A quesadilla maker is a good appliance to have on hand to make Mexican appetizers, snacks, or main dishes. In addition to cheese, you can add chicken, veggies, or beans — along with your favorite kinds of seasoning — and make a dish that everyone can enjoy. You can even make desserts with apples and cinnamon or cream cheese and strawberries.
But trying to cook quesadillas in a skillet can be messy, and the cheese can burn easily. So, if you are often in the mood for Mexican food, investing in a dedicated quesadilla maker makes a lot of sense because it makes the process much easier. All it takes is simply laying out the tortillas and then adding your choice of fillings.
There are many different types of quesadilla makers on the market, with varying price points and features. Some features press and seal lines to make cutting easier, others have removable plates for easier cleaning, and there are some that have multiple uses in addition to just making quesadillas.
Best Quesadilla Makers: The Essentials
When it comes to choosing which quesadilla maker is the best option for you, we looked at price point, customer reviews, ease of use, size, quality, and maintenance. Each one that we recommend will include a list of the basic features, plus the extra details that set it apart from others, and why we chose it.
George Foreman Electric Quesadilla Maker GFQ001
- $23.99
- 10-Inch Quesadillas
- 6 Deep Dish Pockets
- Weight 2.5 pounds
This quesadilla maker from a recognized brand is an affordable option that makes larger quesadillas in less than five minutes. The deep pockets allow you to load up the cheese and other ingredients, and the outer ridge will help you avoid a mess.
With a nonstick cooking surface that allows for quick clean-up, a slip-resistant grip, and power indicator lights, this quesadilla maker made our list because of its special features. It will also make the perfect quesadilla with a crispy tortilla and gooey cheese.
This option also has a cord wrap, and you can store it vertically in tight spaces. The overall design works extremely well for making quesadillas, but the plastic materials can crack, so handle it with care. The George Foreman brand does have excellent customer service, so if you do have any problems, they will do their best to fix them. Overall, the customer reviews are strong, but be careful not to burn your fingers.
Bella 8-Inch Quesadilla Maker
- $24.99
- 8-Inch Quesadillas
- Weight 4.3 pounds
- Includes El Paso Recipes
Another budget-friendly option, this quesadilla maker has a hot-pepper shaped handle (just be careful with it because it can break) and makes smaller quesadillas that are perfect for a quick snack. The nonstick cooking plates make cleaning a snap, and it also has a built-in drip reservoir to keep the mess to a minimum. The light will know when your quesadilla is ready; however you do have to unplug it when you are done because it does not have an off switch.
The recipes from El Paso will help you determine the proper amounts of fillings, so you don’t overstuff, because the pockets and hinges can make it easy to do. This product is easy to use, and the reviews are mostly four and five stars, but you do have to be careful with it. If you try to force the lid, you can break the locking mechanism, so closing it softly and slowly is key.
Also, the nonstick coating can flake off (like with other machines), so it may not last as long as you would like.
Hamilton Beach 25409 Quesadilla Maker
- $20.11
- 8-Inch Quesadillas
- Weight 4.6 pounds
- Locking Lid
If you want restaurant-quality quesadillas at home, this could be your best option. With one of the lower price points, it is definitely budget friendly, and the nonstick surface and locking lid helps you to avoid a mess. This quesadilla maker will have your food ready in about five minutes and will make six wedges. It also features preheat and power lights, comes with recipes, and has very few drawbacks.
The only negative in the customer reviews have to do with the handle. Some people have had problems with the handle falling off, which makes it more difficult to use and easier to burn yourself if that happens.
This option will make six to eight-inch tortillas, and it will press indentations to make the wedges even, plus the outer edge helps contain the cheese.
The locking lid helps keep the quesadilla snug while you cook it to avoid a mess, and then you can store it upright. With all of the features this quesadilla maker has, it makes it one of the best options on the market, especially for the price.
MaxiMatic Elite Cuisine EQD-118 Maxi-Matic 11″ Non-Stick Quesadilla Maker
- $29.41- $35.40
- 11-inch Quesadillas
- 5.4 pounds
- Automatic Slicing
In under five minutes, you can get large, restaurant quality quesadillas in your home with this Elite Cuisine option. Like some of the other models on this list, this has a nonstick cooking surface, you can store it upright, and it has power and ready lights. What sets this one apart from the others is the drainage rim and grease catching tray, and the fact that it can automatically slice the quesadillas while they are cooking.
Even though you can use the 11-inch larger tortillas, it also works with smaller tortilla sizes. The only negative is that it can be difficult to clean, according to some reviews.
There is not a perfect quesadilla maker on the market, but there are many budget-friendly options that will have the features that you need. If you love making quesadillas, being able to avoid a messy skillet is definitely worth the small investment, and having an appliance that can make a snack or appetizer in under five minutes is a nice convenience. All of the quesadilla makers on our list are strong options that are easy to use and affordable. Plus, each one of them will make fresh, delicious quesadillas.