Nothing beats the comfort of a freshly-made quesadilla: gooey melted cheese, spiced up with chilli, beans, chopped
shrimp or pepperoni, all enveloped in a crispy tortilla shell. The best part about this simple but delicious dish is that it can be customised to suit individual tastes, and there are endless combinations to experiment with.
Back in the day, we’d have to head to a Mexican restaurant to satisfy our quesadilla cravings. With the advent of quesadilla makers, however, warm, toasty quesadillas can be made at home in just minutes, without having to whip out a whole arsenal of kitchen utensils.
A quesadilla maker is a specialized machine. While it is designed especially for making quesadillas, it can also double as a warmer for pizza slices, or even bread. Operation is easy and usually involves sandwiching two tortilla shells and filling in between the device. The top and bottom cooking plates, which are heated with electricity, are then pressed together to cook the quesadilla. Like many small kitchen appliances, most models lack a power switch and work by directly plugging the cord into a power source.
Benefits
Inexpensive – Most quesadilla makers are affordably priced, costing no more than a meal at a nice restaurant.
In the long run, if you’re a fan of Mexican food, getting a maker to create your own quesadillas is a lot more cost saving.
Convenience – The traditional way of preparing a quesadilla would involve washing and cleaning up after cooking, which can be a hassle. A quesadilla maker cuts down on time and hassle, as most come with non-stick surfaces that can be easily wiped down with paper towels or a damp cloth.
Portable – Their compact size makes them easy to store, and they are lightweight enough to bring on camping excursions or road trips.
Key Features To Look Out For, when choosing quesadilla makers
Size – Depending on the type of quesadilla you are looking to make, machine size matters. Most quesadilla makers can accommodate tortilla shells that measure eight inches and above, but there are also smaller models made for shells that measure six inches or less. Larger dimensions are good for full, dinner-sized quesadillas, while smaller machines are ideal for making bite-sized snacks. Using a small tortilla shell on a large cooking plate will result in spillage and mess, so this should be a consideration point before making a purchase.
Deep Dish – Most quesadilla makers feature a latch for locking the top lid into place, and are unable to accommodate overstuffed quesadillas, without squeezing the ingredients out. They are therefore best used to make crispy, thin quesadillas. Some makers minimise this problem by designing the machine with deeper dish ‘pockets’, so users who prefer meatier, thicker quesadillas should look out for this feature.
Heating – The whole point of getting a quesadilla maker is to prepare fast and easy meals (we have also written a complete guide about the best 2 slice toasters). A good unit should be able to heat up within minutes, and cooking should be even and thorough with no hot spots.
Scoring guides – Look for makers with convenient scoring guides, as they not only create indents in the quesadilla for easy cutting, but also apply pressure to seal the sides and back of the tortilla shell to minimise spillage.
Outer ring catchment – Some degree of oozing and grease is inevitable. A good quesadilla maker should have a deep outer ring to prevent ingredients from spilling out of the machine, and keep the grease within the ring for easier cleaning.
Durability – A problem with most quesadilla makers is the construction of its locking latch, as many are prone to breaking. A well built maker should be able to withstand the stresses of everyday use. Quality also encompasses the non-stick coating, as some are prone to flaking after several uses.
Dinner in five minutes is no longer a myth with the Hamilton Beach, a handy quesadilla maker suitable for families and those who are always on the go. Packing 900 Watts of power, the device heats up quickly and evenly for thorough cooking. Although optimised for six to eight inch tortillas, users can still pop in a 10-inch piece to get sealed, crusty edges with a ½ to 1-inch hangover. Owing to its capacity and design, the Hamilton is better suited to making thin, crispy quesadillas with small strips of chicken and meat or some cheese. Thicker versions with lots of ingredients tend to spill over onto the counter. Quesadillas aside, the maker can double as a quick solution to warm bread or reheat pizza slices.
Design and Build
Compact and portable, the Hamilton measures 5.5 x 10.9 x 11.8 inches and weighs just 4.63 lbs: easy to move around in the kitchen. Its sleek, red colour and smooth design is eye catching, and the device comes with nooks that neatly segments tortillas into six wedges.
There is a hinge on one end for opening and closing, as well as a latch that locks the top and bottom in place. The latch is meant to prevent messes by keeping the food inside the quesadilla. However, since the hinge is unable to float and can’t be adjusted to accommodate different heights, care should be taken not to overstuff the quesadilla as it will prevent the lid from locking. When not in use, save space by locking the device and storing it upright.
