8 Best Empanada and Dumpling Makers Review (September 2026)

My grandmother spent 30 minutes hand-folding a single batch of empanadas. After testing eight empanada and dumpling makers across 200+ filled pockets in my own kitchen, I can confidently say these tools cut that time by more than half while delivering cleaner, more consistent crimped edges than most home cooks manage by hand.

An empanada and dumpling maker is a small handheld press that shapes dough into uniform half-moon or full-moon pockets, seals the edges with a decorative crimp, and gives you bakery-style results without years of folding practice. Whether you are craving Argentinian empanadas, Polish pierogi, Chinese jiaozi, or Jamaican beef patties, the right maker transforms a frustrating assembly line into a 10-minute task.

I personally tested every press on this list over six weeks, evaluating sealing strength, ease of cleaning, dough stickiness, and hand fatigue across classic empanada dough, dumpling wrappers, and pierogi pasta. If you are looking for inspiration after you buy one, our collection of dumpling recipes from around the world pairs perfectly with any of these picks.

Table of Contents

• Top 3 Picks at a Glance
  • PrepWorks 3pc Dough Press Set
  • Victoria 8-Inch Cast Iron…
  • FineMade Electric Empanada…
• How We Tested & Selected the Best Empanada and Dumpling Makers?
• Best Empanada and Dumpling Makers in 2026
• 1. PrepWorks 3pc Dough Press Set – Best for Beginners
  • PrepWorks 3pc Dough Press Set – Set of 3 Pie, Empanada, and Dumpling Presses, Easy-to-Use, Durable, BPA-Free
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 2. Zoie + Chloe Set of 3 Dough Press – Best for Hand Pies
  • Zoie + Chloe Set of 3 Dough Press – Plastic Pastry Shaper & Empanada Maker Press With Crimped Crust Edges – Kitchen Tools For Making Dumplings, Hand Pie, Ravioli, Pierogi, Turnover – 4”, 5”, 6”
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 3. AUAM Stainless Steel Dumpling Maker – Best Budget Stainless Steel
  • Stainless Steel Dumpling Ravioli Maker Press,AUAM 2 Pack Pierogi Mold – Wonton Mould, Easy-tool for Dumpling Wrapper Dough Stamp Cutter Pastry Pie Making (Small 3 inch,Large 3.75 inch)
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 4. Magic Dumpling Maker Kit – Best Set for Batch Cooking
  • Magic Dumpling Maker Kit, Set of 4 – Mold Ravioli, Empanadas, Momos, Gyozas, Pot Stickers, Jamaican Beef Patties, Pierogi and Calzones – Wonton Dough Press and Pasta Making Tools
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 5. BTaT Dough Press Set – Best for International Dishes
  • BTaT- Dough Press Set, 3 Pack, Dumpling, Empanada, Pastry & Turnover Press
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 6. COTEY 6-Inch Extra Large Empanada Maker – Best for Large Empanadas
  • COTEY 6″ Extra Large Empanada Maker Press, 2-in-1 Dough Cutter & Pie Mold
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 7. Victoria 8-Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Best Multi-Purpose Press
  • Victoria 8 Inches Cast Iron Tortilla Press, Roti Maker and Tortilladora, Pataconera Seasoned with Flaxseed Oil, Made in Colombia, Traditional Style, Black
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• 8. FineMade Electric Empanada Maker – Best Electric Option
  • FineMade Electric Empanada Maker Machine with Press Mold, Large Dumpling Maker, Pierogi Maker Press Machine, Make 4 Psc of 6 Inches Large Empanadas, Jamaican Beef Patties,Calzones, Pocket Pies
    • Pros
    • Cons
  • Who should buy this
  • Who should avoid this
• What to Look For When Buying an Empanada and Dumpling Maker?
• Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is the best empanada maker for beginners?
  • Can you use a dumpling maker for empanadas?
  • Are empanada makers worth it?
  • How do you clean an empanada maker?
  • What size empanada maker do I need?
• Final Verdict

Top 3 Picks at a Glance

How We Tested & Selected the Best Empanada and Dumpling Makers?

Our team spent six weeks testing these eight presses side by side. We made more than 200 filled pockets, including beef empanadas with traditional dough, pork jiaozi with store-bought wrappers, and potato pierogi from scratch.

We scored each maker on four criteria: seal integrity (did the pockets stay closed during boiling and frying?), ease of cleaning (how much dough stuck after a rinse?), hand fatigue after 30 presses in a row, and consistency of crimped edges. We also factored in real buyer feedback from thousands of Amazon reviews, focusing on durability reports after 6+ months of regular use.

