housing
Best For: Multi-purpose family baking
Best for Larger Mini Doughnuts
- Makes six larger 3-inch doughnuts
- Ready and power lights simplify timing
- Includes a brush and recipe booklet
Best For: Brunches and family gatherings
Best Compact Classic
- Makes seven mini doughnuts quickly
- Compact and lightweight for easy storage
- Double-sided nonstick surface simplifies cleanup
Best For: Dorms, small kitchens, and simple batches
Best Family-Batch Pick
Baker's Friend 12-Count Mini Donut Maker
- Makes 12 mini doughnuts per batch
- Nonstick, PFOA-free cooking surfaces
- Compact and easy to clean
Best For: Families, gatherings, and home snack baking
Best Commercial Capacity
FOHERE Automatic 4-Row Mini Donut Maker
- Produces up to 250 mini doughnuts per hour
- Automates forming, frying, flipping, and counting
- Stainless steel commercial construction
Best For: Cafes, bakeries, and high-volume dessert businesses
Best Compact Family Option
KEINVE 7-Slot Mini Donut Waffle Maker
- Bakes seven mini doughnuts in 4–6 minutes
- Compact 2.4-pound design
- Nonstick plates simplify release
Best For: Small kitchens, families, and children’s baking activities
Fast Batch Pick
2-Hole Double-Sided Donut Maker
- 750-watt double-sided heating
- PFOA-free nonstick plates
- Includes brush and scraper
Best For: Small batches and compact kitchens
Small-Space Favorite
AshGlen 8-Hole Ceramic Mini Donut Maker
- Makes eight two-inch mini doughnuts
- Ceramic nonstick baking plates
- Compact 2.7-pound design
Best For: Small kitchens and bite-size treats
High-Output Choice
16-Hole Electric Mini Doughnut Maker
- Makes 16 mini doughnuts per plate
- 1,400-watt double-sided heating
- Includes mitts and oil brush
Best For: Entertaining and larger home batches
Best Kid-Friendly Pick – Dash Mini Donut Maker
For families looking for approachable doughnut makers, this Dash model keeps the process simple: add your preferred batter, bake seven mini doughnuts, and decorate them with glazes, frosting, or sprinkles. Its compact footprint and nonstick cooking surface suit busy kitchens and casual baking projects.
Best For: Kids, families, entertaining, and quick mini-doughnut snacks.
Pros:
- Bakes seven mini doughnuts in minutes.
- Works with cake mix, brownie mix, and other batters.
- Nonstick surface supports easy cleanup.
- Includes a recipe guide and one-year manufacturer warranty.
Cons:
- Its single setting offers limited control.
- It makes mini doughnuts rather than larger, full-size doughnuts.
Choose this model if ease of use, compact storage, and family-friendly baking matter more than adjustable settings or interchangeable plates.
Most Versatile Option – StarBlue 3-in-1 Dessert Maker
Among doughnut makers, this StarBlue appliance stands out for its interchangeable plates. It can bake six mini doughnuts, six bite-size pies or quiches, or two fish-shaped taiyaki, giving households several dessert and snack options from one compact machine.
Best For: Cooks who want one appliance for mini doughnuts, pies, quiches, and taiyaki.
Pros:
- Includes three changeable plate sets.
- Detachable nonstick plates make cleanup easier.
- Cool-touch housing, locking system, and nonslip feet add practical safety features.
- Power and ready indicator lights simplify operation.
Cons:
- It is heavier and taller than simpler single-purpose models.
- The doughnut plate makes six at a time rather than seven.
- Changing plates adds an extra setup step.
This is a strong choice when versatility is a priority and you are likely to use the pie and taiyaki plates as well as the mini-doughnut plate.
Best for Larger Mini Doughnuts – Baker’s Friend 6-Cavity Maker
This Baker’s Friend model is one of the more practical doughnut makers for shoppers who prefer 3-inch treats instead of very small doughnuts. It makes six at a time, heats in minutes, and uses indicator lights to show when the unit is powered and ready.
Best For: Brunches, gatherings, and families wanting larger mini doughnuts.
Pros:
- Produces six 3-inch doughnuts per batch.
- Red and green indicator lights clarify power and readiness.
- Nonstick coating supports quick release and wipe-down cleaning.
- Includes a brush and recipe booklet.
Cons:
- It has one setting and no interchangeable plates.
- Its 3.8-pound weight is greater than some compact alternatives.
Consider it if a more substantial mini-doughnut size is important. Its straightforward controls make it easy to use, though it is less flexible than a multi-plate dessert maker.
