A tortilla is a thin carbohydrate type of bread prepared with either corn or wheat, which can be eaten with meat, cheese, or any kind of vegetables and fruit, thus very healthy. Production of tortillas at home is a straightforward and easy exercise when you have an excellent tool.Unless you know how to make tortillas by hand in a few minutes, it can be a pretty hard, time-consuming exercise because it is challenging to get the thickness and even pressing you need.
Undoubtedly, tortillapress will enable you to create consistently natural, flat, and yummy tortillas with an even thickness, without breaking a sweat. Also, with the most elegant tortilla maker, your life can be simplified because you will enjoy cooking your tortillas any time you want and save the cost of buying the already made tacos.
When acquiring a tortilla maker, you must know the features and output of the tortilla maker you want to purchase. These features include consistent pressure, secure handling and use, durability, cost, plate diameter, and most economical models.
However, when you have never used one, selecting the best tortilla press can be hard and hectic exercise considering the number of models available in the market today. Therefore, we have purposed to feature for you all the details you will require to make a great choice of a top-quality taco maker. Continue reading to spot the particulars you need when choosing an outstanding device
Top 6 Tortilla Press In 2021 (Best Picks)
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The Benefits Of Using A Tortilla Press
A press is a simple wooden or metal tool used to make corn or flour bread. It comes with a hoop, handles, and a base. The device offers several benefits if you have one in your kitchen. These include:
- Customization
The presses facilitate you with the ability to customize the ingredients used in the dough. For this reason, you can add spices and other ingredients to your tacos and eliminate gluten if you are allergic since wheat is often used in all baking industries.
- Versatility
They are multifunctional; thus, you can use them to make other dough products like flatbreads, pizza crusts, omelets, pancakes, and chapattis.
- Economical
The device is the most economical tool since you can use it several times. Saving you the transport and buying cost that you would have incurred when going to the market to buy already made chapattis. Furthermore, other tools came with a recipe book that you can enjoy at all times.
- Saves time
With cast-iron types, you will need minimal energy when pressing. In a few minutes, you will have fresh, naturally shaped and thin chapattis and other dough products.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing A Tortilla Press (Buyers Guide)
A good tortilla makerhasnumerous features that make them simple to use, maintain, and deliverquality tortilla that you are yearning for. Conversely, many features can influence the quality and durability of your press. Ensure that you put into mind the key aspects when acquiring the tool to guide you into choosing the most excellent presser from many models in the market today.
Material
Based on the material used in designing, the device can be divided into four different types.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is the most popular type of tool suitable for you to make the tortillas quickly and efficiently. It comes with outstanding quality for modeling entirely shaped thick tortillas. Also, its heavy, bulky design permits you to apply pressure to press your dough based on your needs.
Conversely, the cast iron press is not suitable for outdoor use because it is massive compared to aluminum press.
Aluminum
Aluminum is durable and not bulky; thus, presses made from this material are known to be lightweight. As a result, it is trouble-free to move around and handle or store.
However, the compact weight of this press will make you put extra force to find the perfect shape of your pancake or bread. Also, the aluminum press is affordable, so you should make it an option if you’re on a fixed budget.
Wooden
Wooden models are available on the market nowadays. The cost and effectiveness of the wooden press will depend on the type of wood used in design it. For example, ones made from pine wood will tend to cost less than those made using oak, maple, and mesquite.
Also, the hardwood models are a bit heavier than the pine models. However, you should note that the wooden presses typically are bulky hence not a perfect model for outdoor use.
Plastic
We recommend that you avoid the plastic made device due to their fragile and lightweight nature of plastic materials. Plastic tortillas will not generate sufficient pressure on the dough to curve out perfectly shaped, even tortillas.
Besides, you might purchase a model made using plastic that’s not BPA-free. This, in turn, will have severe effects on your overall body health.
Size
Sizes of the device are essential because, based on the size of the tortilla maker, you be able to make tortillas or flatbreads of that size. Check the amount of space you have in the kitchen before buying the device since the tools can be a bit immense, thus consuming much space. If your area is small to opt for a device that has a compact size and is easy to move around and store when not in use like the aluminum and plastic models.
Nevertheless, choose a big and bulky press like cast iron and wooden models if you have plenty of space. Note that as the size of the tool goes up, the price also goes up; therefore, you should consider your budget when going for a particular format.
Electric or manual
Electric or manual presses depend on your preferences and needs, although, both are useful, both have their benefits and disadvantages.
Electric tortilla models are useful if you don’t want the bother of having many steps when making tacos. Given that with the electric maker, you are pressing, producing, and also cook it, thus saving space and time altogether. On the other hand, a traditional and manual presser would be best if you have the pots and pans and need something to just press, therefore saves you the electricity cost that you would have incurred with electric tortillas.However, electric models are expensive when compared with the non-electric versions of the device.
Usability
Versatility is one of the critical aspects to consider when buying a pressing device. Opt for one that will give you the ability to make crepes, flatbread, and many other things instead of just tortillas.
