Since small, when I went to my grandma’s house, I always munch on her delicious pizzelle and thought, how are those things made? Pizzelles are those Italian cookies that many unsuspecting people mistake for waffles but you discover it’s actually more addictive after one bite.
As I didn’t have much chance to visit her for the past year due to work commitments, I have decided to call her up for the recipe to make one for myself. And then I realized I do not have a pizzelle maker at home.
I started researching and testing 19 models in the market before handpicking the top 6 pizzelle maker I can find. I am torn between the #1 and #3 review but one function made the difference between the two which I will share with you after this quote.
This iron has the solid, practical feel of an Old World tool, before push buttons took away much of the fun and satisfaction of creating something wonderful with patience and a little skill. –Fred Brack
This traditional food from the old country is actually just made of flour, butter, eggs, sugar, and vegetable oil then cooked to crisp. There are other versions that are chewy and soft too. It takes some patience and skill to make it perfect.
Do you know what makes it tick? It’s the best pizzelle maker. If you are a first-time buyer or made a mistake for the first one, feel free to read till the end for the buyer’s guide.
Best Pizzelle Makers Table Comparison
- Cuisinart WM-PZ2 Pizzelle Press
- Able to bake two 4-inch pizzelles at the same time which saves time
- 2 different decorative designs to wow your friends
- Red and Green Indicator light showing readiness
- Five settings switch to adjust the temperature for browning preference
- Nonstick surface which makes it easy to clean
- A measuring spoon is included to get the amount of batter spot on
- Free recipes in the instruction booklet offer variations on flavors.
- It has a locking lid which prevents the heat from dissipating
- Can be stored upright to save space
- Easily Wiped clean
- Plates are a bit small to make bigger pizzelles but the killer feature just makes it the best pizzelle maker in the market
- CucinaPro 220-05NS Non-Stick Pizzelle Maker
- Bake 2 big 5 inch pizzelles for big famiiles
- Extra thick baking plate ensures heat distribution
- Non Stick Surface for easy cleaning
- Non-stick surface makes easy cookie removal
- Produces a couple of crispy pizzelle at once
- The steam guard protects your hands from getting burned
- No indicator light but it does the simple things well with a really reasonable price
- Non-stick surface makes easy cookie removal
- Produces a couple of crispy pizzelle at once
- The steam guard protects your hands from getting burned
- No indicator light but it does the simple things well with a really reasonable price
- Nordic Ware Krumkake Iron, Silver
- Able to make traditional Scandinavian cone cookies or Italian pizzelles
- Decorative flowers and leaves design to make the end product beautiful
- Can be used on gas, electric, or ceramic stoves
- Built to last for years
- So simple to operate
- Get the job done
- No frills kind of iron press
- the lack of features are just not ideal for beginners but it is this type of traditional pizzelle maker that can make the tastiest pizzelle on earth with patience and skill
- VillaWare V3600-NS Prego Nonstick Pizzelle Baker
- Beautiful imprints to make your pizzelles a masterpiece
- Non Stick Grids for easy washing
- Ability to make two 5 inch pizzelles at one time
- Instructions with recipes included for first-timers
- Automatic thermostat with ‘ready’ light
- Weighs 6 pounds where you can move it around easily with one hand
- Steam Guard ensures safety during the process
- can be a bit pricey compared to traditional pizzelle makers but make up for it with the functions
- Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic
- Simple design
- Easy to operate
- Yields a couple of light and crisp cookies at the same time
- Best option for gluten-free batter
- Make sure to measure the batter well because there is no space for overflow
- Pizzelle are a bit thicker
- Cast-iron is sticky which means it’s difficult to clean
- Chef’s Choice 834 Pizzelle Pro Express Bake
- Even heat distribution
- Latch ensures uniform cookie thickness
- Great for fast cookie making
- Too fast, sometimes pizzelle burns
- Sometimes, pizzelle gets soggy results
- No hand protection
Highlighted Features
If you want a fast and hassle-free electric-powered pizzelle maker, Cuisinart WM-PZ2 Pizzelle Maker is what you’re looking for. I used it frequently to bake two 4-inch pizzelles with two different designs in 60 seconds and easily impress my friends and family with the final masterpiece.
