Table of Contents
- Best Tortilla Press Reviews for 2021
- 1. Hardwood Tortilla Press by Central Coast Woodworks – Best wooden one
- 2. Tortilla Press by HIC Harold Import Co.- Best aluminum tortilla maker
- 3. Best Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Panacotera by Victoria
- 4. Best Electric Tortilla Maker by Cucina Pro
- 5. La Mexicana Mezquite- Best Mexican tortilla press
- 6. Tortillada- Large Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press
- 7. IMUSA USA MEXI-86008 – Best corn tortilla press
- 8. 10” Heavy-duty commercial tortilla press by M.D.S Cuisine Cookwares
- 9. Electric Tortilla, Roti and Flatbread-Maker by Homeleader – Best for roti
- 10. Cuisinart CPP-200 – Most versatile tortilla maker
- What Is A Tortilla Press?
- What Is Up With Store-Bought Tortillas?
- Why Use A Tortilla Maker?
- Types of Tortilla Presses
- What to Check When Shopping For the Best Tortilla Press
- How to Use A Taco Press
Ah, the humble tortilla… From “hugging” our favorite burrito ingredients to serving as a crunchy bed for cheesy quesadillas, this versatile flatbread can add a new dimension of flavor and texture to just about every Mexican (or Mexican-inspired) meal.
But, even though store-bought tortillas are the epitome of convenience, nothing hits the spot quite like the homemade version. OK sure, making tortillas at home feels like a daunting (may we add, tedious) task when you first hear about it. But, it can be a total breeze if you’re equipped with the right tools. That’s where a tortilla press steps in.
This easy-to-use kitchen appliance is designed to transform a dull, homemade tortilla dough into the tasty flatbread we know and love. So, if you’ve had it with the preservative-packed store-bought tortillas, it’s time you invested in a tortilla press that’s worthy of your countertop. That said, here is our best tortilla press guide and everything you need to know to put them to full use ASAP.
Best Tortilla Press Reviews for 2021
Taking into account everything, from size and material to efficiency and convenience, we present you with the top 10 tortilla presses to buy in 2021.
1. Hardwood Tortilla Press by Central Coast Woodworks – Best wooden one
If you want to make tortillas in the most authentic way possible, then this high-quality wooden press is a great place to start. Made of red oak and walnut, the Hardwood Tortilla Press comes in three shapes to accommodate everyone’s needs, whether they have a small or large kitchen.
- Sturdy Material
Red oak and walnut are two of the most durable and hulking types of wood out there. So, the material of this wooden press alone guarantees you'll enjoy flat (not uneven) tortillas for the years to come.
- Eye-Catching Design
A quick look will convince you that this press is a true masterpiece, from the colors to the finishing touches. Many people claim that it's a functional work of art.
- Easy to Clean
Coated with beeswax and food grade mineral oils, this tortilla press featured two well-polished plates (top and bottom) which can be easily cleaned using a wet paper towel.
- Size Variety
The product comes in three different sizes; small (about 8''), medium (about 10'') and large (about 11.5''). You have the chance to choose between the three sizes, depending on your needs and countertop size.
- High Price
Compared to many tortilla presses out there, this one doesn't come cheap. However, considering the materials used and the fact that it's handmade, the high price is actually understandable.
2. Tortilla Press by HIC Harold Import Co.- Best aluminum tortilla maker
If you want perfectly flat tortillas but are not interested in cast iron presses, then this aluminum tortilla maker is an excellent alternative. Ready to find out why this one stands out from the rest of its kind?
- Heavyweight Aluminum
Unlike most aluminum presses, this one is made of heavyweight aluminum. That means that it's actually sturdier and doesn't require much pressure on your behalf.
- Versatility
Thanks to its relatively small size, this press can be used to make other goodies besides tortillas such as moo shoo pancakes, pita bread, focaccia and much more.
- Easy to Clean
Both plates have a smooth surface. So, you can easily remove any tortilla traces with a wet towel.