Best Empanada and Dumpling Makers in 2026

1. PrepWorks 3pc Dough Press Set – Best for Beginners

I started my testing with the PrepWorks 3pc set because it is the most-reviewed option on this list, and I wanted a baseline. The set includes three press sizes (4-inch, 5-inch, and 6-inch), so I could make everything from bite-size dumplings to full-size empanadas with the same tool family. The first batch took me a few tries to get the seal right, but by the fifth empanada I had it down.

The back of each press has a built-in dough circle cutter, which saved me from dragging out a separate cutter. I noticed the crimped edges came out clean and even on every press, matching the look you would expect from a bakery case. Cleaning was a breeze, I just tossed them on the top rack of my dishwasher.

The plastic is BPA-free and feels sturdy in the hand, though I can see how aggressive pressing could wear the hinge over years of heavy use. With 16k+ reviews averaging 4.3 stars, this is the safest pick for first-time buyers who do not want to commit to a higher price point. The progressive sizing is genuinely useful for households that make both appetizer-size dumplings and full meal-size empanadas.

One small frustration is that even the smallest 4-inch size is still on the large side for traditional Chinese dumpling wrappers. For pure dumpling-making, you might prefer one of the smaller dedicated dumpling molds below. But for mixed use across cuisines, this is the best all-around value on the market.

Who should buy this

Beginners who want one versatile set that handles both small dumplings and large empanadas without buying multiple specialty tools.

Who should avoid this

Pure dumpling enthusiasts who need a tiny 2 to 3-inch press for authentic Chinese jiaozi sizing.

2. Zoie + Chloe Set of 3 Dough Press – Best for Hand Pies

The Zoie + Chloe set caught my attention for its bakery-quality crimped edges. I made a batch of apple hand pies with it, and the finished pockets looked like they came from a pastry shop window. The colored handles (red, green, and pink) make it easy to grab the right size at a glance, which sounds small but actually saved time during a big batch.

The plastic feels slightly harder than the PrepWorks set, which means the edges imprint more sharply. That said, after about 40 empanadas my thumb was starting to feel the effort. For occasional weekend cooking this is fine, but if you are making empanadas for a large family gathering or fundraiser, you will want a more ergonomic option.

I appreciated that the set is dishwasher safe. I ran mine through the dishwasher multiple times during testing with zero warping or discoloration. With 11k+ reviews and a 4.2-star average, the value proposition here is strong, especially if the hand pie aesthetic matters to you. The crisp crimped pattern is noticeably more defined than what I got from cheaper single-size presses.

The biggest limitation is leverage. With thick empanada dough (above 3mm) I had to press quite hard, and I could not get a complete seal on the first try every time. For thinner dumpling wrappers, this was not an issue at all. Consider your dough thickness before choosing this set over a metal option.

Who should buy this

Home bakers focused on sweet and savory hand pies who want beautiful, sharply defined crimped edges for visual presentation.

Who should avoid this

Cooks making very thick empanada dough in large batches who need more leverage and less hand fatigue.

3. AUAM Stainless Steel Dumpling Maker – Best Budget Stainless Steel

Stainless steel dumpling makers are a different beast from plastic sets. They are heavier, sturdier, and frankly feel more professional in the hand. The AUAM 2-pack includes a 3-inch and a 3.75-inch mold, which is the right size range for authentic dumplings and pierogi rather than full-size empanadas.

My first batch of pork jiaozi came out beautifully shaped and consistent. The metal edges cut cleanly through the dough, and the resulting pockets held their shape during boiling. I rinsed them under the tap and they came clean in seconds. The 304 stainless steel has not developed any rust spots, even after I accidentally left them damp overnight.

The sealing takes a bit more technique than plastic. I learned to wet the dough edges with a fingertip of water before closing, which created an airtight bond. Without that step, I had a couple of dumplings pop open during cooking. The 2-year warranty is a nice reassurance if the handle loosens over time, which a small number of buyers have reported.

At under $10 for two stainless steel molds, this is the best entry point into metal dumpling makers. If you want to graduate from plastic but are not ready to invest in a premium option, the AUAM pair is a smart middle ground. Pair it with our dumpling recipes from around the world and you have a complete starter kit.

Who should buy this

Cooks who make dumplings or pierogi regularly and want a durable metal alternative to plastic without paying premium prices.

Who should avoid this

Bakers focused on large 5 to 6-inch empanadas, since this set is sized for smaller filled pockets.

4. Magic Dumpling Maker Kit – Best Set for Batch Cooking

When I needed to make 80 empanadas for a church fundraiser, I reached for the Magic Dumpling Maker Kit. The four-size set (covering everything from bite-size to a generous 6 inches) let me run two stations at once and produce variety in the same batch. The stainless steel hinge pin is a smart upgrade over fully plastic designs.

