Betty Crocker Pizza Maker Plus review — 12" countertop pizza oven

Intro

Small, simple, and aimed squarely at people who want a fast way to make 12" pizzas and grill quick meals without firing up a full oven. The Betty Crocker Pizza Maker Plus is a compact countertop unit listed as a 12" pizza maker and indoor grill. The listing highlights a nonstick surface, two settings, and a quick plug-and-play experience; owners add real-world context on what it’s great at and what to watch for over time.

What it is / first look

The Betty Crocker Pizza Maker Plus is described by the manufacturer as a 12" indoor electric pizza maker and grill that functions like a small electric griddle. The listing calls it a multi-purpose appliance: a pizza maker, quesadilla and tortilla cooker, personal flatbread baker, crepe and pancake griddle, panini and grilled-cheese press, and even a device for cookies, frittatas, and nachos.

• Model / packaging: Included components listed as "Pizza Maker Plus, 12\" Indoor Electric Grill." Part number BC-2958CR.
• Key specs shown on the listing: Listed wattage is 1500 watts (the product description alternately references 1440 watts — the listing contains both figures), 120 volts, two settings, and indicator lights for power and temperature readiness.
• Size & weight: Item dimensions are listed as 15.9"D x 13.8"W x 5"H and item weight as 5.5 pounds.
• Materials and finish: Materials are listed as "Composite, Metal" and the product is described as having a nonstick coating. The listing also states "Material Type Free: PTFE Free, PFOA Free."
• Warranty & availability: A limited 1 year warranty is listed and the manufacturer is Betty Crocker. The listing also notes "NOT FOR SALE IN MINNESOTA."

Colors and sizes you'll see

The product is sold in multiple colorways and pack/size options according to the listing. Owners and images show these color choices:

• Red
• White
• Silver

Available size/pack options listed include "Full Size," "Full Size (Pack of 2)," and a "Travel Size" designation in addition to the main 12" unit.

In daily use

Owners use this unit as a quick, oven-free way to make pizzas and a dozen other foods. The appliance is repeatedly described in owner notes as fast to heat, compact, and easy to store — useful for small apartments, dorms, travel, or kitchens where you don’t want to run the main oven.

Pizza night and crust behavior

The listing markets this as a 12" pizza cooker, and owners echo that it works well for round, thinner-crust pizzas. Multiple long-term owners report that for thin crusts the machine produces a nicely browned, crispy result that they prefer to oven baking for convenience. That said, owners also point out a few real-world quirks:

• Transferring raw dough directly onto a hot plate can be tricky. Several owners say they struggled to move premade dough onto the hot surface and some stretch dough on the cooker after it cools slightly.
• Square or deep-dish pizzas may not fit or may not perform as well; owners specifically note square pizzas don’t fit and deeper crusts don’t always cook as intended.
• Owners report typical cook times for pizzas in the range of about 15–20 minutes, and some say that rotating the pizza once during cooking helps achieve even browning.

Other uses owners favor

The listing promotes many alternate uses, and owners confirm a wide range of successful meals: frozen pizzas, fries, onion rings, pancakes, quesadillas, grilled cheeses, omelets, frittatas, cookies, and quick pan-fried proteins. Common owner notes include:

• Frozen store-bought pizzas and other snacks often come out better than expected when the unit is preheated.
• Breakfast items — eggs, omelets, and frittatas — cook quickly because the closed lid creates an "oven effect" according to owners.
• Cleaning is usually simple. Owners commonly wipe the plates with a paper towel or use a removable parchment liner and toss it after use to avoid scrubbing.

Small kitchens, travel, and storage

Owners consistently call this a good fit for small kitchens, dorm rooms, RVs, or anyone who prefers not to use a full oven. The unit's compact dimensions and 5.5-pound weight make it easy to tuck away; one owner specifically mentioned that the cord tucks underneath the unit for compact storage.

Materials & build quality

The product listing lists the construction as "Composite, Metal" and calls out a nonstick coating. The item’s materials are further described on the listing with the label "Material Type Free: PTFE Free, PFOA Free," which the manufacturer presents as a material claim for the nonstick surface.

Owners report real-world durability that ranges from "nice and sturdy for the price" to striking longevity stories: a recurring owner comment is long-term use without replacement — one owner reports using the unit for six years. Other owners say they still get consistent results after a year or more of frequent use. That owner feedback is useful because it signals that the basic build and heating system can last multiple years under typical home use.

Two details to note that appear repeatedly in owner feedback:

• Heating behavior can change with age. Some long-term owners describe the unit as taking longer to heat or struggling to maintain the ready-temperature indicator after several years of use.
• There’s a short power cord. Owners mention the cord is short (presumably for safety), which can be inconvenient depending on outlet placement.