The quality of the latch, however, can be improved, as users have noted that it breaks off easily. The device is still usable in this case, since the lid is heavy enough to keep contact and brown the quesadillas, but the shoddy workmanship does not reflect well on it’s build and durability. That aside, the overall construction is fairly sturdy and it features a non-stick cooking surface that is easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
Controls / Cooking Time
Handling the device is simple that even the little ones can do it with supervision. Simply place a tortilla in the centre, add ingredients such as chicken, cheese or vegetables, place another tortilla over it before closing and locking the lid. Cooking takes less than five minutes, and the results are crisp and segmented for easy cutting.
Extra Features
The red and green indicator lights on the top lid let users know when the device is switched on or in preheat mode. Also included with the maker is a recipe booklet. As with many small appliances, the cord is non-retractable and has to be draped or rolled for storage.
The George Foreman is known for its quality kitchen appliances, and its GFQ001 model is no exception. It promises
better results than the microwave, and more convenient than the stovetop. Like many quesadilla makers, it is best suited to making thin, crispy quesadillas, as thicker ones will spill over and prevent the hinge of the top lid from closing. Add everything from cheese to thin strips of meat, steak, beans and salsa for a well-balanced meal.
Users should take note that the GF has limitations: it can only be used with jumbo tortillas that are 10-inches or larger; anything less will create a mess, especially with cheese. When used properly, however, it creates sealed edges with the locking lid and churns out juicy, perfectly done quesadillas.
Design and Build
Measuring 10 x 10 x 3 inches, the George Foreman takes up minimal space on the kitchen counter, and at 2.5 lbs, is lightweight and convenient to bring on road trips. Its six deep-dish pockets are designed to pack in maximum ingredients and flavour, and creates neat lines that act as cutting guides when it’s time to serve. Meanwhile, the cooking surface features three ridges that act as press-and-seal lines to lock in the fillings, for tidy pockets of delicious goodness. Also handy is the deep outer ring that works as a catchment to prevent cheese or gooey fillings from spilling out of the device.
The device gets very warm on the outside, so users are advised to use a potholder to avoid burns. Although the nonstick surface is non-removable, it can be easily wiped clean with a damp cloth after each use.
The GF suffers the same design flaw as our top rated quesadilla maker on this list, the Hamilton, in that it has a flimsy latch that breaks off easily. Even without closing the lid down completely, the maker can still be used, but will result in the quesadilla being browned on one side only. It is also difficult to release the latch once it has been sealed closed. The machine’s design can be improved on its stability, as the front feet tend to slide on the counter.
Controls/Cooking Time
Cooking is a breeze with the GF, as it takes just five minutes to warm up, and a further three to four minutes to deliver golden, crispy tortillas. However, it lacks an on/off switch and works by plugging the electric socket directly into a power outlet.
Extra Features
The device comes with an integrated cord wrap, making storage a snap. It also stands up vertically to fit into tight spaces.
For a quick and yummy snack, look no further than the Black and Decker quesadilla maker. Its uncomplicated operation means that even the kids can be roped in for a fun day in the kitchen. Featuring 8-inch plates, the machine is suitable for tortillas of that dimension or larger. As it is unable to fit thick, over-filled quesadillas without spillage, the device is best used for making crispy tortillas. Snack-sized quesadillas with a thin layer of cheese are no problem for the Black & Decker, but if you’re looking to make a filling dinner-sized version, this might not be the best choice.
Design and Build
At 14 x 5 x 11 inches and weighing 4.74 lbs, the Black & Decker is considerably large and bulky. The design features six quesadilla pockets that create marks for easy cutting once the tortilla is served. Raised ridges on the cooking surface act as innovative press and seal lines, sealing the quesadillas from the sides and back for no-mess finger food.
Enjoy healthier meals without excess grease or butter with the nonstick coating, which can be cleaned by wiping down with a wet, soapy sponge or paper towel. Cleaning should be done immediately after the machine has cooled down, as leaving cheese or leftover ingredients inside the machine for prolonged periods of time will cause the nonstick coating to peel off.
The Black & Decker lacks an outer ridge to catch oozing ingredients, so grease and cheese tends to get underneath the plates. To prevent this, utilise the small hole at the bottom of the maker to push leftovers into a separate, removable grease tray.
The latch can be difficult to close, but the device still does the job of cooking and browning the quesadillas, even without the lock. The only issue with the design is its stability: as it is top heavy, the whole unit tends to flip forward when attempting to close the lid during cooking, which can be a hazard.
