Fresh mini doughnuts are easier to make at home with the right electric maker. These compact appliances bake evenly shaped treats with less mess than deep-frying.
We compared 10 doughnut makers across capacity, nonstick performance, ease of use, and family-friendly features to help you choose the best fit for your kitchen.
Best 10 Doughnut Makers Picks for 2026
Best Kid-Friendly Pick
- Makes 7 mini doughnuts in minutes
- Simple one-setting operation
- Compact nonstick design with recipe support
Best For: Families, beginners, and small kitchens
Best Accessory Bundle
- Makes extra-small 1.93-inch doughnuts
- Includes five useful baking accessories
- Cool-touch body and readiness lights
Best For: Decorating-focused snack and brunch baking
Best Two-Doughnut Format
Compact Double-Sided Doughnut Machine
- Cooks two doughnuts at a time
- Double-sided cast-aluminum heating plates
- Includes oil brush and scraper
Best For: Small-batch family or trial commercial use
Best Compact Family Option
- Makes 7 mini doughnuts quickly
- Double-sided nonstick cooking surface
- Compact design for counters and dorms
Best For: Families and casual bakers in small spaces
Best for Easy Setup
- Bakes 7 mini doughnuts in minutes
- Non-stick plates simplify release and cleanup
- Upright storage suits small spaces
Best For: Families and small kitchens
Kid-Friendly Baking Choice
KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker
- Bakes 7 mini doughnuts in 4–6 minutes
- Non-stick plates support easy release
- Compact 750-watt design for family snacks
Best For: Family baking and decorating activities
High-Capacity Batch Maker
- Produces 16 mini doughnuts per plate
- 1,400 watts with double-sided heating
- Includes gloves and an oil brush
Best For: Entertaining and larger batches
Best for Big Batches
Baker's Friend 12-Count Mini Donut Maker
- Bakes 12 mini doughnuts per batch
- Works with several batter types
- PFOA-free nonstick surfaces ease cleanup
Best For: Families, parties, and batch baking
Best Compact Ceramic Option
AshGlen 8-Count Mini Donut Maker
- Ceramic-coated plates support easy release
- Makes eight 2-inch doughnuts
- Compact and lightweight for storage
Best For: Small kitchens and easy cleanup
Best for Larger Mini Doughnuts
Baker's Friend 6-Count 3-Inch Donut Maker
- Makes six larger 3-inch doughnuts
- Indicator lights simplify operation
- Includes brush and recipe booklet
Best For: Families wanting larger mini-doughnut portions
Best Kid-Friendly Pick – Dash Mini Donut Maker
For families comparing doughnut makers, this Dash model is a compact, straightforward option that makes seven mini doughnuts in minutes. Its nonstick surface, simple one-setting design, and included recipe guidance make it approachable for casual baking and kitchen activities with kids.
Best For: Families, beginners, and small kitchens that want quick, customizable mini doughnuts.
Pros:
- Makes seven mini doughnuts quickly.
- Works with cake mix, brownie mix, or other batters.
- Nonstick surface supports easy cleanup.
- Compact 8.7-by-10.6-by-3.9-inch design and 2.2-pound weight are convenient for storage.
Cons:
- Produces mini doughnuts rather than full-sized ones.
- Has only one setting, so temperature customization is limited.
- Manual operation still requires monitoring and careful handling.
This is a practical choice when ease of use and family-friendly baking matter more than advanced controls. The recipe guide, recipe database access, and one-year warranty add useful support for new users.
Best Accessory Bundle – DSP Mini Donut Maker
This DSP model stands out among doughnut makers for its extra-small 1.93-inch doughnuts and unusually complete accessory set. Red and green indicator lights simplify operation, while the cool-touch exterior and nonstick coating make it convenient for snack sessions, brunches, and entertaining.
Best For: Shoppers who want bite-sized doughnuts and decorating tools included in the package.
Pros:
- Includes 100 piping bags, a spatula, whisk, tongs, and cooking brush.
- Indicator lights show power and readiness.
- Cool-touch exterior supports safer handling during operation.
- Nonstick, scratch-resistant design can be wiped clean.
Cons:
- The doughnuts are particularly small at about 1.93 inches.
- At 2.56 kg, it is heavier than some compact alternatives.
- The included maker is described as having six settings, but the notes do not explain how those settings function.
The DSP is a strong fit for decorative mini treats, especially if you value having preparation and decorating accessories on hand. Its cool-touch body and readiness indicators add convenience, though the very small doughnut size will not suit everyone.
Best Two-Doughnut Format – Compact Double-Sided Doughnut Machine
Among doughnut makers, this compact machine is designed around a two-doughnut format and double-sided heating. Cast-aluminum plates with a PFOA-free Teflon coating are intended to heat evenly and release doughnuts easily, with an oil brush and scraper included for basic preparation.
Best For: Users who want to prepare a small number of doughnuts at a time for family or commercial-style trial use.
