In almost any cuisine, there is some version of a dumpling or pierogi. It’s some form of folded dough that is filled with a sweet or savory filling. There are ravioli, calzones, empanadas and wontons to name a few. The reason why this is such a popular practice is because of how versatile a meal or treat it can be. You can choose so many different filings or sauces to either cover your creation in or dip it in. For those interested in making some kind of pierogi or dumpling at their home, you can painstakingly cut, fold, and seal the dough all on your own. Or you can take a short cut and get a press. These will help you get uniform pieces and make sure you don’t waste any of the precious dough that you’ve made. It will also help you conserve filling, if you didn’t make a heaping amount. You can choose between different doughs and bake or fry a whole batch. We’ve highlighted five of our favorite presses, so you can make your favorite version of the classic dish yourself.
Fly through your dough
If you want to get through a batch of dumplings very quickly, check out the Prepworks by Progressive Dough Press, Set of 3. This is great for making hand pies, dumplings, ravioli, calzones, empanadas and more. This comes with three units, all of which are different sizes. You can make one that are four, five, or six inches in diameter. Each one has a decorative crimped edge design that helps seal your favorite fillings inside and makes them look great upon presentation. The back side has a cutter portion that will make it easy to cut out a perfect size of dough.
Key Features:
- Great for hand pies, dumplings, ravioli, calzones, and empanadas
- Comes with three units of varying sizes
- Decorative crimped edge design
Nobody wants something that’s hard to clean
Using raw dough can become a huge mess, especially if it’s a sticky kind. But you won’t have a problem cleaning the Zoie + Chloe 3-Piece Dough Press Set. This is ideal for dumplings, calzones, turnovers, ravioli, empanadas and pierogis. The three-piece set comes with a four-inch one, five-inch one, and a six-inch one. The back side of the press allows you to cut through the dough to get the proper size every time. You can fill the center with a spoon, moisten the edges and then put it in the press to fold and seal it. Your pastry will have a professional look, thanks to the crimped edges. When you’re done, you can put these in the dishwasher to clean them.
Key Features:
- Comes with a four-inch, five-inch, and six-inch press
- Gives a professional look with crimped edges
- Can be put in the dishwasher to clean
Cut and seal in one move
In a machine-like manner, the KAYCROWN Best Utensils Stainless Steel Ravioli Mold Pierogi Dumpling Maker will churn out individual pieces quickly. That’s because there are two handles that allow you to close the dough up over the filling and seal it in one move. This will make dumplings, pierogis, ravioli, turnovers, pot stickers and more. You will flip up one side to cut, seal and crimp the edges, which helps create the perfect pocket. It’s made of hygienic 18/8 stainless steel with a 4.5″ diameter.
Key Features:
- Double handles allow you to close the dough up over the filling and seal it
- Creates the perfect pocket by crimping the edges
- Made of hygienic 18/8 stainless steel
Create bite-size memories
Creating smaller dumplings or pierogis is made simple when you have the Feeke Dumpling Maker. This makes 3.75″ dumplings and is made from hygienic 304 stainless steel. This is a handy tool that will make uniform pieces a reality. This should be sprayed down with a little bit of oil before you use it, as the dough may stick otherwise. You can then fill, fold, and press to seal the dumpling before popping it in the fryer or oven. This is a durable and solid piece that can be washed in the dishwasher.
Key Features:
- Handy tool that will make uniform pieces
- Makes 3.75″ dumplings that will be pressed to seal
- Durable and solid piece
Cook a batch for your whole family
Rather than just making one at a time, use the Pierogi Maker by Cucina Pro to make up to six at once. You can make six dumplings or pierogis per batch, thanks to the cutouts and sturdy construction. It is quick and easy to use, as you just need to enter the dough and the filling. This includes the trays and the press, so you can get uniform pieces that match up every time.
Key Features:
- Make up to six at once
- Comes with trays and a press
- Quick and easy to use