Courant CPM1240R Pizza Maker Review – Versatile 12-Inch Cooker and Grill

Description

Courant Pizza Maker, CPM1240R Review: A Humorous Dive into My New Favorite Kitchen Gadget

So, let’s talk about the Courant Pizza Maker CPM1240R—a 12-inch pizza cooker that doubles as an indoor grill. I wasn’t expecting much when I first ordered it because, honestly, it sounded too good to be true. But let me tell you, this little red gem has made me feel like a culinary wizard. It’s not just a pizza maker! It’s a multitasking kitchen hero that has saved me time, effort, and possibly my taste buds.

My Daily Adventures with the Courant Pizza Maker

The first thing I tried was, of course, pizza. I tossed in a basic frozen pizza, adjusted the temperature knob to 400°F, and set the 30-minute timer. (Don’t worry, it auto-shuts off, so you’re safe from burnt disasters.) The non-stick coating is a game-changer; the crust came out perfectly crispy, no scraping required. But here’s where things got wild: I started experimenting.

I opened the 180-degree grill function and threw in some quesadillas. Next came eggs, pancakes, and—wait for it—a giant cookie! Yes, this thing can bake a 12-inch cookie to gooey perfection. My coworkers were thrilled when I brought it to the office for a “pizza party.” One even grilled tofu on it because, apparently, it’s a vegetarian’s dream too!

Where It Shines Against Competitors

Here’s the thing: I’ve owned other pizza makers before, including the Betty Crocker model. While they were okay, they lacked the temperature control feature (355°F to 410°F) and the ability to open flat. Those features make the Courant a league ahead. It’s also more versatile than a traditional toaster oven, which doesn’t have the same grill capability.

Some other models cook unevenly or don’t have an auto shutoff function. With this one, I just set it, forget it, and enjoy a perfectly cooked meal. However, if you’re someone who loves their pizza crust borderline burnt, you might find the heat a little mild at its max setting of 410°F.

The Price vs. Value Debate

Although I can’t give you an exact price, I will say that the Courant CPM1240R offers plenty of bang for your buck. It’s not just a pizza maker; it’s a multi-functional appliance that can replace your grill, oven, and even your stovetop for some recipes. The versatility alone makes it worth the investment. Plus, its compact design means it stores upright, so it’s perfect for small apartments or kitchens with limited counter space.

Key Features I Put to the Test

• Temperature Control Dial: The ability to adjust the heat makes it perfect for everything from thin-crust pizzas to thick quesadillas.
• 180-Degree Flip for Grilling: This feature takes the Courant CPM1240R from pizza maker to indoor grill. I even grilled chicken thighs, and they turned out juicy!
• Non-Stick Plates: Cleanup is a breeze, even when melted cheese decides to rebel.
• Timer with Auto Shutoff: No more hovering over the appliance—it shuts off automatically when the timer ends.
• Indicator Lights: Super helpful to know when it’s preheated and ready to go.
• Cool-Touch Handle: No accidental burns, which is a win in my book.

What Could Be Improved?

No product is perfect. While I adore this pizza maker, a couple of things made me raise an eyebrow. First, the indicator lenses look a bit flimsy and might not last forever. Second, the initial “new appliance smell” lingered longer than I would’ve liked. Cooking a few batches of cookies seemed to do the trick, though. Lastly, the power cord could be a little longer, especially if your kitchen outlets are in inconvenient spots.

Pros

• Versatile Cooking Options: From pizza and cookies to grilled chicken, this appliance does it all.
• Compact Storage: Its vertical storage design saves precious counter space.
• Easy Cleanup: Thanks to its non-stick surface, even melted cheese wipes right off.
• Temperature Control: Customizable heat settings make it adaptable for various dishes.
• Auto Shutoff: A safety feature that prevents overcooking or burning.

Cons

• Initial Smell: The “factory” smell can take a few uses to fully disappear.
• Flimsy Indicator Lenses: These might not hold up over long-term use.
• Limited Heating Range: Some users might prefer higher temperature options.
• Space Requirements: The full 180-degree grill function needs extra counter space.
• Short Power Cord: Not ideal for kitchens with fewer or poorly positioned outlets.

What Comes with the Product

• 12-Inch Pizza Maker Unit
• Temperature Control Dial
• Timer with Auto Shutoff
• Non-Stick Coated Plates
• Cool-Touch Handle
• Power Cord

How to Use Guide

1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Whether it’s a frozen pizza, raw dough, or some quesadilla fixings, get everything ready.
2. Adjust the Temperature Dial: Choose a setting between 355°F and 410°F, depending on what you’re cooking.
3. Set the Timer: Use the timer knob for up to 30 minutes. The auto shutoff will activate when the time is up.
4. Cooking Time: For pizzas, close the lid. For grilling, open it to its 180-degree flat position.
5. Monitor the Indicator Lights: The “Ready” light lets you know when it’s preheated.
6. Check Your Food: Peek in halfway to make sure everything’s cooking evenly.
7. Cleanup: Once cooled, wipe down the non-stick surfaces with a damp cloth.

Warranty & Support Information

The Courant CPM1240R comes with a limited manufacturer warranty, typically covering defects in materials or workmanship. Be sure to check the included documentation for the exact terms. For support, the brand offers customer service via their website or phone. If you encounter any issues, it’s a good idea to register your product to streamline any warranty claims.

Additional information