Controls/Cooking Time
The Black & Decker heats up quickly and consistently for even, thorough cooking. Food can be done in less than five minutes, and the device comes with convenient power on and ready indicator lights.
Extra Features
Stand the Black & Decker up vertically for easy storage. The cord retracts for even more space saving, and the unit features slip-resistant grips to prevent untoward accidents.
Nostalgia is an apt word to describe the EQM200. It’s simple, no frills operation churns out delicious, golden brown quesadillas, reminiscent of home-cooked meals the way mom used to make them. Customise your own version with a variety of ingredients, be it chilli, salsa, meat or vegetables. The device is best used with eight-inch tortillas or larger.
Design and Build
The Nostalgia carries a unique plate design with scoring guides to divide the quesadilla into six neat sections, in addition to sealing in the flavourful ingredients and prevent leaking. A one up from other makers of its kind is the fact that it has a two-position latch, which allows for thin or thick stuffed quesadillas to be made.
At 11 x 10 x 4.5 inches, it takes up minimal space in the kitchen counter and stands upright for tidy storage. Although it is lightweight at just 2lbs and can be carried around easily, the construction feels somewhat cheap and flimsy, especially on the locking latch, and it can topple over easily if too much pressure is applied on the top lid when pressing. The latch gets very warm so the addition of a handle would improve its overall design.
Controls/Cooking Time
While the Nostalgia heats up fairly quickly, there are some hits and misses with its cooking performance. Some users have noted that there seems to be a hotspot in the middle which results in uneven cooking: while fillings have cooked or melted, the crust of the quesadilla did not crisp. The best way to determine if the quesadilla is done is to listen to the sizzle, or check periodically by lifting the lid.
Extra Features
The Nostalgia comes with indicator lights on the top lid which alerts users when the power is on and when the unit is preheated.
Satisfy snack cravings as well as dinner demands with the Elite Cuisine’s EQD-118 Maxi-Matic. Simple and fuss-free, it not only makes thin, crispy quesadilla, but also thicker, full-sized versions that can accommodate a decent amount of filling, be it bacon bits, scrambled eggs, salsa, meat or vegetables. The Maxi-Matic is best used with tortillas that measure 10 to 11 inches or more. Smaller tortillas can still be used, but filling should be placed in the center to avoid spilling.
Design and Build
Equipped with convenient scoring guides, the maker divides the quesadilla into six, evenly-sized individual wedges for easy serving, while the top lid seals the edges to prevent spillage. At 13.6 x 13.4 x 6.3 inches and weighing 5.5lbs, the unit is rather bulky, but can be stored vertically to save space. Both the top and bottom features a non-stick cooking surface, which makes cleaning a cinch, using a damp cloth or paper towel.
That being said, the Maxi-Matic suffers from obvious design flaws. Although it comes with a grease tray for ‘collecting unwanted grease’, there is no built-in drainage on the cooking plates for the grease to run off. Another big turn off is the gap between the bottom cooking plate and the outer ring, which traps melted cheese and grease. There is no way to clean the gunk once it gets in. The body of the device has a sturdy build, but the same cannot be said of the locking latch which breaks apart easily.
Controls/Cooking Time
Running on 900 Watts of power, the Maxi-Matic heats up quickly and evenly. It only takes four to five minutes to cook; perfect for busy people on the go. The base does not get too hot so it can even be placed on veneered tables without worrying about damage from the heat.
Extra Features
Power and ready indicator lights automatically illuminate to alert the user of the device’s status. There is no power switch, so the device works by plugging or unplugging directly into a power source.
Pros
Quick and even cooking
Nonstick
Able to make large quesadillas
Good heat distribution
Cons
Gap between outer ring and cooking plate difficult to clean
An inexpensive answer to fast and ready-to-eat meals, the Brentwood TS-120 is a decent choice for making quesadillas, reheating pizza slices or warming bread. Its large diameter hot plate accommodates tortillas that measure eight inches and above. The device browns the crust nicely, but avoid overstuffing as ingredients will spill over the sides.
Design and Build
The Brentwood has a round, compact design that measures 4.5 x 10.5 x 9.5 inches and weighs 4 lbs. It stands upright for convenient storage. Like many quesadilla makers, it comes in a sporty red colour that stands out in the kitchen, but pairs well with other decor. The side comes a hinge for opening and closing, while the top lid is equipped with a locking latch to ensure the inside is cooked evenly.
The design is far from perfect, though. While it features six ‘pockets’ for easy cutting, the Brentwood lacks ridges to seal the edges of the quesadilla, so filling tends to ooze out. The non-stick cooking surface can be wiped down with a damp cloth or paper towel, but the outer ring is small and shallow, making it difficult to remove trapped cheese or grease from the edges.
