Imagine warm, pillowy dumplings swimming in rich gravy or nestled beside a hearty schnitzel. That’s the magic of spaetzle! But getting those perfect, irregular shapes at home can feel like a culinary challenge. Have you ever tried making spaetzle and ended up with a sticky mess or uneven blobs?
Choosing the right spaetzle maker can be tricky. There are so many different types, from simple graters to fancy electric machines. You want one that’s easy to use, cleans up quickly, and makes delicious spaetzle every time. Without the right tool, you might get frustrated and give up on this wonderful dish.
This post is here to help! We’ll explore the different kinds of spaetzle makers available. You’ll learn what makes each one unique and how to pick the best one for your kitchen. By the end, you’ll feel confident choosing a maker that will bring authentic, homemade spaetzle to your dinner table with ease.
Our Top 5 Spaetzle Maker Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Spaetzle Maker Detailed Reviews
1. Premium Grade Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker with Comfort Grip Handle Traditional German Egg Noodle Maker
Rating: 8.6/10
Craving authentic German spaetzle? The KEISSCO Spaetzle Maker lets you bring a taste of tradition right into your kitchen. This handy tool helps you create those delightful, pillowy egg noodles just like Oma used to make. It’s perfect for whipping up a classic side dish or experimenting with your own unique flavor combinations. Serve it with savory meats, rich butter sauces, or even sweet dressings – the possibilities are endless!
What We Like:
- Makes authentic German spaetzle easily.
- The plastic slider protects the stainless steel and keeps your dough clean.
- The soft santoprene handle gives you a secure, non-slip grip.
- It’s designed to work well with pans about 30 cm in diameter.
- You can serve spaetzle with many different kinds of food.
What Could Be Improved:
- The ideal pan size is specific, so it might not fit all cookware.
This spaetzle maker is a fantastic way to enjoy a beloved German dish at home. It makes the process simple and enjoyable, from preparation to serving.
2. Premium Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker Lid with Scraper
Rating: 9.4/10
Craving authentic German spaetzle without the fuss? This Premium Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker Lid with Scraper is your ticket to delicious, homemade egg noodles. It’s designed to make the process incredibly simple and mess-free, turning a potentially tricky task into a joy for cooks of all levels.
What We Like:
- Makes spaetzle quickly and easily, creating perfectly sized noodles every time.
- Crafted from high-grade stainless steel for lasting durability.
- Features a versatile design that fits pots and pans from 9-1/4 to 10-3/4 inches in diameter.
- Takes up minimal cupboard space, making it a practical addition to any kitchen.
- Functions as more than just a spaetzle maker; it’s great for straining pasta and veggies, and even steaming food.
- Makes a wonderful gift for anyone who loves cooking or wants to try making spaetzle.
What Could Be Improved:
- It’s best to make spaetzle in small batches to prevent sticking and ensure optimal results.
- Cleaning with cool water and a stainless-steel pad is recommended, as hot water can make the sticky dough harder to remove.
This spaetzle maker truly simplifies creating this beloved German dish. It’s a versatile and durable kitchen tool that’s sure to become a favorite.
3. SPEENSUN Spaetzle Maker
Rating: 9.3/10
Craving authentic German spaetzle? The SPEENSUN Spaetzle Maker is your ticket to effortless homemade goodness! This premium stainless steel press makes creating delicious spaetzle and knoepfle a breeze, replacing clunky graters and messy strainers. Get ready to elevate your meals with this efficient and user-friendly kitchen tool.
What We Like:
- Makes homemade spaetzle quickly and easily, saving you time.
- Constructed from sturdy, rust-free, premium stainless steel for lasting use.
- The BPA-free plastic slide protects your pots from scratches.
- Fits pots up to 30 cm in diameter with a secure hook to prevent slipping.
- Dishwasher safe and easy to detach for simple cleaning.
- Comes in a beautiful gift box, making it an ideal present.
