This sweet doughnut, originating from Louisiana in the United States, is becoming increasingly popular in France. Those who are concerned about their figure prefer it plain. But the greediest among you will opt for the versions with flavoured icing, chocolate and/or filled with cream or jam.
By getting a donut machine, you can make delicious homemade donuts very easily. Besides, having a donut maker is very advantageous. You will no longer have to face the constraint of shaping the doughnuts into a ring before baking them. In addition, using a donut maker allows you to have lighter donuts, with less fat.
Also, you can find a multitude of models of doughnut machines in household appliance stores or on the net. Of course, it is difficult to choose among the countless models of donut machines available.
As a Pastry Chef, and a great lover of donuts, I decided to present you the criteria to take into account to choose the best donut machine.
What are the best donut machines in 2022?
Below you will find a selection of the 4 best donut machines available on the market, with their respective specifications. This information will help you choose your donut machine.
This machine has a mould for 7 doughnuts and differs from other models in its range by its safer design. The machine is equipped with a handle that does not heat up even when the machine is brought to the highest temperature (cool-touch handle).
To provide additional protection for the user, the manufacturer has added 4 non-slip rubber feet, ensuring optimal stability. This is in addition to the indicator lights that show the heating temperature. In addition, the device is rather light and space-saving.
Even if this device remains rather basic, its design is rather nice. Moreover, the device is at the top of the ranking in terms of quality/price ratio.
The Babycakes also impresses with its compactness. The device does not take up much space. You can easily move it from the kitchen to the dining room.
You can even take your donut baking attachment with you if you want to serve hot donuts at a brunch or coffee break at a loved one’s house. The cord won’t bother you at all because the machine is equipped with a cable reel. The machine is also equipped with anti-slip feet, offering excellent stability.
Are you passionate about pastry? Do you like to please your friends and family by making them good little cakes? Choose the Vonshef donut maker. The machine works including a pair of plates for 12 donuts.
Due to its design, the Vonshef is a little larger and more expensive than other models. However, the price/performance ratio is very acceptable when you consider the performance and functionality of the machine. This machine is very easy to maintain. The fully removable plate sets are dishwasher safe.
Here, the device is presented in the form of a rounded housing with a diameter of 22.5 cm and a height of 11.5 cm. The handling is as simple as the presentation.
For the technical characteristics, the machine has a power of 700 Watts and can cook 6 donuts at the same time. The manufacturer has provided a specific space for inserting fingers below the clip. This configuration facilitates opening/closing considerably and provides more security.
Regardless of the brand and model, the donut machine can also be used to bake bagels. The only difference with baking doughnuts is the waiting time for baking. Plan to wait a little longer if you want to have soft, well-baked rolls. The ideal baking time for a bagel is 25 minutes.
How to choose the best donut machine?
Consider the following criteria to choose the best donut machine for your needs.
- The features
There are models of multi-function donut machines. These machines are equipped with several interchangeable moulds for baking different types of pastries. Opting for this model will allow you to vary the pleasures. Something to delight all food lovers! Buying this type of appliance is not worthwhile if you already have specific baking appliances for other pastries.
- The use
Home donut baking machines should be easy to use. These machines are commonly equipped with indicator lights. The red light comes on as soon as you plug the device into an electrical outlet. The light turns green when the preheating is complete and the device has reached the ideal temperature for cooking doughnuts.
Then you can open the lid and grease the pan a bit with butter or oil, if needed. This step is not necessary (… but will inevitably make the doughnuts tastier). Then pour the batter into the cups.Then you can open the lid and grease the pan a bit with butter or oil, if needed. This step is not necessary (… but will inevitably make the doughnuts tastier). Then pour the batter into the cups.
To start cooking, simply close the device by lowering the lid. Donut baking tools usually have a clip-on closure/opening system.
Finally, you only have to wait about ten minutes and your doughnuts are ready. Take advantage of the cooking time to prepare the glaze or the filling for example.
- The power
On the one hand, the power of the machine influences the cooking of the donuts. On the other hand, the wattage also indicates the energy consumption of the machine. Naturally, a doughnut machine with a power rating of between 700 W and 900 W will produce golden brown doughnuts that are well-cooked on the inside and will consume very little energy.
- The number of donuts
Being able to bake a large number of donuts at the same time is a real convenience and cost-saving advantage. To take advantage of these benefits, choose a donut machine that can handle at least 6 donuts simultaneously.
- Cooking temperature
On the other hand, donut machines with a thermostat will provide optimal cooking. In addition, it is highly recommended that you look for donut machines with a temperature indicator light, indicating preheating and the ideal cooking temperature.
- The material
For domestic use, it is absolutely advisable to choose a cooking appliance with a heat-resistant exterior. This way, you can be sure that you won’t get burned by the slightest contact with the machine while cooking. This is a must if you have children running around the house. They will be more attracted to the kitchen when they smell the good smell of donuts cooking.
Also, be sure to consider the material of the baking sheets. Prefer machines with non-stick plates to obtain nice, well-formed doughnuts that come off very easily after baking. The adhesive coating on the moulds makes it much easier to maintain the donut machines. It is, however, important to note that the fixed plates can be cleaned with a damp sponge and cloth. You can remove any dough residue stuck to the mould with a small soft brush. Finally, avoid rubbing with a steel wool, a pointed object or any abrasive sponge, as this could completely damage the coating.
- The price
A donut machine costs between $35 and $100. Professional models can cost much more. Generally, the price varies according to the brand.
For the best deals, it is absolutely recommended to turn to the appliances offered by the reputable merchant sites. Of course, the final choice between the different models of donut machines is mainly based on your budget.