A pie maker bakes individual deep fill pies in moulded, heated plates, sealing and crimping the edges while they cook. This guide covers the two sizes in our range and what to look for in a pie maker that will work for your family for years to come.
Why it's worth making space for a pie maker
Pastry goes into the bottom moulds, filling goes on top, lids go over and the machine seals and bakes them together. The result is a properly crimped, bakery-shaped pie without rolling out a full sheet, greasing tins or waiting for a large oven to come up to temperature. It earns its worktop space if you can see yourself batch baking for the freezer, using it for lunches through the week, or for using up leftover roast meat on a Monday.
Two pies or four?
There are two models in the range, and the difference is not only how many pies come out at once.
- The 2 Pie model runs at 1000W and has pies ready in as little as 20 minutes. It suits one or two people, quick lunches and smaller households, and it takes up less room in a cupboard.
- The 4 Pie model runs at 1400W and has pies ready in as little as 15 minutes. The extra power means it bakes faster despite the larger plate, which adds up quickly when you are making several batches.
Top tip: think in batches. Four pies every 15 minutes means a full dozen in under an hour, which makes the larger model worth having if you cook ahead and freeze.
What comes in the box
Both models arrive with a pastry cutter that sizes the bases and lids for you, and a silicone spatula for lifting finished pies out without tearing the pastry. Both have a built-in crimping edge that seals the pie and trims away the excess as the machine closes, a green indicator light to tell you when the plates are up to temperature, and a locking latch that holds everything shut while the pies bake. The plates use a PTFE-based non-stick coating that is food safe and made specifically for cooking appliances.
Pie maker or multi-meal maker?
The Multi-Meal Maker is worth a look before you decide. It uses two shallow, semi-circle moulds and a crimping edge. It is built to handle more than pastry - pasties, toast sandwiches, omelettes, quiche, quesadillas, hash browns and sweet things like apple tarts.
The simple way to choose is by volume. If you want pies specifically, and several at a time, the 4 Pie model is the right machine. If you want one appliance that covers a range of quick meals across the day and not necessarily a deep-fill, traditional pie, the Multi-Meal Maker might be better for you.
Looking after the plates
Non-stick surfaces do need to be treated with care. Let the machine cool before you clean it, wipe the plates rather than scrubbing them, and keep metal utensils away from the coating. The silicone spatula supplied is designed for exactly this reason.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a pie take in a pie maker?
As little as 15 minutes in the 4 Pie model and 20 minutes in the 2 Pie, once the machine is up to temperature. The green indicator light tells you when it has got there. Deeper or wetter fillings will take a little longer.
Can you make sweet pies as well as savoury?
Yes. Both models are built for sweet and savoury alike, so you can enjoy a wide variety of fillings. Be careful with sweet fillings, as these can come out very hot and may need to longer to cool before enjoying.
Can a pie maker cook anything other than pies?
The pie makers are designed around pastry. If you want a machine that handles omelettes, toasties, quiche and quesadillas, the Multi-Meal Maker is the machine built for that, using deeper moulds that suit eggs and tortillas as well as pastry.
Is a pie maker cheaper to run than an oven?
It draws less power than a full-size oven and reaches temperature in a fraction of the time, so for a handful of pies it is usually the more economical option.
Choose your pie maker
Ready to pick one? Compare the 2 and 4 pie models side by side in our pie maker collection, and have a look at our guide to getting the most from your pie maker once yours arrives.