Tortillas are wonderfully versatile. Not only are they easy to make, they can also be used to prepare various dishes,
from delicious tacos and burritos to tasty quesadillas. Although tortillas are readily available at your local grocery store or supermarket, some prefer them homemade. We have also written a complete guide about the best burger presses.
This is where a tortilla press comes in handy
Benefits and advantages that tortilla presses offer
A tortilla press is a traditional device that has been used for over a century, and its design has changed little over the years. Dough is placed in the unit, which consists of a lever that is subsequently pressed to bring two round plates together, flattening it out into the desired shape.
There are many benefits to adding this nifty appliance to your kitchen.
Customisation: Apart from being able to enjoy the goodness of homemade tortillas, a press allows for more customisation, as you will be controlling the ingredients, as compared to mass produced tortillas that come from the factory. For example, those who are on a gluten-free diet can opt to make corn t
ortillas or use other ingredients, without including wheat flour which is often the main ingredient in store-bought brands.
Time and energy saving: Having a press makes it faster and easier to make tortillas, as opposed to using a rolling pin, which requires a fair bit of strength. The press’s design capitalises on the lever and its weight to make pressing easier. A good unit will be able to produce flat and evenly shaped tortillas consistently, eliminating the need for any manual work apart from pressing the device.
Versatile: The press is not only good for making tortillas, but can be used for a variety of other applications, such as making roti, pizza crust, pie crust or even flattening burger patties.
Inexpensive & value for money: If you’re a fan of Mexican food and are always making tortillas, a tortilla press is a good investment as they are cheap and can be used multiple times.
Types
There are a few types of tortilla presses. The main difference is in its material rather than its design.
Cast Iron
Cast iron is widely considered to be the best material for tortilla presses, thanks to its sturdiness an
d weight, the latter of which plays an important role in how much effort is needed to use the machine and how consistent the resulting tortillas are. The added weight also ensures that the press will not buck or slide while in use.
The downside of using cast iron is that it is very heavy, bulky and difficult to store. The material may also rust if exposed to moisture so proper care is needed to ensure that it lasts for a long time.
Cast Aluminium
Cast aluminium is another popular material for tortilla presses, as it is light and easy to handle. It sports an attractive silver appearance and does not rust, but corrodes. Owing to its lightness, it does not produce tortillas that are as thin, even or as consistent as a cast iron model. Too much pressure might also snap and break the press. It’s worth noting that we have also written about the best grill and panini presses.
Key Features of high-quality tortilla presses
Size and Dimensions – Depending on your needs, size plays an important part in determining your tortilla press purchase. There are units made for smaller tortillas that measure just six inches, which are great for tacos or mini quesadillas, but not so much for making full-sized breakfast burritos. Then there are larger units that are fitted for tortillas up to eight inches. The upside of a smaller unit is that it will be easier to store.
Build quality – A common problem with many tortilla presses is its durability, especially with the handle,
which tends to snap when too much pressure is applied. Cast iron material seems to fare better than aluminium ones.
Design – A good tortilla press should only require minimal effort in its usage. If a masa or ball of dough needs to be pressed repeatedly to achieve the desired thinness, or rolled out further, it defeats the purpose of having a convenient tortilla press. The plates should be designed well so that the results are even, consistent and perfectly shaped.
Finish – Most tortilla presses are coated in paint to protect the iron from rust, but some models use a powder coating which may flake into the food over a period of time. This can be hazardous for health. Go for high quality tortilla presses with a good, durable finish. Alternatively, one can opt for cast iron models that have been seasoned with oil.
Top 10 Best Tortilla Presses in 2022 – Comparison Chart
For perfect, flat tortillas everytime, look no further than the Victoria tortilla press, touted to be made in Colombia.
The Victoria brand is a family-run business that has lasted three generations, and prides itself in its quality cookware. While the device is specialised for making tortillas, it is versatile enough to make other items such as patacones, tostones, empanadas, dumplings, arepas, mini pie shells, patacon pisao, and more. The press works best on corn flour.