The red and green indicator is the killer feature that makes it different from other pizzelle maker in the market. It comes in handy to show that the pizzelles are ready to serve and you do not need an external timer. You even have a five setting switch on the press to adjust the temperature for browning preference
The non-stick surface ensures that you don’t break the cookies when they are cooked and is also easy to clean afterward. They even provide a measuring spoon so you do not get an overflowing batter like a fountain.
Lastly, the free instructions in the instruction booklet will allow you to test different variations for flavors. If you are on a tight budget and prefer a simple electric baker which still does the simple tasks well, you can check out my #2 review below for CucinaPro 220-05NS Non-Stick Pizzelle Maker
Highlighted Features
If you’re just beginning your pizzelle making journey to test out your grandma old recipes, you will love the CucinaPro 220-05NS Non-Stick Pizzelle Maker because it allows you to make 2 big 5 inch pizzelles at one go.
The extra thick baking plate ensures heat distribution is even so it doesn’t destroy your pizzelles but you still need an external timer as it does not have a handy indicator light like the Cuisinart WM-PZ2 Pizzelle Maker.
See also Best Pancake Maker Reviews 2021 And Other FAQs
Its steam guard makes it impossible for you to burn your hands and the non-stick surface ensures that the cookies can be removed easily and the plate surfaces can be cleaned easily too.
If you are looking for the traditional type of pizzelle maker, do not miss out on my #3 review for Nordic Ware Norwegian Krumkake Iron.
Pros
Cons
Highlighted Features
If you’re one of those traditional buffs who want to get as close as possible to the way pizzelle are cooked in the old country, the Nordic Ware Norwegian Krumkake Iron Pizzelle Maker is for you.
This pizzelle maker may not win any award in the features department but it gets the job done really well. Ideal for a veteran pizzelle maker, it leaves no room for hand-holding. You will be able to make the best traditional, wafer thin Scandinavian cone cookies or Italian pizzelles well crafted with flowers and leaves
It doesn’t have room for excess batter and a wooden cone roller is provided to help you out. All you need to do to use it is to put it on top of the stoves and off you go cooking traditional pizzelles.
Highlighted Features
This beginner-friendly VillaWare Nonstick pizzelle maker imprints a beautiful floral pattern on your pizzelles, turning a plain-looking one into a masterpiece.
You will also be able to know the plates are heated evenly using the indicator lights provided. However as it does not have an automatic timer, you may need an external one to know when the pizzelle are done.
For someone that hates washing, I love the nonstick plate where you can easily scrape any batter remains with a pan scraper. It just saves me so much time and effort to keep my kitchen clean and tidy after cooking
If you prefer your pizzelle to have a uniform thickness, the lid can be latched onto the handle. Another thing that comes in handy is the instructions and free recipes provided which makes it suitable even for a first timer.
If you prefer the old school type of pizzelle maker design, the American made stovetop Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic is one of the best out there.
It comes with two aluminum plates casing making it really durable, it can withstand whatever use and abuse you will throw at it.
See also 8 Best Countertop Ovens For Baking & Cooking At Home
The cast-iron material is really effective in making a couple of thin cookies at 5-inch diameter. With this pizzelle maker, you can get your beloved classic Italian cookies in half the time. It comes with 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
For really fast pizzelle making, the Chef’s Choice 834 Pizzelle Pro Express Bake is a contender. Can you believe that this iron press can cook two 4 3/4-inch thick cookies in just 30 seconds? This translates to several batches of cookies in just 5 minutes!
The non-stick cast-iron plate surface ensures easy cleaning, cookie removal and durability. The instruction manual comes with great recipes to try out.
How to Choose the Best Pizzelle Maker Guide
Shopping for your own iron can be overwhelming because there are a lot of options to choose from.
Types
There is the traditional single pizzelle maker, wherein you can just make one cookie at a time. A lot of chefs have inherited their single-cookie cast iron pizzelle makers from their grandmothers.
There is also the double stovetop maker which is a little advanced than the traditional one. Nevertheless, this is equally sturdy as the single-cookie type and this allows you to make two cookies at a time.
Lastly, there is the more advanced electric-powered pizzelle maker made of iron with all the bells and whistles like timers and temperature control. This allows you to make more than 2 pizzelles in a shorter period of time.
Quality
Traditional single pizzelle makers are normally of cast iron which means it can last a lifetime and even more.
