From a pork pie to a steak and ale, this humble dish may just be the nation’s favourite food, which is why finding the best pie maker is an exciting task. Think all pies and no fuss. After all, pastry can be a nightmare to work with. If you’re not Star Baker material, then the fiddly prep alone is enough to put you off making pies from scratch. Whether you're a year-round pie lover or just want to treat yourself and loved ones for British Pie Week, you can do just that with a homely, stodgy pie made with the best pie makers in the UK.
Designed to take the stress out of pie making, a pie maker is similar to a soup maker – in that it cuts down prep time, halves your mess and a reliable kitchen gadget does most of the work. At your local pub, you’re often limited in choice and supermarket pies are full of additives. With a pie maker, you’re the chef – choosing precisely what goes into your comforting meal and catering to any dietary restrictions with ease.
Best pie maker UK at a glance:
• Best pie maker: Salter EK4082 XL Double Pie Maker – view on Amazon UK
• Budget pie maker: Quest 35970 700W Double Pie Maker – view at Robert Dyas
• Best for mini pies: Lakeland Six-Hole Pie Maker in Red – view at Lakeland
If you’re a pie fan but would rather be crafting them with your own fillings from family pie recipes, then this kitchen gadget is a great choice. Not only are the pies tasty and easy to make, but there’s no risk of an undercooked centre with a pie maker. Much like a toastie maker, they’re compact and intuitive. A great replacement for those days of tricky prep. Plus, most pie maker models come with a pastry cutter to ensure your pies are perfectly formed and fit in the gadget.
Of all the baking ideas we’ve come across, a pie maker is by far the most efficient. Baking is such a wonderful and therapeutic activity, so it’s a great gift for the pie lover in your life, or as a practical, fuss-free solution to make your favourite dish. Pies have such a rich history here in the UK and it’s no wonder that British Pie Week falls on the first week in March. We have developed this delicacy more than any other nation – with plenty of styles and flavours to try out.
Best pie maker UK
Best pie maker
Tested
Effortlessly create delicious British pies with the Salter EK4082 XL Double Pie Maker. This convenient device allows you to make two deep-fill pies in just 10 minutes. With non-stick plates, a cool-touch handle, and a crimped edge, it ensures perfect results every time. Enjoy...
Pros
- Effortlessly makes two deep-fill pies in just 10 minutes
- Features non-stick cooking plates for easy serving and cleaning
- Equipped with a cool-touch handle and safety lock latch for safety
Cons
- Limited to making two pies at a time
Best for a deep pie
www.currys.co.uk
Craft delicious pies effortlessly with the Giles & Posner EK4082G Deep Fill Pie Maker. This handy device prepares up to 2 pies with crimp-edged plates for a traditional touch. Featuring cool-touch handles, a safety lock, and non-stick plates for easy cleaning, making a comforting meal is as easy as pie.
Customer review: "Totally worth the money, quick and easy to use. But, it should have four."
Pros
- Makes up to two pies quickly and easily
- Crimp-edged cooking plates for a traditional pie
- Cool-touch handles and safety lock for safety
Cons
- Limited to making two pies at a time
Best for one serving
Perfect for cosy dinners, you can create delicious single-serve pies effortlessly with the Giles & Posner Mini Pie Maker. Its non-stick plates, quick three-minute preheat time, and compact design make it perfect for quick snacks or satisfying solo meals. Plus, it's compact for storage.
Customer review: "I have never made so many pies so easily, fruit pies, steak and kidney, mince and onion, also quiches every one turns out great. Love this item, worth every penny."
Pros
- Effortlessly makes delicious single-serve pies
- Quick 3-minute preheat time for instant baking
- Non-stick plates ensure easy removal and cleaning
Cons
- Only one portion
Budget pie maker
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Craft delicious pies effortlessly with the Quest 35970 700W Double Pie Maker. Cook two pies in just 10 minutes with this fantastic piece of kit. Featuring non-stick cooking plates for easy cleanup and a crimping edge for sealed pies, this pie maker includes a double-sided pastry cutter. Perfection.
Customer review: "This is the second Double Pie Maker we have recently purchased, Our son was so impressed with his mother's pie-making he asked for one for his birthday."
