A pizzelle is a thin Italian waffle cookie, pressed between two hot, patterned plates until it turns crisp and golden. It is one of the simplest holiday cookies to mix and one of the fussiest to bake, because the gap between pale and burned is only seconds long. Off the iron it stays soft for a moment, so you can roll it into a cone or a shell, and then it sets hard.
A regular waffle maker cannot do this job. Its grids are too deep. This guide covers seven electric pizzelle makers, from a one-cookie mini to C. Palmer’s American-made irons, and it is the thin-cookie companion to our waffle maker guide. Pizzelle are not a Mexican tradition, but anyone who likes crisp, sugared sweets such as churros will see the appeal.
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Quick verdict: which pizzelle maker to buy
For most home bakers, the best pizzelle maker is the Chef’sChoice Toscano PizzellePro: a locking latch keeps the cookies an even thickness, a baking indicator light helps with timing, and it recovers heat quickly between batches. It bakes fast, so stay with it. If thin, crisp cookies are the priority, the C. Palmer Extra Thin Pizzelle Iron is the American-made choice, and if you want the traditional 5-inch size with nonstick plates, choose the CucinaPro Nonstick Pizzelle Maker.
Below: five picks side by side, all seven reviewed, and how to get a thin cookie from whichever one you choose.
Five pizzelle makers side by side
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of baker, with the cookie size and plate surface each maker states. All seven are reviewed in full below.
| Pizzelle maker | Best for | Cookie size | Plates | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Chef’sChoice Toscano PizzelleProBest overall
|
Even cookies, big batches | 4.75 inches, two at a time | Nonstick | View on Amazon |
C. Palmer Extra Thin Pizzelle IronBest for thin pizzelle
|
Thin, crisp cookies | 5 inches, two at a time | Cast aluminum | View on Amazon |
CucinaPro Nonstick Pizzelle MakerBest 5-inch nonstick
|
Traditional size, easy cleanup | 5 inches, two at a time | Nonstick | View on Amazon |
CucinaPro Piccolo Pizzelle BakerBest for mini cookies
|
Cookie trays, small bites | 3.25 inches, four at a time | Nonstick | View on Amazon |
C. Palmer Original Non-Stick Pizzelle IronBest American-made nonstick
|
American build, easy release | 5 inches, two at a time | Cast aluminum, nonstick | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Cookie size and plate surface are as each maker states them on its Amazon listing; check the listing before you buy.
Our picks for the best pizzelle maker
1. Chef’sChoice Toscano PizzellePro – Even Cookies, Quick Recovery
Pizzelle go from pale to burned in seconds, so even thickness and a cue for timing matter more here than on a waffle maker, and this press has both. If you make pizzelle by the hundred for a cookie exchange, its speed helps too. Chef’sChoice says this 900-watt press bakes two 4.75-inch cookies in under 30 seconds, with what it calls instant temperature recovery, so there is no waiting between batches. Of the power figures published here, it is the highest.
A locking latch keeps the plates closed at an even gap, which the maker says gives uniform thickness. That is worth having, because an unlatched iron can float up on the steam and leave one side thicker than the other. There is also a baking indicator light, a nonstick surface and an easy-open handle, and recipes are included.
Speed cuts both ways. The Kitchen Professor, which draws on buyer reports for this 834 model, praises the latch, the indicator and the quick cooking, but warns that it bakes so fast that pizzelle can easily burn. Do a few test cookies each session and do not walk away from it. The warranty is one year, for household use.
Why we like it
- 900 watts, the highest figure stated here
- Two cookies in under 30 seconds, per the maker
- Locking latch for even thickness
- Baking indicator light
Key specifications
| Model | 8340000 (834) |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 4.75 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 2 |
| Plates | Nonstick |
| Power | 900 W |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Baking indicator light |
| Warranty | 1-year limited household |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you bake in long sessions and want no wait between batches.
Skip it if you are a beginner who wants time to react; a slower iron is more forgiving.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very fast baking
- No recovery wait, per the maker
- Latch holds plates at an even gap
Cons
- Cookies can burn quickly, per The Kitchen Professor
- No stated browning dial
- Size between the 4- and 5-inch standards
2. C. Palmer Extra Thin Pizzelle Iron – Made for a Thinner Cookie
If you learned pizzelle from a grandmother and your complaint about electric makers is that they bake too thick, this is the iron to read about first. C. Palmer sells the Model 7500 as its Extra Thin iron, and it is made in the USA from cast aluminum, with each iron individually inspected before it leaves the factory, according to the company.
