
We all love quesadillas – crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, they’re a great meal or snack for any occasion. These tasty treats made their way into North America in the late 18th century, and have been enjoyed across the country ever since. If you make quesadillas at home on a regular basis, you might be wondering if there’s a quicker way – fortunately, there is. With a quesadilla maker you can whip up your favorite tortilla-based recipes in minutes.
Even better, quesadilla cookers can also be put to a whole host of other applications, making them a surprisingly versatile kitchen accessory. With so many options on the market, though, finding the perfect quesadilla press for your kitchen can be something of a challenge. To help you decide, we’ve compiled this handy buying guide. Below, we run through 10 of the best quesadilla makers available right now, as well as some useful tips for getting the most out of your new culinary companion.
The Best Quesadilla Maker
1
George Foreman Electric Quesadilla Maker
Kicking off our list is this George Foreman quesadilla maker. Although they’re better known for their effective and versatile grills, George Foreman have turned their attention towards the quesadilla with great success. Their press is designed to make 10 inch quesadillas without the need for a stovetop or microwave. It also guarantees better results than these conventional methods, thanks to a few neat features.
First of all, the hot plates inside are completely non-stick, so there’s no need to worry about cheese sticking around. It’s easy to remove your quesadillas, and wipe the plates clean after each use with just a damp cloth. Inside, six deep dish pockets make plenty of room for all your favorite fillings, and make it far easier to cut into slices once everything is cooked. Meanwhile, outer ridge seals keep all your ingredients safely inside, so there’s no mess on the counter. Thanks to a wrappable cord, and slip-resistant handle, the press is easy to use, whether you’re a seasoned pro, or culinary amature.
10 inch quesadilla maker
More convenient than a stovetop or microwave – with better results
Non-stick surfaces wipe clean easily and don’t stick to ingredients
Deep outer ridge seals ingredients inside for mess-free use
Grippy handle and wrappable cord for easy use and storage
- BrandGF
- Model GFQ001
- Weight 2.5 pounds
2
Hamilton Beach Quesadilla Maker
This Hamilton Beach quesadilla maker has also earned a spot on our list. Simple and fun to use, this handy device will pop out perfectly make quesadillas in a matter of minutes. Its 10 inch surface is the perfect size for the average tortilla, giving you the freedom to pile on any ingredients you fancy.
Once the ingredients are loaded up, they’re cooked in around five minutes. Thanks to a locking lid, everything is kept safely inside the press, ensuring even cooking, and a mess-free experience. Each quesadilla is automatically split into six deep-dish ‘pockets’ for a simple serve. Once you’re finished, the non-stick surface inside the quesadilla maker can be easily wiped down for round two. When it’s time to store the device, it can be tucked away upright to save space. Each Hamilton Beach quesadilla press even includes a recipe booklet for inspiration.
Quesadilla maker with 10 inch hot plates
Makes tasty quesadillas in just 5 minutes
6 deep dish sections for an easy serve
Lid locks in place for a mess-free experience
Non-stick cooking surface is easy to wipe down
Easy to store upright
Recipe booklet included
- BrandHamilton Beach
- Model 25409
- Weight 4.35 pounds
3
Dash Express Electric Round Griddle for Quesadillas
Although it’s not a quesadilla maker per se, our list wouldn’t be complete without this versatile round griddle by Dash. Its eight inch, round cooking surface is perfect not just for quesadillas, but also pancakes, cookies, burgers, pizzas, eggs, and more. To get started, all you need to do is plug it into a standard outlet, and switch it on. Thanks to its wide range of uses and simple operation, the griddle is a perfect option for on-the-go cooking.
Thanks to its compact, lightweight design, the handy device is great for RVs, cabins, and more. Once switched on, the round plates inside heat up in a matter of minutes, so you can get cooking in no time. Thanks to a non-stick surface, food is easy to remove from the griddle as soon as it’s cooked. A handy lip on the top and bottom of the device helps to prevent mess, too, by keeping ingredients firmly inside. Each Dash device comes with a 12 month warranty, so you can rest assured it’s built to last. The griddle can even be had in two different colors, allowing you to choose the perfect match for your home.
8 inch griddle, suitable for quesadillas, pizzas, cookies, burgers, and more
Heats up in just a few minutes
Compact and lightweight for easy portability
Non-stick surface for an easy clean-up
Lips on the top and bottom of the device prevent spills
12 month warranty included
Available in 2 different colors
- BrandDash
- ModelDMG8100RD
- Weight 3 pounds
4
Black & Decker Quesadilla Maker
They might be better known for their power tools, but Black & Decker have turned their attention to the culinary world with great success, to bring us this quesadilla pan. Featuring 8-inch non-stick plates, it’s another quick and easy way to make consistently perfect quesadillas.