- Kid-Safe
Given its simple, easy-to-use design and small size, this press is also suitable for use by children. You can engage them in the tortilla-making process, making things more interesting in the kitchen for you and your little ones alike.
- Still Not As Efficient As Cast Iron Presses
Even though this tool is slightly heavier than its peers, it's still no match for cast iron presses. So, it may produce flat tortillas, but they are still thicker than the ones made by cast iron presses.
3. Best Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Panacotera by Victoria
If you are looking for a high-quality tortilla maker that delivers 100% of the time, then this cast iron press is a no-brainer. But, that’s not the only reason you should pick this “tortilladora.” Let’s take a close look at its top qualities and negligible downsides.
- Affordable
Given the tool's material (cast iron) and high-quality design, it's actually quite affordable.
- Sturdy Design
Fun fact: Cast iron is one of the most stable materials out there. As a result, this type of presses guarantees you can make flat tortillas every time you step into the kitchen.
- Easy to Clean
The plates are flat, making it easy to get rid of remaining tortilla crumbs after use. All you need is a wet paper towel.
- Easy Storage
Despite its bulky size, you'll have no trouble storing it.
- May Rust With Time
Even though it will take some time, the inside coating of this tortilla maker may gradually come off. Clean it properly to maintain it as long as possible.
4. Best Electric Tortilla Maker by Cucina Pro
If you are looking for a press that doesn’t just flatten the tortilla dough but also cooks it for you, then we have the perfect choice just for you. This electric tortilla maker spares you the extra time over the stove without discounting on taste. Here is everything you need to know (both good and bad) about this all-in-one device.
- Cooking on Demand
Besides flattening the tortillas, this unique maker is also designed to cook them as you press the dough down. However, you can use this feature on demand merely by plugging the device.
- Large Tortillas
Sporting two 10-inch surfaces, this tool can help you make big tortillas to satisfy even the hungriest guests.
- Coated Finish
It's equipped with non-stick, coated plates, preventing the tortillas from sticking and making a mess as you cook.
- Even Heat Distribution
Since the plates are reinforced with non-stick coating, the heat is distributed evenly.
- Easy to Clean
The surfaces of the device's plates are meticulously flat, making cleanup a breeze.
- Slightly Expensive
Compared to others, this tortilla maker is somewhat expensive. However, it comes with many extra features which justify the price.
- Long Cooking Time
Some customers have reported that the press takes too long to cook the tortillas.
5. La Mexicana Mezquite- Best Mexican tortilla press
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Want to make tortillas the absolute authentic way? Then the La Mexicana Mesquite Tortilla Press is going to be just the thing for you!
This traditional wooden press flats out dough balls on the very first go, making perfectly even and fairly large tortillas each time you use it!
Enduring built
This tortilla press is made of heavy-set wood, making it one of the largest and heaviest out there, weighing an impressive 10 pounds. This remarkably enduring build ensures the product’s resistance against daily wear and tear.
Make large tortillas!
This wooden tortilla press comes with substantially large wooden plates that make consistently even and large tortillas each time. This dispenses the need for sizing up the dough balls each time you are about to press them. The significantly large portions of the tortillas also serve more people, for that matter
Easy to clean
The La Mexicana Mezquite Tortilla Press comes with a pretty simple layout and spacious surface area which is pretty easy to clean and maintain, unlike most other heavy-set metal presses.
The organic wooden surface also keeps it clean and hygienic for preparing food, keeping the flavors intact.
Not ergonomically designed
This tortilla press lacks proper gripping features, and it could be a tad bit difficult to handle it due to that very reason. The large wooden plates may fall off the central unit as there is no supportive spot available.
6. Tortillada- Large Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press
One of the best cast-iron presses out there on the market right now, the Tortillada cast iron press brings beauty with exceeding functionality for all your tortilla requirements. The superior grade cast iron of the press can make tortillas, empanadas, arepas, dumplings, mini pie shells and so much more within a flash!
