We used these cutters to make an organic-looking top pie crust of layered leaves on top of a 6-inch small pie, as well as decorative elements on top of several larger pie crusts, and we were incredibly impressed with how well they work. The cutters cleanly punch even delicate branches holding the leaves together without tearing. We've used these cutters often since our initial tests, using them on both store-bought and homemade pie dough, and across several different types of pies for decoration. We continue to be impressed with the decorations they make, and how surprisingly well they've held up over time. A pie maker with a crimped edge is also a great option. This gives your pies a traditional look, and it helps you get that wonderful crispy crust! Other good features to look out for are non-slip feet and a cool touch handle. Why not add a fun design to the top of your pie to make your dinner guests smile before you slice into your masterpiece? Or perhaps a cute animal shape or a fun picture? And why not try some letters and add one of your guests’ names or even a “Happy Birthday” message to the top of your pie to really make it stand out! Planning a themed party? Get a creative flair with your pie crusts by using this nifty tool. From beautifully crimped edges to fancy themed shapes, among other designs and uses, pastry chefs and home bakers enjoy adding a special finishing touch to their delicious pies and pastries. Given how unfussy this cutter is, we found that you could cut dozens of lattice crusts without having to do much more than pop out any leftover diamond pieces from the cutter holes. When you've finished a rinse in warm soapy water is enough to clean this cutter off, but it's not made for dishwasher use.

I love making pie. You know this. But I didn’t just wake up one day and know how to make one. My first attempts at homemade pie weren’t exactly cookbook cover-worthy. You want to know the hardest part of making a homemade pie? The hardest part is finding the courage to start. And once you do, you’ll wonder why you didn’t begin sooner.Nothing is more satisfying than making a pie completely from scratch. Until, of course, you eat a slice. The Williams Sonoma Lattice Pie Crust Cutter is a straightforward cutter that makes creating a trellis-style lattice pattern for a top pie crust incredibly simple. First, you roll your pie dough out to the desired diameter, then gently lay the dough on top of the cutter. Using a flat rolling pin, press the pie dough onto the cutter to slice the diamond pattern into the dough. To move the dough to your pie, you'll lift the tray away from the lattice cutter base and slide or flip your dough directly onto the pie. In a fraction of the time that it would take to slice and weave strips of pie dough into a lattice pattern, you've got a clean and consistent lattice top pie. The blades or wires of most pastry blenders are made of stainless steel, which prevents rusting, and we recommend steering clear of other materials. The handles are made of wood(s), plastic(s), and rubber—it comes down to your preference. Plastic and rubber will most likely be dishwasher safe if ease of cleaning is important to you. Wooden handles tend to make the pastry blender look more authentic with an heirloom-like feel (making them a nice gift) and have the potential of lasting much longer. From stainless steel to food-safe plastic, browse through the range of cutters to see all your options. Stainless steel cookie cutters are usually sharper and can create a more defined finish, but plastic and rubber options are often great if you’re planning to bake with the kids. Baking a pie? No problem As you can see, this is a great tool to have in the kitchen whether you’re a beginner home cook or a pro. It can replace some of the work done by food processors or electric mixers, which is helpful if the power ever goes out or if more than one person is cooking at the same time.

Not sure what to look for when it comes to the best pie maker? Take a look at this buyer’s guide. Dimensions It’s time for another pie pep talk! Like I mentioned before, the hardest part about working with homemade pie dough is actually mustering up the courage to work with homemade pie dough. It’s easy to resist something if it intimidates you, but something (anything!) has to start somewhere, right? Such is the case with nearly any goal or dream we have. You’llpractice, it will feel daunting, you’ll practice some more, you’ll improve, you’ll succeed. YOU CAN DO THIS! If you have any experience molding fondant decorations into silicone molds, you've already got a good idea of how easy it is to produce impressive 3-dimensional shapes this way. Williams Sonoma has created a silicone mold specifically for molding pie crust strips, outfitted with five designs that would otherwise be difficult and time-consuming to create by hand. For many years, I used only salt and nutmeg to season the dough, so one day, I decided to add a little quantity of sugar to see if there would be any difference. Lo and behold, it tasted much better! Egg Crust cutters were chosen to include a variety of tools, including traditional pastry wheel cutters for lattices, as well as punches, molds, and cutters for newer crust designs. The cutters we tested range from fun kitchen gadgets for beginners, to cutters for serious home bakers, and tools fit for a professional kitchen.

The Spring Chef Dough Blender earned the top spot on this list thanks to its solid performance, ease of use, and comfortable handle. To perfectly blend together pasta doughs, we recommend the Gorilla Grip Pastry Dough Blender and Butter Cutter.Always take your time when working with pie dough. It’s not a race! Treat the dough with a little TLC. You are not angry at the pie dough (but maybe you are LOL). Don’t roll it out too forcefully or rush through a decorative topping. Set aside enough time to really concentrate on it. Put on some music or invite some friends or family to join you, and enjoy the process. I promise it’s worth it! The wheels and accordion construction are very sturdy and tighten into place without any wobbling, but since there are more moving parts, it's also more likely to be damaged if not treated with care. With long-term use, we noticed that the wingnut used to tighten and hold the accordion at the desired width may not get quite as tight over time. To keep it strong, completely loosen the wingnut when resizing and avoid collapsing or stretching the accordion while the wingnut is tightened, even a small amount. We also noticed that taking care to protect the wheels over time will help this tool stay precise. While this cutter is made of stainless steel and can be run through the dishwasher after an especially messy project, it’s best to wash it with a dish brush by hand in hot, soapy water. Finally, the look of your pie making machine may also be a consideration. Some have a traditional vintage design, while others are more contemporary. Wattage

Our cookie and pastry cutters are perfect for creating fun culinary delights and can even be used for cutting icing. With a variety of patterns to choose from, from floral and fruits to dinosaurs, insects and unicorns, there’s something for everyone! For a classic tool that will get plenty of use year-round, we suggest the Nordic Ware Lattice & Hearts Pie Top Cutter, a reversible pie-top cutter that performed exceptionally well in testing. If you're looking for a pastry wheel, opt for the Norpro Stainless Steel Ravioli/Pastry Wheel, which is actually two pastry wheels in one. How We Tested

What Is The UK’s Best Pie Maker?

It is a little heavier than other cutters, so it may not be ideal for those with limited hand strength. But the curved wooden handle is easy to hold onto and the weight is what helps push the cutter through the dough. It can be washed in the dishwasher if it's especially messy after use, but should be washed by hand and scrubbed with a brush and warm, soapy water to extend the life of the wood handle.