Once your tortilla and fillings are in place, they’ll be cooked evenly in a matter of minutes, thanks to a lockable lid that keeps everything where it should be throughout the cooking process. When everything’s finished, the device is easy to clean, thanks to its effective non-stick coating and removable drip tray. Users agree that this quesadilla maker is easy to use, simple to clean, and cooks perfect food every time.
8 inch quesadilla cooker
Cooks quesadillas in 6 deep dish pieces
Heats up and cooks food in a matter of minutes
Simple to clean, thanks to non-stick pans
Removable grease tray for simple maintenance
Cooks evenly, sealing in ingredients for mess-free use
Power indicator light lets you know when the pans are ready
- BrandBlack & Decker
- ModelQM1088
- Weight 4.74 pounds
5
Bella Quesadilla Maker
This handy BELLA quesadilla maker has also earned itself a spot on our list. Featuring non-stick plates and a built-in drip tray, it’s an easy and mess-free way to make quick quesadillas at home. Its cute design, featuring a chilli pepper locking handle, makes the machine fun to use too. Once switched on, it can cook quesadillas in a matter of minutes, delivering even heat and a crispy exterior every time.
Thanks to a power light, and a ‘ready’ light, it’s easy to see exactly when the press is ready to go. Inside, the plates are shaped to form six deep pockets, making it simple to slice the quesadilla when it’s time to serve. A lip around the circumference of each plate ensures that ingredients don’t go walkabout, for a totally clean countertop. Customers say it’s a great way to whip up a quick lunch or dinner, cooks evenly, and looks cute in the kitchen. If you don’t have room to store it on your countertop, however, the flat design can be conveniently stowed away inside a cupboard.
Quesadilla maker with 8 inch plates
Cute design features a chilli pepper handle
Cooks food evenly, in a matter of minutes
Delivers a crispy exterior every time
Forms 6 deep quesadilla ‘pockets’
Circumferential lip keeps ingredients safely inside for mess-free use
Stores compactly on its side
- BrandBELLA
- Model13506
- Weight 4.3 pounds
6
George Foreman Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill
Perhaps predictably, George Foreman have earned another place on our list, thanks to their classic plate grill. This conveniently versatile device can be used to cook almost anything, but it works especially well for burgers, eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, and, of course, quesadillas. Its compact 36 square inch cooking surfaces is the perfect size for making dinner for two, cooking each ingredient evenly thanks to unique fast-heating elements.
The grill also features a double non-stick coating, making for a quick and convenient cleanup. Below the grill itself, a removable drip tray catches any stray grease, keeping your worktop spotless. This tray is even dishwasher safe. Best of all, the grill can help you cut back on fat – its sloped grilling surface helps fat slide away whenever you cook meat, for a lean and tasty meal. Whether you’re whipping up a quesadilla or cooking a full-blown steak, this grill has you covered.
Versatile grill with a 36 square inch cooking surface
Suitable for cooking almost anything
Double non-stick coating makes for an easy cleanup
Removable drip tray is dishwasher safe
Helps remove up to 42% of meat fat compared to other cooking methods
- BrandGF
- ModelGR10B
- Weight 2.8 pounds
7
Betty Crocker Quesadilla Maker
Betty Crocker have also earned themselves a spot on our list, thanks to their durable and versatile pizza maker. Despite its title, the device is surprisingly versatile – its round 12 inch surface is perfect for cooking quiche, croissants, giant cookies, nachos, and, of course quesadillas. Whatever you choose to cook, you can rest assured the ingredients will stay in place, thanks to a low lip around the circumference of the pan.
Not only is this machine easy to use, it’s energy efficient, too. Rather than heat up your whole oven, you can cook a whole host of foods simply by warming the pizza maker. Featuring a non-stick base, the appliance is easy to clean, and there’s no need to worry about cheese getting stuck inside. When you’re done, the pizza maker is as easy to store as it is to use. Simply turn the device on its side, and stow away in this vertical position. You can even tuck away the power cord to prevent tangling.