Maintenance
You should also consider how easy to clean the press you want to buy is. This will directly depend on the type of material used to make the tool.
The ideal press should give you a comfortable time cleaning its top and bottom plates.
Overall, we believe that how trouble-free a press is to clean will hugely depend on the type of material used to construct it. We found that cast-iron models are the easiest to clean when they’re correctly coated.
Cost
Having a budget is very crucial since it does your shopping more efficiently and faster by narrowing down your list of choices to only one product that is within your limit.
Interior Surface
The press should have a nonstick interior surface to enable you to; get safe meals, clean quickly, and quick release of your foods, thus saving you a lot of time. Also, the interior should facilitate your uniformity by giving you an even press and spread heat evenly.
Warranty
A warranty is also essential since it will act as a guard for your asset. This will, in turn, guarantee you an option if your tool goes wrong within the set warranty period. The majority of producers of tortillas give a warranty of one year or even more extended periods.
Top Reviews Of The Best Tortilla Press
The ideal toolwill enable you to make tasty tortillas in seconds. The presser can seem similar from a passing glance because all have two flat circular plates that turn balls of dough into flat tortillas. Regardless ofthis resemblance, tortilla devices do contrast. We have researched and found some of the best tortilla makers that can be found in the marketto make your purchasing process more manageable.
1. Victoria 8 Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press: Best Overall Tortilla Press
Victoria 8 inch cast iron is a long-lasting tool and one of the best-cast iron tool that enables you to make your tortillas at your home without difficulty and rapidly. The machine has advanced sand molding equipment and techniques to ensure you produce perfectly flat and even tortillas. The device heavyweight construction permits you to apply just the right amount of pressure with less effort, thus enabling consistency throughout the process.
Furthermore, it has a reinforced handle and base design for better resistance, therefore, making it durable. Also, the machine comes with an extra screw for the lever, so that you can use it to hold the bar if one breaks. The tool is pre-seasoned by the manufacturer at high temperaturewith non-gm flaxseed oil, making non-stick interior, thus enabling the cleaning exercise.Itis versatile; therefore, it can handle other foods and has a limited lifetime warranty.
Pros
- Two sizes to choose from.
- It is made from heavy-duty cast iron.
- Ergonomic design.
- Non-stick.
- Versatile.
- It has a limited lifetime warranty.
Cons
- The handle hinge has been known to break/fall apart fairly quickly.
| Features | |
| Weight | 8.15 Pounds |
| Dimension | 9.5 x 8 x 2.5 inches |
| Material | Cast Iron |
2. Norpro 6″ Tortilla Maker: Best Tortilla Maker for Beginners
Norpro is a cast aluminum construction based tortilla maker that can create your tortillas up to 6 inches. It is sturdy, durable, and has a shiny and smooth texture. This device is suitable for large quantities. The handle press is centered weighed; hence the pressure will be usual as you press.
Furthermore, it comes with recipes that will give you an idea of how to cook your tortillas. Since it is a tool, you can use it for making various types of bread, whether it is flatbread, tortillas, pancake, or omelets. The presser is easy to; use, clean, and compact for storage.
Pros
- Effortless to use and clean
- Making flawless homemade tortillas
- Able to make tortilla quickly
- Compact design for easy storage
- Durable with excellent leverage
Cons
- Not intended for flour tortillas
| Features | |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds |
| Dimension | 8.4 x 6.2 x 2 inches |
| Material | Aluminum |
3. IMUSA USA MEXI-86008 8-In. Aluminum Tortilla Press:Best corn
Imusa device is made of aluminum, thus very light, durable, and has excellent leverage than the cast iron traditional press. This tool is very proficient in making tortillas, roti, flatbread, and others.
Moreover, this tortilla maker permits you to prepare a homemade tortilla with perfect round shape and proper thickness. This device is easy to use and works best for both corn and flour tortillas.
Pros
- Making perfect tortilla with round shape and proper thickness
- Lightweight
- Suitable for corn and flour tortillas
- Able to make tortilla and flatbread
Cons
- The hinge has poor design and doesn’t work correctly
| Features | |
| Weight | 1.75 Pounds |
| Dimension | 5.1 x 7.9 x 10.4 inches |
| Material | Aluminum |
4. Smart Cook Flour Corn Tortilla Press: Heavy-Gauge Manual Restaurant Cast Iron Flour Corn Tortilla Press
The Smart Cook has a surface diameter of 7.5 inches and is simple to use. You need to heat it on your stovetop, place your dough, and press it down with the handle. The tool is comfortable to use because of the balanced weight of the press and the long handle. Also, it requires little effort to use since it uses its leverage weight.
Besides, it is rust-resistant and gives you uniform thickness and even heating. It’s an excellent choice of the device since it is versatile hence suitable for all flour, corn, pancake, and other breaded food preparation.
Pros
- Easy and comfortable to use.
- Rust resistant.
- Presses your tortilla evenly.