Palmer gives it two 400-watt heating elements, one for each plate, and it bakes two traditional 5-inch cookies with an intricate pattern. The listing does not publish the actual gap between the plates, so we cannot tell you how much thinner it runs than the Palmer 1000T below. The name is the claim, and the only one we have.
It is a simple machine. The listing names no browning dial and no ready light, so you will learn its timing by watching the steam and counting. The listing also does not call the plates nonstick, so expect to season or lightly oil them according to the instructions. C. Palmer offers a 5-year warranty on the electrical parts. This pick rests on the listing and maker details, as we did not read a review of this exact model.
Why we like it
- Sold specifically as an extra-thin iron
- Made in the USA from cast aluminum
- Two 400-watt heating elements
- 5-year warranty on the electrical parts
Key specifications
| Model | 7500 |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 5 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 2 |
| Plates | Cast aluminum; nonstick not stated |
| Power | 800 W (2 x 400 W) |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Not stated |
| Warranty | 5 years on electrical parts |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if thin, crisp cookies are the whole point and you are happy to learn an iron by feel.
Skip it if you want lights, a browning dial or a nonstick plate to do the work for you.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Thin-cookie focus
- American-made cast aluminum
- Traditional 5-inch size
Cons
- No browning control named
- No ready light named
- Thickness figure not published
3. CucinaPro Nonstick Pizzelle Maker – Classic Size, Easy Release
CucinaPro comes up in nearly every pizzelle roundup we read, and this is its standard model. It bakes two 5-inch cookies with a traditional pattern on grey nonstick plates that the maker says are slightly thicker than on earlier versions. A steam guard protects your hand on the handle, and recipes come with it.
BestReviews lists it as a customer favorite, praising the thick, evenly heating plates and the steam guard, with the caution that some batches come out too thick and unevenly baked. Marina Delio of Yummy Mummy Kitchen wrote in 2021 that she owns the nonstick version and uses it for her own pizzelle. She adds that she would buy the polished version instead, and we review that one below.
Five inches is the size to choose if you plan to roll cones or cannoli-style shells, because the larger round gives you more to wrap. The listing states no power rating, browning dial or indicator light, so plan on timing each batch yourself. It stores compactly and is light enough to move out of a cupboard for the holidays.
Why we like it
- Two 5-inch cookies at a time
- Nonstick plates and steam guard
- Thicker plates than earlier versions, per CucinaPro
- Owned and used by a recipe blogger
Key specifications
| Model | 220-05NS |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 5 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 2 |
| Plates | Grey nonstick |
| Power | Not stated |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want a traditional 5-inch cookie and easy release without paying attention to seasoning.
Skip it if you want the crispest, most traditional surface, which is what the polished model below is for.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Good size for rolling
- Easy cleanup
- Steam guard
Cons
- Some batches too thick, per BestReviews
- No stated browning control
- One-year warranty
4. CucinaPro Piccolo Pizzelle Baker – Four Bite-Size Cookies
The Piccolo bakes four small pizzelle at once instead of two large ones, each about 3.25 inches across. BestReviews picks it as its best of the best and best for mini cookies, and it is easy to see the appeal: you get more cookies per press, and bite sizes fit better on a holiday tray or next to coffee.
It has grey nonstick plates, a steam guard and extra-thick plates that the maker says spread heat evenly. Since each cookie uses so little batter, use a small scoop or a teaspoon rather than pouring.
That small size has a learning curve. BestReviews says that getting perfectly round pizzelle takes trial and error, and that it sometimes cooks unevenly. Four small cookies also leave less to roll, so this is not the iron for cones or cannoli shells. The listing states no power rating, browning control or light.
Why we like it
- Four cookies per press
- BestReviews’ top pick in its roundup
- Nonstick plates and steam guard
- Compact and light
Key specifications
| Model | 220-03 |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 3.25 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 4 |
| Plates | Grey nonstick |
| Power | Not stated |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year |
Why we recommend it
Buy it for cookie trays, parties and gifts, where small and many beats large and traditional.
Skip it if you want classic large rounds, or plan to roll shells or cones.
Pros and cons
Pros
- More cookies per batch
- Bite size suits trays
- Easy nonstick cleanup
Cons
- Round shapes take practice, per BestReviews
- Can cook unevenly, per BestReviews
- Too small for rolling
5. C. Palmer Original Non-Stick Pizzelle Iron – Palmer Build, Nonstick Plates
This is C. Palmer’s cast aluminum iron with a nonstick finish, and the one to pick if you want an American-made machine without the plate care. Like the 7500, it has two 400-watt heating elements and bakes two 5-inch cookies, and the company says each iron is individually inspected at its factory.
