Buying guide for Best hot dog rollers
According to data obtained by the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, 95% of homes in the US serve hot dogs. That means there is someone in almost every single household in America who enjoys eating a hot dog every now and then. Whether you get a hot dog roller for your home or for your organization, it can be a wise – and popular – investment.
The best hot dog rollers are easy to set up and use. One with dual-temperature control allows you to cook on one group of rollers while keeping your hot dogs warm on another. A sneeze guard is a desirable feature, especially if you’ll be using your hot dog roller at a party or event.
If you'd like to learn more about cooking, cleaning, and other important aspects of owning this fun and functional appliance, you've come to the right place. Whether you want to cook a few dogs for the family or recreate the fair experience with hot dogs, cotton candy, and games for the whole neighborhood, there's a machine out there for you.
Key considerations
Size
There are a few features to consider when purchasing a hot dog roller, but this first section is devoted to the most important question you need to answer: what is the maximum number of hot dogs you will need to make at one time?
If you’re just going to use the hot dog roller to cook for your family, you’ll want something small that cooks 4 to 8 hot dogs at one time. If you need a hot dog roller for the workplace or an organization that frequently hosts large events, you can find models that cook up to 30 hot dogs at one time.
The more hot dogs you can cook on your machine, the larger it will be. One that cooks 30 hot dogs, for instance, won't fit on the average counter. A machine that makes 6 or 8 is about the size of a toaster oven.
Hot dog roller features
Following is a list of the other features you’ll want to consider before purchasing your hot dog roller. Not all models have all of the following features.
Dual-temperature control
Many of the lower-priced hot dog rollers only have an on/off switch. If there is a temperature control, it might only be "high" and "warm." The best models have two temperature zones, allowing you to set precise temperatures so one part of the machine can be used for cooking while the other part can be used for keeping your hot dogs warm.
Dishwasher-safe drip tray
On some of the smaller models, the removable drip tray – the tray beneath the rollers that catches the crumbs and grease – will fit in a dishwasher and be designated as “dishwasher safe.” This can make cleaning your hot dog roller much easier.
Sneeze guard
It's always a good idea to have a sneeze guard. If your unit doesn’t come with one, chances are you'll eventually end up purchasing one.
Rubber feet
For safety reasons, you need a hot dog roller with rubber or nonslip feet. These units can be very heavy, so you don't want one that can be easily knocked off the counter.
Bun warmer
Most hot dog rollers do not have a bun warmer. Those are more typically found in hot dog toasters or hot dog steamers. However, there are some innovative designs that do feature a place to warm your hot dog buns. If this is important to you, your options will be limited. You could also purchase a standalone bun warmer.
"Hot dog rollers aren't just for hot dogs. You can use your machine to cook sausages and other tubular meats and foods as well."
STAFF
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Hot dog roller prices
Inexpensive: Depending on your needs, you can find a fun, novelty hot dog roller that cooks 4 to 8 hot dogs at a time for between $35 and $50. These are no-frills appliances that have an on/off switch and possibly a temperature setting.
Mid-range: The best place to look for a hot dog roller is between $100 and $150. These are stainless steel machines that have dual-temperature controls and typically cook or warm up to 18 hot dogs at one time.
Expensive: Beyond the $150 price mark, the main benefit is being able to cook larger numbers of hot dogs at one time. Commercial hot dog rollers cost several hundred dollars, which is likely beyond the typical consumer's needs.
Tips
- Preheat the rollers. Before placing your hot dogs on the rollers, allow the rollers to fully heat up first.
- Cook on the back rollers. If you have a dual-control unit, it’s easier to cook on the back rollers and reserve the front rollers for keeping your food warm.
- Use a meat thermometer. It takes approximately ten minutes to fully cook a hot dog, but to be absolutely certain a hot dog is done (140ºF), use a meat thermometer.
- Follow the two-hour guideline. Once a hot dog has been thoroughly cooked, it can remain on the grill for a maximum of two hours before it must be eaten or discarded.
- Clean the machine. After the last hot dog has been removed from the rollers, unplug the machine. Remove the sneeze guard (if your machine has one) for easy access to the rollers. Clean the sneeze guard while the rollers cool. Clean the rollers with a clean towel, cold water, and dish soap. Scrub stubborn spot with a sponge. Rinse off the soap with a wet towel. Remove and clean the drip tray. Don't forget to clean the outside of the hot dog roller as well as the controls. Replace the drip tray and sneeze guard.
Did you know?
One of the biggest advantages of a hot dog roller is that it can cook large amounts of food in a small space.
STAFF
BestReviews
FAQ
Q. What is a hot dog really made of?
A. Contrary to urban legend, hot dogs are made mainly of pork and beef trimmings, the same meats you find at the meat counter in your grocery store. Additional ingredients include water, curing agents, and a variety of spices, but nothing exotic. If any variety meats are used, they must be specified in the ingredients list, and the packaging must be clearly marked with the statement "with variety meats" or "with meat by-products."
Q. If hot dogs are precooked, is it okay to eat them raw?
A. No. Hot dogs must be reheated before being consumed because it’s possible for them to become contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes after processing and packaging. To be sure hot dogs are safe for consumption, they need to be heated to at least 140°F.
Q. What is Listeria monocytogenes?
A. Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can be found in ready-to-eat foods. It can be present even after refrigeration, which is why it’s important to always cook hot dogs. If eaten, the bacteria can cause listeriosis. Pregnant women and unborn children are most susceptible, but anyone can be affected. The symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea, upset stomach, headache, stiff neck, confusion, and loss of balance. These symptoms might not appear for days or weeks. In some instances, listeriosis can be fatal.
