Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

The CucinaPro is a very good pizzelle baker, and I would have given it 5 stars if the manufacturer would have included a built-in timer. It heats up quickly and cooks quickly, within 30 to 45 seconds, but you either need a counter timer that you can set every single time you add batter or remember to look at a watch or clock with a "second" hand. A 10-second difference, either way will leave you with pizzelles of different baked shades. Tips from my personal experience: Opt for slightly less time, around 35 seconds, if you plan on shaping the hot pizzelles into cups or rolling them around cylindrical forms. The slightly lighter pizzelles are perfect for that. If you plan to fill the cupped or rolled pizzelles with fruit, cream or custard, melt a little white or milk chocolate and paint the inside of the pizzelle. That will keep them from getting soggy if you're not serving them right away. I've made dozens of batches, using the recipe that comes with the pizzelle baker, but I omit anise flavor if I'm going to fill the pizzelles, and go with either vanilla or almond extract. Almond extract works well with cherry fillings and vanilla is great with just about anything. I also like using Lorann Oils because they add flavor without diluting the consistency of the batter. The simplest way to put the batter in the baker is to fill a gallon-size plastic freezer bag with the batter and snip off one corner. You can squeeze dollops of batter right onto the hot baker. Because they bake so quickly - close the lid immediately after adding the batter. And, as the manual says - put the dollop slightly back of center. That's because as you close the lid - it pushes the batter forward a bit. It's a wonderful little pizzelle baker - and if the manufacturer ever comes out with a model that includes a timer - I'll buy it.