Pros
- Cook two pies in 10 minutes for convenience
- Non-stick plates for easy, hassle-free clean-up
- Crimping edge for attractive, sealed pies
Cons
- Limited capacity for larger gatherings
Recommended
www.argos.co.uk
Bake delicious pies effortlessly with the Progress Taste The World Double Deep Pie Maker. With power and ready indicator lights, non-stick cooking plates, and a crimping edge, it's perfect for creating beautifully presented pies every time. Enjoy homemade pies with ease! We like this one.
Customer review: "Bought as Christmas present. We made a batch of pies and they all stayed together. One had soggy pastry but once we got the hang of it, all turned out well. Cooked for little longer than stated time."
Pros
- Effortlessly bake pies for dinner or dessert with loved ones
- Non-stick cooking plates ensure easy release and cleaning
- Power and ready indicator lights provide convenient operation
Cons
- Cooked for a little longer than the stated time
Best for an easy set-up
www.hartsofstur.com
Create delectable homemade pies effortlessly with the Judge Electric Deep Pie Maker with ease. Craft two deep pies in just 15 minutes, with endless sweet or savoury filling options. Featuring non-stick plates and a pastry template cutter for consistent results, this pie is easy to set up and easy to clean.
Customer review: "Excellent. I have used these pie makers for years and have always found them to be excellent. I have the pie filling made ready to go and once the pastry is rolled I can make a pie in 10 minutes in one of these! Brilliant!"
Pros
- Quickly makes two deep pies, saving time and effort
- Versatile for sweet and savoury filling combinations
- Easy to use and clean with non-stick plates and cutter
Cons
- May not be suitable for larger gatherings
Best for mini pies
www.lakeland.co.uk
Bake perfect mini-party pies effortlessly with the Lakeland Six-Hole Pie Maker in Red. From sweet fruit to savoury meats, this versatile appliance ensures delicious results every time. Its non-stick coating and crimped edges make pie-making a breeze, while its compact design saves space in your kitchen.
Customer review: "Just made my first six mince pies. Only gave four stars as the instructions said to make the pastry a quarter of an inch thick. I made my own pastry and made it a lot thinner resulting in six crispy mince pies, almost perfect. My cutters were just a shade too large but you have to go with what you have. Not bad for an 86-year-young man with a shaky right hand.
Only have one concern, moisture seeped out during the cooking and some was at the back where one can see an electric cable. Had to use a tissue to dry that area. However, I would definitely recommend this product at this price it's a bargain."
Pros
- For a variety of pies, from sweet to savoury, and perfect for parties
- Simple operation with non-stick coating for pie removal and cleaning
- Compact design with cord wrap for convenient storage
Cons
- Some customers had issues with moisture escaping during cooking
Verdict: Which pie maker is the best?
Our favourite is the Salter EK4082 XL Double Pie Maker, which is budget-friendly and easy to use.
FAQs
What is British Pie Week?
British Pie Week falls on the first week in March, which for 2024 is Monday 4 March to Sunday 10 March.
Organised by the British Pie Awards, it is a national celebration of British Pies in all their varieties since 2009. After all, the pie is something the UK adores. They are “probably one of Britain’s most important contributions to international cuisine”, says the British Pie Awards.
They add: “The British eat millions of them every year worth over £1billion in total.”
So, this is your chance to pay homage to a food that has a rich history in the UK. No matter your preference – hot or cold, sweet or savoury – or your diet – veggie, vegan, gluten-free – there is a pie for everyone. British Pie Week is the chance to commemorate this unique food.
Is it worth buying a pie maker?
If you’re short(crust) on time and need a quick and easy dinner, this gadget is a good investment.
What pastry do I use for a pie maker?
Both puff and shortcrust are compatible with your new piece of kit. But, don’t be afraid to experiment with making veggie tarts and quiches. Consider using a suet crust, also. There are many ways to make a pie, after all.
We love Jus Rol for a convenient ready-made pastry.
Piper Huxley is a Homes, Garden and Wellness Product Writer for Yours, an all-rounder who will write on anything from décor to wellness. When not scouring the net for the best home bargains, Piper is listening to a musical soundtrack and tending to her houseplants.