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Chapati makers come in two very different types: manual presses that flatten dough, and electric plates that press and cook. We compared seven on size, power, build and what owners actually report.
60-second summary: our top pick is the IMUSA 8-inch press (easy, light, hugely reviewed). Second is the heavier Vivicreate cast iron press. Third is the Brentwood electric maker, the most useful pick if you want one machine to press and cook. Then come the StarBlue electric roti maker, the SuYiFan saj griddle, the DUANWUS electric unit and, last, a Nordic Ware iron that is not really a chapati tool.
If you want the best chapati maker, start by deciding between a press and an electric cooker. A press only flattens dough, so you still need a hot tawa. An electric unit does both, but owner feedback on the electric models here is much shakier. We weighed specs, review volume and recurring complaints, then ranked accordingly for muslimrestaurant.com readers who just want soft rotis with less effort.
Key Takeaways
- Press versus electric trade-off: A press is cheaper and simpler but needs a separate hot pan, while electric makers cook for you and carry more complaints.
- Handles are the weak point: Handle breakage appears in owner feedback for the IMUSA, Vivicreate, Brentwood and Nordic Ware, so check warranty and avoid forcing thick dough.
- Review volume matters here: The two electric models with tiny review counts have too little feedback to trust, however good or bad the star rating looks.
- Size affects what you can make: An 8-inch press suits standard rotis, while a 16-inch saj griddle is built for larger thin breads.
- Check it is actually for flatbread: The Nordic Ware iron is a cookie maker, so it makes sense only if you want krumkake or pizzelle.
Our Top Picks for Best Chapati Maker
- Best Overall: IMUSA 8-Inch Tortilla Press – light cast aluminum, easy lever and the largest owner base by far.
- Runner-Up: Vivicreate Cast Iron Press – heavy weight does the pressing with anti-slip feet.
- Best Electric: Brentwood TS-127 – presses and cooks, with adjustable heat and a chapati mention in its description.
| # | Product | Rating | Our Score | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  IMUSA USA Tortilla Press, 8 Inch, SilverBest Overall | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 8.4 | See price | View |
| 2 |  Vivicreate Tortilla Press 7.5 Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Maker…Runner-Up: Heavy-Duty Press | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 8.0 | See price | View |
| 3 |  | ★★★★☆ 3.5 | 7.6 | $39.99 | View |
| 4 |  StarBlue 10 inch Roti MakerBest for Larger Rotis | ★★★☆☆ 3.2 | 7.3 | $66.99 | View |
| 5 |  16-Inch Electric Saj Maker, 1600W Flatbread & Tortilla GriddleBest for Large Thin Breads | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 7.2 | $109.99 | View |
| 6 |  2000W Electric Roti Maker, 12 Inch Automatic Chapati Tortilla…Runner-Up: Budget Gamble | ★★☆☆☆ 2.2 | 7.0 | See price | View |
| 7 |  Nordic Ware Norwegian Krumkake and Pizzelle IronBest for Cookies, Not Chapati | ★★★★★ 4.5 | 7.0 | $69.99 | View |
Prices as of October 28, 2026
The Best Best Chapati Maker: Reviewed
1. IMUSA 8-Inch Tortilla Press: Light and Easy
Verdict: A lightweight aluminum press with a simple lever and by far the biggest owner base. It flattens dough well, but the handle can fail and thickness is uneven.
The IMUSA is a classic manual press: an 8-inch cast aluminum body with a lever. The listing names roti, flatbreads, pita and dumplings among its uses, so it covers chapati-style dough balls comfortably. Aluminum is lighter than cast iron, which makes it easier to handle and store.
The catch is that a press only shapes the dough. You still cook each round on a hot tawa or skillet, which suits many home cooks who already own one. That also means there are no heating elements to fail, which is a real advantage over the electric units here.
With over 14,000 reviews and a 4.2 rating, it has the strongest track record in this group. Owners find it easy to use. Complaints focus on durability, with a handle reported breaking after about eight months, and on tortillas coming out thick in the middle. Lightweight also means less natural pressing force, so slightly flatten dough by hand first.
For most shoppers, it is the lowest-risk way to get evenly round rotis.
What Owners Say
Owners repeatedly call it easy to use, especially for tortillas and arepas. Opinions on value are split, with some happy for the price and others not. A recurring complaint is the handle breaking after months of use, and several mention tortillas that are thick in the middle.
