Pizzelle is a traditional waffle cookie from Italy. They are made by mixing flour, eggs, sugar, butter, margarine, or oil
and flavoring. The flavoring such as lemon zest, anise, vanilla, etc. may be used. They can be crisp and hard or soft and chewy depending upon the method of preparation and ingredients. They may be flat like cookies or rolled up like cannoli.
Pizzelle makers are similar to waffle makers only they are dedicated to making pizzelle. The word “pizzelle” is a portmanteau of two words “round & flat“. In Italian, Pizza is round and Elle means small. Pizzelle makers comprise of two metal plates connected at the hinge. These plates are molded with a pattern that serves the dual function of pressing the ingredients into the hot plate for cooking and impressing pretty designs on these Italian waffles.
Pizzelle makers are fitted with electric elements that heat up according to the setting on the thermostat. These appliances are multifunctional and versatile as they can be used to make cookies, pancakes, dosas, cannoli, etc.
The trick of using the pizzelle maker is that the consistency of the dough should be right. It should be thick like cookie dough. Put a tablespoon in the center of the pizzelle makers discs so that each time you shut the hinge.
The dough is pressed between these disc plates to spread out evenly. As the dough cooks the dough discs or circular
waffles take on the plate design. It takes 30 – 40 seconds to cook the waffles. You could spray the irons with a little oil or brush with butter. This ensures they come off easily.
The traditional pizzelle makers made of cast iron thus metal or wooden spatulas were used. Nowadays they have a non-stick coating therefore a wooden or silicone spatula is used. Most pizzelle makers have two such discs this means you can place two tablespoons on the presses to make 2 waffles.
The modern pizzelle makers have indicator lights that come on when the pizzelle are ready. Simply open the latch and lift the two halves. The pizzelle should be golden brown.
The benefits of having a pizzelle maker in your kitchen are;
Great snacks, Pronto! – They come off the hot little griddle in 30 seconds. And you can put whipped cream, fruit pieces, crisps, and other toppings to satisfy the hunger pangs.
Flexible – You can mix thousands of permutations and combinations of the basic ingredients and flavorings. And each time you will have a different snack. You can make tortillas, waffles, dosas, pancakes besides pizzelle.
Ease of use – Just mix the batter, grease the griddles on the pizzelle iron, pour the batter and press it. Within 30 – 40 seconds, your waffles are ready.
Compact – Due to their compact design these appliances take up less space but add great value to the kitchen.
No waiting time – They come on instantly and cook as instantaneously – 30 -40 seconds isn’t much time to wait.
While to coffee brews your waffles are done.
Calorie intake – As you put around a tablespoon of batter on the cooking iron. You take in about 81 calories per waffle. The number of waffles you eat and the type of toppings you choose; control the calories and nutritional value of your intake.
Types of Pizzelle Makers
There are various types of pizzelle irons depending upon the materials used.
Traditional Pizzelle Irons are made of cast iron or aluminum. They have long handles and are used on an open fire. Nowadays they have shorter handles (around 8 – 12 inches long). They are pre-seasoned them with fat to prevent the waffles from sticking to the surface. When you are done cooking simply wipe down the griddle surface while still warm. Use a brush or coarse cloth. The pieces of food still stuck to the pizzelle iron will fall off.
Electric Pizzelle Makers or pizzelle irons are modern versions of the stovetop models. They are self-contained as they have heating elements enclosed within the construction of the appliance. The two griddle plates are underlaid by heating elements. The thermostat controls the heat which is mostly preset at a certain value. Much like the clothes iron, the light turns off when the temperature is reached. The waffles cook in 30 – 40 seconds. The right way to use these irons is to preseason them with oil or butter for the first 1 – 2 times. Then the cast iron will behave like the non-stick cookware. When you are done wipe off the excess oil and brush off the sticky dried batter and crumbs and store.
Nonstick Pizzelle Makers are the easiest to clean. You can simply wipe the gadget after you are done with a paper towel or damp cloth. Let the moisture evaporate before storing it away. Some are dishwasher safe too. The non-stick surface may be made of Teflon or polytetrafluoroethylene while some high-end cookware use ceramics.
Key Features on Pizzelle Makers
While researching the best pizzelle makers we came across some key features that are imperative to make the best pizzella.