For health-conscious users who intend to make gluten-free tortillas, the press can also accommodate different types of dough such as wheat flour, although some rolling might be needed to further flatten the end product. Usage is straightforward: simply place a ball of dough between the plates, and press down on the lever to flatten it out. The resulting tortillas are approximately ⅛-inch thick.
Size and Design
The Victoria press is available in two dimensions, both of which are good choices, depending on their usage. Users who prefer snack-sized tortillas should go for the smaller 6.5 inch press, while those who like larger shells can opt for the 8-inch version. The latter measures 11.25 inches from side to side, with a depth of 11 inches from front to back, overall. Using advanced and precise sand-casting molding techniques, the design features perfectly flat plates for even, consistent results. Also included is an extra screw for the lever. However, because of its large size and bulkiness, storage of the press can be a hassle.
Type and Build
Like many traditional tortilla presses, the Victoria is made from heavy-duty cast iron which is sturdy, long lasting and low maintenance. Cleaning can easily be done by wiping the press off right after use to prevent moisture from building up, as cast iron has a tendency to rust. Owing to its material, the unit is heavy and weighs 7lbs.
As cast iron does not come with a non-stick layer, it has to be seasoned with oil at high temperatures. The Victoria is no exception, and comes seasoned with high quality, organic flaxseed oil . For best results and to avoid sticking, layer the plates with a sheet of plastic wrap which will also help to remove the tortillas easily.
Two aspects that some users find faulty is the bottom plate and the handle, both of which have a tendency to break. The handle, in particular, seems prone to snapping if excessive pressure is applied, which belies its otherwise sturdy construction.
Additional Features
The Victoria comes with a limited lifetime warranty, as well as detailed instructions on use and care.
Pros
Sturdy build
Versatile
Seasoned with organic flaxseed oil
Easy maintenance and cleaning
Cons
Heavy, difficult to store
Handle and base prone to breaking
Rusts if exposed to moisture over prolonged period
When considering a purchase of this tortilla press by Smart Cook, it is best to take the information with a pinch of
salt. Although advertised as a ‘cast iron’ unit, it seems more likely to be steel, owing to the device’s inexpensive price.
However, the press does have several redeeming qualities. It is versatile and can be used to prepare a variety of bread, such as corn tortillas, pancakes and breads. Most tortilla presses are unable to flatten wheat-flour based shells to the desired thinness, but the Smart Cook does a pretty decent job at it.
Size and Design
The Smart Cook is designed to make smaller tortillas, with a maximum diameter of 7.5 inches. As such, it is ideal for making soft tacos or mini quesadillas, as opposed to a full burrito. The device itself measures 9 inches in total and stands at four inches tall, with a handle measuring 8.5 inches. Its smaller size as compared to some of the truly behemoth presses out there makes the Smart Cook convenient for storage. The device relies on its firm grip handle, a bolted hinge and the natural weight of the press to provide a stable pressing experience. This means that on the user’s end, it requires minimal effort to flatten out the balls of dough, and the tortilla shells come out even and nicely pressed each time.
Type and Build
The brand claims that the device is commercial grade and suitable for restaurant use. It weighs 4.4lb and feels sturdy and well built. Even so, some users have noted that the handle construction is flimsy and breaks when strong pressure is applied. To prevent sticking, press the ball of dough between two layers of plastic wrap so that it peels off easily.
Additional Features
Cast iron cookware is often enameled or seasoned, but the Smart Cook lacks this feature, raising doubts as to the authenticity of its material. Instead, it is painted black to give it the appearance of cast iron. The paint tends to come off into the tortilla dough which can be a safety hazard.
Those who are always in need of party appetisers or bite-sized snacks to munch on should go for the HIC Tortilla
Press. While it cannot make large tortillas, it works well for different types of dough, from corn to wheat flour-based, whole grain, low carb and gluten-free mixes. The device can also be used to make pita bread, Caribbean roti, focaccia and other types of artisanal bread, in addition to Mandarin pancakes, mini pies and tart shells. The results are consistent, if not a little thick. As it is less heavy than cast iron models, the press can even be used when cooking with the kids, with adult supervision.