Pros
- Easy lever operation
- Lightweight cast aluminum
- Very large owner base
- Suits roti, pita and dumplings
- No electronics to fail
Cons
- Handle reported breaking after months
- Tortillas can be thick in the middle
- Does not cook the dough
- Value opinions are mixed
Best for: Home cooks who already own a tawa and want a simple, light press Not for: Anyone wanting a machine that cooks the chapati too
| Material | Aluminum |
|---|---|
| Brand | Imusa |
| Color | Gray |
| Product Dimensions | 8"W x 8"H |
| UPC | 094046860087 |
| Brand Name | Imusa |
| Unit Count | 1 Count |
| Item Highlight | Bare Aluminum Finish, Easy Lever, Makes Flatbreads and Dumplings, Essential for Home Kitchens |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
2. Vivicreate Cast Iron Press: Weight Does the Work
Verdict: A 5.5-pound cast iron press with anti-slip feet that suits thin rotis, though reports of snapped handles and uneven pressing temper the praise.
The Vivicreate is a 7.5-inch cast iron press weighing 5.5 pounds. That mass is the point: it presses with less effort and gives a nice balance of weight and pressure, as one common owner theme puts it. It names roti and chapati directly in its title.
Four anti-slip foot pads keep it steady on smooth counters, and the 4-inch-high handle gives leverage. Cleaning is a wipe with a damp cloth. At 9.5 x 7.5 x 5 inches it is compact enough for a cupboard, though the weight makes it less casual to move than the IMUSA.
The 7.5-inch plate is slightly smaller than the 8-inch IMUSA, and some owners say it is smaller than expected. Like all presses, it needs a separate hot pan to cook.
Its 4.2 rating on roughly 2,300 reviews is solid, but the negatives are specific: handles breaking off, the top plate not pressing down fully, and tortillas not as thin as hoped. Buy it if you value heft, but inspect it on arrival.
What Owners Say
Owners like the ease of use and the satisfying weight. Size feedback is mixed, with some loving it and others finding it smaller than expected. Several report the handle breaking right off, and others say it does not press fully flat or thin.
Pros
- Heavy cast iron presses with little effort
- Anti-slip feet
- Compact 9.5 x 7.5 x 5 inch footprint
- Wipe-clean surface
- Roti and chapati named in the listing
Cons
- Handle breakage reported by multiple owners
- Top plate may not press fully
- Tortillas not always thin enough
- Smaller 7.5-inch plate
- Heavy at 5.5 pounds
Best for: Cooks who want a weighty press for thin rotis Not for: Anyone who wants lighter handling or a larger plate
| Product Dimensions | 9.5 x 7.5 x 5 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Item model number | HT-C-1018 |
3. Brentwood TS-127: Compact Electric Press-and-Cook
Verdict: A 1000W, 8-inch electric maker with adjustable heat and indicator lights. It is the most practical electric option here, though owner views are mixed.
The Brentwood TS-127 combines pressing and cooking in one 2.6-pound unit. It has non-stick aluminum plates, adjustable heat for softer or crispier results, plus power and preheat lights. The description explicitly lists chapatti and roti, so it is within its brief.
At 1000 watts and about 6 x 10 x 7 inches, it is light and small enough for a cabinet. That makes it a convenient option if you want fewer pots and less stovetop fuss.
Feedback is the issue. The 3.5 rating across about 2,800 reviews is lukewarm. Owners say it is simple and cooks rotis, parathas and tortillas, but others say it does not work as intended. Heating is a split verdict, with some finding it fine and others saying it never gets warm enough. Dough sliding out during use and the handle breaking off also come up.
It earns third place because it is the only electric model here with a meaningful review base and a clear chapati use. Go in expecting a learning curve, and keep dough balls modest.
What Owners Say
Owners say it is simple to use and cooks rotis, parathas and tortillas acceptably. Complaints are inconsistent heating, dough sliding out, handles breaking off, and a feeling that it is not worth the purchase for some buyers.