Pros:
- Double-sided heating is designed for quick, even cooking.
- Nonstick PFOA-free plates help reduce sticking.
- Includes an oil brush and scraper.
- Uses 750 watts and offers five settings according to the supplied details.
Cons:
- Only makes two doughnuts at a time, so larger batches may take longer.
- The panels are intentionally loose, which may feel unusual during use.
- The machine becomes very hot and requires careful handling to avoid burns.
This model makes the most sense when controlled, small-batch output is more important than maximum capacity. Its heating and release features are useful, but the heat warning and unusual panel design make attentive operation essential.
Best Compact Family Option – Dash Express Mini Donut Maker
This Dash Express is a compact choice for anyone comparing doughnut makers for quick homemade treats. It bakes seven mini doughnuts at a time, uses fast heating and a double-sided nonstick surface, and fits easily on a countertop or in a dorm-room kitchen.
Best For: Families, dorm residents, and casual bakers who want simple mini doughnuts without deep frying.
Pros:
- Makes seven mini doughnuts in minutes.
- Double-sided nonstick plates support easy release and cleanup.
- Compact, lightweight design is convenient for small spaces and storage.
- Provides a simple one-setting operation.
Cons:
- Produces mini doughnuts rather than standard-size doughnuts.
- One setting limits control over cooking adjustments.
- The supplied notes list a limited warranty but do not specify its duration.
With its straightforward controls and seven-doughnut capacity, this is a sensible everyday option for family snacks and parties. It is especially appealing if you prefer baked doughnuts and need an appliance that stores easily.
Best for Easy Setup – CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker
For shoppers comparing doughnut makers for small kitchens, the CucinaPro Mini Donut Maker offers a compact way to bake seven bite-sized doughnuts in minutes. Its non-stick plates support less-mess baking, while the included recipe guide helps you get started with classic and seasonal flavors.
Best For: Families, kids’ activities, dorms, apartments, RVs, and anyone who wants a compact baked-doughnut appliance.
Pros:
- Bakes seven mini doughnuts in just minutes.
- Non-stick plates make release and cleanup easier.
- Upright-storage design suits limited counter and cabinet space.
- Includes recipes and works well for decorating activities.
Cons:
- Produces mini doughnuts rather than full-size doughnuts.
- Its seven-doughnut capacity may require multiple batches for gatherings.
The CucinaPro is a practical choice when compact storage, easy cleanup, and family-friendly decorating matter more than high-volume production.
Kid-Friendly Baking Choice – KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker
The KEINVE Mini Donut Waffle Cake Maker is one of the more approachable doughnut makers for quick family snacks. It bakes up to seven mini doughnuts in about four to six minutes, and its non-stick plates make decorating and cleanup less demanding.
Best For: Families who want quick breakfast treats, after-school snacks, or a hands-on decorating activity for children.
Pros:
- Bakes up to seven mini doughnuts in four to six minutes.
- Non-stick cooking plates help doughnuts release easily.
- Compact dimensions fit kitchens of various sizes.
- 750-watt design is suited to homemade snacks and desserts.
Cons:
- Its seven-slot capacity is less suited to large batches.
- The supplied notes list an instruction manual but no recipe guide.
Choose the KEINVE if you value simple, quick batch baking and a family-oriented decorating experience in a lightweight, space-saving appliance.
High-Capacity Batch Maker – 16-Hole Mini Donut Maker
Among doughnut makers designed for speed, this 16-hole model stands out for its larger batch capacity. Its 1,400-watt double-sided heating system is designed to cook evenly in one to five minutes, and the included oil brush and mini oven gloves add useful accessories for home baking.
Best For: Hosts, larger households, and home bakers who want to produce more mini doughnuts per batch.
Pros:
- Bakes 16 mini doughnuts per plate.
- Double-sided heating is designed for quick, even cooking.
- Includes an oil brush, mini oven gloves, and user guide.
- Non-stick, scratch-resistant surface supports easier release.
Cons:
- Its listed footprint is larger than the seven-slot models.
- The 1,400-watt power rating may be more than needed for occasional small batches.
The 16-hole layout makes this a stronger option for entertaining or repeated batches, provided you have room for its larger countertop footprint.
Best for Big Batches – Baker's Friend 12-Count Mini Donut Maker
If you want a doughnut maker that can handle treats for a family or gathering, this Baker’s Friend model bakes 12 mini doughnuts at once. Its compact design, quick cooking, and nonstick surfaces make it practical for snacks, brunches, and decorating projects.
Best For: Families, parties, and anyone who wants to prepare a dozen mini doughnuts per batch.
Pros:
- Bakes 12 mini doughnuts at a time.
- Works with cake mix, brownie mix, and other batters.
- Double-sided, PFOA-free nonstick surfaces support even cooking and easier cleanup.
- Compact size makes it suitable for gifting and smaller countertops.