Say goodbye to rolling dough by hand, as the press is very easy to use. All one needs is to line it with plastic wrap or wax paper, add dough, flatten it slightly by hand, close the press and apply pressure with the handle to flatten it into griddle-ready shells.
Size and Design
The HIC is a small and compact unit, as it measures just 8.5 x 6.375 x 2.125 inches, making it easy to store. It sports an attractive silver sheen and has better aesthetics compared to the hulking, black cast iron models. However, there are slight improvements that can be done to its design, as it seems to be slightly uneven and presses the dough more on one side.
Type and Build
Made from heavyweight aluminium for durability, the HIC has a sturdy construction overall, and is much more lightweight than cast iron. At just 1.2lbs, the unit is also much easier to carry around. That being said, there are some downsides to this material. While aluminium does not rust, it can corrode over time. Lacking the weight of cast iron, it takes a considerable amount of effort to push the press down to flatten out the tortilla, and repeated attempts might be needed in order to achieve the desired thinness. Some users have noted that they needed to further flatten out the tortilla with a rolling pin after, which defeats the purpose of using a press at all.
Additional Features
To help users get the most out of their device, the HIC comes with instructions included for care and maintenance. It is easy to clean and can be hand washed in warm, soapy water. The unit should be dried thoroughly before storing.
More than just a tortilla press, the KooK is a handy piece of equipment to have in any kitchen to help speed up the
cooking process. It is versatile and can be used in a variety of applications, from making tortillas, patacones, tostones, empanadas and arepas, to dumplings and mini pie shells.
Out of the box, the unit is easy to assemble. Instructions are straightforward – simply open the plate, place a piece of dough in between, press shut and open. At this point, the dough can be rotated 180 degrees and pressed repeatedly until it achieves the desired thickness. Repeat the process with multiple dough balls, and cook them in the skillet for a batch of tasty, homemade tortillas.
Although the iron is pre-seasoned, using parchment or wax papers as a base is highly recommended. This is to prevent sticking, and to ensure that the dough comes out beautifully pressed and intact in shape. Size and Design
Designed to make tortillas that measure up to eight inches, the KooK enables users to make larger shells and a wider variety of cuisine, such as full-sized burritos, tacos, wraps and more. A new and improved base and handle adds resistance to ensure that the unit does not break easily even when pressure is applied. Overall, the device has a moderate size of 8 x 9 x 8 inches, and should still fit nicely on most countertops.
Type and Build
Made from cast iron, the Kook is sturdy and well built. Cast iron is generally thought of to be the best material for tortilla presses, as it can perform the heavy duty of pressing many tortillas. As it weighs 7.25lbs, the unit is stable, minimising the risk of it buckling or sliding across the table during use. The KooK’s naturally heavy top means that minimal effort is needed to operate the machine. However, some units seem to have a quality control issue, as the plates are uneven.
Additional Features
The KooK cast iron press is pre-seasoned with organic flaxseed oil, which requires low maintenance. It also comes with instructions to re-season the press once the protective layer has worn off. Cleaning is fast and easy, as the unit can be washed or wiped off, but this should be done immediately after use to avoid rusting.
For not much more than the price of a few tacos from the street, you get the Charcoal Companion tortilla press.
While not the best in its class, the device is an inexpensive alternative to expensive cast iron presses, and does a decent job of flattening tortillas into their desired shape. Although optimised for corn tortillas, the press is able to handle different types of dough, including wheat-based flour, which is more difficult to flatten out. It can even be used to prep other types of pastry such as pizza crust and mini pies.
However, like many aluminium models, it lacks the weight needed to make truly thin tortillas, and too much pressure might break the handle. To prevent sticking and to save on time and energy, layer parchment paper on either side of the dough before pressing.
Size and Design
If you’re looking for size, then the Charcoal Companion might not be the tortilla press for you, as it is small at just 6.5 x 8.8 x 3.5 inches. As such, it can only make small tortillas or pastries that measure six inches in diameter. It comes ready to use straight out of the box and requires no assembly. The aluminium finish is shiny, attractive and a much better-looking addition to modern kitchens compared to cast iron ones.