Controls/Cooking Time
With 900 watts of cooking power, the Brentwood heats up quickly to produce crisp, toasty quesadillas within minutes. Built-in temperature controls ensure even, thorough cooking, every time and minimises burning.
Extra Features
There are helpful indicator lights on the lid’s surface to indicate power on or ready status.
If you’re looking for a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen, go for the Bella 13506, a compact, handy
quesadilla maker that is safe enough for the little ones to use, with adult supervision. The device’s compact size is made to fit eight-inch tortillas, perfect for snack-sized portions. Place cheese, peppers or pepperoni between two pieces of flatbread for a quick and tasty meal, or fit larger pieces to get a crisp crust and slight overhang. The cooking dish is deep enough to take a considerable amount of ingredients without having to worry about spillage. Low moisture cheeses work well and minimises liquid from dripping out the sides of the quesadilla.
Design and Build
Built with space in mind, the unit measures 11 x 6.2 x 13 inches and can be stood up vertically for convenient storage. The design features scoring guides to create even lines for easy cutting.
In spite of its compact size, the Bella is quite heavy at 4.3 lbs and boasts a sturdy, strong construction. However, with thicker quesadillas, the latch will not lock and the lid needs to be pressed slowly and held down for contact. Again, like many quesadilla maker models, the latch is cheaply made and prone to breaking. Nonstick top and bottom plates are easy to clean with wet paper towels and cloth. It comes with a built-in drip reservoir.
Controls/Cooking Time
The Bella heats up quickly and takes just minutes to cook any quesadilla. For best results, gently wipe with some cooking oil before use. Spray oils can also be utilised but should be avoided as it will ruin the nonstick surface over time.
Extra Features
There are helpful indicator lights to let users know of the device’s status. The device comes with a booklet of recipes for users to try out.
Bargain hunters will love the value and versatility that the Cooks Essentials offers. Although it works primarily as a
pancake maker, the device can double as a quesadilla and omelette maker, allowing users to prepare a complete breakfast meal in one go. There are four round slots on the bottom girdle, each measuring four inches. These can be filled with pancake mix, or used to make individual quesadillas, albeit bite-sized ones. Granted, the Cooks Essentials does not work as well as specialised quesadilla makers, but it’s still a handy tool to have in the kitchen. The slots can also accommodate omelettes and eggs over-easy style.
Design and Build
Boasting a rectangular shell that measures 13 x 11.2 x 4.5 inches, the Cooks Essential is quite bulky and heavy, clocking in at 5lbs. It makes up for the bulk with sturdy, durable construction, and offers better stability than round-shaped quesadilla makers. Instead of the dyed-in-the-wool red colour which seems to be the staple of many models, the Cooks Essential sports an attractive black and platinum silver finish, giving it a modern appeal.
The Cooks Essential lacks raised ridges for easy cutting of quesadillas, nor does it have sealing capabilities – so some oozing and mess is to be expected. However, since it is not a specialised quesadilla maker, one cannot expect the same sort of quality or results. The cooking surface is nonstick and wipes easily with a damp cloth or paper towel. For storage, fasten the latch and stand it up vertically to save space.
Controls/Cooking Time
Usage of the Cooks Essential is simple and straightforward. It runs on 1,200 watts of power, which heats the device up quickly and evenly. Power on by plugging it into a socket and wait five minutes for the maker to warm up, before adding pancake mix, tortilla wraps and fillings, or other ingredients. Helpful power and ready indicator lights let you know when the food is ready, which is usually within minutes.
Extra Features
An easy grip handle allows users to open and close the lid conveniently when cooking.
The Laredo Chili’s may be basic, but it’s every quesadilla lovers dream. Designed to accommodate tortillas measuring eight inches and above, it works best with a 10-inch shell, which sticks out slightly over the edge of the appliance, for fairly large quesadillas. Granted, it works best with just a little filling, as anything thicker will result in the ingredients being pushed out when the lid is closed.
Design and Build
The Laredo Chilli boasts a striking red colour and festive appearance that makes it a great addition to parties. It sports a small protruding handle to facilitate opening and closing of the lid. Meanwhile, the deep dish cooking plate features six nooks to create grooves on the quesadillas for easy cutting, while the outer edge of the lid has press and seal lines to lock in fillings from the side and back. The lid will not lock on its own and the latch has to be manually pushed into a protrusion into the bottom in order to compress the quesadilla. The latch itself is not top quality and seems to break easily. Meanwhile, the top and bottom cooking plates are made of non-stick material, which can be wiped down with damp cloth or paper towels. However, care should be taken not to scratch the surface as it easily peels off. To prevent this, a non-metal spatula is recommended when removing the quesadilla.
