Are you in the market for a new pizzelle maker? You’ve come to the right place! We will show you how to choose a pizzelle press and where to get them. This site contains affiliate links. We may be compensated when you click through links on our site.

Pizzelle (thin Italian cookies) on a cooling wrack on a marble countertop.

Pizzelle are wonderfully thin and crisp Italian cookies. They are delicious with coffee, for dessert, on top of an affogato, or for giving at Christmastime. 

Making pizzelle cookies is easy and fun, but does require one specific tool – a pizzelle maker. If you’d like to try making pizzelle at home, here are the best presses to get you started. 

Two scoops of pizzelle dough are placed on a nonstick electric Cucina Pro pizzelle maker.

How do Pizzelle Makers Work? 

A pizzelle press is basically a waffle iron that bakes very thin cookies. Traditionally, these presses had long handles so that you could cook the pizzelle on the stovetop.

Today most are electric presses that are quick and simple to use. You simply plug in the appliance, let it heat up for about 10 minutes (there’s often a light indicating that it’s ready to use), and press a tablespoon-sized dollop of batter between the plates. 

The thick batter cooks up into a golden thin Italian cookie in about 40 seconds and then cools and crisps up on a cooling wrack. 

Where to Buy a Pizzelle Maker

You can buy a pizzelle maker at many cooking stores such as Williams-Sonoma or Sur La Table. Most of these stores only carry one brand, usually the Cuisinart, listed below. Home stores such as Target also often carry pizzelle press machines, though my Target in Santa Barbara does not. 

The easiest bet when shopping for pizzelle makers is Amazon as there is the widest variety and next-day shipping. 

If you’d prefer a vintage pizzelle press, I highly recommend going that route. You can find pre-owned presses at flea markets, Ebay, and Etsy. This is the more eco-friendly option and you may be able to find a beautiful vintage piece. 

Best Pizzelle Makers 

So, what is the best pizzelle maker? Here are the top choices with pros and cons. 

A Cuisinart pizzelle maker cooks two round pizzelle cookies. Berries sit in the foreground.

1. Cuisinart Pizzelle Press 

BUY THE CUISINART PIZZELLE PRESS ON SUR LA TABLE

Cuisinart makes one of the most popular pizzelle makers. This press makes 2 (4-inch) pizzelle cookies at a time and has a nonstick finish. 

  • Price: $50 (on sale) 
  • Pros: Has indicator lights and five browning settings that allow you to make them as hard and crisp or soft and chewy as you like. Includes a measuring scoop and rolling dowel. 
  • Cons: 

Thin Italian pizzelle cookies cook in a cucina pro pizzelle maker. Cannoli sit in the foreground on a white table.

2. Cucina Pro 

BUY THE CUCINA PRO ON AMAZON

The Cucina Pro is the pizzelle maker I have and is “Amazon’s Choice” for the best buy, with thousands of 5-star reviews.  

While I own the nonstick version, I would buy the polished instead. Some reviewers said that the nonstick finish chipped off into the pizzelle (this has not been my experience) and that the polished created a crisper more evenly cooked cookie. 

  • Price: $50
  • Pros: Comes in non-stick and silver aluminum, simple to use, quick shipping with Amazon Prime. 
  • Cons: Does not have a “ready” light or multiple settings. 

A small single pizzelle maker bakes cookies in a white kitchen. Christmas ornaments are seen in the background along with a warm drink.

3. Dash Mini Pizzelle Maker

BUY THE DASH MINI ON AMAZON

The adorable Dash mini pizzelle maker would be a wonderful gift for a kid who loves to bake. My daughter has the Belgian waffle maker from Dash and it gets a lot of use. 

  • Price: $12.99 
  • Pros: Doesn’t take up much space, is inexpensive, easy to use and store. 
  • Cons: Only makes one cookie at a time

4. Palmer Pizzelle Maker

BUY THE PALMER PIZZELLE MAKER 

Palmer’s pizzelle press makes 2 (5-inch) thin Italian cookies on cast aluminum plates. 

  • Price: $93.95 
  • Pros: Made in the USA, comes with a 5 year warranty, electric. 
  • Cons: More expensive, more difficult to find

A Krumkake Iron sits on a gass stove while batter is poured on the press.

5. Nordic Ware Krumkake Iron

BUY THE NORDIC WARE IRON ON AMAZON

Though this press is made for thin Scandinavian cone cookies, it works for Italian pizzelle as well. If you prefer a stovetop rather than electric pizzelle, this is a good option. 

  • Price: $69.74
  • Pros: Beautiful floral pattern, stovetop 
  • Cons: Only cooks one cookie at a time, may be more difficult to use a stovetop press for some, messier than electric versions 

Conclusion 

Pizzelle are a fun Italian cookie to make and they are pretty easy too. You will, however, need a pizzelle maker. We tried the Cucina Pro and researched other popular pizzelle presses for you. 

While there are several options, we like the Cuisinart or Cucina Pro polished presses best. For a small, easy to store, and inexpensive option try the Dash. Here’s a classic recipe to make with your new press.