What Could Be Improved:
- Soaking in cold water is recommended after use to prevent dough from drying, which adds an extra step to cleaning.
This SPEENSUN Spaetzle Maker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, especially for those who love German cuisine. It’s designed for both efficiency and durability, promising many happy meals.
4. Spaetzle Classic Round Noodle Maker by Westmark
Rating: 9.3/10
Making delicious, homemade spaetzle has never been easier with the Westmark Spaetzle Classic Round Noodle Maker. This handy kitchen tool is designed for simplicity and efficiency, letting you create those perfect little dumplings in no time. It’s also a versatile gadget that can help with other kitchen tasks.
What We Like:
- The classic hole pattern creates authentic-looking spaetzle.
- It’s easy to take apart for cleaning; just pull out the fixing pin.
- You can safely put the individual parts in the dishwasher.
- The handle is designed with three grooves that grip pots securely.
- It works great as a ricer for smooth purees, mashed potatoes, and even for making spaghetti ice.
- This press has a large capacity, so you can make more spaetzle at once.
- It’s made in Germany, suggesting good quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- The coated aluminum material might not be as durable as stainless steel over many years of heavy use.
- The dimensions (400 x 85 x 110 mm) make it a bit bulky for small kitchens.
This Westmark Spaetzle Classic Round Noodle Maker is a solid choice for anyone who enjoys traditional German cuisine or wants a multi-functional kitchen press. It simplifies the process of making spaetzle and offers added benefits for other culinary creations.
5. Mlesi Premium Grade Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker Widen Plastic Handle with Skimmer Spider Strainer Homemade Egg Noodle Dumpling Perfect Sized for pots and Pans Making Tool
Rating: 8.7/10
Ever wanted to make authentic German spaetzle at home? The Mlesi Premium Grade Stainless Steel Spaetzle Maker is here to help! This handy tool, complete with a skimmer spider strainer, makes creating delicious homemade egg noodle dumplings a breeze. It’s designed for both experienced cooks and beginners alike, promising perfect-sized dumplings every time.
What We Like:
- Authentic German Spaetzle: This set includes everything you need to make traditional German noodle dumplings, making your cooking experience truly authentic.
- Easy for Beginners: You don’t need to be a pro chef to use this! It’s simple to operate, allowing anyone to create perfect spaetzle.
- Comfortable Grip: The widened plastic handle features a strong rubber grip, making it comfortable to hold even during extended use. Say goodbye to hand fatigue!
- Great Kitchen Gift: This spaetzle maker is a fantastic gift idea for any food lover or home cook. It adds a fun and healthy element to any kitchen.
High-Quality Stainless Steel: Crafted from food-grade stainless steel, this spaetzle maker is safe to use and built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for standard pots, users might need to adjust if they have unusually small or large pots.
- The set is a fantastic value, but availability can sometimes be limited, so grab it when you see it!
This Mlesi Spaetzle Maker is a fantastic addition to any kitchen, bringing authentic German flavors right to your table. It’s an enjoyable and healthy way to prepare a classic dish.
Your Guide to Choosing the Perfect Spätzle Maker
Spätzle is a delicious, noodle-like dish that’s a staple in German cuisine. Making it at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. A spätzle maker is the tool you need to create those perfect, irregular dumplings. Let’s explore what makes a great spätzle maker.
Key Features to Look For
1. Size and Capacity
- Consider how much spätzle you want to make at once. Some makers are small for single servings, while others are larger for family meals.
- Think about your storage space. Larger makers take up more room.
2. Ease of Use
- A good spätzle maker should be simple to operate. You want to be able to push the batter through without too much effort.
- Look for makers with comfortable handles and a smooth sliding mechanism.
3. Cleaning
- Cleaning is important. Some makers are dishwasher safe, which saves you time.
- Others require hand washing. Check if the parts come apart easily for thorough cleaning.
4. Durability
- A well-made spätzle maker will last a long time.
- Look for sturdy construction that won’t bend or break easily.