Type and Build
As mentioned earlier, the Charcoal Companion is made from cast aluminium and is very lightweight, clocking in at just 1.38lbs. There are pros and cons to this: its relatively compact size and lightness make it easy to carry around, even on camping trips, but the downside is that the press lacks the stability offered by heavier models. Users need not worry about rusting either. That being said, the material is not as sturdy as a heavy metal unit, and the handle tends to bend under pressure, so care should be taken when handling to ensure that it can last a long time.
Additional Features
Users should note that the press can only be cleaned by washing lightly with water or wiping off with a damp cloth. Placing it in the dishwasher will ruin the machine, as chemicals in the dishwasher detergents react with the aluminium finish, creating a powdery film on the surface.
Buying the Norpro can be a bit of a hit and miss. Users complain of multiple flaws, but if you’re lucky, this
inexpensive tortilla press might offer you great bang for your buck. It does the job well for corn tortillas, but instructions are very clear that the unit is not meant for flour tortillas, as they will stick and cannot be thinned out properly. Other applications include making pizza crusts and pasties. It can even be used to press burger patties. For corn tortillas, simply insert a rounded ball of masa and press down. Open the lid and rotate the ball at intervals to get the desired thinness, and use wax paper or parchment to prevent sticking. Its simple operation makes it a fun kitchen utensil to try out with younger members of the family.
Size and Design
The Norpro comes in two sizes: six inch and eight inch, so choose accordingly to fit your needs. For those looking to make burritos or full-sized quesadillas, the eight inch would be more suitable, but the smaller unit offers plenty of functionality as well. Measuring 6 x 6 x 1.2 inches, it is small, compact and easy to store, and is just the right size for making snack-sized tortilla shells for tacos, mini quesadillas and more.
The downside to this unit is that the design is poorly done, with uneven weight distribution. The result is uneven tortillas that are typically thicker on one side and thin on the other. To remedy this, users can periodically spin the tortilla around during the pressing process.
Type and Build
To justify for its low price, the press is made from cast aluminium instead of iron. As such, it feels quite flimsy and care should be taken not to press down on the handle too hard. The device weighs just over 1lb. Aluminium does not rust but will still corrode, so the press should be cleaned immediately after use with a soapy sponge, rinsed and then dried. To prevent the aluminium from scratching the kitchen countertop surface, place the press over a towel.
Additional Features
Included with the press is a booklet with recipes.
Pros
Lightweight
Simple operation
Inexpensive
Cons
Small tortillas
Flimsy build
Not suitable for other types of dough aside from masa
Looking for a tortilla press on a budget ? The Chefcaptain is a reasonable option in a pinch. It’s versatility makes it
great for not just tortillas, but also patacones, tostones, empanadas, arepas and more. Granted, it feels cheaply made but that is to be expected for its price. In most cases, the tortillas come out relatively flat and even, without having to apply too much pressure, but as always, it is best to layer the surface with wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Size and Design
The Chefcaptain makes moderately-sized tortillas of up to 7.3 inches. The unit itself measures 10 x 9 x 1 inches and is quite thin, making it easy to store. There are multiple flaws with the design, which users should take note before purchasing. For one, the handle does not come connected upon shipping, so assembly is required. The overall design seems ill fitting, as the lever screw does not run flush to the handle, and the large space between the parts can cause them to move from side to side. Instead of bare cast iron, which is usually seasoned, the press swaps this out in favour of a rough paint finish. This is done in poor quality. Not only is it unattractive, the paint seems to peel off from various parts of the press as well.
Type and Build
The Chefcaptain is made from cast iron which is naturally heavy at 4.6 lbs, but the material is noticeably cheaper and of lower quality than more expensive models.
Additional Features
Although it has a protective layer of paint, the cleaning process should be the same as with other tortilla presses made of cast iron, in which the surface can be rinsed and wiped down with a cloth. It should be kept free from moisture to avoid rust.
Prepare Mexican-themed food for family and friends with this Tortilla press by Smart Cook, which creates
beautifully round tortillas that measure up to eight inches. It accommodates both flour and corn tortillas, in addition to other breads and pastries such as pie crusts or roti. The tortillas can come out slightly uneven, and a trick to prevent this is to load the dough tilted slightly towards the back, as when pressed, pressure tends to be heavier at the front. To avoid sticking, layer the top and bottom of the plate with parchment or wax paper.
