Hamilton Beach 31700 Pizza Maker review is it worth the hype

Description

Hot & Delicious Pizza at Home

I decided to test the Hamilton Beach 31700 Pizza Maker, 12 Inch Pizza Cooker, Red after hearing a lot about its promises to cook pizza up to 40% faster than a regular kitchen oven. Honestly, I was skeptical at first. A compact pizza maker that promises energy efficiency and no preheating? It sounded too good to be true. But after trying it out, I have to admit, this little gadget packs some serious punch. While there are a few caveats, the overall performance really surprised me.

The first thing I noticed was how compact and light this pizza maker is. Weighing only 6.36 pounds, it fits perfectly on my countertop without taking up too much space. I could easily move it around, which is great if you have limited kitchen real estate like I do. The side swing door with tempered glass is a thoughtful design feature, letting me peek at my pizza while it cooked without opening the lid.

Positives

• Cooks up to 40% faster than a standard oven, saving time and energy.
• The rotating cooking surface ensures even heat distribution, leaving no undercooked spots.
• Its adjustable heat control lets you fine-tune the temperature for different dishes.
• The viewing window is a game-changer for visually monitoring the baking process.
• Compact and energy-efficient, perfect for small kitchens or dorms.

How Does It Perform?

I tested it with a 12-inch frozen pizza, and the results? Surprisingly good! The pizza was evenly cooked, with a crispy crust that rivaled my local pizzeria. The rotating cooking plate worked flawlessly to distribute heat. I also tried making quesadillas and reheating leftover pizza, and both came out great. With the adjustable heat control knob, I could easily tweak the temperature depending on what I was cooking. The 30-minute timer with auto shutoff is a nice safety touch, especially for someone like me who occasionally forgets to turn things off.

However, I did notice that the auto shutoff timer could be a bit noisy when it dings, which might be a minor annoyance if you’re sensitive to sound. Still, it’s better than forgetting your food entirely!

Drawbacks

• Limited to 12-inch pizzas, so it’s not ideal for larger families or gatherings.
• The painted finish on the exterior feels slightly prone to scratches over time.
• Cleaning the rotating plate can be a bit tricky due to its design.
• While it’s energy-efficient, it consumes electricity exclusively, so no dual-power options.

Design and Usability

The bright red painted finish adds a pop of color to any kitchen, making it both functional and stylish. The ergonomically designed knobs felt sturdy and were easy to use. However, cleaning can be a bit of a hassle, especially around the rotating plate. I had to detach it and give it a good scrub after cooking cheesy pizzas. The design could be improved with a non-stick removable plate for easier maintenance.

Competing Products

Comparing this to other countertop pizza ovens, like the Presto Pizzazz Plus or the Betty Crocker Pizza Maker, a few things stood out. The Hamilton Beach 31700 wins in energy efficiency and cooking speed, hands down. However, the Presto model offers a dual-heating element, which sometimes results in slightly crispier toppings. On the other hand, the Betty Crocker model is more compact but lacks a viewing window, making it harder to monitor the food as it cooks.

Where the Hamilton Beach excels is its adjustable heat control and overall ease of use. It’s ideal for someone who wants a balance of speed and simplicity. Still, if you’re looking for a pizza maker that handles larger pizzas or comes with additional accessories, you might want to explore the competition.

Bang for the Buck

Considering its energy efficiency, compact size, and performance, this pizza maker offers fantastic value for its price. You’re essentially getting a product that cooks faster than your traditional oven while consuming less electricity. For those who frequently make pizzas, snacks, or appetizers, the investment pays off quickly. While it’s not without its flaws, it offers a lot for the money, especially when compared to pricier alternatives.

This is a great product for singles, couples, or even small families who enjoy making their own pizzas at home. However, those with bigger households or frequent entertaining needs may need a larger or more versatile option. Overall, it’s a solid choice for its price range.

Additional information