Size – Pizzellas are anywhere from 3 – 5 inches in diameter. They can be cooked and stored in a cookie jar. The larger ones are rolled into ice cream cones. The size and patterns should be as per the types and sizes you want to make.
Rim Edges – There are times the batter runs thin and may spill over the edges of the pizzelle maker. If the cooking plates have high hedges or overflow channels the batter will collect there and not spill over to make a mess.
Number of Plates – The pizzella makers usually have two plates but some models may have one large plate the size of a tortilla or 4 small plates. Pick a model according to your needs.
Plate Material – is usually cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. Thick cast iron or aluminum distributes the heat evenly. This means the pizzelle will be cooked evenly and quickly.
Removable Plates – In some models, the plates can be removed for washing and cleaning. Even though heat sterilizes the cooking surface. A little more hygiene never hurts.
Coatings – Most non-stick pizzella makers are covered with Teflon (PTFE) or ceramics.
Heating Coils – are embedded in the two halves of the electric pizzelle makers. Ensure they meet the safety standards for electrical appliances in your state such as EL, IEC, etc.
The Latch – is the common locking mechanism on the pizzella maker. It is usually in the form of a hook that holds
the two halves in place. It behaves much like the hinge on the other side. You may come across fancy designs and locking mechanisms. The main function of these locks is to ensure that the batter is pressed and spread evenly between the two plates. This not only controls the thickness of the pizzella but also that they cook evenly.
Steam Guard – When the pizzelle cook the water from the batter rises away in the form of steam. The steam may scald and burn your hands. The steam guard directs the steam away from your hands while you handle the foodstuff.
Controls – The traditional pizzella makers are manual thus have no indicator lights, thermostats, or on-off switches. Some models have low, medium, and high-temperature settings. While in some there are only Ready and Baking modes. the electrical models are ready to use within minutes.
Storage & Maintenance – These appliances are compact this takes up little counter space. Besides, they can be stored upright and the cord wraps up into the unit.
This is the Prego Pizzelle maker with a non-stick cooking surface and a chrome finish. The appliance is edged with
black heat resistant plastic.
Design & Materials
Villaware V3600-NS is a compact pizzella maker. It is only 12.3 inches by 12.3 inches by 8.5 inches in dimensions. This appliance has the heft of the traditional version at 6 pounds. This electrical appliance bakes two pizzelle of 5-inch diameter in 30 seconds. The non-stick Xylan coated grid has the traditional Fiori pattern on the two plates. The heating coil is controlled by a thermostat and a ready light. This prevents overcooking and burning of the waffles. The steam guard protects your hands while you cook. The cord can be wrapped and put away.
Functionality & Maintenance
Villaware V3600-NS is very easy to use and clean. Plugin the pizzella maker into a 110 – 120V outlet at 60 Hertz. The coils heat up and the ready light is on. Place a tablespoon of batter on the circular plates. Then press down the other half of the waffle iron and latch it. The pressure of the two plates pressing together will spread the batter. The heat from both plates will cook the pizzella evenly. It will take 30 seconds to make a 1 to 2mm thick pizzella. While the waffles cook the steam will rise out from between the plates and escape via the steam guards. When the light goes off and the steam stops rising unlock the latch and lift the upper half. Use a spatula meant for non-stick cookware to lift off the cooked waffles. While the iron is still warm wipe off the cooking surface. Then wipe the entire appliance with a damp cloth. Let it dry completely then store it in a cabinet.
Size & Capacity
Villaware V3600-NS is 12.3 inches by 12.3 inches by 8.5 inches in dimensions. It weighs 6 pounds. The rectangular surface has circular plates of 5-inch diameter.
Additional Features
Villaware V3600-NS box contains the pizzelle maker, cord wrap, instruction manual, and recipe booklet. The pizzella maker is supported by a year-long warranty.
This pizzelle maker comes from Palmer Manufacturing. The unit is made of cast aluminum and fitted with heatproof
plastic handles This electric pizzelle iron makes delicious crispy pizzelle with high ribs twice faster than the traditional handheld irons.