Pros
- Presses and cooks in one step
- Adjustable heat
- Power and preheat lights
- Compact 2.6-pound body
- Non-stick plates wipe clean
Cons
- Heating reported as inconsistent
- Handle breaking reported
- Dough can slide out
- Only 3.5-star rating
- 8-inch size limits larger rotis
Best for: Shoppers wanting a small electric press-and-cook unit Not for: Anyone who needs reliable heat on every batch
| Special Feature | Power indicator light |
|---|---|
| Color | Silver |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | Brentwood |
| Product Dimensions | 6"D x 10"W x 7"H |
| Wattage | 1000 |
| Item Weight | 2.6 pounds |
| Included Components | Resistor |
| Style | Kitchen |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
4. StarBlue 10-Inch Roti Maker: Bigger but Risky
Verdict: A 1200W, 10-inch electric roti maker with six settings and a bundled warmer, held back by durability concerns and a short warranty.
The StarBlue offers the largest cooking surface of the compact electric units here: 10 inches and 1200 watts. It has six settings, removable handle, cord-wrap storage, skid-resistant feet and a bundled roti warmer with its own temperature knob. On paper it is the best-equipped electric model.
The housing is stainless steel and weighs 4.4 pounds, so it is heavier than the Brentwood. The listing says BPA-, PFOA- and PTFE-free, which some shoppers will appreciate.
Owner feedback tempers the spec sheet. A 3.2 rating from about 3,000 reviews shows a split experience. Some like that it saves time and puffs rotis nicely. Others say it never worked properly, did not cook through, or broke after limited use. The stated warranty is only two months, which is thin for a heated appliance.
It sits fourth because the extras are appealing but the reliability reports are worse than the Brentwood’s. Buy only if you value the 10-inch size and warmer.
What Owners Say
Owners like that it saves time and energy and that rotis can puff well. Many complain that it breaks easily after limited use, heats inconsistently, or does not cook rotis thoroughly. Softness and thickness results are disputed.
Pros
- 10-inch cooking surface
- Six settings
- Roti warmer included
- Removable handle and cord wrap
- Some owners report nicely puffed rotis
Cons
- Durability complaints after limited use
- Inconsistent heat reported
- Short two-month warranty
- Low 3.2-star rating
- Costs more than simpler options
Best for: Families wanting a larger roti and a warmer in one box Not for: Buyers prioritising long-term reliability
| Special Feature | Cool Touch, Non Stick Coating, Removable Handle, Temperature Control |
|---|---|
| Color | SB-BLA1120 |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Brand | StarBlue |
| Product Dimensions | 12"D x 10"W x 9"H |
| Wattage | 1200 watts |
| Item Weight | 4.4 pounds |
| Included Components | Roti Warmer, User Manual |
| Style | Modern |
| Voltage | 110 volts_of_alternating_current |
5. SuYiFan 16-Inch Saj Maker: Big Dome Griddle
Verdict: A 1600W convex griddle for saj and lavash with adjustable heat. Promising on paper, but almost no owner feedback yet.
The SuYiFan is a different kind of tool: a 16-inch convex non-stick dome you spread thin dough across. It is aimed at saj bread, lavash and other large thin flatbreads, though the listing also names roti and chapati. If your chapatis are big and thin, the surface gives you room that no 8- or 10-inch press can.
Heat runs from 200°F to 460°F on a front dial, with red power and green ready lights. The 1600W element, stainless housing and built-in fuse protection read well. It weighs 6.6 pounds and needs roughly 17.75 inches of counter, so plan storage.
The 4.6 rating rests on only seven reviews, and no detailed owner sentiment exists, so we cannot vouch for durability or heat evenness. It also does not press dough, so you need to be comfortable rolling and stretching by hand. Warranty details also differ between listing sections, one saying two years and another one year.
It ranks fifth: interesting and capable on paper, unproven in practice.
What Owners Say
There is no detailed owner feedback yet, and only a handful of ratings, so patterns cannot be drawn. Treat the high star score cautiously until more buyers weigh in.
Pros
- Large 16-inch convex surface
- 200°F to 460°F range
- Suits saj, lavash and thin breads
- Power and ready indicator lights
- Fuse protection listed
Cons
- Only seven reviews
- Does not press dough
- Large footprint and 6.6 pounds
- Warranty terms inconsistent in listing
Best for: Cooks making large thin breads like saj and lavash Not for: Anyone wanting a proven product or small-kitchen storage
| Special Feature | Convex Surface, Large Heating Area, Non Stick Coating, Pre-heat, Temperature Control |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal, Stainless Steel |
| Brand | SuYiFan |
| Product Dimensions | 17.75"D x 17.75"W x 6.7"H |
| Wattage | 1600 watts |
| Item Weight | 6.6 pounds |
| Included Components | Crepe Makers |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Warranty Type | 2-Year Warranty |
6. DUANWUS 2000W Roti Maker: Powerful but Unproven
Verdict: A 12-inch, 2000W electric roti maker with three settings. Specs are generous, but the 2.2 rating on 19 reviews is a red flag.