Important Materials
The materials used in a spätzle maker affect its durability and how it performs. Common materials include:
Stainless Steel
- Stainless steel is a great choice because it’s strong and won’t rust.
- It’s also easy to clean and doesn’t react with food.
Plastic
- Some parts might be made of high-quality, food-grade plastic.
- Plastic can be lighter and sometimes cheaper. Make sure it’s sturdy plastic that won’t crack.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Improvements
- Thick, sturdy metal: This makes the maker feel solid and last longer.
- Smooth sliding parts: This makes the process of making spätzle much easier.
- Well-sized holes: The size of the holes determines the size of your spätzle. Consistent hole size helps create uniform dumplings.
- Ergonomic handles: Comfortable handles make it easier to hold and use the maker.
Quality Reducers
- Thin, flimsy metal: This can bend or break, making it hard to use.
- Stiff or sticky parts: These can make pushing the batter difficult.
- Uneven or sharp holes: These can affect the shape of the spätzle and be dangerous.
- Poorly attached handles: Handles that feel loose can be a safety hazard.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a spätzle maker is usually straightforward. You mix your spätzle dough, place it in the maker, and then move the maker back and forth over a pot of boiling salted water. The dough falls through the holes and cooks quickly.
Spätzle makers are perfect for:
- Making traditional German spätzle as a side dish.
- Creating delicious dumplings for soups and stews.
- Trying out different spätzle recipes with various flours and seasonings.
- Entertaining guests with homemade comfort food.
A good spätzle maker makes the process enjoyable. A poorly designed one can be frustrating. Investing in a quality maker will make your spätzle-making adventures much more successful and tasty!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the easiest type of spätzle maker to use?
A1: Generally, makers with a smooth sliding mechanism and comfortable handles are the easiest to use. Many people find the traditional sliding-tray style to be quite user-friendly once they get the hang of it.
Q2: Can I use a regular cheese grater instead of a spätzle maker?
Q2: Can I use a regular cheese grater instead of a spätzle maker?
A2: While you can technically push dough through a cheese grater, it’s not ideal. Spätzle makers are designed with specific hole sizes and shapes for the best results. A grater might create uneven or too-small dumplings.
Q3: Are all spätzle makers dishwasher safe?
A3: No, not all of them are. It’s important to check the product description. Stainless steel makers are often dishwasher safe, but some plastic parts or certain finishes might not be.
Q4: How do I clean my spätzle maker if it’s not dishwasher safe?
A4: If your maker isn’t dishwasher safe, wash it by hand with warm, soapy water right after use. Use a soft brush to get any leftover dough out of the holes. Then, dry it thoroughly.
Q5: What kind of batter should I use with a spätzle maker?
A5: You’ll need a specific spätzle batter, which is usually made with flour, eggs, milk or water, and salt. The batter should be quite thick and sticky, but still pourable.
Q6: How do I prevent the dough from sticking to the spätzle maker?
A6: Making sure your dough has the right consistency is key. It should be thick but slightly wet. Some people also lightly grease the maker before use, though this is often not necessary with good quality makers.
Q7: Will a spätzle maker work with a very thick batter?
A7: A spätzle maker is designed for a specific batter consistency. If your batter is too thick, it will be very difficult to push through the holes. If it’s too thin, the spätzle might break apart in the water.
Q8: What are the benefits of using a spätzle maker compared to a colander with large holes?
A8: Spätzle makers are specifically designed to create the classic spätzle shape. They provide more control over the dough and tend to produce more consistent results than a colander.
Q9: Can I make gluten-free spätzle with these makers?
A9: Yes, you can. You will need to use a gluten-free flour blend specifically designed for pasta or dumplings. The consistency of your gluten-free batter might need slight adjustments.
Q10: Where can I buy a good quality spätzle maker?
A10: You can find spätzle makers at kitchen supply stores, department stores with kitchen sections, and online retailers like Amazon. Reading customer reviews can help you find a reliable brand.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.