Brentwood TS-252 Cupcake Maker Review
Our verdict
The best value cupcake maker in this group. At $24.99 with a 4.6-star rating from 644 buyers, the Brentwood TS-252 delivers strong performance per dollar for anyone who bakes cupcakes occasionally.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Budget-conscious buyers, gift shoppers, first-time cupcake-maker owners, and parents baking with kids who want a capable unit without the investment.
Skip if
You bake frequently and want the added peace of mind of a higher-reviewed brand like Babycakes. Heavy use over time may favor a more robust build.
- Wattage 1000 W
- Material Plastic
- Color Pink
- Dimensions 10.2 X 11.8 X 5.9 In
- Weight 3.0 lb
- Voltage 120 Volts
- Priced 53% below the category median ($53.05 across 6 tracked models)
- Wattage of 1000 W - lower than 75% of the 6 models we track
- Weight of 3.0 lb - lighter than 100% of the 6 models we track
Our scorecard
-
Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 644 owner ratings
-
Popularity1.7/5
644 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other toaster ovens, convection and pizza ovens, toasters, stand and hand mixers, bread machines and baking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Brentwood TS-252 is the clear value leader in this cupcake-maker category. At $24.99, it costs less than a third of the Babycakes CC-2828PK and about a third of the CC-12, yet it still earns 4.6 stars across 644 reviews. That combination of low price and strong buyer satisfaction is hard to ignore.
The unit weighs just 3.0 pounds, making it the lightest in this group by a significant margin. The 10.2 x 11.8 x 5.9 inch footprint is also among the smallest here, so it tucks into a cabinet or drawer without trouble. It draws 1000W on a standard 120V circuit, which is lower than the Babycakes models but sufficient for cooking cupcakes through in a reasonable cycle.
For someone buying their first cupcake maker, hosting a kids baking party, or looking for a gift under $30, the TS-252 is a straightforward answer. It does not have the brand recognition or review depth of the Babycakes CC-12, but the 644-review sample is large enough to be meaningful.
Pros
- $24.99 price is the lowest in this category by a wide margin
- 4.6-star rating from 644 reviews shows strong value-adjusted satisfaction
- Lightest unit in the group at 3.0 lb
- Compact 10.2 x 11.8 in footprint stores easily
- Standard 120V compatibility for any US kitchen
Cons
- 1000W is the lowest wattage here, meaning slightly slower heat cycles than higher-wattage models
- Brentwood is a budget brand with a thinner support network than Babycakes
- No published spec for cavities, controls, or timer in the listing
Specifications
| Wattage | 1000 W |
|---|---|
| Material | Plastic |
| Color | Pink |
| Dimensions | 10.2 X 11.8 X 5.9 In |
| Weight | 3.0 lb |
| Voltage | 120 Volts |
Performance notes
The 1000W draw is adequate for cupcake cooking though it will preheat a bit slower than the 1200W to 1440W models in this group. The 3.0 lb weight and small footprint are the lightest and most compact in the category, a genuine advantage for storage. Pink plastic housing is standard for the category.
What buyers say
With 644 reviews at 4.6 stars, buyers are consistently satisfied. The price point sets a low bar for expectations, so positive reactions tend to reflect genuine surprise at the results rather than just tolerance. Common praise focuses on ease of use and how quickly it heats up for a 1000W unit.
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Frequently asked questions
Is the Brentwood TS-252 good enough for regular baking, or just occasional use?
The 4.6-star rating suggests it handles regular use well for most buyers. If you are baking cupcakes multiple times per week over many years, the Babycakes CC-12 may offer a more durable build, but for typical home baking frequency the TS-252 holds up fine according to buyer reports.
How does the Brentwood TS-252 compare to the Betty Crocker BC-2930CRT?
Both are similarly rated at 4.6 stars. The Brentwood is lighter at 3.0 lb versus 16.0 lb for the Betty Crocker and costs $11 less. The Betty Crocker has more reviews (907 vs 644) but the Brentwood is the better pick if weight and price are priorities.
Questions about this review?
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