The listing’s part number reads “1000T plus cone roller”, which suggests a roller may be included. The listing text does not confirm that, so check before you buy if the roller matters to you. C. Palmer offers a 5-year warranty on the electrical parts.
Reviews of Palmer’s classic iron are useful here, though they do not name this exact model. The Kitchen Professor says that iron makes very thin, crispy cookies, and that customers dislike the lack of an indicator light. We would expect the same simple controls on this iron, because the listing names no light or dial either. Treat this as a build-quality choice, not a convenience one. This pick rests on the listing and maker details.
Why we like it
- Nonstick plates on a Palmer iron
- Made in the USA from cast aluminum
- Two 400-watt heating elements
- 5-year warranty on the electrical parts
Key specifications
| Model | 1000T |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 5 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 2 |
| Plates | Cast aluminum, nonstick |
| Power | 800 W (2 x 400 W) |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Not stated |
| Warranty | 5 years on electrical parts |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you want an iron built in America, and easy release matters more to you than the thinnest possible cookie.
Skip it if you want lights or a browning dial to guide you.
Pros and cons
Pros
- American-made
- Nonstick finish
- Traditional 5-inch size
Cons
- No browning control named
- No ready light named
- Cone roller not confirmed in the listing text
6. CucinaPro Polished Pizzelle Maker – Crisp, Golden, Classic
This is the same 5-inch, two-cookie CucinaPro design, with polished plates in place of nonstick. CucinaPro says the polished surface gives crisp, golden pizzelle with the classic texture and look. The cost of that is a small routine: brush the plates lightly with vegetable oil or melted shortening before use.
It is the version Marina Delio of Yummy Mummy Kitchen says she would buy, even though she owns the nonstick model. We list both because the choice between them is a real one. Nonstick is easier. Polished is what a traditional cook may prefer, and there is no coating to wear out.
Care is the usual for this kind of appliance. Do not immerse it in water or put it in the dishwasher, do not use abrasive pads or steel wool on the outside, and wipe the outside with a damp cloth only. It has the same extra-thick plates and steam guard as the nonstick version.
Why we like it
- Polished plates with no coating to wear
- Classic 5-inch size
- Extra-thick plates and steam guard
- A blogger’s preferred version
Key specifications
| Model | 220-05P |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 5 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 2 |
| Plates | Polished |
| Power | Not stated |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Not stated |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Why we recommend it
Buy it if you do not mind oiling the plates and you want the traditional surface.
Skip it if you want cookies to lift off with no oil and no fuss.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Traditional finish
- No nonstick coating
- Good size for rolling
Cons
- Plates need light oiling
- Hand-wipe care only
- No stated browning control
7. CucinaPro Mini Pizzelle Maker – One Cookie at a Time
This little CucinaPro makes a single 4-inch pizzelle at a time. It is not the way to fill a cookie tin, but it is a fun gift and a sensible size for someone with almost no storage. It stands upright on a shelf and comes with an instruction manual and a recipe guide.
The plates are nonstick. To clean them, CucinaPro says to wipe them thoroughly with a damp paper towel once the appliance has fully cooled, soaking up any oil or butter left in the grooves of the pattern. Like the larger CucinaPro models, it is sold on extra-thick baking plates for even heat.
The listing is thin on the rest. It gives no power rating, no browning control, no indicator light and no warranty term. This pick rests on the listing and maker details, and we did not read a review of this model.
Why we like it
- Single 4-inch cookie
- Stands upright for storage
- Nonstick plates
- Recipe guide included
Key specifications
| Model | 220-05M |
|---|---|
| Cookie size | 4 inches |
| Cookies per batch | 1 |
| Plates | Nonstick |
| Power | Not stated |
| Browning control | Not stated |
| Indicator light | Not stated |
| Warranty | Not stated |
Why we recommend it
Buy it as a gift or stocking stuffer, or for one person who wants a cookie and no cleanup.
Skip it if you want to bake a batch of any size, because one cookie at a time gets slow fast.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very compact
- Simple to use
- Easy wipe-clean plates
Cons
- One cookie per press
- Few stated specs
- Warranty not stated in the listing
How to choose a pizzelle maker
The right iron depends on the cookie you remember. These are the points worth weighing, starting with the one that shapes everything else.
