Automatic empanadas making machine

Types of automatic empanadas making machines

Automatic empanada machines can be classified into the following models. Both the single function machine and the combination machines are popular in commercial settings.

• Automatic empanada making machine with one function only: This machine can be used to make one constant type of empanada. The process of making empanadas with this machine involves three main steps: dough feeding, filling feeding, and pressing. Operated electrically, the dough will be fed in from a conveyor belt, filling will be pressed onto the dough, and then the two will get pressed together and sealed. The final product will get ejected onto the table.
• Automatic empanada making machine with multiple functions: These machines can make any number of variations of empanadas, such as folding, filling, sealing, or frying. They are operated electrically or semi-automatically. Some machines even have programmable logic controls (PLC) that help the operator pre-select any variation of empanadas to make. Other automatic features include safety guards, e-stops, touch screens, and more. The design of some of these machines is modular, meaning parts can be assembled and disassembled at will.
• Combination automatic empanada making and frying machine: This is a stand-alone, automatic, and semi-continuous production line that many commercial settings often use. It can make different types of empanadas and fry them all in one place. The machine's primary body includes dough-sheeting rollers, a stuffing mechanism, a sealing device, a frying basket, a temperature control cabinet, and an electrical control box with a timer. The dough-sheeting rollers help spread the dough; the stuffing mechanism puts the filling; the sealing device seals the empanada, while the frying basket is where the empanada gets fried. The temperatures are set and modified from the temperature control cabinets, and the timer lets operators know when the empanadas will be done frying. Some machines may have safety guards and emergency shut-off buttons to protect against accidents.

Automatic empanadas machines can also be divided according to their shapes, such as semicircular, oval, or other custom shapes.

Specification & maintenance of an automatic empanada-making machine

The specs of an empanada automatic machine may vary depending on the manufacturing company. Here are some standard specifications for guidance.

• Production capacity: The amount of empanadas an automatic empanada maker produces in a specific timeframe is known as the production capacity. It can also be described in terms of the amount of dough and filling it can handle. Some machines produce over 4,000 pieces in an hour, while others can produce anywhere between 50 to 500 units in a shift.
• Size and weight: An empanada-making machine comes in different sizes and weights. Some are big enough to occupy an entire room, while others are small and compact. The size will usually correlate with the production capacity of the machine. In terms of weight, industrial-grade empanada makers are much heavier than their commercial and household counterparts.
• Power and efficiency: Automatic empanada makers work best when connected to a power source. The efficiency of the machine in terms of energy usage will depend on the strength of the motor. The motor power for automatic empanada makers ranges between 5-8HP. Tasks also run smoothly without any delays.
• Materials and hygiene standards: Manufacturers of automatic empanada makers use stainless steel in crafting the machines. This material meets the hygiene and quality standards necessary for food production machinery. It is also easy to clean and durable.

Automatic empanada machines have to be cleaned and maintained regularly. Here are some maintenance tips to keep the machine in perfect working condition:

• Clean the machine after every use. Focus on all removable parts and the ones through which filling residues can be found.
• Deep clean all removable pieces at least once a month. Soak them in hot, soapy water for a few hours and scrub carefully to avoid any injuries.
• Wipe the automatic empanada maker with a damp cloth after spraying or soaking it in a cleaning solution. Do that before using it again to prevent any chemical reactions to the food.
• Make sure all removable parts are thoroughly dried before assembling the machine together to avoid mold growth.

Usage scenarios of automatic empanadas making machines

Automatic empanadas machines are used in different commercial settings, including:

• Restaurants

  Restaurants that serve Latin American cuisine prepare empanadas consistently using automatic empanada-making machines. The machines increase production efficiency so that chefs can focus on other essential kitchen tasks while ensuring there is always a supply of fresh baked or fried savory pastries available for customers to enjoy.

• Food trucks and carts

  Food truck and cart owners can easily use automatic empanada machines to make their signature dish on-site at festivals, street markets, or busy urban areas where space is limited but quality fast food should be offered. This allows them to prepare a variety of flavors while being able to produce large quantities in a short time frame.

• Bakeries

  Bakeries are great candidates for the use of automatic empanada-making machines since they offer a wide selection of baked goods. Besides bread and sweet treats, baked savory pastries like these Argentinean empanadas can be added to the menu as another option that customers may choose from when visiting the shop. The machine helps bakers expand their product line effortlessly.

