How to choose a Dosa Crepe Maker?

Dosa maker is slightly a misleading name for this device. More appropriate name should be an electric Tawa

For American cooking, it is a griddle or a Crepe maker.

Uses

Indian traditional cooking

Dosa, Cheela, Roti, Paratha, Aloo Tikki, Vegetable cutlet, Mal pua.

American Cooking

Crepes, Pancakes, Hamburgers, Bacon, Chicken breast for sandwiches

Features

Griddle

The top plate of the griddle may be made of forged aluminum or steel. The steel plate heats faster than the forged Aluminum plate reducing recovery time in between cooking each food item. The top of the griddle plate must have a non-stick surface.

Size

The griddle diameter varies from 7½ to 14½". For home, a griddle size of 10" is sufficient. It will allow to make one medium size Dosa, one large Aloo Paratha, or four Hamburgers at a time.

Grease Catcher

Some of the units have built in grease catcher tray. Grease catcher is not needed to make Dosa or Chapati, but it can be very handy to make Hamburgers or Bacon. Basic function of Grease catcher is to gather excess oil on the cooking surface.

Power Thermostat Indicator light

The power required depends on the size of the griddle. While 900 watts may be sufficient for a 7½" griddle, you may need about 1,600 watts for a 14½" griddle. In any case, the power should be sufficient enough for the cooking surface to reach 450ºF. Many of the commercial units are designed to reach near 550ºF.

The thermostat is used to set the desired temperature of the cooking surface. The thermostats  have a built in indicator light that comes on when the griddle has reached the desired 'set' temperature.

Accessories

Many manufacturers provide simple cooking tools to spread the batter etcetera. These items are of secondary consideration.

Notes

The griddle has a non-stick surface, still I advise to baste the surface with a dab of cooking oil.