Extremely durable built
The cast-iron press is made of premium quality cast iron, which makes it immensely durable against regular wear and tear. It holds up easily under high temperatures and runs no risk of cracking and chipping in harsh conditions.
Substantially sized plates
The cast-iron plates are 10 inch wide. It can, therefore, make sufficiently sized tortillas. Similar to the La Mexicana model, this tortilla press can solve the issues of sizing up the flour doughs, serving large portions each time.
Comes with clear instructions and recipes
The product comes with detailed instructions that make it pretty easy to use even for the first time. And along with that, the brand also provides a booklet of wonderful recipes which you can prepare using this device.
Not very easy to clean
Although the brand attaches the cleaning instructions with the package, the 12-pound structure can be difficult to clean.
7. IMUSA USA MEXI-86008 – Best corn tortilla press
The IMUSA USA MEXI is a beautiful aluminum tortilla press which works for both flour and corn tortillas. Additionally, it will make a range of food items such as rotis, flatbreads, and tostones to enabling you to cook up a storm of delicacies!
Durable Aluminum construction
The aluminum body of the press is durable enough to absorb sudden external shocks and jerks, if not formidable like cast iron. There is no risk of rust and corrosion owing to the strong aluminum construction and finish of the object. It is resistant to staining and hence, prevents any chance of bacterial growth.
Traditional press mechanism
It is often noticed that most roti or tortilla press falter when it comes to providing proper mechanisms which could ensure just the right amount of weight to make the ideal press.
The IMUSA USA MEXI surprisingly provides just the ideal leverage and an entirely traditionally plate set up which guarantee perfectly round tortillas with consistently thick edges each time!
Easy to use
The construction and design of this tortilla press offer complete ease of use for everyone. And when we say everyone, we mean even the kids who can have an enjoyable experience of learning to make tortillas with it.
Easy storage
The sleek design and comparatively lightweight construction of the press make it a pretty space-efficient unit, that could be stored easily, anywhere in the house.
Plastic Handle
The only issue with the press could be its plastic handle that may break or pop off after a point of time if subjected to high pressure or force.
8. 10” Heavy-duty commercial tortilla press by M.D.S Cuisine Cookwares
And this one’s for all those who want to have a beast of a tortilla machine for cooking large batches of these Mexican delights within the blink of an eye! This commercial-grade tortilla press is ideal for making beautifully consistent tortillas at one go!
Makes perfectly even and round tortillas each time
This heavy-duty tortilla press enables you to make perfectly even, consistent tortillas instantly. Thanks to the effective leverage delivered by the press, the doughs are pressed just right without having any bumps or uneven spots on them. This makes it easy to cook them well without having to worry about raw patches being left behind.
Incredibly strong built
The robust commercial-grade metal construction of the press makes it significantly formidable against cracking or chipping. It can withstand heavy blunt forces and resists the onslaught of rust and corrosion.
The press is ideal for commercial use and could be an appropriate addition for cafes and restaurants which require instant cooking.
Easy to maintain
It doesn’t require much to maintain this unit as it is already so durably constructed. It is also easy to clean, owing to its rust-proof and stain-resistant finish.
And although it is heavy, it is designed compactly to fit in limited spaces.
Requires you to put a lot of pressure
Well, the unit is obviously pretty heavy to move around and requires you to put substantial pressure on its heavy-metal handle to get the job done.
9. Electric Tortilla, Roti and Flatbread-Maker by Homeleader – Best for roti
The electric tortilla maker from Homeleader is a one-stop solution for all your woes about cooking this Mexican delight at home! It presses and cooks dough balls easily and in perfect shapes so that you end up with nothing short of absolutely delectable tortillas, flatbreads or rotis.
Solid stainless steel construction
The robust stainless steel construction of the unit accounts for its considerable durability against high external impact. The device further comes with a professional-grade protective spray-painted coating that tosses the question of rust, corrosion, or stains right out of the equation!