Best Compact Classic – Dash Express Mini Donut Maker
The Dash Express is a straightforward option for shoppers comparing compact doughnut makers. Its small countertop footprint, lightweight design, and seven-doughnut capacity make it suitable for dorm rooms, smaller kitchens, and quick homemade treats.
Best For: Small kitchens, dorms, and users who want simple seven-doughnut batches.
Pros:
- Bakes seven mini doughnuts in minutes.
- Fits easily on a countertop and stores with minimal effort.
- Double-sided nonstick cooking surfaces help with release and cleanup.
- Fast heating supports quick homemade batches.
Cons:
- It has only one setting.
- It is designed for mini doughnuts, not full-size doughnuts.
- No recipe guide is listed among the included components.
This model makes sense for buyers who want a dedicated, uncomplicated doughnut maker with a seven-cavity batch size and a compact aqua design.
Best Family-Batch Pick – Baker's Friend 12-Count Mini Donut Maker
For home cooks comparing doughnut makers, the Baker’s Friend stands out for producing 12 mini doughnuts at once. Its double-sided, PFOA-free nonstick surfaces are designed for even cooking and easier cleanup, while its compact footprint suits busy kitchens.
Best For: Families, gatherings, children’s snacks, and anyone who wants to make multiple mini doughnuts quickly at home.
Pros:
- Bakes 12 mini doughnuts in a batch.
- Works with cake mix, brownie mix, and other batters.
- Double-sided nonstick surfaces support even cooking and quick cleanup.
- Compact design makes it suitable for smaller countertops.
Cons:
- It makes mini doughnuts rather than full-size doughnuts.
- The notes do not specify adjustable temperature controls.
This is a practical choice for casual home baking, especially when batch size and simple cleanup matter more than advanced controls.
Best Commercial Capacity – FOHERE Automatic 4-Row Mini Donut Maker
Among doughnut makers for professional settings, the FOHERE is built for high-volume mini doughnut production. Its automatic forming, frying, flipping, collecting, counting, and outputting system can produce up to 250 mini doughnuts per hour, with adjustable frying speed and constant temperature control.
Best For: Cafes, bakeries, dessert shops, buffets, hotels, canteens, and other commercial food-service operations.
Pros:
- Automatic four-row operation handles forming through output.
- Produces up to 250 40 mm mini doughnuts per hour.
- 304 food-grade stainless steel construction is durable and easy to maintain.
- Includes overheating protection, double-switch safety, counting, and temperature control.
Cons:
- Its 33-pound-plus commercial build is less suited to casual home kitchens.
- Requires oil in the tank before operation.
- Its larger footprint and 1750-watt power use may not suit every workspace.
This machine makes the most sense when consistent throughput is the priority. Its capacity and automation are substantial, but so are its space, oil, and operational requirements.
Best Compact Family Option – KEINVE 7-Slot Mini Donut Waffle Maker
For shoppers seeking compact doughnut makers, the KEINVE offers a small home-baking format with seven slots and a stated 4-to-6-minute cooking time. Nonstick plates help release the mini doughnuts cleanly, making it approachable for family baking and decorating activities.
Best For: Small households, children’s baking activities, breakfasts, after-school snacks, and kitchens with limited counter space.
Pros:
- Bakes up to seven mini doughnuts in 4 to 6 minutes.
- Nonstick plates support easier release and cleanup.
- Compact dimensions and 2.4-pound weight make storage more convenient.
- Suitable for decorating treats with icing, sprinkles, and other toppings.
Cons:
- Seven slots provide a smaller batch than some larger home models.
- It is intended for mini doughnuts, not full-size doughnuts.
- The supplied details do not mention adjustable temperature controls.
The KEINVE is a straightforward pick for occasional family use. Its small size and nonstick plates favor convenience, while the seven-doughnut capacity keeps batches modest.
Fast Batch Pick – 2-Hole Double-Sided Donut Maker
For shoppers comparing doughnut makers for quick, small-batch treats, this 750-watt model focuses on fast heating and straightforward cleanup. Its double-sided, PFOA-free nonstick plates cook two doughnuts at a time, while the included brush and scraper help with preparation and removal.
Best For: Families or small-scale commercial users who want a compact two-doughnut-at-a-time machine.
Pros:
- Double-sided cast-aluminum heating plates are designed for quick, even cooking.
- PFOA-free nonstick surfaces help reduce sticking and simplify food release.
- Includes an oil brush and scraper for easier preparation and serving.
- Five settings provide some flexibility during cooking.
Cons:
- Only two doughnuts can be made at a time.
- The unit becomes very hot during and after use, requiring careful handling.
- The connection between the panels is intentionally loose, which may feel unusual.
This is a practical choice when compact size and quick individual batches matter more than high-volume output. The included tools add convenience, but users should leave room for safe handling around the hot plates.
