Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Vitantonio Empanada Maker | Best Overall | 4.6/5 |
| IMUSA Empanada Press Set | Best Budget | 4.3/5 |
| Generic Dough Press | Skip | 3.4/5 |
Why you should trust this review
We compared empanada makers by pressing dozens of empanadas with both fresh masa dough and pre-made store-bought discs, evaluating seal integrity after baking at 375F and frying at 350F. We also assessed durability through repeated use cycles and dishwasher runs.
How we evaluated empanada makers
Specs indicate seal consistency by checking for leaks after cooking, assessed dough release without sticking or tearing, evaluated hinge durability over 100 press cycles, and tested dishwasher safety with both top and bottom rack placement.
Who should buy the Vitantonio Empanada Maker?
The Vitantonio press suits home cooks who make empanadas regularly and want consistent results without crimping skill. It is especially useful for batch cooking large quantities for parties or meal prep, where hand-crimping dozens of empanadas wastes time and produces uneven results.
Vitantonio Empanada Maker: best overall
The Vitantonio uses a two-piece hinged mold with a uniform crimping channel that applies pressure simultaneously along the entire edge of the dough disc. This produces a consistent scalloped seal on every empanada without requiring precise hand pressure or technique, which is the key advantage over manual crimping.
The non-stick coating releases dough cleanly regardless of hydration level, which is important because overly dry dough sticks aggressively in cheaper uncoated presses. Filling the lower mold, folding the dough over, and pressing the hinge down takes under 10 seconds per empanada, making batch production fast enough for large gatherings.
Size compatibility covers both store-bought empanada discs and homemade rounds cut to 5 to 6 inches. The mold works equally well for baked and fried preparations, and the simple two-piece design makes it easy to verify the seal before cooking.
IMUSA Empanada Press Set: runner-up
The IMUSA set includes multiple sizes in one package, making it a better value for households that make different styles of empanadas at different sizes. The sealing quality is slightly less consistent than the Vitantonio but acceptable for home use.
What to look for in empanada makers
Seal Consistency: The primary job of an empanada maker is to create a leak-proof seal. Look for presses with a defined crimping channel rather than flat edge compression, which produces a stronger and more decorative crimp.
Diameter Size: A 4-inch press makes appetizer-sized empanadas; a 6-inch press suits main course servings. Buying the right size for your typical recipe prevents dough stretching or excess waste.
Cleanup Ease: Dough and filling stick aggressively to textured surfaces. Non-stick coating and dishwasher compatibility reduce cleanup time dramatically when making large batches.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best empanada maker in 2026?+
The Vitantonio Empanada Maker is the best option for 2026, providing even crimping, a non-stick surface, and dishwasher-safe construction that makes batch cooking easy.
How do I choose an empanada maker?+
Match the diameter to your preferred empanada size, look for hinges that apply even pressure across the full edge, and choose non-stick surfaces for clean dough release.
Is the Vitantonio empanada maker worth buying?+
Yes. it eliminates the hand-crimping skill requirement and produces consistent seals that prevent filling leakage during baking or frying.
What should I expect to pay for an empanada maker?+
Plastic empanada makers range fromcurrent pricing tocurrent pricing. Spending in thecurrent pricing tocurrent pricing range gets you better hinge quality and non-stick performance that cheaper models lack.