Suitable for a wide range of foods, including quesadillas
Low circumferential lip keeps ingredients from spilling
Easy to use and energy efficient
Easy to store on its side
Power cord can be tucked away to prevent tangling
- BrandBetty Crocker
- ModelBC-2958CR
- Weight6.36 pounds
8
Origins PreSeasoned Cast Iron Quesadilla Griddle
If you’re searching for a more traditional way to cook your quesadillas, look no further than this cast iron tortilla griddle by Columbian Home. At 9.5 inches in side, it’s perfectly designed for flat breads like tortillas, pita, and naad. Thanks to its heavy duty cast iron, the pan distributes heat evenly across its surface, allowing it cook your quesadillas evenly every time.
Thanks to a low lip around the edge of the pan, your ingredients will remain safely inside, reducing the risk of spillage and making for a quicker cleanup. Getting started will be quick too, since the griddle is preseasonsed. This means it’s been treated with oil, providing great non-stick properties. It’s easy to top up this seasoning yourself at home, by coating it in oil, baking at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour, and wiping away the excess. Featuring a long handle with a hole, the pan can be hung up for easy storage when it’s not in use.
Traditional tortilla griddle
Made from durable, heavy duty cast iron
Low lip around the griddle keeps ingredients safely inside
Preseasoned, so you can get cooking right away
Long handle punched with a hole for easy storage
Distributes heat evenly
- BrandColumbian Home
- Model 110-02
- Weight 3.95 pounds
9
Nostalgia Electric Quesadilla Maker
Filling the penultimate spot on our list is Nostalgia, with their classic six wedge quesadilla maker. Its unique plate design cooks your quesadillas evenly, in six deep filled ‘pockets’, for a convenient serve. Not only does this make the quesadillas easier to eat, it also seals in all the ingredients and flavors you want.
Thanks to a two position latch on the outside of the appliance, it’s possible to make both thick and thin stuffed quesadillas – perfect for catering to everyone’s taste. Whatever your preference, the tasty parcels will be ready in just 6 minutes once the appliance has been switched on. Once you’ve finished cooking, it’s easy to cleanup too. Each heated plate houses a non-stick coating, so all you need to do is wipe them down, and the appliance is ready to be stored. Beneath these plates, a removable drip tray ensures that any grease from your food is whisked away from the countertop. To keep your cupboards neat, the quesadilla maker can be stored upright – great news if space in your kitchen is at a premium.
Quesadilla maker featuring a 6 wedge design
2 position latch system allows you to make both thick and thin stuffed quesadillas
Cooks quesadillas evenly, in just 6 minutes
Stores in a vertical position – ideal if space is at a premium
- BrandNostalgia
- ModelEQM200
- Weight 3.8 pounds
10
Santa Fe Quesadilla Maker
Last, but not least, comes this Santa Fe quesadilla maker. The handy appliance can cook quesadillas in as little as four or five minutes, thanks to evenly heated plates. These plates seal your quesadillas into six even slices, sealing in ingredients and making the food easier to serve.
Once you’re finished cooking, cleanup is easy – simply wipe down the non-stick plates, and stow the device in a vertical position to save space. For easy maintenance, the appliance also features a detachable drip tray, which catches any runoff before it can make a mess of your countertop. Each Santa Fe appliance includes a 12-month warranty and a recipe booklet. Customers report that this handy device does exactly what it says on the box; delivering delicious and perfectly cooked quesadillas, time after time.
Quesadilla maker featuring a 12-inch cooking surface
Cooks quesadillas evenly, in as little as 4 – 5 minutes
Creates 6 quesadillas ‘pockets’, for mess-free serving
Simple to clean, thanks to wipe-down plates
Protected by a 12-month warranty
Recipe booklet included
Stores vertically to save room
- BrandSanta Fe
- ModelQM2SFR
- Weight 7.35 pounds
Best Quesadilla Makers Buying Guide
Whether you’re a quesadilla fanatic, or occasional fan, we’re confident that there’s something on our list to meet every need. With so many options to choose from, though, finding the ideal fit can be harder than it might appear.
To help you choose the perfect appliance for your kitchen, we’ve put together this brief guide. Below, we discuss what to look out for in a quesadilla maker, why you might want one, and how to properly care for your new appliance.
Features to Look for in Quesadilla Maker
When it’s time to choose a quesadilla maker for your kitchen, there are a few key factors to bear in mind:
- Versatility
If you’re constantly munching on quesadillas, and looking for an easier way to make them, purchasing an appliance dedicated to this specific task could be the way to go. On the other hand, if you only make quesadillas occasionally, you might prefer a device that can do a little more. If the latter sounds like you, we’d recommend options three, six, seven, or eight on out list. These griddles and grills provide a great surface for quesadilla making, but can also be used to cook other types of food. To further improve versatility, look out for a relatively large cooking surface.
