The Best Tortilla Presses Reviewed
(My Personal Favorites of 2018)

Budget Friendly: HIC Harold Import Co.Tortilla Press for 6-Inch Tortillas

Harold Import Co. is a company founded back in 1957. It strives to bring affordable cooking tools to its customers and has a wide range of products available on sale. The 6-Inch Tortilla Press from this brand is made in Taiwan and I picked it because it is a popular option among buyers as it is also compact and lightweight.

What Makes It One of the Best

1. Easy to clean and maneuver thanks to its heavyweight aluminum construction
2. It can be used for flat bread, focaccia, Caribbean roti, small pies and other dishes
3. It is portable and compact, weighing just 1.2 pounds and it's compact 8 x 6.8 x 4.6 inches
4. Usage instructions are provided in the package
5. Doesn’t require a lot of pressure to make tortillas
6. Excellent budget option

When it comes to the actual amount necessary to press the dough, this varies depending on the results you want to get and the consistency of the dough. For example, some type of dough is easier to press and you don’t need to apply a lot of force. Thicker dough might require more force, but not by much. The desired end result should also be taken into account because if you prefer thicker tortillas (to hold vegetables and meat better), you don’t need to apply too much pressure when pressing the dough.

This model from Harold Import Co. is not coated or seasoned. It is recommended to use plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent dough from sticking to the press. The actual process is very easy, you just open the press up, put the plastic wrap, put the dough, put another sheet of plastic wrap, close the press, apply force, open it up, remove the first sheet of plastic wrap and there's your tortilla!

How to Use an Aluminum Tortilla Press

This short video gives you an idea on how to use a tortilla press made from aluminum. Even children find it simple to use and this tool provides a great way to bond with your kids while making tortillas!

Features I Do Not like About It

1. Not as durable as presses made from cast iron
2. Tortillas are relatively small, so if you want them larger than 6 inches, check out the other models on this review
3. It is not dishwasher friendly, so you'll have to clean this press with warm water and soap

I Would Buy It, If

1. I was making tortillas occasionally
2. I don’t want to spend a lot of money
3. I would be happy with small tortillas
4. I prefer lightweight kitchen appliances which are easier to maneuver

Do your own research, check out other reviews on Amazon, maybe? Find out for yourself if this press is worth your money.

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Mid-Range: Victoria 6.5 Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Pataconera

Victoria is a family company founded in 1939 in Colombia. It specializes in cooking accessories such as tortilla presses, skillets, Dutch ovens and more. I selected the 6.5 inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press for this review because it offers good value for money and it is available in 2 sizes.

What Makes It One of the Best

1. Available in 2 sizes – 6.5 inches and 8 inches
2. Handmade, featuring a cast iron construction, so it can last a lifetime
3. Thousands of happy customers have left hundreds of 5-star ratings on Amazon and other stores.
4. Great for preparing roti, patacones, tostones and other dishes
5. It is easy to clean
6. Comes in a protective box and it includes an extra screw for the handle
7. Detachable lever

This model from Victoria is handmade by professional artisans in Colombia and ensures that you get some of the best tortillas possible. The press is also pre-seasoned with vegetable oil and it includes a lifetime warranty policy from the manufacturer. The press can handle a maximum temperature of 500 degrees Fahrenheit and it can be used with gas, electric, glass or induction stove tops.

Features I Do Not like About It

1. The press might be heavy for some people, so be extra careful when using it. The 6.5 inch model weighs almost 6 pounds while the 8 inch model weighs 7 pounds.
2. Dough might stick in some cases, but you can solve that quickly by using wax paper or plastic wraps
3. The handle is not as reliable as it needs to be, so make sure you maneuver this press carefully to avoid accidents

I Would Buy It, If

1. I Make tortillas, roti and other similar dishes on a regular basis
2. I am interested in a sturdy, reliable product made from iron
3. I have a relatively small budget and I am not interested in extra features
4. I want a BPA, PFOA and PTFE free product to prepare food

I would definitely recommend this tortilla press if you're looking to make small tortillas, whether occasionally or often. Feel free to check out other reviews of this product on Amazon, before you make a buying decision.