- Even heating
Cons
- The handle hinge breaks/falls apart fairly quickly.
- The black paint used in this item is known to chip all over the place, even on your food.
| Features | |
| Weight | 4.5 pounds |
| Dimension | 2 x 7.5 x 9 inches |
| Material | Cast Iron |
5. Brentwood TS-128 Electric Tortilla Maker: Nonstick Tortilla Press
Brentwood is an electric tortilla maker with non-stick even heating surface that facilitates thejob to be done quickly and nicely. The tool is made from stainless steel, making it lightweight and portable. However, this product not only makes tortillas but also cooks tortillas. Storing this tool is very simple since it is compact and provides you with a cord storage space.
Moreover, the adjustable heat enables you the power to make soft or crispy tortillas. Indicator lights illuminate when the unit is powered on and once the heat is hot and ready. The device is easy to clean, and you can also use this device to make flatbread, chapatti, mandarin, pancakes, and more.
Pros
- Charming stainless steel exterior
- Fast and even heat distribution
- Adjustable temperature and timer controls
- Power on and warm up indicator lights
- Non-stick
- Easy to clean
- Ever cool handle
- Cord storage space
Cons
- It does not press evenly
- The handle has been known to bend or break somewhat easily
| Features | |
| Weight | 3.7 pounds |
| Dimension | 8 x 9 x 2 inches |
| Material | stainless steel |
6. Premium Grade-8 inch Cast iron tortilla press: Best Affordable Tortilla Press
Premium Grade-8 inch is an affordable option for making small-sized tortillas at home designed for an easy and even pressing. It has a round wide diameter press surface that provides a flat uniform press, thus enabling you to make even round tortillas and heavy balanced weight of the device and bolted handle provides a stable press.
The presser is straightforward to use and is excellent for use on corn and flour tortillas since you just need to place your tortilla dough in the center of the press plate then close and press. This product is indeed essential kitchen wear since it is durable and requires minimal maintenance.
Pros
- Comes with basic features
- Affordable and low maintenance
- Designed for effortless pressing
- Versatile as it work for both corn and flour tortillas
- Easy clean
- Wide diameter for flat and uniform press
Cons
- It comes with no warranty
- Tortillas can be thicker than usual.
| Features | |
| Weight | 6.65 pounds |
| Dimension | 11.1 x 10.4 x 2.1 inches |
| Material | Cast Iron |
FAQS
Q: How to use a tortilla press at home?
First and foremost, you need to have dough which can be ready-made from the market, or you can prepare your own. Once the dough is ready, line the base of your press with a plastic wrap sheet even if you have a non-sticky device. Weadvise you to do this step to make sure that your press remains clean, and the overall process runs smoothly and quickly.
Afterward, make balls from the dough you madeand put them at the center of the press base. On the other hand, ensure to cover the remaining dough with a piece of the plastic wrap to prevent them from drying up.
Next, lower down the top plate of your tortilla maker by pushing down the handle and then open the press. Following this step, the plastic wrap should appear at the devicebottom. You should then peel away the cover from the top of your perfectly formed tortilla by putting your hand below and flip it over to the other side to enable you to peel the other plastic wrap.
Finally, place your tortilla on a pre-heated grill that should be extremely hot and cook it until it starts drying around its edges, then flip it over to cook the other side. Ensure that you cook it until it starts puffing calmly; tap it with your fingertips to enable even puffing. Once you are sure it is well prepared, remove the tortilla and wrap it using a clean towel or cloth warmer to keep it warm. Repeat the same process to make other tremendous and yummy tortillas.
Q: How long can you keep tortilla dough?
You can keep the dough for up to a day in the counter or on the refrigerator for up to three days or keep it frozen for up to six monthsfor the best quality.
In any case that you want to hold the dough, Make sure thatthe baking powder used in making the dough is of the double-acting variety.
Q: What else can I use a tortilla press for?
Most of these tools are multifunctional. Thus, you can use it for making pizza bread, individual pizzas, homemade dumplings, chapatti, and so much more. Besides, once you have made your corn or flour tortillas, you can fry them and make homemade tortilla chips.
Q: What does baking powder do to tortillas?
With other flour tortilla recipes, you have to add some baking powder to it to act as a leavening agent as a result giving the dough a little bit of puffy volume.
Q: How long should tortillas rest?
You should wrap the dough with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rest for about five to ten minutes. Allows the dough to relax and let out any of the water absorb into the flour; this, in turn, will give you a softer chapatti after cooking.
Final Verdict
The development of the tortilla maker has made it possible and easy for everyone to make the most excellent tortillas in the comfort of their kitchen. Thedevice permits you to come up with a perfectly shaped chapatti and eradicate the mess associated with the traditional methods. Furthermore, the electric models will even cook the flatbreads for you whichsave time.
Thankfully, we have outlined for youthe most excellent six famous tortilla makers available on the market today. Our selection criteria will aid you in your research for the best tortilla press that meets your specific needs and preferences.
Last update on 2023-03-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
