*last updated December 12th, 2022
If you have an Italian family background or have been to Italy, then you have most likely indulged in Pizzelle, the delicious, anise-flavored cookie. These cookies have an attractive snowflake imprint and get served in many different ways.
Our reviews of the best pizzelle makers aka best pizzelle irons will help you to find the perfect pizzelle cookie maker for your needs and your budget.
There are so many ways how one can enjoy one of these delicacies.
Either eat the pizzelle as a thin crispy cookie, sandwich two cookies together with cannoli cream or roll them up while still warm and create cannoli shells.
Either way, with our reviews of the best pizzelle makers, you can enjoy them any time of the year.
Related post: Find The Best Pizzelle Cookie Recipe – Our Top 13 Choices
Pizzelle makers look a lot like waffle makers with similar functions, e.g., indicator lights for ready-to-bake. A pizzelle maker is usually a bit smaller though, and the grooves in the cooking plates are more shallow than in a waffle maker.
The cookie batter is made with flour, butter, sugar, and eggs and is traditionally flavored with anise. But you can also experiment with orange or vanilla flavors. The texture of the batter is thick and sticky.
You could either use a tablespoon or an ice cream scoop to place the dough on the cooking grids.
The quality of our reviewed best pizzelle makers is fantastic, and we are confident that you’ll find one that best suits your needs and budget.
Find A Pizzelle Iron That Is Best For You
To find a pizzelle iron that works best for you, you need to ask yourself a few questions.
- Do you want a pizzelle maker with a nonstick coating or uncoated, with a cast aluminum finish?
- How many pizzelle cookies do you want to make at the same time? One, two or even more.
- Do you prefer your pizzelle cookies paper-thin or a little bit thicker?
Some people prefer an uncoated pizzelle iron for several reasons. Most nonstick coatings are Teflon based which is associated with some health risks.
Related post: Top Waffle Makers Without Teflon
A cast aluminum plate needs to be greased otherwise the pizzelle will stick to the plate. But over time, there is less greasing required. Like a cast iron pan, the uncoated pizzelle maker will get better the more you use it.
In our detailed reviews, you’ll find a pizzelle maker with your chosen preferences.
Whether you are looking for a nonstick or uncoated pizzelle iron, or you would like to make thin or a little thicker cookies; our top choices of best pizzelle makers show you different options.
* Please note: all product links in this product review are affiliate links. That means, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Comparison Chart For The Best Pizzelle Makers 2023
For a quick overview of our best pizzelle cookie irons, including the most important features and price indication, please see our comparison chart.
| Our Top Choices | Weight | Indicator Lights | Number of Cookies and Baking Time | Price | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
  Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic | 5.5 lbs | no | two 5" cookies in 30 seconds | $$ | USA made and 5-year warranty |
  CucinaPro Polished Pizzelle Maker | 4.1 lbs | green | two 5"cookies in 50 seconds | $ | steam guard to protect hands |
  Chef's Choice 835 Pizzelle Maker | 3.8 lbs | green light and temperature control | three 3" cookies | $ | overflow channel; 1-year warranty |
  Cuisinart Pizzelle Press | 4.5 lbs | red and green light | two 4" cookies in under 60 seconds | $ | a 3-year warranty |
  VillaWare V3600 Pizzelle Baker | 5.1.lbs | green light | two 5" cookies in 30 seconds | $$$ | steam guard to protect your hands |
The Best Pizzelle Makers In 2023 – Our Reviews
Our Favorite Pizzelle Maker
Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic – Review
Palmer Mfg. has been founded in 1946 and is still growing strong as a family business with high-quality products made in the USA.
The Palmer Pizzelle Maker Classic is not only our #1 choice because it is produced in our own backyard but also of its quality craftsmanship, durability, and a 5-year warranty that comes with your purchase.
There are no indicator lights, so your best bet is to let this pizzelle maker preheat for about 10 minutes.
Once it’s up to temperature, the pizzelle cookies are ready in about 20 to 30 seconds.
You can bake two 5″ pizzelles at the same time.
Most customers are delighted about how thin and crispy the pizzelles are when baked in the Palmer Pizzelle cookie iron.
The exterior is stainless steel, and the cooking grids are cast aluminum. This is great for people who are health-conscious and rather not have a Teflon coating.
For better stability, the Palmer Pizzelle maker stands on three legs. Recipes and a wood cone roller are included.