10-inch non-stick cooking plates
The unit comes with 10-inch non-stick cooking plates which cook substantially sized tortillas effortlessly, without leaving any mess behind. It prevents the food to stick to the plates even while cooking at high temperatures. And, it also makes cleaning considerably easier in every way.
Thermostat control
The device has a pretty efficient thermostat control where green and red lights indicate the preparation of your food or when you should start up the device. It actually takes around just 5 minutes to reach the highest temperature at a high power of 1200W for fast cooking. You can easily set your preferred cooking temp with the thermostat control.
Safety issues
Since the plates get super-hot and there are no protective barriers around the main cooking area, you may run the risk of getting fingers or hand burnt if you’re not careful enough while cooking.
10. Cuisinart CPP-200 – Most versatile tortilla maker
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The Cuisinart CPP-200 is an exceedingly functional tortilla-making unit that easily prepares pizzelles, blintzes, pancakes, crepes, and so much more instantly with zero hassle involved!
It presses and cooks the dough balls for your tortillas and cooks them right after so that you don’t have to go through a hundred steps to get the job done.
Entirely thermostat controlled
The unit comes with a Power On/Ready To Bake button, which indicates when the unit is ready to cook your food. There are separate knobs on the device to adjust the temperature and timer on the panel. This lets you adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Durable and beautiful design
The top cover of the unit comes with a locking lid and upright storage unit that has a charming brushed stainless steel construction and design. Not only does this look amazing in any kitchen, but it also makes the unit pretty durable and resistant to rust and corrosion.
Dishwasher-safe plates
The reversible nonstick plates of the unit are entirely dishwasher safe. This greatly reduces our efforts to tediously wash out the unit (which you shouldn’t exactly do because it’s an electrical device). The plates could be safely kept with other utensils on the dishwashing racks.
Heating issues
The product may have some issues with the overall heating where it may fail to achieve even heat distribution.
What Is A Tortilla Press?
Also referred to as “tortilladora” in Mexico, the tortilla press is a round-shaped tool that is used to make corn tortillas. This device consists of two flat round surfaces (about 8 inches each) and a handle which is used to squeeze them together. Sometimes, the press is equipped with an electric unit which when plugged, cooks fresh tortillas on the spot.
To sum up, this tool is designed to crush (and sometimes cook) balls of corn dough until flat round tortillas are formed. However, keep in mind that this device should only be used for making corn tortillas, not flour.
What Is Up With Store-Bought Tortillas?
Tortillas are one of those foods that are best consumed fresh. While many store-bought tortilla brands do their best to achieve that and still contain all the right ingredients (yellow corn masa flour, water, traces of lime), others are not that health-conscious and feature a bunch of controversial additives in the name of “freshness.” You gotta agree, though; Benzoic acid and cellulose gum don’t sound that healthy.
Some brands also contain sugar or other types of sweeteners. While these flavor enhancers may be necessary to balance out the bitterness of other additives, you need to remember that tortillas are not supposed to contain anything sweet. This way you actually sneak more sugar (and calories) into your body without even knowing. Not cool!
Why Use A Tortilla Maker?
If you want to ditch the store-bought stuff for good but still yearn for an occasional burrito, taco or tostada, then investing in a tortilla press is a champion’s choice. However, indulging in your favorite Mexican treats whenever you feel like it is just one of the reasons to buy a tortilla press. Here is why this device should become a countertop staple.
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Fresh Equals Healthy
As mentioned above, mass-produced tortillas may contain questionable substances which won’t do your health any favors in the long-term. However, this is not the case when you are in control. Making homemade tortillas helps you steer clear of the artificial stuff merely by choosing the ingredients yourself.
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Simple to Use
Despite their intricate looks, tortilla presses are very easy to use. In fact, perfectly shaped, round tortillas are one squeeze away as this tool doesn’t require any special skills such as chopping, cooking or measuring.