Safety considerations

There are no recall claims or third-party safety certifications listed in the product facts provided. Use the following points to evaluate risks before buying.

• High surface temperatures: Owners repeatedly warn that the unit gets very hot to the touch and that opening the lid releases hot steam. Multiple owner notes specifically advise using an oven mitt or caution around the lid to avoid steam burns.
• Short cord: Several owners call out a short cord. That’s convenient for storage but can be a tripping or placement issue in the kitchen — plan outlet placement accordingly.
• Nonstick coating claims: The listing describes the finish as a nonstick coating and lists the product as PTFE Free and PFOA Free. Those are manufacturer/listing claims about the material; verify current listing or manufacturer documentation if material composition is important to you.
• Voltage and region limitations: The unit is listed at 120 volts and a wattage figure of 1500 watts (the product description also references 1440 watts). One owner reported the unit is not usable in 210–220 volt markets (specifically called out as not usable in India), so this is clearly a device intended for 120V regions unless you use an appropriate converter. The listing also explicitly states the item is "NOT FOR SALE IN MINNESOTA," which buyers should note.
• Warranty: A limited 1 year warranty is listed on the product page. For any safety or electrical concerns, follow the manufacturer's guidance and warranty process as stated in the listing.

Everyday safety tips drawn from owner feedback

• Place the pizza maker on a heat-resistant surface and allow clearance around the lid — owners stress it gets very hot.
• Use oven mitts when opening the lid to avoid steam and hot surfaces.
• Be aware of outlet placement because the cord is short; an extension should be chosen with safety in mind and per manufacturer recommendations (the listing doesn't specify extension use).

Who this is for / who should skip

Not every kitchen or pizza need fits this machine. Use the combination of listing facts and owner reports below to decide if it matches your use case.

Who this is a good match for

• Home cooks in small kitchens, dorms, RVs, or anyone who wants an oven-free way to make a quick 12" pizza or small batch of snacks. Owners repeatedly describe the unit as ideal for small spaces and travel.
• People who value a simple, low-fuss appliance for quick meals. The unit has two settings and indicator lights for power and temperature readiness — owners praise the plug-and-go simplicity.
• Shoppers who want a multi-use countertop gadget to make not only pizza but pancakes, quesadillas, grilled sandwiches, cookies, and similar quick items. The listing markets that versatility and owners commonly affirm it.
• Budget-minded buyers who want an affordable, compact pizza solution. The listing positions this as a value countertop appliance and owners often cite it as a great buy for the price.

Who should skip or look for alternatives

• You want to cook square or very deep-dish pizzas — owners warn square pizzas won’t fit and deeper crusts may not cook properly in the closed, 12" form factor.
• You need a device for 220V regions and don’t plan to use a converter — one owner explicitly notes the unit is designed for 110–120V and not usable on 210–220V systems.
• You need precise temperature control or a digital timer — the product lists only two settings and owners note there’s no precise thermostat control beyond the indicator lights (the listing calls out a self-regulated thermostat and indicator lights, but not a digital timer or temperature readout).
• You’re worried about long-term heating integrity — while many owners report years of service, some long-term users notice it can take longer to heat or struggle to maintain temperature after heavy use over years.

Verdict

In short: the Betty Crocker Pizza Maker Plus is a compact, uncomplicated countertop pizza maker and indoor grill that does exactly what the listing promises for a certain set of cooks. Owners consistently praise the appliance for fast, evenly browned thin-crust pizzas, fast breakfasts, and simple cleanup. The listing's materials and safety claims (nonstick coating, PTFE/PFOA-free) are stated by the manufacturer, and owner reports add practical insight on handling, heat, and longevity.

If your priority is a compact, budget-friendly way to get good, fast 12" pizzas and a versatile small griddle for snacks, this product is a sensible pick. If you need precise temperature control, have deep-dish or non-circular pizzas, live in a 220V region, or prefer a longer power cord and heavy-duty commercial construction, consider other options.

Check before you buy

• Confirm voltage compatibility for your region (the listing shows 120 volts and owners report it will not work on 210–220V systems).
• Decide if a 12" round pizza fits your needs — square or deep-dish pizzas may not work.
• Verify the wattage language on the current listing — the specs list 1500 watts while the product description references 1440 watts.
• Note the short cord and plan outlet placement accordingly; owner feedback frequently mentions the short cord length.
• Check the limited 1 year warranty and any return policy details from the seller/manufacturer.
• If material composition matters to you, confirm the most recent manufacturer listing for the nonstick coating and "PTFE Free / PFOA Free" claims.

Overall, buyer feedback and the listing combine to paint a picture of a handy, affordable, and often long-lived small pizza maker that’s best for thin, round pies and multi-purpose countertop cooking in small spaces.