CucinaPro Polished Pizzelle Maker 220-05P
The Cucina Pro Polished Pizzelle Maker features metal cooking grids and gives you the option to make two 5″ pizzelle cookies at once.
Underneath the handle is a ready light indicator. For safer use, the steam guard will protect your hands from getting burned.
The Cucina Pro bakes the cookies in around 50 seconds. It is best to use a timer since the batter cooks really quickly.
Most customers reported that this little baker is easy to clean and works like a charm.
Overall, the Cucina Pro Pizzelle maker is a basic, sturdy baker that produces thin, crispy pizzelles.
Chef’s Choice 835 Pizzelle Pro Express Bake
The Chef’s Choice Pizzelle ProExpress allows you to bake three 3″ pizzelles at the same time in under one minute.
It features a locking latch, a knob to control the color of the pizzelles and also a green “ready” indicator light.
Best of all, the Chef’s Choice has got an overflow channel to catch any excess batter. Cleaning made easy!
You don’t have to worry about any cookies sticking to the baking grids thanks to the nonstick cooking plates.
The Pizzelle baker can be stored upright and has an in-built cord storage.
Enjoy a 1-year warranty, recipes, a spoon for the batter as well as a wooden-cannoli dowel with your purchase.
Cuisinart WM-PZ2 Pizzelle Press
The Cuisinart Pizzelle Press is also a great little pizzelle baker that produces two 4″ sized cookies in virtually no time.
It only takes under 60 seconds, and your first batch of thin crispy pizzelle cookies are ready to eat or to roll them into little ice cream cones or cannolis.
The cooking plates have a nonstick coating, and the lid is lockable. For browning control, you’ll find a five – setting switch in the front of the pizzelle press.
The Cuisinart Pizzelle Press stores upright which is great for smaller kitchens.
This pizzelle baker comes with a measuring spoon, a rolling dowel for cannoli and a three-year warranty.
VillaWare V3600-NS Prego Nonstick Pizzelle Baker
A list of the best pizzelle makers wouldn’t be complete without the VillaWare V3600 Nonstick Pizzelle Baker.
To be quite honest, we felt hesitant to include this pizzelle maker due to the high price tag. But it seems that a lot of people with an Italian family background think that this one makes pizzelles very close to the Italian original.
The nonstick plates have a xylan coating which is similar to Teflon. The other features are similar to our other reviewed pizzelle bakers.
The cooking plates allow to bake two 5″ pizzelles at the same time, and a ready-light indicates when you can put in the first batch of cookie dough.
The steam guard is always a useful feature to prevent your hands from getting burned by the hot steam.
The VillaWare pumps out perfectly browned pizzelle cookies every thirty seconds which is super fast.
A wraparound cord and an upright position make for easy storage.
Our Favorite Pizzelle Recipe
A great cookbook for more inspirational recipes
Every single one of our reviewed pizzelle bakers comes with a few recipes but we would like to share our favorite one which we found on Amazon shared by a customer.
You may have to adjust certain measurements according to your taste and pizzelle baker.
Generally, we want to get a thick and sticky dough. If it is too thick, just add a little bit of milk.
Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 to 1 cup sugar
1 stick unsalted butter
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 to 2 teaspoon of your favorite flavoring
First up melt the butter in a saucepan and let it cool down (lukewarm is okay). Beat the eggs until light and fluffy, add the sugar and beat with a mixer until combined.
Gradually add the melted butter and keep mixing until the batter is nice and smooth. Add the flavoring.
Mix the flour with the baking powder and salt and sift these dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Related post: The Best Cookbooks To Make Italian Cookies
Tips For Making Pizzelle Cookies
Preheat your pizzelle baker and drop a teaspoon of batter onto each pizzelle pattern.
The amount of cookie dough you will need for each pizzella depends on the individual pizzelle cookie iron. So there is a bit of trial and error involved.
Place the cookie dough a bit off-center and close the lid slightly to let the batter spread out. Wait a few seconds and then close the lid with the latch.
Wait at least 30 seconds and check how brown the pizzelles are; remove with a spatula and either let them cool down on a wire rack or roll them with a cannoli dowel while still warm.
Pizzelles are great to give away as a Christmas gift and store well in airtight containers.
Click here to find more delicious recipes.