Design & Materials
Palmer 3000 makes three small 3-inch pizzelle. The pizzelle iron is fitted with a heating element covered by a cast aluminum casing polished in chrome. The electric elements are heated by 120 volts of electricity at 800W and 60 Hertz. This UL listed appliance has three cast aluminum plates to bake the waffles. The unit has a steam guard that directs the heat away from your hands while you bake. There are Bakelite plastic handles that are heat resistant. The latch holds the two halves to ensure even thickness and cooking of the waffles. The cast aluminum plates press beautiful designs on to the waffles.
Functionality & Maintenance
Palmer 3000 is a popular design that makes crisp pizzelle. It makes three at a time they are 3 inches across and 1/4 of an inch thick. The cast aluminum plates not only spread the batter while they press it out. They also cook the waffle to a golden-brown deliciousness. The internal press features traditional Italian designs. The flavor to the thickness ratio will rival the modern cookies. The iron is easy to clean simply use a damp cloth to wipe off the excess grease, batter, and crumbs.
Size & Capacity
Palmer 3000 makes 3 small 3-inch pizzelle discs. The unit works at 120 volts and 800 watts. The unit is 10.4 inches by 3.7 inches by 14.9 inches in dimensions. It weighs 5.29 pounds.
Additional Features
Palmer 3000 comes with a one-piece appliance fitted with the cast iron plates and electric heating element in a chrome and aluminum body. The unit is supported by a 3-year warranty.
The PizzellePro Toscano by EdgeCraft is a non-stick iron to make the Italian delicacy. It features a light indicator and
a heat press that presses out the waffles in seconds. There are two pizzella plates to make two waffles at a time.
Design & Materials
Chef’sChoice 834 makes 2 pizzellas in 30 seconds. The iron will press our evenly cooked 4.75-inch pizzelle of the traditional size and design. They are the perfect size to make cannoli. Take the pizzelle off the iron and roll them into wraps and stuff them with the fillings of your choice. There are a baking light indicator and the latch for an even press. The consistent pressure and heat cool the perfect waffles. When the cooking plates come in contact with the water in the batter. The heat is taken away in the form of steam. This heat is recovered quickly to bring the plates back to the optimum baking temperature. The iron has a latch that holds the 2 sides down. The latch and the hinge act in tandem to make waffles of even thickness. The space-saving design allows the appliance to be stored upright.
Functionality & Maintenance
Chef’sChoice 834 makes 2 pizzelle pronto. The thin and delicate creations are 4.75 inches in diameter perfect for cannolis. There are a baking indicator light and a thermostat for instant temperature recovery. The unit offers a constant and even baking surface. The two sides are held together by a locking latch. The two plates are covered in a non-stick coat that releases the pizzelle with ease. The appliance is accompanied by a recipe book to inspire you to use it.
Size & Capacity
Chef’sChoice 834 has a 900W element that works at 120 volts and 60 Hertz. The unit makes two pizzelle of 4.75 inches in one go. The appliance is 12.38 inches by 10.50 inches by 5 inches in dimensions and it weighs 5.1 pounds.
Additional Features
Chef’sChoice 834 is a pizzelle maker with cast aluminum plates with non-stick coating. There are an instruction booklet and recipe booklet besides the 1-year warranty.
This pizzelle iron is made in the USA. It makes 2 delicious pizzelle in 30 seconds. The 5-inch waffles will be backed in
a non-stick surface. The iron is heated by electric elements working at 120V and 800W at 60 Hertz. The unit has an aluminum body powder coated in black.
Design & Materials
Palmer 1000T is a pizzelle iron that presses out two of 5-inch pizzella per load. The non-stick surface has traditional designs that press onto the pizzella. Just mix flour, eggs, sugar, butter, and flavoring to make these Italian goodies. You get the perfect thickness to flavor ratio in this dainty cookie. You get a hot delicious and nutritious breakfast or snack at any time. Put the batter on the hot plates and you get pizzelles in 30 seconds. And you can put whipped cream, fruit pieces, crisps, and other toppings to satisfy the hunger pangs. You can mix thousands of permutations and combinations of the basic ingredients and flavorings. And each time you will have a different snack. You can make tortillas, waffles, dosas, pancakes besides pizzelles.