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Saves You Money
If tortilla-based snacks are a staple around your house, then this device is bound to pay for itself down the line. Unlike the ones available at stores, homemade tortillas cost way less since you can make them in bulk. In this case, buying a household tortilla press is more like an investment.
Types of Tortilla Presses
Even though all tortilla presses are designed to complete the same task, they’re not always made using the same materials. So, chances are you’ll come across various types of the tool in your quest to find the best tortilla press for you. From aluminum to cast iron, here are the four most common types of tortilla presses and their unique qualities.
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Wooden Tortilla Press
Still used in Mexico, wooden tortilla presses are usually made of pine wood. Choosing this material is intentional as pine wood is one of the cheapest and softest wood varieties out there. As a result, this type of presses tends to cost less than others. Not too mention that they are lighter and easier to move around. Thanks to the sturdy and durable nature of pine wood, these tools can also be used outdoors.
On the flip side, high-end wood tortilla presses are made of maple, oak or mesquite. All these wood types are kind of expensive and more cumbersome than pine, increasing the total budget and weight of the devices. However, tortilla presses that are made of these types of wood tend to look better than their pine “cousins,” especially after they’re sanded and oiled. Some even say that they give off a royal-like vibe.
No matter the type of wood used, there’s an issue with this kind of presses, and that’s their massive size. Unlike their aluminum, plastic or cast iron counterparts, wooden tortilla makers are usually big in size and can be difficult to store. As a result, they may take up lots of counter space which you may not have the luxury to afford.
Keep in mind, though, that the massive size of wooden presses is not always a problem. In fact, their sturdy and hulking structure may come in quite handy in various cases, one of them being when you press the dough.
Wooden presses are a perfect choice for those of you who want a glimpse of the authentic tortilla-making experience. The tool’s material (wood) is also an excellent fit for anyone who loves the outdoors. That said, you can use wooden tortilla presses during a barbeque, a beach trip or even a family camping excursion.
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Cast Iron Tortilla Press
Cast iron presses are -without a doubt- the most popular type of tortilla presses out there. They are also slightly heavy which makes them hard to move around. But, as with wooden presses, their bulky size makes them a safer choice as they are super steady when you get to the pressing part. Plus, the tortillas come out perfectly shaped (no uneven thickness, whatsoever) thanks to the additional weight.
Most of the work in cast iron presses is done by the top plate. Taking advantage of gravity’s effect, the top plate tends to exert the most pressure on the dough ball, forcing it to turn into an even flatbread. That’s why you should really focus on using the top plate as efficiently as possible.
Even though it’s not common, the sturdy material of cast iron presses may scratch, mark or (rarely) crack the counter’s finish. Of course, that only occurs if you are pressing the dough way harder than you should, which is not often required thanks to the tool’s innate bulky structure.
Cast iron tortilla presses are ideal for those of you who want to make perfectly flat tortillas as quickly and efficiently as possible. They are also recommended to those who have enough space on their counter since they are not easy to move around or store.
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Aluminum Tortilla Press
Weighing distinctively less than wooden and cast iron presses, aluminum tortilla presses are quite easy to handle and store. However, this doesn’t mean that they are better than the other types. In fact, what they lack in weight, you have to make up in pressing strength. And it’s only a matter of time before they break under the extra pressure.
Their light weight also seems to interfere with the tortillas’ final shape. As the top plate is not bulky enough, it ends up bending in the middle where the dough ball usually lies. That means that the dough is not evenly distributed throughout the bottom plate and is uneven in thickness.
However, these aluminum tools usually cost less than the other types of tortilla presses. But, you have to ask yourself: What matters most? Saving money or making perfect tortillas every time?
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Plastic Tortilla Press
The plastic presses are probably the least favorite type of tortilla presses and for a good reason. Given their light weight and flimsy material, these tools are not equipped to put enough pressure on the dough and, thus, produce uneven tortillas.