Useful Accessories For A Pizzelle Iron
- A pastry brush is essential if you have decided to buy a cast aluminum pizzelle maker. Because they don’t have a nonstick coating, greasing the plates to prevent the cookies from sticking is a must.
A pastry brush is such a useful tool in any kitchen and inexpensive.
Click Here To Find A Pastry Brush On Amazon - A stainless steel portion scoop is ideal for even sized pizzelle cookies.
Click Here For A Great Example On Amazon - A wire rack; it is essential to put the cooked pizzelle on a wire rack to let them cool down completely. If you stack them they will get soft and soggy.
Find One On Amazon - A wooden cone is fantastic to shape your pizzelle cookie (while they are still warm) into a cone that you can fill with some delicious cannoli cream.
Buy It On Amazon
How To Clean A Pizzelle Maker
Cleaning a pizzelle maker is very similar to cleaning a waffle iron. Because of the mostly nonstick coating, not much batter should get stuck on the cooking grids.
Brush any crumbles off with a soft cleaning brush (even a toothbrush will do the trick) or a soft dishwashing cloth.
Wipe the plates and exterior housing with a damp cloth and pat it dry. The job is done!
Summing It Up
Did our best pizzelle makers review helped you to make a decision? You can’t go wrong with either of our suggested best pizzelle irons.
There is something for any budget, for beginners as well as advanced cookie bakers.
So grab your favorite pizzelle cookie recipe, mix the batter, preheat the pizzelle maker, and get baking. Your family and friends will love you for it.
Happy Baking!
bestwafflemakersandmore.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, Amazon.com. Amazon offers a small commission on products sold through their affiliate links.
){kind=link}
I have the CucinaPro, and I like it very much. I have made enough pizzelles over the years that I don’t need an indicator light, but my grandson relies on it. We have tried all sorts of flavors, bubblegum, lemon, orange, banana, and colored them too. This year my grandson used sprinkles, which he thought was wonderful. He asked me to leave him the iron in my will, along with my recipe (which is very similar to yours), so he can make them with his son and grandson someday. We usually do not include baking powder in ours, as we love them really crispy. It is amazing how much children love pizzelles, as they aren’t particularly sweet.
Hi Jan, thank you so much for your feedback regarding the Cucina Pro pizzelle maker. I love your choices of different flavors which will hopefully inspire many pizzelle cookie bakers out there to experiment a bit more, including myself.
The same applies to whether or not to add baking powder to the cookie dough. Some people find the addition of baking powder helps the cookie batter to spread out more easily.
Happy Baking!
I have also made many pizzelle s. I have a cuisinart which cooks two pizzelle s and I am buying a cucino which cooks 4 pizzelle s. I enjoy just vanilla and I plan on making more of them.
Hi Robin, thanks for your comment. It is great to have different options. Being able to make four pizzelles at once is fantastic even though they are a bit smaller. Nice for a little treat in between …
Best regards, Jane
Where do U find the one that makes 4 at a time? That sounds great! Thanks
Hi Robin,
you can find pizzelle makers that make four at a time on Amazon. Here is the link so you can check it out. I hope it helps!
Best regards, Jane
Where can I find a single pizzelle cookie iron? I hate having to trim the edges of the irons with more than one cookie.
Hi Christy, I haven’t seen a single pizzelle cookie iron yet. I usually look at Amazon but no luck there. Please let me know if you find one. Best regards, Jane
Though your reviews where spot on, you mention in your write up about thickness but your reviews on each machine does not mention it at all. I have a machine and they come out a little to thin for my liking. I am looking for one that has a little deeper well. Any help would be great.
Hi Alicia, thank you so much for your feedback and question. My reviews mention that my recommended pizzelle makers usually produce thin pizzelle which most people prefer. If you would like to have thicker pizzelles you may like to try a different batter (e.g. make the batter thicker) or don’t lock the handle so there is not so much pressure on the cookie to flatten it. So my suggestion is to experience a little bit to find out what works best to get the desired result. I do hope it helps!
Best regards, Jane
I’m looking for a Pizzelle maker with an aluminum grid in it. But I want a four inch pizzelle and the only aluminum grid makers that I can find make 5 inch pizzelles. Do you know of a pizzelle maker with a metal griddle that makes 4 inch cookies? Thank you.
Hi there,
I hope that one of our readers can help. I will keep my eyes open as well.
Cheers, Jane