Functionality & Maintenance
Palmer 1000T makes two pizzellas at a time that are 5 inches across and 1/4 of an inch thick. The cast aluminum plates not only spread the batter while they press it out. They also cook the waffle to a golden-brown deliciousness. The surface is covered in a non-stick coating that makes it easy to remove the waffles. The internal press features traditional Italian designs. The flavor to the thickness ratio will rival the modern cookies. The thermostat controls the heat which is mostly preset at a certain value. Much like the clothes iron, the light turns off when the temperature is reached. The waffles cook in 30 – 40 seconds. The iron is easy to clean simply use a damp cloth to wipe off the excess grease, batter, and crumbs.
Size & Capacity
Palmer 1000T has 2 pizzelle plates of 5 inches. The unit is 10.6 inches by 3.7 inches by 14.9 inches in dimensions and weighs 5.5 pounds.
Additional Features
Palmer 1000T arrives with an instruction manual, recipe booklet, and a 10-year warranty.
This pizzella maker comes from Cuisinart an American brand of home appliances. The company was founded in 1971
and has been simplifying the art of cooking since then.
Design & Materials
Cuisinart WM-PZ10 makes 2 traditional 4-inch pizzelle in one load. There are 5 settings to control the browning. The appliance also has Ready to bake and Ready to eat indicators onboard. This means even your kids can use this pizzella iron without the risk of burning themselves or the food. The pizzella comes off the non-stick surface quickly. The iron has a brushed steel housing and plastic handles with a latch. The unit comes with a measuring cup and a rolling dowel. There is also an instruction and recipe book. The plastic parts are BPA free.
Functionality & Maintenance
Cuisinart WM-PZ10 makes the art of baking pizzelles a child’s play. You can bake two thin pizzellas of 4-inches each time you load the appliance. You can get five shades of browning to make hard, crisp, or light pizzellas. The light ones will be soft and chewy while the darker ones will be crunchy and crispy. The perfect setting of the thermostat and nonstick plates ensure the waffles do not break. Warm pizzella can be rolled onto cannoli and waffle cones. You can fill the cannoli and cones with the choicest ingredients to enjoy the snack anytime. You can not only try various combinations of the basic pizzella recipe but also try various fillings and toppings to experiment with them.
Size & Capacity
Cuisinart WM-PZ10 pizzella iron is 9 inches by 7.5 inches by 4.5 inches. The appliance weighs 4.5 pounds. This appliance works at 800W, 120V, and 60 Hertz.
Additional Features
Cuisinart WM-PZ10 box includes a measuring scoop, a rolling dowel, a recipe book, and a 3-year warranty.
This is a mini pizzella waffle iron that makes four 3.25-inch pizzella at one time. The unit has a non-stick surface that
makes it easy to remove the piccolo pizzelle off the baking iron.
Design & Materials
CucinaPro 220-03 makes four small 3.25-inch pizzellas at once. The iron has non-stick baking plates that are easy to cook on and clean. There is a steam guard to protect the hands. The extra thick plates ensure even heat distribution and crisp biscuits. You get cookies of uniform diameter thus you can store them in cookie jars or packets for later use. You also get to control the calorific intake each time you bite into a pizzella. The rectangular pizzella maker has a long handle with a latch. The appliance has two black plates, there is a shell enclosing the heating plates connected to a thermostat. The hinge and latch act in tandem to exert uniform pressure on the batter, spreading and cooking it evenly.
Functionality & Maintenance
CucinaPro 220-03 makes the traditional recipe out of flour, oil, eggs, butter, sugar, and flavorings. These cookies can be hard and crisp or soft and chewy depending upon how long you bake them. Pizzelle are from Ortona, Abruzzo region of south-central Italy. Some other cultures to make a pizzella-like cookie such as the Norwegian Krumkake – the oldest cookie. Pizzella is called ferratelle in the Lazio area of Italy while in Molise they are called cancelle, pizzella, or ferratelle. The cookie batter is put into a pizzella iron. The iron stamps the pattern on the plate onto both sides of the golden-brown cookie. It develops a crisp texture upon cooling. Pizzelle can be rolled into a cannolo and filled with delicious orange-almond creme. These treats are popular during Easter and Christmas. You may also find them at Italian weddings and other celebrations. Two pizzelle are sandwiched will a filling of ricotta and sugar or a hazelnut spread. Pizzellas are rolled into cannoli shells by wrapping around the wooden dowels.
