Hamilton Beach 31700 Pizza Maker Review 12 Inch Red Cooker Insights

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Hamilton Beach 31700 Pizza Maker Review: My Honest Experience

So, I got the Hamilton Beach 31700 Pizza Maker, 12 Inch Cooker, Red, and let me just say, this thing is more than just a pizza maker—it’s a mini kitchen hero. I’ve been using it for a while now, and it’s been a mix of sheer convenience and a few minor quirks. Let me walk you through my experience.

My First Date with the Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker

The moment I unboxed this 12-inch fiery red appliance, I knew it was going to add some much-needed zing to my kitchen counter. Its compact design, paired with the rotating turntable, had me intrigued. My first test? A frozen pepperoni pizza. I was skeptical because, let’s face it, frozen pizzas can be hit or miss. But in just about 15 minutes, I had a crispy crust, gooey cheese, and evenly cooked pepperoni. Honestly, I was impressed.

The Good Stuff: Features That Shine

The Hamilton Beach 31700 boasts adjustable heat control knobs and a 30-minute cooking timer with an auto-shutoff feature—it’s perfect for someone like me who tends to wander off mid-cooking. The tempered glass viewing window is another winner. Watching the pizza rotate while it cooks? Weirdly satisfying. Plus, the “no preheating required” feature saves time and energy, making it ideal for quick snacks.

Did I mention it’s not just for pizza? This little champion cooks nachos, bagel bites, hot dogs, breadsticks, and even cookies! My kids love experimenting with it—one day, it’s pizza rolls; the next, it’s mini grilled cheese sandwiches. The even heating from the top and bottom plates ensures perfectly cooked food every time.

The Not-So-Good Moments

While I adore this energy-efficient pizza maker, it’s not without its flaws. Cooking thicker pizzas like deep-dish or heavily topped ones? That’s a challenge. The shallow interior doesn’t leave much room for creativity with toppings. Also, cleaning the rotating pan can be a bit of a chore if you forget to line it with foil—lesson learned after a cheese explosion.

Comparing to Competitors

I’ve tried other countertop pizza makers like the Pizzazz Plus Rotating Oven and the Breville Smart Oven, but the Hamilton Beach Pizza Maker stands out for its affordability and no preheating design. While the Pizzazz Plus has a similar rotating mechanism, it lacks the enclosed design, meaning heat escapes more easily. The Breville Smart Oven is an excellent all-rounder, but let’s be real—it’s more expensive and overkill if you just want to whip up a quick pizza.

Is It Worth the Money?

For its price range, the Hamilton Beach 31700 delivers great value. While it’s not designed for gourmet pizza chefs, it’s a lifesaver for busy families, college students, or anyone craving quick, delicious meals without the hassle of preheating a full-sized oven. The energy efficiency alone makes it a worthwhile investment. Sure, it’s not perfect, but the convenience outweighs the flaws.

Final Thoughts on Using the Hamilton Beach 31700

As someone who hates waiting for an oven to heat up, this pizza maker has become my go-to for quick meals. It’s lightweight, easy to operate, and versatile. It’s not just a pizza maker; it’s a multi-purpose kitchen gadget that I didn’t know I needed. If you’re looking for a compact, energy-saving appliance to satisfy your pizza cravings and more, this might just be the one.

Pros

• No preheating required: Saves time and energy, especially for quick meals.
• Rotating turntable: Ensures even cooking, no matter the dish.
• Tempered glass viewing window: Adds visibility and control during cooking.
• Lightweight and portable: At just over 6 pounds, it’s easy to move and store.
• Multi-functional: Cooks more than pizza—think nachos, cookies, and even chicken strips.

Cons

• Limited depth: Struggles with heavily topped or deep-dish pizzas.
• Cleaning challenges: The pan can be tricky to clean without foil lining.
• Durability concerns: Some users report issues with the turntable motor after months of use.
• Temperature sensitivity: Overcooking is possible if not carefully monitored.
• Noisy operation: The rotating sound can be a bit annoying for some.

What Comes with the Product

• Hamilton Beach 31700 Pizza Maker
• Rotating turntable pan
• Tempered glass lid
• Instruction manual with cooking guide

How to Use Guide

1. Set Up: Place the pizza maker on a flat, heat-resistant surface.
2. Prepare the Food: Add your pizza or other snacks to the turntable pan.
3. Adjust Settings: Use the knob to set the desired temperature and timer.
4. Cook: Watch through the glass window as your food rotates and cooks.
5. Finish Up: The auto-shutoff feature will turn off the heat when the timer ends.
6. Clean: Allow the unit to cool, then remove the pan and clean it with soap and water.

Warranty & Support Information

Hamilton Beach offers a 1-year limited warranty on the pizza maker, covering defects in materials and workmanship. For support, customers can contact their customer service hotline or visit their website for troubleshooting guides and replacement parts. Keep your proof of purchase handy, as it’s required for warranty claims.

Additional information