Cons:
- Produces mini doughnuts rather than full-sized ones.
- The larger footprint may take more counter space than smaller mini-doughnut makers.
Choose this doughnut maker when batch size matters most. The 12-cavity layout is especially useful for entertaining, while the nonstick plates help keep post-baking cleanup manageable.
Best Compact Ceramic Option – AshGlen 8-Count Mini Donut Maker
The AshGlen is a compact doughnut maker for small kitchens, dorms, or anyone who wants easy-to-store equipment. It makes eight 2-inch mini doughnuts at a time and uses ceramic-coated baking plates designed for simple release and wipe-down cleanup.
Best For: Small households, dorm rooms, compact kitchens, and cooks who prioritize easy cleanup.
Pros:
- Ceramic nonstick coating helps release doughnuts with less residue.
- Compact 8.7-inch square footprint and 2.7-pound weight make storage easier.
- Handles cake, yeast, gluten-free, and vegan recipes.
- Included brush is useful for basic preparation and cleanup.
Cons:
- Produces eight doughnuts per batch, fewer than some larger models.
- The 2-inch doughnuts are smaller than the 3-inch treats made by some alternatives.
This model is a sensible pick when counter space and cleanup are key considerations. Its recipe flexibility also makes it useful for households with varied baking preferences.
Best for Larger Mini Doughnuts – Baker's Friend 6-Count 3-Inch Donut Maker
For shoppers who prefer more substantial mini treats, this Baker’s Friend doughnut maker produces six 3-inch doughnuts per batch. Simple indicator lights, a nonstick coating, and included recipe materials make it approachable for family baking and doughnut parties.
Best For: Families and doughnut fans who prefer 3-inch portions over smaller bite-sized doughnuts.
Pros:
- Makes six larger 3-inch doughnuts per batch.
- Red and green indicator lights show power and baking readiness.
- Nonstick coating supports quick wipe-down cleanup.
- Includes a brush and recipe booklet.
Cons:
- Six-cavity capacity means smaller batches than 12-count models.
- Offers one setting, limiting adjustment options.
This is a strong choice if portion size matters more than maximum batch capacity. Its straightforward controls and included accessories make it especially suitable for casual home baking and kid-friendly activities.
How We Picked the Best Doughnut Makers
We focused on the features that matter most for home baking: cavity count, doughnut size, heating design, surface materials, handling, and cleanup. The lineup includes compact seven-cavity machines, higher-capacity 12- and 16-hole models, and smaller options designed for occasional batches.
We also considered practical details such as cool-touch construction, nonstick interiors, indicator lights, footprint, and whether a machine is better suited to children, families, or more frequent entertaining. Because listed specifications can vary by seller, confirm dimensions, voltage, included accessories, and warranty coverage before ordering.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | Look For | Typical Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Kids and casual baking | Simple controls, cool-touch housing, compact design | 7 doughnuts |
| Family-size batches | More cavities and quick reheating | 12–16 doughnuts |
| Small kitchens | Lightweight construction and upright storage | 2–8 doughnuts |
| Frequent decorating | Consistent shapes and easy-release plates | 7–12 doughnuts |
Key Buying Factors for Doughnut Makers
Capacity and Doughnut Size
Capacity determines how quickly you can serve a group. Seven-cavity machines are a useful middle ground, while 12- or 16-cavity models reduce batch time for parties. Check the stated doughnut diameter, since “mini” can describe noticeably different sizes.
Nonstick Surface and Cleanup
A reliable nonstick coating helps release delicate doughnuts and reduces scrubbing. Use silicone or wooden utensils rather than metal tools, and avoid immersing an electric appliance unless the manufacturer explicitly allows it. Removable plates are convenient, but fixed plates can still be easy to clean when properly coated.
Heating and Controls
Double-sided heating can promote more even browning, while indicator lights simplify timing. Most compact makers use preset heat rather than precise temperature controls, so look for clear instructions and allow the unit to preheat fully before adding batter.
Safety and Storage
Cool-touch handles, stable feet, a locking lid, and a heat-resistant exterior are useful in busy kitchens. A compact footprint and cord storage matter if the maker will live in a cabinet between uses.
Who Should Buy Which Doughnut Makers?
Choose a seven-cavity model if you want a versatile appliance for breakfasts, snacks, and decorating projects without taking up much counter space. These are usually the best all-around choice for couples and small families.
Choose a 12- or 16-cavity model if batch speed is your priority. Higher capacity is especially useful for gatherings, classroom treats, or households where everyone wants doughnuts at once.
Choose a two- to eight-cavity maker if storage space is limited or you typically bake small quantities. These models can be practical for occasional use, though they may require more batches for a crowd.
Choose a kid-focused machine when ease of use and safer handling matter most. Children should still be supervised around hot plates and steam, but cool-touch features and simple operation can make decorating and serving more approachable.