Size & Capacity
CucinaPro 220-03 pizzella maker makes four 3.25-inch pizzellas. The plates have a ribbed and snowflake pattern. The appliances run at 120 volts, 800W, and 60 Hertz. It is 10.25 inches by 10 inches by 5 inches. The iron weighs 3.84 pounds.
Additional Features
CucinaPro 220-03 arrives with a dowel and measuring cup. The pizzella iron is supported by a 1-year warranty.
This pizzelle iron was released to mark the diamond jubilee of this brand. This is an electric pizzella iron that works
at 110 volts. The appliance is made in the USA.
Design & Materials
Palmer 75th Anniversary Pizzella Maker is a popular pizzella iron that can be used to make many other delicacies similar to pizzella. The unit has two plates on hinges. There is an electric element controlled by a thermostat under the plate. To prevent burns or scalds to the user there is a heatproof casing that holds the electronics and plates together. The elements heat at 110 volts and 800W at 60 Hertz. These pizzella irons make delicious waffles with just the right thickness to flavor ratio. They bring you all the sweetness that could be packed in a dainty delicious cookie. The latch on the handle holds the two sides in place to compress the dough into these ridged plates. After 30 seconds they come out as pretty and delicious pizzelle.
Functionality & Maintenance
Palmer 75th Anniversary Pizzella Maker makes crisp pizzelle. It makes three at a time they are 3 inches across and 1/4 of an inch thick. The cast aluminum plates not only spread the batter while they press it out. They also cook the pizzellas to a golden-brown deliciousness. Try the iron for other recipes such as waffles too.
Size & Capacity
Palmer 75th Anniversary Pizzella Maker is a 110-volt 800 watts appliance. It is 19.41 inches by 10.98 inches by 3.78 inches in dimensions. The unit is 5.49 pounds in weight.
Additional Features
Palmer 75th Anniversary Pizzella Maker comes with a 3-year warranty.
This is another pizzella iron from the house of VillaWare. This iron is more compact compared to the V3600-NS.
Design & Materials
VillaWare V5000-NS is a compact pizzella maker. This appliance has the heft of the traditional version at 6 pounds. This electrical appliance bakes two pizzelle of 5-inch diameter in 30 seconds. The non-stick grid has the traditional Fiori pattern on the two plates. The tubular heating coil is controlled by a thermostat and a ready light. The steam guard protects your hands while you cook. The cord can be wrapped and put away.
Functionality & Maintenance
VillaWare V5000-NS is very easy to use and clean. Plugin the pizzella maker into a 110 – 120V outlet at 60 Hertz. The coils heat up and the ready light is on. Place a tablespoon of batter on the circular plates. Then press down the other half of the waffle iron and latch it. The pressure of the two plates pressing together will spread the batter. The heat from both plates will cook the pizzella evenly. It will take 30 seconds to make two pizzella. While the waffles cook the steam will rise out from between the plates and escape via the steam guards. When the light goes off and the steam stops rising unlock the latch and lift the upper half and remove the pizzellas.
Size & Capacity
VillaWare V5000-NS is 10.25 inches by 13.50 inches by 3.50 inches in dimensions. It weighs 5.25 pounds. The rectangular surface has two circular plates of 5-inch diameter.
Additional Features
VillaWare V5000-NS box contains the pizzelle maker, cord wrap, instruction manual, and recipe booklet. The pizzella maker is supported by a year-long warranty.
This pizzella is meant to inspire cooking. The design of the appliance broadens the culinary experience of the cook.
The appliance is unique yet familiar in many ways.
Design & Materials
CucinaPro 220-05P is a superior quality pizzella maker with a polished interior. It has been crafted for the traditionalists. It has a stainless-steel interior. This iron makes two pizzellas in one go. The recipe has been included. The unit makes 5-inch pizzella that can be curled into perfect cannoli and cones. The pizzella press has a steam guard that protects the hands while you are baking. The polished surface makes pizzelle that have a traditional look and feel about them.
