Picking the right mini donut maker matters whether you want quick breakfasts, kid-friendly snacks, or a device that can handle small catering jobs. These recommendations are based on extensive research, hands-on testing, and expert reviews to help you choose the best model for your needs.
How we tested and ranked
What we tested: Capacity, heat-up time, cooking consistency, ease of use, cleanup, durability, safety features, and value. We tested each machine with common batters (cake mix, pancake-style, and thin batter) and evaluated how evenly each unit cooked, release from the plates, and cleanup time.
Sources of insight: Hands-on kitchen testing, technical specs from manufacturers, long-form user reviews, and comparisons with expert guides. We weighted real-world reliability, frequency of consumer complaints, and how well a product matched its intended use (home vs. commercial).
Key priorities: Consistency of results, ease of cleanup, build quality, and suitability for intended use (family breakfasts vs. parties vs. commercial output).
Dash Mini Donut Maker
Compact and affordable 7-donut maker that heats quickly and delivers consistent mini donuts. Nonstick plates and simple plug-and-play operation make it perfect for families and first-time bakers. Lightweight and easy to store — great for casual home use and gifts.
Why we picked it
The Dash Mini Donut Maker is a budget superstar. It produces seven uniform mini donuts per batch using a 760W heater, with a reliable nonstick surface that releases donuts cleanly and wipes down quickly. The unit's simple indicator light and one-step setup make it ideal for kids, casual bakers, and small households.
Pros:
- Fast heat-up and short cook times
- Very affordable and compact
- Nonstick plates simplify cleanup
Cons:
- Small batch size (7 donuts) — not ideal for large groups
- Basic controls (no temperature adjustment)
Bottom line: For under $25, this is the easiest, most accessible way to make mini donuts at home — excellent for first-time buyers and gift shoppers.
VEVOR Commercial Donut Machine
Heavy-duty automatic donut machine for high-volume production. Stainless-steel construction, automated flipping, and a high-capacity oil tank make it suited for cafés, food stands, and catering. Professional throughput and consistent ring donuts justify the investment for commercial use.
Why we picked it
The VEVOR Commercial Automatic Donuts Machine is built for scale: 304 stainless steel, a 3L hopper, 6.1L oil tank, and automated operation rated at roughly 240 donuts/hour. Intelligent controls and auto-flipping produce consistent ring-style donuts with minimal operator intervention — important for commercial kitchens and high-volume events.
Pros:
- High throughput and consistent results
- Durable, food-grade stainless construction
- Automated controls reduce labor and variability
Cons:
- Pricey and large — not suitable for typical home kitchens
- Requires dedicated space, oil handling, and maintenance
Bottom line: If you need commercial capacity and industrial reliability, this machine delivers professional results. It’s the clear choice for small businesses and high-volume operations.
Dash MultiMaker Treat System
Versatile 3-in-1 treat maker that swaps plates to produce mini donuts, mini cupcakes, and waffle bites. Removable dishwasher-safe plates and a compact footprint give excellent flexibility for families who want variety without multiple appliances.
Why we picked it
The DASH MultiMaker Treat Maker provides the most utility per dollar. With six removable 8" plates (two donut, two cupcake, two waffle bite), it delivers three dessert types from one compact unit. The removable nonstick plates are dishwasher-safe, simplifying cleanup, and the system is backed by DASH’s one-year warranty.
Pros:
- Multi-function (donuts, cupcakes, waffle bites)
- Removable, dishwasher-safe plates
- Compact and kid-friendly design
Cons:
- Makes smaller batches per plate (7 or 9 items), so larger parties require multiple cycles
- Not as rugged as heavier-duty machines
Bottom line: For families and anyone who wants dessert variety without clutter, this is the most practical and flexible choice at a friendly price.
23-Hole Donut Maker
High-capacity consumer mini donut maker that bakes 23 donuts at once. Fast heating, even cooking, and a robust nonstick surface make it perfect for parties and group baking. One-touch operation keeps it beginner-friendly while maximizing output.
Why we picked it
This Laven Birch 23-hole Mini Donut Maker stands out for throughput and party-readiness. Capable of baking 23 mini donuts in a single cycle, it uses a strong heating system for even results without rotating or flipping. The premium nonstick coating ensures neat release and fast cleanup, and the one-touch operation makes it approachable for bakers of all skill levels.
Pros:
- Large single-batch capacity (23 donuts)
- Even heating and quick cook times
- Great for parties, bake sales, and larger families
Cons:
- Larger footprint than 7-slot makers
- Slightly higher energy draw during longer runs
Bottom line: For most households who host gatherings or want faster batch production, this model balances ease-of-use, capacity, and price — our top pick for everyday entertaining.
Comparison at a glance
Quick differences:
- Dash Mini Donut Maker (Best Budget Pick) — Ultra-affordable, compact, makes 7 donuts per batch, great for occasional use and kids.
- VEVOR Commercial Donut Machine (Premium Choice) — Professional stainless-steel build, automated flipping, high throughput (~240/hour); made for businesses.
- Dash MultiMaker Treat System (Best Value for Money) — Multi-function plates (donuts, cupcakes, waffle bites), removable dishwasher-safe plates, versatile for families.
- 23-Hole Donut Maker (Editors Choice) — Large single-batch capacity (23), fast heating, ideal for parties and frequent entertaining.
Best overall: 23-Hole Donut Maker (Editors Choice) — strikes the best balance of speed, capacity, and usability for most home users.
Best for small budgets: Dash Mini Donut Maker — lowest cost, simple operation.
Best for variety: Dash MultiMaker Treat System — multi-plate flexibility justifies a modest price premium.
Best for commercial use: VEVOR Commercial Donut Machine — professional features and throughput for businesses.
If you want a short recommendation by scenario:
- Casual family use / gifts: Dash Mini Donut Maker
- Frequent entertaining / parties: 23-Hole Donut Maker
- Variety of desserts from one appliance: Dash MultiMaker Treat System
- Café / high-volume production: VEVOR Commercial Donut Machine
Final recommendation
After hands-on testing and cross-checking user feedback, the 23-Hole Donut Maker is our top recommendation for most home users: it combines capacity, consistent results, and approachable operation. If you’re constrained by budget, the Dash Mini Donut Maker delivers excellent value and simplicity. Families who want variety should opt for the Dash MultiMaker Treat System, while small businesses will find the VEVOR Commercial machine worth the investment for its throughput and durability.
These picks reflect careful testing across performance, reliability, and cleanup. Choose the model that aligns with how often you’ll bake, how many donuts you need per session, and whether you prefer multi-use flexibility or pro-level capacity.