7 Best Donut Makers of 2026

This Swiss Army knife of breakfast appliances redefines kitchen versatility with a bold twist—literally. The AROMA® Swap & Flip doesn’t just make mini donuts; it transforms into a panini press, waffle iron, or breakfast sandwich maker with swappable plates, giving you three appliances in one sleek, space-saving body. Its flip-to-crisp design ensures even browning, while the dual-waffle capability lets you serve two at once—perfect for families or meal preppers tired of single-serve limitations.

In real-world testing, the non-stick plates released waffles and donuts cleanly after a light spray, though thicker batters occasionally required gentle nudging. The ultra-slim storage profile is a game-changer for RVs or dorm rooms, and the cool-touch handle makes flipping safe and intuitive. However, the donut plate only makes two mini donuts per batch, which feels stingy compared to dedicated models—ideal for occasional treats, not crowd-feeding.

If you’re juggling limited counter space but crave culinary variety, this unit outshines single-purpose donut makers like the Dash Express. It’s a smart trade-off: slightly slower donut output for unmatched flexibility. While it can’t match the throughput of the 16-hole 2025 model, its multi-plate adaptability makes it a top pick for those who value breakfast diversity over donut volume.

The Dash Express punches above its weight with a no-frills, get-the-job-done attitude that’s rare in today’s feature-cluttered market. This budget-friendly powerhouse delivers seven perfectly round mini donuts in under five minutes, thanks to its fast-heating, double-sided non-stick plates that eliminate flipping. It’s the kind of appliance that turns “I’m too tired to bake” into “let’s make donuts” in seconds—ideal for parents, students, or anyone craving instant gratification.

Testing revealed consistent browning across all seven cavities, even with thicker batters like chocolate chip or cinnamon swirl. The non-stick surface genuinely lives up to its promise—a quick wipe with a damp cloth was often enough, and it’s dishwasher-safe for zero-stress cleanup. While it lacks advanced features like timers or temperature control, that simplicity is its strength: plug it in, pour, and wait for the golden signal. That said, the donut size is on the smaller side, and overfilling leads to messy overflow—precision matters.

Compared to the 12- or 16-hole models, the Dash Express is the minimalist’s dream: smaller footprint, lower cost, and perfect for solo or duo snacking. It doesn’t compete with the Baker’s Friend on volume or the FOHERE on speed, but for everyday indulgence without investment, it’s unmatched. If you want fun, fast, fuss-free donuts without the bulk, this is your go-to—less gadget, more joy.

When quantity meets quality, the Baker’s Friend Mini Donut Maker rises to the top like a perfectly proofed batch. With 12 non-stick cavities firing at once, this machine is built for households that eat big or hosts who love to impress. Whether you’re fueling a weekend brunch or prepping party favors, it slashes baking time in half compared to smaller models—a full dozen in under five minutes. The PFOA-free non-stick coating ensures clean release every time, and cleanup is a breeze with a simple rinse or quick wipe.

In action, the even heat distribution prevented undercooked centers or burnt edges—a common flaw in cheaper models. The batter pours smoothly into each mold, and the compact footprint belies its high output, making it ideal for kitchens that need power without the sprawl. However, the lack of a cool-touch handle means you’ll need an oven mitt when opening, and the lid doesn’t lock, so it can shift during use if not handled carefully.

Stacked against the Dash Express, this is the clear upgrade for serious snackers—it’s not as portable, but it doubles the output of most budget models. While it doesn’t match the 16-hole 2025 model’s sheer volume, it strikes the ideal balance between capacity and kitchen-friendliness. For families, entertainers, or anyone who hates baking in batches, this is the sweet spot of home donut making.

This donut-making beast is the undisputed king of volume and speed in the home market, boasting a 16-hole mold and 1400W of power that churns out a full lineup in under five minutes. The double-sided heating ensures uniform golden-brown results, while the 5cm-wide cavities create generously sized mini donuts—perfect for filling or glazing. What truly sets it apart is the complete baking kit: it comes with mini oven gloves and an oil brush, making it ready to use right out of the box—a rare touch that feels luxurious.