Double stovetop pizzelle makers are either made from cast iron or aluminum. I normally will suggest sticking to a cast iron pizzelle maker as it normally lasts longer than aluminum ones
The more advanced electric-powered pizzelle maker are normally made of iron. While this is not as sturdy as the traditional ones, the features make up for what it lacks in durability.
Functions
The traditional single or double stovetop pizzelle makers are quite standard and do not have many features compared to the electric-powered versions.
Some useful functions or features to look out for in a pizzelle maker includes the following:
- Automatic thermostat and indicator light signal
- Non-stick surface
- Ability to cook more than 2 pizzelles at one time for large families
- Even heat distribution
- Manufacturer warranty
Pro Tips
If you think that ends your confusion, think again.
You have to understand that this piece of iron has been around for hundreds of years and modern kitchen appliance makers have made their own modern version of it.
All the different brands have added their own touch to this piece of kitchen technology resulting in a unique tool but making it also difficult to choose. So how do you choose your pizzella maker? Here are a few tips:
How Frequent Are You Going To Cook Pizzelle
If you will just make pizzelle when the mood suits you, you might want to settle with electric powered ones. This is fast and efficient to use and the features make it easy for you to cook. You may trade off durability with ease of use, but with this type of iron press, you will get the job done.
What is your level of proficiency?
If you’re just starting out, it might be a good idea to settle again with the electric powered iron. Again, the features are the key here. Timer and temperature control will help you make pizzelle without burning them or wasting the batter.
If you’re an expert though, you might want the flexibility of the traditional iron. You already know how much batter you need and the traditional iron will give you the result that you want to achieve.
Do you have time to wait
If you just want to cook a pizzella fast, the electric maker will give you that kind of result. If you want quality, you might want to settle with the traditional cast iron maker.
Can you handle the batter well
If you still can’t estimate the right amount of batter that you need, you might need a design that has space for overflow. Most modern electric makers have a bit of space along the sides to accommodate for it. The traditional cast iron is a bit unforgiving when it comes to space because it doesn’t have any.
To make sure you choose the right iron for your pizzella, make sure to consider these qualities too.
- Heat distribution
- Can it play a double role?
- Is it easy to clean?
Depending on the type of maker you purchased, cleaning can either be a breeze or a nightmare. This is perhaps where electric pizzella makers have a great advantage over the traditional cast iron type.
As you may already have experienced, traditional iron requires a little bit of scrubbing to get cleaned while some electric powered makers even have non-stick surfaces making it so easy to clean.
Common FAQs for Best Pizzelle Maker
How Do You Keep Pizzelles Crispy?
This will require you to have an oven and cookie sheet. Bake your pizzelles in the oven at a preheated temperature of around 340 degrees Fahrenheit within 2 minutes. The heating will extract some of the moisture and keep your pizzelles crispy
Can I Freeze Pizzelle Dough?
If you have leftover pizzelles, you will need to let them cool down to room temperature first. It is recommended to wrap them in plastic wrap and keep them in an airtight container for up to 2 to 3 months.
Is A Pizzelle Maker The Same As A Waffle Maker?
They are quite similar but unlike waffle maker, pizzelle maker is being designed to ensure the pizzelles made are crispy and crunchy. You will also notice that they have a different type of baking plates
How Do You Clean A Pizzelle Iron?
Here are some simple steps I follow when cleaning up my pizzelle iron.
- Let it cooldown first after cooking
- Wipe it with a clean cloth
- Use a pan scraper or brush to remove any stuck batter. Avoid metal equipment that can damage your iron
- If the cooking plates are removable you can put sink them in to hot soapy water for easy washing
Wrap Up For Best Pizzelle Maker
The clear winner for this review is the Cuisinart WM-PZ2 Pizzelle Press.
It’s a simple operation and multiple functions to making pizzelle is a real deal-breaker for me. While it doesn’t hand-hold you, it’s not as spartan to operate compared to the Nordic Ware Norwegian Krumkake Iron Pizzelle Maker.
Another thing that I like about this iron press is the readiness indicator. It just makes the cooking process so easy and I do not have to worry about burn pizzelles unlike other models.
Pizzelle are usually served at Christmas, Easter, and weddings, but with a decent iron, what’s stopping you from making it on regular days with the best pizzelle maker?