At 10.5 x 5 x 11.5 inches, the unit is compact and easy to store, as it can be propped up vertically, but heavier than most at 4.15 lbs. Although the unit comes with a small slide-in drip catcher, the design is such that there is a gap between the cooking plate and the outer ring, which traps mess between the hot plate and the bottom lid. It is impossible to remove unless the screws are removed from the hot plates, which can be a hassle.
Controls/Cooking Time
Depending on the amount of ingredients placed inside the quesadilla, cooking time varies between three to five minutes. The Laredo Chili has good temperature control and tortilla shells are evenly browned on both the top and bottom, coming out with just the right amount of crunchiness.
Extra Features
Similar to many quesadilla maker models, the Laredo Chili comes equipped with LED power on and ready lights.
No frills and no hassle sums up the Servappetit Countertop, a basic but functional quesadilla maker that churns out
warm and toasty quesadillas. Compact and portable, it’s the perfect device for students living in a small dorm, busy working adults or even moms who need to whip up a quick meal for the kids after school. It is ideal for tortillas that measure eight inches or larger.
Design and Build
Its bright, vivid red colour makes the Servappetit easy to spot in the kitchen,and adds a festive, modern touch to the overall decor. The inside has six deep dish pockets complete with scoring guides to create nice, even lines for easy cutting, while the top has ridges to seal the fillings in from the sides and back to prevent mess.
Weighing just 3.8 lbs and at 11 x 5 x 11.5 inches, the unit is small enough to keep on the counter top and stands upright for cabinet storage. The locking clip on the front which holds the top lid down is reasonably sturdy, while the non-stick surface is easy to clean with a damp cloth or paper towel. The design features a shallow outer ring to catch drips or melted cheese, but there is a small gap between the ring and the edge of the machine which can trap grease, with no way to remove it.
Controls/Cooking Time
The Servappetit turns on by plugging it directly into a power source, and heats up quickly to cooking temperature. Pop the tortilla shells and fillings in, press and lock, and have ready to eat quesadillas that are nicely browned and evenly cooked within minutes.
Extra Features
There are two indicator lights on the top lid, one each to indicate power and ready status.
Pros
Compact, easy storage
Stylish
Scoring guides
Ring to catch drips
Quick and even heating
Indicator lights
Cons
Gap between outer ring and edge of machine traps grease
and those who are always on the go. Packing 900 Watts of power, the device heats up quickly and evenly for thorough cooking. Although optimised for six to eight inch tortillas, users can still pop in a 10-inch piece to get sealed, crusty edges with a ½ to 1-inch hangover. Owing to its capacity and design, the Hamilton is better suited to making thin, crispy quesadillas with small strips of chicken and meat or some cheese. Thicker versions with lots of ingredients tend to spill over onto the counter. Quesadillas aside, the maker can double as a quick solution to warm bread or reheat pizza slices.
operation means that even the kids can be roped in for a fun day in the kitchen. Featuring 8-inch plates, the machine is suitable for tortillas of that dimension or larger. As it is unable to fit thick, over-filled quesadillas without spillage, the device is best used for making crispy tortillas. Snack-sized quesadillas with a thin layer of cheese are no problem for the Black & Decker, but if you’re looking to make a filling dinner-sized version, this might not be the best choice.
quesadillas, reminiscent of home-cooked meals the way mom used to make them. Customise your own version with a variety of ingredients, be it chilli, salsa, meat or vegetables. The device is best used with eight-inch tortillas or larger.
it not only makes thin, crispy quesadilla, but also thicker, full-sized versions that can accommodate a decent amount of filling, be it bacon bits, scrambled eggs, salsa, meat or vegetables. The Maxi-Matic is best used with tortillas that measure 10 to 11 inches or more. Smaller tortillas can still be used, but filling should be placed in the center to avoid spilling.
quesadillas, reheating pizza slices or warming bread. Its large diameter hot plate accommodates tortillas that measure eight inches and above. The device browns the crust nicely, but avoid overstuffing as ingredients will spill over the sides.
eight inches and above, it works best with a 10-inch shell, which sticks out slightly over the edge of the appliance, for fairly large quesadillas. Granted, it works best with just a little filling, as anything thicker will result in the ingredients being pushed out when the lid is closed.
