In today’s kitchen adventure, I decided to pit a home appliance against a fast-food favorite. Armed with a quesadilla maker, I set out to determine if this device could rival Taco Bell in terms of speed and taste. With a stopwatch in hand, I tested three scenarios: a Taco Bell run, making a quesadilla with a grocery store trip included, and making one with ingredients already on hand. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Where to Purchase
You can purchase this quesadilla maker on Amazon, where you can expect to pay about $20-$25.
Unboxing the Quesadilla Maker
Before diving into the timed tests, I unboxed the quesadilla maker to see what I was working with. The setup was simple: a compact appliance with an 8-inch cooking surface, a locking mechanism, and a drip tray to catch any melted cheese. The instructions were straightforward: apply a bit of oil, plug it in, and let it preheat. While it seemed promising, I noticed a discrepancy between the packaging and online photos regarding how well the shells would seal. This would prove to be a key point later.
Test 1: The Taco Bell Run
To set the benchmark, I made a quick trip to Taco Bell to grab a cheese quesadilla. Starting the stopwatch as I left, I was back at my table in just 13 minutes. While this was impressively fast, I acknowledged the variables such as traffic, lines, or even opting for delivery could skew results. Still, Taco Bell set a high bar for convenience.
Test 2: Store Run Plus Quesadilla Making
Next, I added a layer of complexity by including a grocery store run in the mix. I only needed tortillas and salsa, but the store visit took longer than expected due to crowds and traffic. By the time I returned home and finished making the quesadilla, 28 minutes had passed.
The quesadilla-making process itself was a bit messy. The 8-inch shells fit within the quesadilla maker, but they didn’t seal completely, leaving cheese to ooze out the edges. The smell of burning cheese wasn’t exactly appetizing, and the final product was thinner than I’d hoped.
Test 3: Quesadilla with Ingredients on Hand
Finally, I tested the appliance under ideal conditions: ingredients prepped and ready. This time, I swapped the 8-inch shells for 10-inch ones, ignoring the instructions in favor of experimentation. I also increased the amount of cheese and added chicken for a heartier filling.
The larger shells worked better, with the edges sealing more effectively, though some leakage still occurred. After 6 minutes in the maker, the quesadilla emerged crispy and golden brown, holding its shape well. This version looked and tasted significantly better than the earlier attempt.
Taste Test: Taco Bell vs. Homemade Quesadillas
It was time to compare the results. Taco Bell’s quesadilla was familiar and flavorful but lacked crispiness and felt a bit greasy. The homemade quesadilla, on the other hand, had a satisfying crunch and was noticeably less greasy. However, my first attempt with the 8-inch shell lacked enough filling, while the 10-inch version struck a better balance of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
So, who wins the battle: Taco Bell or the quesadilla maker?
If you’re looking for speed and convenience, Taco Bell is tough to beat. A 13-minute turnaround with no prep or cleanup is appealing. However, the quesadilla maker offers customization, healthier options, and a crispier texture—perfect if you’re willing to invest a little extra time and effort.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Taco Bell: Fast and convenient, but less crispy and customizable.
- Quesadilla Maker (Ingredients Ready): Around 7 minutes to a homemade quesadilla that’s crunchy and fresh.
- Quesadilla Maker (With Store Run): About 30 minutes—a slower option, but with better results than the 8-inch shells.
For me, the quesadilla maker wins on taste and texture, especially with 10-inch shells. But if you’re in a rush, Taco Bell remains a solid choice. Since my original review was posted on YouTube, I continued to use this quesadilla maker and I do gravitate toward its crispy results. Cleaning has proven to be a nonissue due to its mostly flat surface. In the end, it’s something I use more than I thought I would.
What’s your preference? Have you tried a quesadilla maker before? Let me know in the comments!
Video Review
You can see my full video review below.