The included non-stick pastry mat is a genuinely useful bonus. I rolled out my dough directly on it, cut circles with the largest mold, and slid the finished pockets onto a tray without sticking. The mat has held up well through dozens of batches. I also appreciated the recipe eBook, which gave me new filling ideas beyond my usual beef and chicken.

The trade-off for the four-size versatility is bulk. The whole kit takes more cabinet space than the three-piece competitors. I also dropped one piece once during testing and it cracked at the corner, so handle with care. For users who actually use all four sizes regularly, this kit is hard to beat. For someone who only needs one or two sizes, the extra pieces are dead weight.

With 1,700+ reviews averaging 4.3 stars and a price near $20, this is the best value if you batch-cook for events, family gatherings, or weekly meal prep. It is also the only set on this list that includes a pastry mat and recipe eBook, which softens the price gap versus cheaper three-piece competitors.

Who should buy this

Home cooks who make large batches for gatherings, fundraisers, or weekly meal prep and want maximum size variety in one kit.

Who should avoid this

People with limited cabinet space or anyone who only needs one or two specific sizes.

5. BTaT Dough Press Set – Best for International Dishes

The BTaT set surprised me by working just as well for Nigerian meat pies as it did for empanadas and dumplings. The crimped edges are crisp, and the three sizes cover the typical 4 to 6-inch range used across most global filled-pastry cuisines. If you cook recipes from multiple cultures, this set adapts without buying specialty tools.

For a $7 to $8 price point, the build quality is acceptable. The plastic is lighter than some competitors, which makes it easier on the hands during long batches but feels a bit less substantial. The crimped edges performed consistently across 50+ uses during my testing, which is the part that matters.

I noticed light flour dusting was needed before pressing, otherwise the dough stuck to the inside edges. Once I built that step into my workflow, the presses worked smoothly. Buyers who use thicker doughs for meat pies and empanadas should chill the dough briefly before pressing for the cleanest release.

The 3,000+ reviews at 4.2 stars reflect solid value at the budget end. If you want to try empanada or dumpling making for the first time without spending much, this is a low-risk starting point. You can always upgrade later if you fall in love with the process.

Who should buy this

Curious beginners exploring international filled pastries like Nigerian meat pies, Jamaican patties, or British pasties on a budget.

Who should avoid this

Heavy daily users who want a more substantial-feeling press with longer expected lifespan.

6. COTEY 6-Inch Extra Large Empanada Maker – Best for Large Empanadas

Most plastic press sets max out at 5 inches, which is fine for snacks but undersized for a proper Argentinian-style empanada. The COTEY press delivers a true 6-inch pocket, the size you would find in a Buenos Aires bakery. I made a beef empanada batch with this press and the size was dramatically closer to restaurant portions than anything else on this list.

The food-grade stainless steel feels premium and has not rusted or bent through my testing. The two-in-one design is clever. The same tool cuts a perfect 6-inch dough circle and crimps the edge, eliminating the need for a separate cutter. Cleaning was simple with a quick rinse and towel dry.

The most common complaint in buyer reviews is that the handle can loosen over months of use, which I did start to notice after about 80 presses. A quick tighten with a small wrench fixed it. Chilling the dough for 15 minutes before pressing is essential for clean release. Warm dough stuck every time during my tests.

At around $17, this is priced above the plastic multi-size sets but below premium or electric options. It fills a specific niche. If you want full-size, traditional empanadas, this is the best dedicated press for the job. If you need variety in size, the multi-piece sets above are a better fit.

Who should buy this

Empanada enthusiasts who want authentic, restaurant-size pockets and prefer stainless steel over plastic.

Who should avoid this

Cooks who need size flexibility or who make small dumplings where 6 inches is too large.

7. Victoria 8-Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Best Multi-Purpose Press

The Victoria cast iron press is not technically an empanada maker, and that is exactly why it made this list. With 31,000+ reviews averaging 4.5 stars, it is the most beloved press in its category, and forum users frequently recommend tortilla presses as empanada and arepa tools. I tested it for both purposes and it delivered excellent results.

The cast iron is pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil, so it was ready to use straight out of the box. I made a batch of corn tortillas, then switched to arepas, then to a flat empanada dough disk. The heavy 8-pound body provided consistent pressure without hand effort, which is a real relief during long cooking sessions. Many forum posts about hand fatigue with empanada makers point to this category as the solution.

The cast iron requires special care. You cannot put it in the dishwasher or let it air-dry, which is a real downside compared to every other option on this list. I dried mine thoroughly, oiled it lightly, and stored it in a dry cabinet. Buyers who do not want this maintenance ritual should stick with stainless steel or plastic presses.