- Convenience
Quesadilla makers are designed to take the stress out of cooking quesadillas, so it’s vital that they’re simple to use. Look out for an appliance with non-stick plates, a removable drip tray, and a handle that locks in place while cooking. All of these features add up to a quesadilla maker that’s simple and convenient to use.
- Storage
When purchasing any new appliance, it’s a good idea to consider exactly where it will be stored. Fortunately for Mexican food lovers, quesadilla makers tend to be quite compact, and you can store them upright to save space. It’s also a good idea to look out for a place to wrap the device’s power cord, to prevent any tangling between uses.
- Appearance
It might sound like a frivolous consideration, but it’s important to choose a quesadilla maker that you like the look of. Most look pretty similar, but you’ll have some flexibility when it comes to color, and many appliances - such as number five on our list - feature a deliberately cute design.
Benefits Of a Quesadilla Maker
Having a quesadilla maker in your kitchen comes with a number of benefits, including:
- Quesadilla makers allow you to whip up quesadillas much faster than usual
- Using a quesadilla maker is more energy efficient that switching on the oven
- Quesadilla makers can also be used to make:
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Pancakes
- Omelettes
- Nachos
- Burgers (in some devices)
- Cookies
- French toast
- Quesadilla makers heat up quickly
- Using a quesadilla maker ensures your food cooks evenly
- You don’t need a large kitchen to find room for a quesadilla maker
- Quesadilla makers can also be used to toast burger buns
Quesadilla Makers Maintenance Tips
Most quesadilla makers are easy to clean and maintain. To get the most out of your new appliance, cleaning is key.
Try to clean your quesadilla maker as often as you remember, using the following method:
To clean it you’ll need:
- A dish towel
- Paper towels
- An old toothbrush (ideally soft)
- Fist of all, place your quesadilla maker on top of the dish towel to keep things tidy.
- Next, switch on the appliance, and allow it to heat up. When it’s hot, unplug is again.
- Wait a moment, before wetting two paper towels, and placing them inside the machine.
- Close the lid over the towels, and wait a few minutes.
- Finally, remove the towels and gently scrub the plates using the toothbrush.
This method ensures that the plates are clean, without using any harsh chemicals, or damaging the appliance’s non-stick coating.
Best Quesadilla Makers FAQ:
Q: Is a quesadilla maker a way to make healthy meals?
A: As delicious as they are, traditional quesadillas aren’t exactly known as a health food!
That being said, quesadilla makers can certainly be used to cook up healthy alternatives. For instance, you could fill your quesadillas with grilled veggies and reduced fat mexican cheese, and replace sour cream with plain fat-free Greek yoghurt.
You can also use the machine to cook an omelette - another tasty but healthy meal.
Q: How long do I cook a quesadilla in a quesadilla maker?
A: Generally speaking, quesadilla makers cook their ingredients in five to six minutes.
For best results, try the following method:
- Brush a light coating of oil onto the quesadilla maker’s hot plates
- Switch on the unit and close the lid
- Place a tortilla onto a separate plate, and fill with your chosen ingredients
- Place a second tortilla over the top, covering the ingredients entirely
- When the quesadilla maker reaches the correct temperature, a green light will illuminate
- Open the lid of the quesadilla maker using an oven mit
- Place the uncooked quesadilla on the bottom plate of the cooker, and close the lid
- Leave the quesadilla to cook for 3 - 5 minutes, depending on your preferred softness
- Switch off the appliance and raise the lid, again, using an oven mit
- Carefully remove the quesadilla, and serve
Q: Can I use corn tortillas in a quesadilla maker?
A: Yes. Quesadilla makers can be used to heat almost any type of flatbread.
This includes both wheat and corn tortillas, as well as pita and naan.
Our Top Pick
George Foreman have done it again, with their simple and effective quesadilla press. Featuring non-stick hot plates, deep dish sections, and outer ridge, the handy device seals in all the tasty ingredients you could ask for. If you’re fed up of using a microwave or stovetop to whip up your quesadillas, this simple but effective device could be the ideal solution.
Once your quesadillas are done, the press is easy to stow away, thanks to its wrappable cord and flat design. These features mean that the device is simple to store upright in a cupboard or on the countertop, without taking up much room. For under $25, it’s a budget-friendly way to whip up delicious quesadillas in no time - without the mess of conventional methods.
Sources:
- How to Use a Quesadilla Maker - WikiHow