The DUANWUS lists a 12-inch non-stick plate, 2000 watts, three temperature settings and double-sided heating. Red and green lights show power and readiness. On a spec sheet, that is more power and surface than the Brentwood or StarBlue.
The listing is thin elsewhere. Dimensions read 1 x 1 x 1 inch, which is clearly a placeholder, and no weight or warranty is given. The included component is listed as a tortilla press, which makes the setup unclear. Without that detail it is hard to judge how big or stable the unit is.
There is no detailed owner feedback, but the 2.2 rating on only 19 reviews suggests early buyers were not happy. High wattage can also mean a heavier draw on your outlet and faster scorching of thin dough if the knob is not accurate.
We rank it sixth. If you want a large electric roti maker, the StarBlue offers similar function with far more feedback to read.
What Owners Say
No detailed owner feedback is available. The low 2.2 rating across just 19 reviews suggests dissatisfaction, but the sample is too small to name specific patterns.
Pros
- 12-inch plate
- Double-sided heating
- Adjustable temperature
- Red and green indicator lights
Cons
- 2.2 rating on very few reviews
- Placeholder dimensions in listing
- No warranty or weight stated
- Unclear what is included
Best for: Bargain hunters willing to gamble on a large electric unit Not for: Anyone who wants proven reliability
| Special Feature | Double-sided Heating, Indicator Lights |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Material | Metal |
| Brand | DUANWUS |
| Product Dimensions | 1"D x 1"W x 1"H |
| Wattage | 2000 watts |
| Included Components | Tortilla Press |
| Style | Modern |
| Number of settings | 3 |
| Number of Items | 1 |
7. Nordic Ware Krumkake Iron: Wrong Tool for Roti
Verdict: A well-liked cast aluminum stovetop iron for krumkake and pizzelle cookies. It is not a chapati maker, so it ranks last here.
This Nordic Ware set includes a two-sided embossed iron, a cooking base and a wooden rolling cone. The cooking surface is 4.9 inches across, and it is designed for thin Scandinavian cone cookies or Italian pizzelles. Nothing in the listing mentions chapati or roti, so we include it only because it came in this product set.
As a krumkake iron, it scores well: 4.5 stars across about 700 reviews, and owners praise its vintage look and results. It works on gas, electric and ceramic stoves, and a larger well catches excess butter.
For chapati, though, a 4.9-inch embossed surface is simply too small and patterned, and owners say it gets very hot and heats unevenly. Some also report the handle breaking within the first half hour.
Buy it for cookies if you want. If your goal is rotis, pick any of the other six.
What Owners Say
Owners find it easy to use, like its vintage appearance and say it makes great krumkake. Durability opinions are mixed, with a few reporting a handle breaking quickly. Several note it gets very hot and heats unevenly.
Pros
- Strong 4.5-star rating
- Includes wooden rolling cone and recipes
- Works on gas, electric and ceramic stoves
- Owners praise its krumkake results
Cons
- Not designed for chapati or roti
- Only 4.9-inch cooking surface
- Heat can be uneven and intense
- Handle breakage reported
- Premium-tier cost for a niche tool
Best for: Bakers making krumkake or pizzelle cookies Not for: Anyone shopping for a chapati or roti maker
| Brand | Nordic Ware |
|---|---|
| Material | Aluminum |
| Special Feature | Electric Stovetop Compatible, Gas Stovetop Compatible |
| Color | Silver |
| Compatible Devices | Electric Coil, Gas |
| Brand Name | Nordic Ware |
| Model Name | Krumkake Iron |
| Recommended Uses For Product | baking cookies |
| Specific Uses For Product | Make krumkakes, cones and pizzelles |
| Number of Packs | 1 |
How They Compare
Think in three groups. Manual presses (IMUSA, Vivicreate) are the safest: no heating parts to fail, though you need a tawa. Compact electric makers (Brentwood, StarBlue, DUANWUS) press and cook, but owner feedback on heat and durability is mixed to poor. Large griddles (SuYiFan) offer area but little proof.