Size and Design
The Smart Cook has a traditional design and requires assembly out of the box, by screwing in the handle into the correct position. This can be tightened if the handle ever comes loose. Appearance wise, it comes in a plain black colour with raised words embossed on the top surface. Measuring 9 x 2 x 7.5 inches, it should not take up too much storage space.
Type and Build
The unit’s body is heavy duty and made from cast iron, but like many other tortilla presses, the handle is not and tends to snap at the base. It is heavy and weighs 4.9 lbs.
Additional Features
This is a basic press with no additional features. However, we’d like to point out that while the embossed design says Mexico, the product is actually made in China, which can be misleading for some buyers. To avoid rusting, clean and wipe clear of moisture after each use.
Those who love to make a statement will like the Chef’s Secret Tortilla Press. Breaking away from the typical black or
silver colours common with most tortilla presses, the unit comes in a vivid firetruck red that is sure to stand out in any kitchen. Functionally, the press does an adequate job, and is able to make not just corn tortillas, but also flour tortillas, mini pie shells and even tamales. Utilise wax paper, plastic or parchment paper as a barrier, place masa dough in the middle and press down to flatten it out. Several attempts might be needed to achieve the desired thinness.
Size and Design
The press churns out eight-inch tortillas, perfect for making full-sized quesadillas or burritos. Its bright, flashy colour makes it easy to locate. Measuring 10 x 8 x 4 inches, the unit is moderately size and may prove to a hassle to store, but it makes up for it by being lightweight. Designwise, the press needs some improvement, as the plates do not seem to be even, resulting in one side of the tortilla being thicker than the other when pressed.
Type and Build
The Chef’s Secret sports a powder coating which gives it its attractive red colour, but the paint chips off easily and might even get into the dough. The material is aluminium underneath. Overall construction is flimsy at best, especially the handle which seems prone to breaking if too much pressure is applied, but for its price point, users should expect to get what they pay for. The upside is that at 1.85lbs, it is easy to carry around.
Additional Features
Chipping paint aside, the unit is easy to clean by rinsing and wiping down with a cloth.
Inexpensive and easy to operate, the IMUSA is a traditional style tortilla press that will help users churn out homemade tortillas, roti or even thin-style pizza and pie crusts in a jiffy. Ideal for both corn and flour tortillas, the resulting press is mostly consistent in texture and thinness, although they are not as thin as store bought ones and may require extra manual work in rolling them out. To use, simply place a ball of dough or mass, press down on the lever and be rewarded with a round tortilla shell measuring up to eight inches.
Size and Design
The unit does not come ready-to-use and requires assembly. The handle has to be screwed into position by inserting a bolt. At 8 x 9.8 x 3.5 inches, the unit takes up a considerable amount of space, but the handle can be removed and taken apart if storage space is tight. While the original unit features a beautiful burnished silver exterior, users can also opt to choose colours such as orange and red to match your kitchen decor.
Type and Build
For a press supposedly made from cast aluminium, the unit is heavy at 1.9lbs, but feels sturdy and more durable than the usual flimsy types. The same cannot be said of the handle, which breaks easily and should be handled with care. There seems to be quality control issues with the model as some have used it with relatively no problems, while others noted that it broke within a few uses.
Additional Features
As with most aluminium tortilla presses, the Imusa can be cleaned by rinsing and wiping dry with a cloth immediately after use to prevent corrosion.
Pros
Sturdy
Easy to use
Mostly consistent
Makes large tortillas
Cons
Requires assembly
Handle breaks easily
Does not flatten tortillas completely, might require manual rolling
homemade tortillas, roti or even thin-style pizza and pie crusts in a jiffy. Ideal for both corn and flour tortillas, the resulting press is mostly consistent in texture and thinness, although they are not as thin as store bought ones and may require extra manual work in rolling them out. To use, simply place a ball of dough or mass, press down on the lever and be rewarded with a round tortilla shell measuring up to eight inches.
