Best Arepa Maker 2026
Expert Reviews & Full Comparison
We tested every major arepa maker sold in the United States. Honest specs, real pros and cons, and a clear recommendation for every budget and cooking style.
Choosing the right arepa maker can be the difference between perfect golden arepas and frustrating uneven results. We have hands-on experience with every major brand available in the United States — from Holstein’s iconic Amazon bestseller to IMUSA’s Latin kitchen legacy, Brentwood’s budget-friendly value, StarBlue’s family-sized capacity, and Oster’s premium build quality. This guide cuts through the noise with real specs, honest pros and cons, and a clear winner for every type of cook and every budget in 2026.
Our Top Picks at a Glance — 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Holstein | IMUSA | Brentwood | StarBlue | Oster |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (approx.) | ~$27 | ~$32 | ~$19 | ~$28 | ~$39 |
| Capacity | 6 arepas | 4 arepas | 6 arepas | 6-8 arepas | 6 arepas |
| Non-stick plates | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ready indicator light | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Thermostat | Built-in | Basic | Basic | Built-in | Advanced |
| Amazon rating | 4.4 stars | 4.2 stars | 4.1 stars | 4.3 stars | 4.5 stars |
| Our score | 9.4 / 10 | 8.8 / 10 | 8.2 / 10 | 8.6 / 10 | 9.1 / 10 |
| Best for | Most buyers | Authentic flavor | First timers | Large batches | Serious cooks |
| Buy on Amazon | Shop | Shop | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Prices may vary. Last checked April 2026. Links are affiliate links — see our disclosure.
Holstein Housewares Arepa Maker
~$27 | 6 arepas | Non-stick | Built-in thermostat
Holstein is the #1 bestselling arepa maker on Amazon for good reason. It strikes the perfect balance between price, capacity, and reliability. The non-stick plates heat evenly and release cleanly — critical for getting that authentic golden crust without tearing the dough. The built-in thermostat prevents overheating, and the indicator light takes the guesswork out of timing. Beginners and experienced cooks alike consistently rate this as their go-to machine.
Pros
- Amazon’s #1 bestseller — proven track record
- 6 arepas per batch — great for families
- Built-in thermostat for consistent heat
- Easy to clean non-stick surface
- Best value under $30
Cons
- Plastic exterior feels less premium
- No adjustable temperature dial
- Cord is slightly short (about 2 ft)
Verdict: The Holstein is the safest, smartest choice for most buyers. If you are making arepas regularly and want reliable results without overthinking it, start here.
IMUSA Electric Arepa Maker
~$32 | 4 arepas | Non-stick | Latin heritage brand
IMUSA has been a staple in Venezuelan and Colombian kitchens for generations. Their arepa maker reflects that heritage — it is built for durability and designed to produce the thick, authentic results that Latin home cooks expect. The cooking surface is slightly larger per individual arepa, which helps achieve the proper crust. If you grew up eating arepas and want a machine that respects the tradition, IMUSA is the brand for you.
Pros
- Trusted Latin kitchen brand for decades
- Durable construction — built to last
- Larger individual plate size per arepa
- Authentic results for Venezuelan and Colombian styles
Cons
- Only 4 arepas per batch (smaller capacity)
- Slightly higher price than Holstein
- Harder to find in stores — mainly online
Verdict: IMUSA is the choice for cooks who prioritize authenticity and brand heritage over price. The smaller batch size is the main trade-off versus Holstein.
Brentwood AR-136 Arepa Maker
~$19 | 6 arepas | Non-stick | Lightweight design
Brentwood delivers excellent value for first-time arepa makers who are not ready to commit to a higher price point. The AR-136 is lightweight, easy to store, and consistently available under $20. Cooking results are solid for the price — the non-stick surface works well and cleanup is straightforward. It is not the most durable machine on the market, but for someone just getting started with arepas it is a smart entry-level choice.
Pros
- Lowest price of all five machines (~$19)
- 6 arepas per batch for the price
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Simple operation — plug in and go
Cons
- Less durable than Holstein or Oster
- Basic thermostat — less precise heat control
- Not ideal for daily heavy use
Verdict: Brentwood is the right call if your budget is under $20 or you want to try an arepa maker before investing more. For daily use, step up to Holstein.