• Caterers

  Catering services should consider investing in automatic empanada machines because they have different events to provide food for such as weddings, corporate gatherings, birthday parties, etc. Frozen empanada production is helpful if they want to offer bite-sized appetizers or savory main courses featuring these pastries alongside other dishes. Industrial models with higher capacities would be suitable for this industry so that more units can be made within less time during preparation days prior to the event day.

• Delis

  Delicatessens can use automatic empanada machines to create homemade-style savory pastries filled with various ingredients like meats, cheeses, vegetables, etc. They could sell freshly baked or fried empanadas at affordable prices compared to restaurants, which attracts clients who are on tight budgets but still want delicious food made from quality materials. The machines assist delis in providing customers with diverse flavors of empanadas as one of their options.

• Takeaway shops

  Takeaway shops offer ready-to-eat meals for people on the go, making them an ideal place to sell empanadas as quick and convenient finger food that customers can buy when they don't have time to sit down and eat. Automatic empanada-making machines allow these businesses to produce large quantities of different flavors so that their shelves are always stocked with fresh pastries waiting to be taken away by satisfied clients.

• Bars

  Bars may consider serving hot empanadas with drinks at happy hour or during live music shows because this is a profitable way of getting people to stay longer in the establishment instead of going out elsewhere for food. They could use automatic machines to make it easier and faster to provide their customers with quality products instead of frozen ones that don't taste good. Choosing machines that have several molds will allow them to offer different flavors of empanadas to meet the demand of their clients.

• Supper clubs

  These exclusive social venues combine elements of dining, entertainment, and nightlife into one experience, making them ideal settings where patrons expect unique offerings not found elsewhere. Supper clubs should aim at creating memorable moments through presenting unexpected dishes like hand-held savory pastries such as these Latin American specialties prepared fresh using automated equipment indoors right in front of everyone who witnesses how it was done live on-site rather than just being served frozen ones bought from supermarkets.

• Frozen food manufacturers

  Automated empanada-making machines are essential tools for production lines operated by frozen food manufacturers that freeze large quantities of different types of savory pastries, package them properly, and distribute them widely throughout entire regions so that supermarkets can sell frozen products stored inside freezers waiting patiently until someone decides to buy some boxes full of frozen ready-to-cook convenience meals like these which only require defrosting followed by baking/frying from the consumer side.

How to choose suitable automatic empanadas making machines

The following factors should help business buyers when selecting the right automatic empanadas maker for their food business applications.

• Production volume

A key selling point of an automatic empanada maker machine is its capacity for high-production volumes. It's important to choose machines that produce the required pastry amounts to meet set demands. Small machines produce about 30 to 50 empanadas per hour, while larger industrial models with feeding belts can produce over 500 empanadas per hour.

• Product flexibility

Automatic empanada makers can produce different types of empanadas based on shape, size, filling, and dough requirements. When choosing a machine, consider the product range it can handle. Are they able to accommodate various fillings, such as meat, vegetables, cheese, or dessert ingredients? Can the machine work with different types of dough–wheat, corn, or gluten-free? Can it produce empanadas of varying shapes and sizes?

• Consumer safety

For business buyers, food safety is a top priority. Choose empanada-making machines that comply with local and international food safety standards. Check for certifications that assure compliance with safety and hygiene regulations. Additionally, select machines that have good customer support networks. Spare parts, technical support, and accessories availability will ensure the machine runs optimally with minimal downtime.

automatic empanadas making machine FAQ

Q1: At what temperature should the empanada maker be set?

A1: Heating settings vary depending on the machine. Some automatic empanada makers have default heat settings of 190 degrees Celsius, which can be changed if needed. The operator should always preheat the makers so the empanadas can be cooked equally.

Q2: How long does it take to cook empanadas in the automatic empanada maker?

A2: The cooking time varies depending on the machine. Generally, empanadas take about 10 minutes to cook in the automatic empanada maker. The time can increase or decrease depending on the heat setting of the machine.

Q3: Can the automatic empanada maker be used at home?

A3: Yes, some automatic empanada makers are small enough to be used at home. They are often used to make fried empanadas because of their practicality and ease of use. However, home-size models may not be ideal for commercial use due to their small size and low capacity.

Q4: Does the automatic empanada maker have a warranty?

A4: Many manufacturers provide a warranty period against certain defects and damages. The warranty period may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, checking with the supplier or manufacturer to understand the warranty details is important.