Best Pizza Makers: 8 Countertop Machines for Quick Homemade Pizza
As an Amazon Associate, Pizza Oven Radar earns from qualifying purchases. Product details below come from current manufacturer listings; availability and prices change often.
A pizza maker is the cheapest, simplest way to make pizza without turning on the oven. Rotating ovens like the Presto Pizzazz bake under open elements on a turning tray. Clamshell makers cook between two heated plates. Both are great for frozen pizza, quick homemade pies and snacks. If you want artisan, charred crust, skip to the Piezano at the end of the list or see our best electric pizza ovens.
- Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven 03430 – best pizza maker overall
- Presto Pizzazz Plus 03434 (Green/Gold Edition) – best gift version
- Betty Crocker Pizza Maker Plus BC-2958CR – best clamshell pizza maker
- Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven – best budget all-in-one
- Courant Countertop Pizza Maker – best compact pizza maker
- NutriChef 12.5-Inch Pizza & Everything Maker – best adjustable-temperature pizza maker
- Baker’s Friend Countertop Pizza Maker – best cheap pizza maker
- PIEZANO 12-Inch Electric Pizza Oven – best step-up: 800°F pizza maker
The Best Pizza Makers
1. Presto Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven 03430 – best pizza maker overall
The Presto Pizzazz Plus is the best-known countertop pizza maker. An open rotating tray turns under separately controlled top and bottom elements, so pizza browns evenly without turning. A timer shuts it off automatically.
It needs no preheating and handles frozen pizza, pizza rolls, wings and cookies.
Key specs:
- Rotating nonstick tray
- Separate top/bottom elements
- Auto-off timer
PROS:
- Even browning
- No preheating
- Uses less energy than an oven
CONS:
- Not hot enough for artisan pizza
- Open design
2. Presto Pizzazz Plus 03434 (Green/Gold Edition) – best gift version
The same rotating Pizzazz Plus in a special green-and-gold edition, with no preheating needed and separately controlled elements. It’s a fun gift for game days.
Key specs:
- Rotating tray
- Separate top/bottom elements
PROS:
- Same proven design
- Giftable color
CONS:
- Same heat limits as the standard model
3. Betty Crocker Pizza Maker Plus BC-2958CR – best clamshell pizza maker
This 12-inch, 1,440 W clamshell cooks pizza between heated plates on the countertop, and doubles as an indoor grill for quesadillas, pancakes, panini and crepes.
Key specs:
- Size: 12 inches
- 1,440 W
- Nonstick griddle pan
PROS:
- Cheap
- Very versatile
- No oven needed
CONS:
- Lower heat than pizza ovens
- Thin-crust only
4. Chefman Everything Maker & Pizza Oven – best budget all-in-one
Chefman’s 12-inch clamshell heats top and bottom plates to 428°F in as little as 3 minutes, with LED lights for power and ready. It also makes omelets, pancakes and quesadillas.
Key specs:
- Size: 12-inch plates
- Max temp: 428°F
- 1,440 W
PROS:
- Fast preheat
- Multi-use
- Low price
CONS:
- Clamshell limits topping height
5. Courant Countertop Pizza Maker – best compact pizza maker
Courant’s 12-inch pizza maker has top and bottom heating plates, nonstick coating, indicator lights and a cool-touch handle. It stands upright to store.
Key specs:
- Size: 12 inches
- Top & bottom plates
- Stores upright
PROS:
- Space-saving storage
- Cheap
- Easy cleanup
CONS:
- Basic controls
6. NutriChef 12.5-Inch Pizza & Everything Maker – best adjustable-temperature pizza maker
Unlike most clamshells, NutriChef’s maker has an adjustable 260–430°F range, plus overheat protection and auto shut-off. The 12.5-inch surface handles personal pizzas, quiche and flatbreads.
Key specs:
- Size: 12.5 inches
- Adjustable 260–430°F
- 1,500 W
PROS:
- Temperature control
- Safety shut-off
- Versatile
CONS:
- Still well below pizza-oven heat
7. Baker’s Friend Countertop Pizza Maker – best cheap pizza maker
A 1,400 W, 12-inch pizza maker with dual nonstick plates and preheat indicator lights. It also works as a sandwich and quesadilla maker.
Key specs:
- Size: 12 inches
- 1,400 W
- Dual nonstick plates
PROS:
- Very low price
- Simple
CONS:
- No temperature control
8. PIEZANO 12-Inch Electric Pizza Oven – best step-up: 800°F pizza maker
The Piezano is a clamshell-style countertop oven with separate top and bottom heat controls and a removable 12-inch ceramic stone. It reaches 800°F and cooks most pizzas in 4–6 minutes.
A glass window and lid thermometer let you check progress without opening it.
Key specs:
- Max temperature: 800°F
- Stone: 12-inch ceramic
- Separate top/bottom heat
- Viewing window
PROS:
- Very low price for 800°F
- Small footprint
- Removable stone
CONS:
- Low dome limits thick toppings
- Manual controls only
Our Full Pizza Maker Reviews
We’ve covered several of these and other pizza makers in depth:
- Presto 03430 Pizzazz review
- Betty Crocker BC-2958CR review
- Courant pizza maker review
- Pizzarette review
- CuiZen PIZ-4012 review
- Euro Cuisine PM600 review
- MasterChef pizza maker review
Pizza Maker vs Pizza Oven
Pizza makers reach about 400–450°F and cook a pizza in 10–15 minutes. Countertop pizza ovens reach 700–850°F and cook in 2–6 minutes with a much better crust. Pizza makers cost far less and are better for frozen pizza and snacks.
FAQ
Are pizza makers worth it?
For frozen pizza, kids’ pizza nights and quick snacks, yes. They’re cheap, fast and don’t heat up the kitchen. For artisan pizza, get a countertop pizza oven.
Can you cook frozen pizza in a pizza maker?
Yes. Rotating makers like the Presto Pizzazz are especially good with frozen pizza because they brown it evenly.
Can you use a pizza stone in a pizza maker?
Not in clamshell or rotating makers. Use the pan they come with. Stone-based ovens like the Piezano include their own stone.
Our Pick
The Presto Pizzazz Plus is the best pizza maker for most kitchens. For the cheapest multi-use clamshell, get the Chefman Everything Maker, and for real pizzeria crust, step up to the Piezano.