Size is another divider: 7.5 inches (Vivicreate), 8 inches (IMUSA, Brentwood), 10 inches (StarBlue), 12 inches (DUANWUS) and 16 inches (SuYiFan). Wattage runs from 1000W to 2000W among electric units. Nordic Ware sits outside the comparison as a cookie iron.
What to Look for in a Best Chapati Maker
Press or electric
Decide whether you want only dough flattening or a unit that also cooks.
Look for: A press if you already own a tawa; electric if you want one-step convenience
Avoid: Assuming a press cooks the dough
Plate size
The plate caps how large each chapati can be.
Look for: 8 to 10 inches for standard rotis
Avoid: Tiny or patterned plates meant for cookies
Build and handle strength
Handle breakage is the most repeated complaint across this group.
Look for: Solid metal, a clear warranty and a sturdy hinge
Avoid: Forcing thick dough or buying with no warranty information
Heat control and indicators
Electric units need steady heat to cook through without scorching.
Look for: Adjustable temperature and ready lights
Avoid: Models with very low ratings and few reviews
Best Chapati Maker Buying Guide
How to pick the best chapati maker for your kitchen
The best chapati maker depends on how you cook now. If you already roll dough and cook on a tawa, a press mostly saves arm effort and gives uniform rounds. If you want to skip the stove, electric models press and cook, but the ones here show mixed reliability.
Press versus electric
Presses are simple: dough in, lever down, flat round out. They have no heating element, so there is less to break. Electric makers add convenience and adjustable heat, yet owners report inconsistent warmth and parts failing sooner. Expect to experiment with dough size and temperature.
Size, weight and storage
An 8-inch plate suits typical chapatis. Larger plates, like the 10- and 12-inch electrics, or the 16-inch saj dome, give bigger breads but need more counter space. Cast iron presses press with their own weight but are tiring to move. Aluminum is lighter and easier to store.
Durability and warranty
Handles are the repeated weak spot. Press gently, avoid oversized dough balls, and check warranty terms before you buy. A two-month warranty on a heated appliance is a warning sign.
Check the listing is for flatbread
Some listings are about cookies or crepes rather than chapati. Look for roti, chapati or flatbread named in the features, and a plate size that fits your dough.
How We Picked
We ranked these seven by analysing the supplied specs, features, ratings, review counts and the pattern of owner feedback. We did not run lab tests or cook with them. Features were weighed for how well they suit chapati and roti specifically.
Review volume mattered: a product with thousands of ratings carried more weight than one with a handful. We also considered price tier and listing completeness, and penalised recurring complaints such as broken handles and weak heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a chapati maker cook the dough?
It depends on the type. Manual presses like the IMUSA and Vivicreate only flatten dough, so you cook it on a hot tawa. Electric makers like the Brentwood and StarBlue have heated plates and cook the chapati for you, though owner heat consistency is mixed.
Is a press or an electric maker better?
For reliability, a press is the safer choice because it has no heating parts to fail. For convenience, an electric unit saves a stovetop step. Owner feedback on the electric models here is more mixed, so manage expectations and watch the warranty.
What size should I choose?
An 8-inch plate suits standard chapatis and rotis. A 10-inch model gives slightly larger rounds. Choose a 16-inch saj-style griddle only for big thin breads like lavash, and make sure you have the counter space for it.
Why do handles break on these?
Several owners across the IMUSA, Vivicreate, Brentwood and Nordic Ware report broken handles. Pressing too much dough at once or applying force at the wrong angle can stress the hinge. Use moderate dough balls, press steadily and check the warranty.
Can I use the Nordic Ware iron for chapati?
We do not recommend it. It is designed for krumkake and pizzelle cookies, has a 4.9-inch embossed surface and heats unevenly according to some owners. Pick a press or roti maker that explicitly lists chapati or roti among its uses.
Final Thoughts
The IMUSA press is the safest starting point for most people, with the Vivicreate as a heavier alternative. Electric models can save effort, but check warranty and recent owner feedback before you commit.
- Choose the IMUSA for a light, easy press
- Pick the Brentwood if you want electric convenience
- Skip the Nordic Ware unless you bake cookies
For most kitchens, a simple press plus a tawa is the lowest-risk route to even rotis. If you want an all-in-one electric unit, the Brentwood is the most sensible of the group. Whatever you choose, press gently and keep the warranty details handy.