Today I’m diving into a review of Amazon’s top-selling tabletop s’mores maker, the Nostalgia brand S’mores Maker. Having explored several products from Nostalgia before, I was eager to see if this one could really enhance those indoor s’mores experiences.
Nostalgia S’more Maker Review
Where to Buy
I picked up my Nostalgia S’more Maker on Amazon for about $28, where it currently holds the #1 Best Seller spot in its category. I’ve also seen it in some stores and other online retailers. The Colsen Fire Pit I used in comparison can be found here.
First Impressions
At a price point of about $28, and boasting a 4.4-star rating from over 17,000 reviews, expectations were high right out of the gate. The unit itself is more compact than anticipated, which isn’t necessarily a downside unless you’re planning a large campfire-like gathering. One common critique from other users was the short power cord, and indeed, it might require an extension cord for most setups. The instructions say that using an extension cord is ok for this unit.
Build and Setup
The S’mores Maker comes with a base unit, two stainless steel roasting forks, and four trays for your s’mores ingredients which need assembly. The assembly is straightforward, though the unit’s elements like the tray and heating base fit together rather loosely, confirming some of the concerns noted in online reviews.
Testing the Maker
To start, I experimented with various chocolates—Hershey’s, Cadbury, Mr. Beast’s Feastables, and even a Reese’s peanut butter cup—to find the perfect match. The results were a mixed bag, but more on that in a moment.
Interestingly, I also tried using this S’mores Maker for an unconventional purpose—cooking an egg! While it worked, it’s a slow process, indicating that the heating element isn’t very powerful, which aligns with the slow marshmallow toasting times reported by many.
Chocolate and Marshmallow Meltdown
I initially used oversized “Campfire” marshmallows, which proved too large. For my first test, that large marshmallow oozed everywhere and overshadowed all of the other flavors in the s’mores. After switching to regular large marshmallows, the process was smoother, yet still slower than desired. The unit took about 2-3 minutes to sufficiently warm the marshmallows, a bit tedious if you’re anticipating quick snack prep. The closer proximity required for effective heating was also a slight drawback, as it meant you could feel the heat uncomfortably close to your hands or inadvertently get sticky marshmallow onto the unit itself (a common complaint I saw on Amazon).
Mini Fire Pit Alternative
For comparison, I brought out a Colsen indoor mini fire pit (that I reviewed last year) to roast a marshmallow. This method was significantly faster, reinforcing that while the Nostalgia S’mores Maker is a fun concept, there are quicker methods available if efficiency is your priority.
Final Thoughts
The Nostalgia S’mores Maker is definitely a charming addition to any kitchen, especially for those who enjoy the novelty of making s’mores indoors. It’s easy to use, albeit slow, and it does gather around a mini campfire vibe that could be enjoyable at parties or family gatherings. However, if you’re looking for speed and convenience, this might not be the best method.
In terms of chocolate, while all tasted fine, the standout was using Reese’s, which added a delightful twist to the traditional s’more recipe. As for the unexpected egg-cooking test, it was successful, suggesting this device might be more versatile than one might think, albeit not ideal for quick cooking tasks and assuming you have access to electricity.
For those who love the process as much as the result, this S’mores Maker could be a hit. However, for anyone needing a quicker solution, exploring alternative methods like a mini fire pit or even your gas stove might be advisable. Would I recommend it? For novelty and fun, absolutely. For practicality, only if you’re not in a hurry.
If you’ve tried the Nostalgia S’mores Maker, tell me what you think in the comments below!