Besides that, plastic itself usually contains a harmful chemical known as BPA. When consumed in specific quantities, this substance is said to cause various side effects such as metabolic disorders and even cancer. However, that doesn’t mean that all plastic presses contain the chemical. But, if you do decide to opt for a plastic one, make sure to check if it’s BPA-free.
What to Check When Shopping For the Best Tortilla Press
When you’re in the market for a high-quality tortilla press, every detail can make a difference. From the tool’s size to how quickly it can be cleaned, there are a lot of factors which you need to consider. To make your choice (and life) easier, we’ve gathered around the six most essential questions to ask yourself when shopping for a tortilla press.
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Type
The first thing you need to consider is whether you need a simple tortilla press or something more than that. What does this mean? The market is packed with electric tortilla makers which not only flatten the tortilla dough to perfection but can also cook it. If you want to stick to the basics, you can either opt for a wooden or a non-electric cast iron press.
However, if you want to save as much time as possible when making tortillas and skip the cooking part, then the conventional types are not for you. Instead, go for an electric tortilla press which will do all the cooking for you.
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Size
The thing is that most tortilla presses can be quite bulky. That’s why you first need to consider how much counter or cupboard space you can actually afford. If you do have enough space, then don’t be afraid to give wooden or cast iron presses a spin. Thanks to their sturdy structure, these two can flatten the tortillas almost perfectly. However, if your kitchen is rather small, you can always opt for aluminum or plastic presses.
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Cleaning Ease
Given their simple design, these tortilla-making tools are very easy to clean. All you need to do is rinse both plates (top and bottom), and it’s as good as new. However, some are easier to clean than others. That mostly depends on the tool’s materials. That said, cast iron presses are usually the easiest to clean. Also, note that tortilla presses are not dishwasher safe.
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Inner Coating (For Cast Iron Presses Only)
Word of advice: The inside coating of cast iron press tends to scrape away with time, leaving some of its remnants in the tortillas. That said, you need to choose a tool with a high-quality finish to prevent the cast iron from rusting. So, as a solution, manufacturers recommend you either buy presses enriched with a silver or powder coating or tortilla makers that have no coating (paint) at all.
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Extra Features
Many electric tortilla presses come with a built-in indicator light which automatically turns on when the flatbreads are cooked. However, this feature is not that common, so you may need to do a little extra digging to unearth such press models.
How to Use A Taco Press
Even though it may look scary to a newbie, using a tortilla press is actually a straightforward task. If you’re still not convinced, these eight foolproof steps will guide through the magic that is known as “making my own tortillas.”
- Prepare the dough. You can either buy the dough (often called masa) at a local Mexican store or make some yourself, depending on your needs and health goals. Divide the dough into golf ball-sized balls and set them aside.
- Prep the tortilla press. Even if you’ve bought a non-stick maker, you can never be too safe. So, to avoid dough drama, cut two squares of wax paper or plastic. Make sure they are just about the size of the tool’s plates. Then, place one of them on top of the bottom plate.
- Place the dough on the press. Take one of the dough balls and locate it at the center of the maker.
- Cover the dough balls with the second wax paper or plastic.
- Press down the dough. Firmly grab the tool’s handle and press down on the dough as hard as possible.
- Lift the handle. You’ll notice that the dough has flattened a bit but not enough. Flip the tortilla over.
- Press the dough down for a second time as firmly as possible. Repeat this step as many times as necessary to flatten the tortilla to your liking.
- Remove the waxed paper or plastic. Now that the tortilla is flat enough, peel the waxed paper or plastic away. It’s cooking time!
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a big fan of burritos and want to cut back on the store-bought stuff or just love to enjoy an occasional taquito without all the additives, tortilla presses are the way to go. These budget-friendly tools are the perfect excuse to start eating healthy without giving up on your favorite Mexican dishes. Are you up to the challenge? Then, get your tortilla press today!