StarBlue Electric Arepa Maker
~$28 | 6-8 arepas | Non-stick | Larger cooking surface
StarBlue is the hidden gem of the arepa maker market. Slightly underrated compared to Holstein, it offers a larger cooking surface that makes it ideal for families who need bigger arepas or want to cook more in each batch. Heat distribution is consistent across the entire plate, and the build quality punches above its price point. If you are feeding a family of four or more, StarBlue deserves serious consideration.
Pros
- Largest cooking surface of the five models
- Consistent, even heat distribution
- Great for bigger arepas (Colombian style)
- Good build quality for the price
Cons
- Less brand recognition than Holstein
- Fewer online reviews to reference
- Takes up more counter space
Verdict: StarBlue is the best pick for families who make arepas as a meal — not just a snack. The larger surface is a genuine advantage if you cook in volume.
Oster Electric Arepa Maker
~$39 | 6 arepas | Non-stick | Premium build quality
Oster is a premium kitchen appliance brand with decades of engineering behind every product. Their arepa maker reflects that experience — faster heat-up time, superior build quality, and a sleek design that looks at home on any countertop. The advanced thermostat gives you more precise temperature control than any other machine on this list. If you take your arepas seriously and cook them daily, the extra investment in Oster pays for itself in consistency and durability.
Pros
- Premium build quality — built to last years
- Fastest heat-up time of all five models
- Advanced thermostat — most precise control
- Sleek design — looks great on the counter
- Highest Amazon rating: 4.5 stars
Cons
- Highest price (~$39) — not for everyone
- Overkill for casual or occasional cooks
Verdict: Oster is the best arepa maker money can buy. If you make arepas every day and want a machine that matches your commitment to quality, this is it.
Buying Guide — What to Look for in an Arepa Maker
Capacity: How many people are you cooking for? Holstein and Brentwood make 6 arepas per batch — enough for 2-3 people. StarBlue handles 6-8. IMUSA makes 4 but they are larger arepas. If you cook for a family of 5 or more, prioritize capacity.
Thermostat: A built-in or advanced thermostat prevents burning and ensures consistent golden crusts. Brentwood and IMUSA use basic thermostats that work but offer less precision. Holstein, StarBlue, and Oster have better heat regulation.
Non-stick quality: All five models use non-stick plates, but coating quality varies. Oster and Holstein have the most consistent release. Always oil the plates lightly on the first few uses regardless of brand.
Budget: Under $20 — Brentwood. Under $30 — Holstein or StarBlue. Premium — Oster. Heritage brand — IMUSA. The price gaps are small enough that we recommend stepping up to Holstein over Brentwood for most buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best arepa maker in 2026?
The Holstein Housewares arepa maker is the best overall choice for most buyers in 2026. It balances price (~$27), capacity (6 arepas), reliability, and ease of use better than any competitor. For serious cooks who want premium quality, the Oster is the top-rated machine with the highest Amazon score at 4.5 stars.
What is the difference between a Venezuelan and Colombian arepa maker?
There is no separate machine for Venezuelan vs. Colombian arepas. The difference is in the dough. Venezuelan arepas are made with Harina PAN (precooked white cornmeal), while Colombian arepas often use a mix that includes hogao or sweet corn. The same electric arepa maker works for both — you just change the recipe.
Can I use an arepa maker for things other than arepas?
Yes. Arepa makers work well for corn tortillas, small pupusas, and even small English muffins. The round molds and even heat make them versatile for any round flatbread. Stay within the thickness range the machine was designed for — typically up to about 1 inch.
How long does an electric arepa maker take to cook arepas?
Most electric arepa makers cook arepas in 8 to 12 minutes total. Preheat the machine for 2-3 minutes before placing the dough. The indicator light turns off when the machine is ready. Thicker arepas may need a full 12 minutes; thinner ones are done in 8. Avoid opening the lid before 8 minutes to keep the steam inside.
Where can I buy an arepa maker in California?
The easiest option is Amazon, where all five brands ship to California with Prime delivery. In-store, Holstein is sometimes available at Walmart and Target. IMUSA can be found at Latin grocery chains like Cardenas and Northgate. For the widest selection and best prices, Amazon is the recommended source — see our links above.
Ready to Choose Your Arepa Maker?
All five machines are available on Amazon with fast shipping to California and the rest of the U.S.
Prices may vary. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.