Cookie size
The picks here run from 3.25 to 5 inches. Five inches is the traditional size and the best for rolling into cones and cannoli-style shells. Four to 4.75 inches is easier to handle and stack. Minis suit a cookie tray. If you are working from a family recipe, check the size it expects, because a smaller iron makes more cookies from the same batter.
How thin it bakes
Thin pizzelle come from the plate gap, the batter and the pressure, in that order. C. Palmer sells a dedicated Extra Thin iron, and a locking latch like the one on the Chef’sChoice stops the plates from lifting. No maker here publishes a gap measurement, though, so treat “thin” as a claim. A runnier batter and a smaller portion will also help on any iron.
Nonstick or uncoated plates
Nonstick plates release easily and clean up with a wipe, which is why most people should choose them. Polished and uncoated aluminum plates need a light oiling, but they have no coating to wear down, and some traditional bakers prefer them. Either way, use soft tools: a thin silicone spatula will lift a cookie without scratching the plate.
Browning control and lights
None of these picks states a browning dial, and only the Chef’sChoice states an indicator light. Everything else is timed by you. That is less of a problem than it sounds: many bakers count seconds or watch for the steam to slow down. But if this is your first iron, the lights are worth having.
Heat recovery and handles
Between batches, a good iron returns to temperature quickly. Chef’sChoice stakes its pitch on this, and C. Palmer uses two 400-watt elements, one for each plate. Check the handle as well. CucinaPro builds in a steam guard. Keep a towel close by.
How we picked these seven pizzelle makers
We kept to electric irons from identifiable makers, and we left out krumkake bakers and stroopwafel irons that are a different shape or thickness. Food-contact appliances need more than a listing, so we also passed over thin brands we could not back up. The Nordic Ware stovetop iron and the VillaWare range showed only low stock or no stock on Amazon when we wrote this, so we did not include them.
We read the BestReviews pizzelle maker roundup, which is based on research rather than a stated side-by-side test, The Kitchen Professor’s guide, which draws on buyer reports, and Marina Delio’s pizzelle maker guide at Yummy Mummy Kitchen, where she writes about the CucinaPro she owns. Specifications come from each Amazon listing. We did not bake on these irons ourselves, and we did not find a controlled head-to-head test to lean on, so where a pick rests only on the listing and maker details, its write-up says so. All seven were in stock on Amazon when we wrote this, and we checked the CPSC recall database for each brand. Where a spec is not published, the table says “Not stated” rather than guessing.
Pizzelle maker questions, answered
How do I make thin pizzelle?
Use less batter than you think you need, and close the iron firmly. A slightly looser batter spreads thinner, and a small cookie scoop keeps portions even from one cookie to the next. If you bake thin cookies every year, consider an iron sold for the purpose, like the C. Palmer Extra Thin.
What is the difference between a pizzelle maker and a waffle iron?
A waffle iron has deep pockets and makes a thick, soft waffle. A pizzelle iron has shallow, patterned plates and makes a thin cookie that turns crisp as it cools. You can’t swap one for the other with good results. See our waffle maker guide if thick waffles are what you want.
Can you roll pizzelle into cones or cannoli shells?
Yes, while they are still hot. They set within moments, so work fast, with one cookie at a time. A wooden dowel or the handle of a wooden spoon works. The 5-inch models give you the most to work with, and minis are too small.
How do you clean a pizzelle maker?
Let it cool, then wipe the plates with a damp paper towel or cloth. Never immerse an electric iron in water or put it in the dishwasher. CucinaPro warns against both for its polished model, and against abrasive pads or steel wool on the outside. Crumbs in the pattern lift out with a soft brush.
Do you need to grease a pizzelle iron?
Polished plates do: CucinaPro says to brush them lightly with vegetable oil or melted shortening. Nonstick plates generally need little or nothing, and too much oil can leave cookies greasy. Follow the manual for your iron.
How should I store pizzelle?
Cool them flat on a cooling rack so air reaches both sides, then keep them in a sealed tin at room temperature. They soften if they are left out in humid air, so seal them as soon as they cool.
Our final pick for thin, crisp cookies
Buy the Chef’sChoice Toscano PizzellePro for even cookies, a timing light and fast batches, and the C. Palmer Extra Thin if thin cookies are the reason you are shopping. The CucinaPro Nonstick is the classic 5-inch choice, with its Polished sibling for traditionalists. The C. Palmer Non-Stick pairs American build with easy release, the Piccolo makes bite-size cookies, and the CucinaPro Mini is for one cookie at a time.
For thicker breakfast waffles, see our main guide to the best waffle maker, and for a sweet morning out, read our guide to Mexican brunch. Or see the menu and call to order.