Functionality & Maintenance
CucinaPro 220-05P press is used to make traditional pizzelle. the dough is placed in the iron and pressed. The snowflake pattern is pressed into both sides. The cookie is baked till both sides are golden brown. When done – they are removed and allowed to cool. If you want then curled or on a cone shape. Then curl them while they are still warm. Use a wooden dowel to do this.
Size & Capacity
CucinaPro 220-05P is 10.25 inches by 10 inches by 5 inches in dimensions and weigh 3.59 pounds. The unit makes two 5-inch pizzelles. It is a 120V 800W iron.
Additional Features
CucinaPro 220-05P box contains the appliance, a recipe book, and user instructions. The pizzella iron is supported by a 1-year warranty.
This is a Krumkake baker that has a nonstick surface and makes two pizzelle or krumkake per load.
Design & Materials
CucinaPro 220-02 maker with a non-stick cooking surface and a chrome finish. The appliance is edged with black heat resistant plastic. The non-stick coating on the griddle has the traditional Fiori pattern on it. The heating coil is controlled by a thermostat. The ready light comes on to indicate is it properly heated for use. This prevents overcooking and burning of the waffles. The steam guard protects your hands while you cook. The cord can be wrapped and put away.
Functionality & Maintenance
CucinaPro 220-02 is very easy to use. Place a tablespoon of batter on the circular plates. Then press down the other half of the krumkake iron and latch it. The pressure of the two plates will spread the batter. The heat from both plates will cook the pizzella evenly. It will take 30 seconds to make the krumkake or pizzella. While the pizzella cooks the steam will rise out from between the plates and escape via the steam guards. These guards protect your hands. When the light goes off and the steam stops rising. Unlock the latch and lift the upper half. Your krumkakes are ready!
Size & Capacity
CucinaPro 220-02 has a 750W element that works at 120V and 60 Hertz. The appliance bakes 5-inch pizzellas or krumkakes per load. The unit is 10.25 inches by 10 inches by 5 inches in dimensions and weighs 2 pounds.
Additional Features
CucinaPro 220-02 arrives with the recipe book, an instruction manual, and a 1-year warranty.
Highlights
Nonstick cooking surface
Black plastic handles
Chrome finish
Two 5-inch pizzellas
FAQs
What tools comprise the pizzelle makers kit?
Usually, a batter spoon to mix and pour the ingredients on the griddle plates. And a silicone spatula to lift the cooked pizzella is found in the kit.
Why are pizzelle makers with removable plates preferred?
There are two benefits of such plates – you can add plates of different patterns to your collection. And they are dishwater safe.
Should you use spray on the pizzella maker?
If the appliance has a non-stick surface then you do not need it. Otherwise, you could apply the non-stick spray and wipe off with a paper towel or use any type of fat. You will need to pre-heat the plates before applying the spray.
What is the usual wattage of the heating coils or elements?
The wattage of the heating elements may range from 600 – 1050 watts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whichever pizzella iron you pick, from manual and traditional to the modern electrical versions. You will need some tools to serve the best pizzelles for your family. If the pizzella iron is not coated with non-stick coating. Then you will need a pastry brush. It will get the butter, shortening, or oil into every nook of the grid plate on the pizzella iron.
You could use a tablespoon or a measuring scoop to get exact amounts of batter onto the griddle. If you run a commercial operation it allows you to control the number of ingredients going into each pizzella. The number 40 should be the right size to make 5-inch pizzella.
If you leave the scoop head submerged in water between loads the batter does not stick to the scoop. The batter even slides off easily without clinging to the scoop. If you are a perfectionist you will use a vegetable peeler to shave off the excess edges to make the pizzelle perfect circles. A cooling rack will allow the cookies to cool and harden without getting soggy.
After you are done a nylon or steel brush with stiff bristles will save time cleaning up. Use it before the batter, dries and hardens at the spot. It helps to scrape off burnt and dried pieces. A wire brush for uncoated cast iron or aluminum irons should do. While nylon brushes are suitable for non-tick finishes.
Do not use water on the pizzella makers. Scrub, wipe, and use a soft cloth. If there is excess oil simply drain it off, place it like an open book on its side on a paper towel. Then wipe it down again before storing it. The irons are accompanied by dowels or rolling pins. These help you make a cone of a cannoli. They are rolled while they are soft by the time, they cool they’ve hardened.
