I use the ring from a springform cake pan. This does make about a plate size funnel cake (which is what I usually get at the fairs anyway). A friend of mine uses a ring type cookie/biscut cutter to make very small ones. Really, any thing that is round and can stand the heat could be used. How about a well cleaned tuna can with both lids cut off?Also, I put my batter into one of those measuring cup type of utensil that is used to seperate the fat from gravy etc. You know the kind with the long spout that is open low to the bottom of the cup. I find that this is much easier than a funnel. The spout is long and round like a funnel, but you don't have to leave your finger over the hole.