In real-world use, the large surface area demands careful batter distribution, but once mastered, it delivers professional-grade consistency. The non-stick coating resists scratching and cleans easily, though the size means it’s not dishwasher-safe—a trade-off for its durability. It’s slightly wider than standard counters, so measure your space first. Still, for families, bakers, or anyone hosting, the throughput is unmatched among non-commercial units.

Pitted against the Baker’s Friend, this model adds four more donuts per batch and includes accessories the other doesn’t. While it’s bulkier than the Dash or AROMA models, its performance justifies the footprint. It’s not as versatile as the MultiMaker, but for pure donut dominance, it’s the best overall choice—power, capacity, and polish in one black-box wonder.

The Dash MultiMaker® is a creativity engine disguised as a countertop appliance. With interchangeable plates for mini donuts, cupcakes, and heart-shaped waffles, it turns baking into a fun, customizable ritual—perfect for themed breakfasts, kids’ parties, or Instagram-worthy snacks. The plug-and-play plate system clicks in securely, and the non-stick surfaces release treats cleanly, making cleanup a breeze thanks to dishwasher-safe components. It’s the kind of gadget that makes kids beg to help in the kitchen.

During testing, each plate performed reliably: cupcakes rose evenly, donuts browned uniformly, and waffles held their shape. The compact design fits small kitchens, and the low wattage keeps energy use down—great for dorms or tiny homes. However, only one plate can be used at a time, so switching between treats requires cooldown and cleaning. And while it’s versatile, none of the plates produce as many items as dedicated models—7 donuts, 7 cupcakes, or 7 waffles per batch.

Compared to the AROMA Swap & Flip, it offers more whimsy and fewer functions—no panini press, but more dessert variety. It doesn’t match the 2025 model’s donut output, but it wins on fun and flexibility. For families, educators, or creative bakers, it’s the ultimate versatility play—less about volume, more about variety and joy.

This industrial-grade donut dynamo is the only fully automatic machine in the lineup, built for high-volume, hands-off operation in cafes, bakeries, or food trucks. With 1750W of power and a 3L batter hopper, it produces up to 250 mini donuts per hour—a staggering pace that leaves home models in the dust. The 4-row system automates frying, flipping, and counting, while stainless steel 304 construction ensures durability, hygiene, and easy cleaning in commercial environments.

In action, the intelligent temperature control maintains oil consistency, preventing burnt or greasy results. The automatic counting and speed adjustment let operators fine-tune output, and the safety features—like overheating protection and dual switches—make it reliable for long shifts. However, it’s not for home use: it’s heavy (15kg), requires oil management, and needs dedicated space. Also, it’s limited to frying, so if you want baked options, this isn’t it.

Compared to the 2025 home model, it’s in a different league entirely—not just bigger, but smarter and faster. While it lacks the non-stick simplicity of home units, it dominates in throughput and automation. For commercial operators, it’s the gold standard—a no-compromise machine built to sell, not just serve.

The Betty Crocker Donut Maker isn’t just an appliance—it’s a family experience in red plastic. Designed with kids in mind, it features a cool-touch handle, power indicator light, and even a built-in spatula and piping bag, turning baking into a hands-on, mess-free adventure. It bakes seven mini donuts at once, using even heat to deliver golden, fluffy results without frying—a healthier, cleaner alternative to oil-based methods that parents will appreciate.

In real use, the non-stick surface worked flawlessly, releasing donuts with a tap. The included accessories made decorating instant fun, turning snack time into a creative session. The compact size fits small kitchens, and the 1-year warranty adds peace of mind. However, the batter must be poured precisely—overfilling causes overflow, and the lid doesn’t lock, so it can shift during use. It’s also slower than some models, taking closer to 5–6 minutes for thicker batters.

Compared to the Dash Express, it’s more kid-focused and better accessorized, though similarly sized. It doesn’t match the Baker’s Friend’s output or the 2025 model’s capacity, but for family bonding and beginner bakers, it’s unbeatable. If you want fun, safety, and flair, this is the ultimate kid-friendly design—where baking becomes play.