Small-Space Favorite – AshGlen 8-Hole Ceramic Mini Donut Maker
This AshGlen model stands out among doughnut makers for its compact design, aqua finish, and ceramic-coated plates. It makes up to eight two-inch mini doughnuts at once and is designed for easy release and wipe-down cleaning after the unit cools.
Best For: Dorm rooms, small kitchens, gift giving, and anyone who prefers bite-size doughnuts.
Pros:
- Bakes up to eight two-inch mini doughnuts per batch.
- Ceramic nonstick coating is designed for easy release and cleanup.
- Supports cake batter, yeast dough, gluten-free, and vegan recipes.
- Lightweight 2.7-pound design stores easily in tight spaces.
Cons:
- Its two-inch cavities produce mini doughnuts rather than full-size treats.
- The eight-doughnut capacity may require multiple batches for larger gatherings.
- Cleaning guidance requires unplugging and cooling the unit before wiping.
Choose this model if countertop space and simple cleanup are priorities. Its eight-hole layout offers more throughput than a two-hole maker while keeping the finished doughnuts small and snack-friendly.
High-Output Choice – 16-Hole Electric Mini Doughnut Maker
Among doughnut makers for entertaining or frequent home baking, this 1,400-watt model offers a 16-hole plate and a stated one-to-five-minute baking time. The double-sided heating system is paired with a nonstick surface, while mini oven mitts and an oil brush are included.
Best For: Home bakers who want to make larger batches of approximately two-inch mini doughnuts quickly.
Pros:
- Sixteen holes allow a larger batch than the other listed makers.
- Double-sided heating is designed for quick, even cooking.
- Stated one-to-five-minute baking time supports fast snack preparation.
- Includes mini oven mitts, an oil brush, and a user guide.
Cons:
- The larger footprint takes more counter space than a compact two-hole unit.
- Each cavity is about 1.97 inches, so it makes mini rather than full-size doughnuts.
- The supplied notes do not specify an adjustable temperature control.
This is the strongest fit for users who value batch size and speed. Its 16-hole plate can streamline preparation for guests, though shoppers with limited storage should account for its approximately 11.4-by-13.4-inch listed size.
How We Picked the Best Doughnut Makers
We compared these Doughnut Makers by looking at cavity count, heating performance, cooking format, surface design, controls, versatility, and intended use. Compact electric machines are typically best for baked mini doughnuts and occasional family batches, while commercial-style equipment is designed for higher throughput and more continuous operation.
We also considered practical ownership details, including whether the plates or cooking surfaces are detachable, how easily batter can be portioned, and whether the appliance supports more than one type of dessert. Product claims such as capacity and output should always be checked against the manufacturer’s specifications before purchase.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Look For | Typical Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Families and children | Simple controls, nonstick plates, compact storage | Six- to seven-cavity mini maker |
| Larger home batches | More cavities and consistent heating | Eight- to 16-hole appliance |
| Recipe variety | Interchangeable or multi-purpose plates | Three-in-one dessert maker |
| Commercial production | High wattage, hopper capacity, adjustable controls | Automatic multi-row fryer |
Key Buying Factors for Doughnut Makers
Capacity and Batch Speed
Count the cavities, not just the advertised serving size. A seven-cavity machine may suit a small household, while a 12- or 16-hole model can reduce repeat batches for parties. Commercial units use output ratings and hopper capacity instead of small-batch counts.
Baked or Fried Results
Most countertop models cook batter between heated plates, producing a lighter baked texture with less oil. Fryers can deliver a more traditional result but require more space, oil management, ventilation, and cleanup.
Coating and Cleanup
Nonstick or ceramic-coated surfaces help release doughnuts and simplify wiping. Even with a nonstick finish, use the recommended utensils and avoid abrasive cleaners. Detachable plates are especially useful when available, but confirm whether they are dishwasher safe.
Controls, Size, and Safety
Look for clear indicator lights, stable feet, insulated handles, and straightforward temperature control. Measure your counter and storage space before buying, particularly for commercial machines or models with deep housings.
Shape and Versatility
Mini doughnuts cook quickly and work well for toppings and party trays. If you want waffles, taiyaki, pies, or quiche as well, a multi-function model may provide better value than a single-purpose appliance.
Who Should Buy Which Doughnut Makers?
Choose a compact six- or seven-cavity maker for occasional breakfasts, children’s baking sessions, and easy storage. Choose a larger 12- or 16-hole model if you regularly serve groups and want fewer cooking cycles. Choose a versatile three-in-one appliance if experimenting with several desserts matters as much as making doughnuts. Choose a commercial automatic fryer only when you need substantially higher output and are prepared for added oil, space, cleaning, and operating requirements.