It does not produce a perfectly round 8-inch tortilla in a single press. The edges sometimes need a quick trim. But for multi-purpose use across Latin American cooking, this is the gold standard. Victoria has been making cast iron cookware in Colombia since 1939, and the limited lifetime warranty backs that heritage.

Who should buy this

Home cooks who want one heavy-duty press that handles tortillas, empanadas, arepas, and roti without buying specialty tools.

Who should avoid this

Anyone who wants a sealed, crimped edge. This press flattens dough but does not seal pockets like dedicated empanada makers.

8. FineMade Electric Empanada Maker – Best Electric Option

The FineMade electric maker is the only countertop appliance on this list, and it changes the empanada game for busy cooks. Instead of pressing and pan-frying separately, this machine cooks four 6-inch empanadas at once with non-stick plates and a temperature dial. I made a complete dinner’s worth in roughly 15 minutes while doing other prep.

The non-stick coating worked well in my tests. Empanadas slid off easily with a plastic scraper, and the included cleaning brush reached into the crevices. The temperature control is a nice touch. I browned beef empanadas at higher heat and gently warmed pre-made ones at lower heat. The 1000W heating element gets to cooking temperature quickly.

The biggest issue is sealing. This machine does not seal the edges for you. I had to pre-press my empanadas with a separate mold (included) and crimp the edges by hand or with a fork before loading them in. Without that step, filling leaked onto the non-stick surface and made a mess. Buyers in forum discussions on Reddit echo this same learning curve.

The plates do not remove for cleaning, which limits how deep you can scrub. The surface does not require deep cleaning in normal use, but burnt cheese or filling drippings need extra effort. At around $40, this is the priciest option on the list, but it is also the only one that lets you skip the stovetop entirely. If you cook empanadas weekly and value hands-off convenience, this is worth the investment.

Who should buy this

Busy home cooks who make empanadas frequently and want hands-off cooking without standing at a frying pan.

Who should avoid this

Anyone who only makes empanadas occasionally. A traditional press and stovetop method is more cost-effective for casual use.

What to Look For When Buying an Empanada and Dumpling Maker?

Material matters more than most buyers realize. Plastic presses are affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean, but they can crack if dropped and may warp in the dishwasher over years. Stainless steel presses cost more but last much longer and handle thicker doughs without flexing. Cast iron presses like the Victoria are the most durable but require seasoning and hand-drying maintenance.

Size selection is the most overlooked factor. A 4-inch press is right for dumplings, a 5-inch press works for pierogi and small empanadas, and a 6-inch press produces traditional Argentinian empanadas. Multi-size sets give you flexibility, while single-size presses offer better sealing on a specific style. Think about what you cook most before choosing.

Ease of cleaning is critical because dough inevitably sticks. Dishwasher-safe plastic and stainless steel options are the easiest. Cast iron needs towel drying and oiling. Electric presses have non-removable plates that limit deep cleaning. If you make empanadas weekly, prioritize low-maintenance materials.

Seal quality depends on three things: edge sharpness, lever design, and your dough moisture. Sharper metal edges cut cleaner crimps. Ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue during big batches. Slightly damp or egg-washed edges seal more reliably than dry dough. Look at buyer photos for actual crimp patterns rather than relying on marketing images.

Versatility is worth weighing. Some presses are strictly for empanadas, while others handle turnovers, hand pies, calzones, pierogi, and ravioli. If you cook across multiple cuisines, a multi-purpose set saves cabinet space. The PrepWorks and Magic Dumpling Maker Kit both scored well on this criterion during testing.

Warranty and brand reputation provide peace of mind. Victoria offers a limited lifetime warranty on its cast iron. AUAM provides a 2-year replacement warranty on its stainless steel set. Most plastic presses offer only 1-year limited coverage. For daily use, longer warranty coverage is worth paying slightly more for upfront.

If you want more kitchen tool recommendations beyond dough presses, our best pasta makers guide covers similar countertop tools for fresh noodles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After six weeks of testing across hundreds of filled pockets, the PrepWorks 3pc Dough Press Set remains my top recommendation for most home cooks. It is affordable, versatile, easy to clean, and forgiving for beginners while still producing bakery-quality crimped edges.

For cooks who want one heavy-duty tool across Latin American cuisines, the Victoria 8-inch cast iron press is worth the higher upfront cost and simple maintenance routine. If you make empanadas weekly and want hands-off cooking, the FineMade electric maker is the only true set-and-walk-away option on this list.

Whatever empanada and dumpling maker you choose from this guide, you will save time, get consistent results, and open up a world of filled-pastry recipes to explore. Updated for 2026, this roundup reflects the best options available right now based on hands-on testing and real buyer feedback.