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

Mid-Range: Iron World Cast Iron 8" Tortilla Press

Iron World makes affordable kitchen appliances from cast iron. Its range of products includes skillets, pizza pans, tortilla makers and other products. I have chosen the 8 inch tortilla press from Iron World because it comes with accessories, it allows you to make large tortillas and has multiple positive reviews.

What Makes It One of the Best

1. Makes large, 8 inch tortillas
2. Comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer
3. Features superior cast iron construction, handmade by professional artisans
4. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor cooking
5. Can be used in a home oven, grill, stove or even at a campfire
6. Comes with accessories in the package – you get a sturdy Chef Glove and an ebook with barbecue recipes. The ebook is in full color and has 28 pages
7. Comes pre-seasoned and ready to use
8. If it is heated, the cast iron construction helps distribute the heat evenly
9. It is said that cast iron tools add a tiny amount of iron to the food made in them. This is no reason to buy this, but it's an interesting fact. Deers lick train tracks for the same reason. It's a big problem in Japan.

Features I Do Not like About It

1. The handle might not be secured properly, so try to readjust it to make it safer for you
2. It is a heavy product at approximately 7.5 pounds. Make sure you use it with care to avoid accidents
3. It gets hot slowly and remains hot long after you have finished cooking. To prevent accidental burns, make sure you put a towel over your tortilla press until it cools down
4. It can be cleaned relatively easy, but you have to follow a procedure recommended by the manufacturer as described below.

Cleaning Your Iron World Tortilla Press

Cast iron tools are very durable and long-lasting, but they won't last a lifetime if you don’t take care of them properly. For example, to ensure that your tortilla press from Iron World remains in excellent condition over the years, make sure you rinse it with hot water immediately after you have finished cooking. Remove food remains using an abrasive product. If your press has developed a sticky coating, you can get rid of it using steel wool. Proceed in a similar fashion if your iron product has developed rust too.

After you're finished scrubbing your tortilla press, rinse it again with water and apply cooking oil on its surface. Any cooking oil will do fine. To prevent dust from gathering on your press, cover it with paper towels or put it in an enclosed cabinet. That’s it!

I Would Buy It, If

1. I was preparing large tortillas which can accommodate many veggies and meat
2. I was a big fan of cooking both indoor and outdoor
3. I am comfortable using relatively heavy iron products. Don’t use it as a dumbbell, though
4. I am interested in a durable product with a lifetime warranty
5. I make tortillas very often and don’t mind cleaning it manually

If you're not convinced yet, check out the customer reviews on Amazon and see what others have to say about this tortilla press. At the end of the day, this product is designed to help you press dough and heat tortillas, exactly what it was meant to be! if you want more bells and whistles, check out the following tortilla press which is an electric device.

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High-End Electric Tortilla Press: Cuisinart CPP-200 International Chef Crepe/Pizzelle/Pancake Plus

Cuisinart doesn’t need any introduction as it is a leading manufacturer of kitchen appliances and electronics. It currently sells thousands of products worldwide and its range of products includes coffee machines, tortilla presses, waffle makers and many, many more. I want to feature a high-end option made in USA in this review because this electric device doesn’t only press dough into flat tortillas, it can also heat them quickly and prepare other goodies such as pizzelles, pancakes and more.

What Makes It One of the Best

1. Ideal for making tortillas, crepes, pizzelles, flat bread and many other dishes
2. Features two reversible plates for crepe and pizzelles
3. The plates are dishwasher safe and coated to prevent sticking
4. The entire appliance occupies very little space on your counter
5. The lid comes with a lock to prevent accidental opening
6. The cooking surface of each plate is 8 and 1/3 inches
7. It comes with accessories in the package, namely: tongs, a measuring spoon and a ice cream roller
8. Indicator lights let you know when the device is powered and ready
9. The 2 knobs adjust the temperature and the heating options for various dishes such as crepe, pizzelles, tortillas and others
10. Made from stainless steel, it can last for a lifetime and it is very hygienic
11. The plates can be seasoned with pretty much any type of vegetable oil
12. When your food is done, it beeps
13. Comes with recipe book

See the Cuisinart Tortilla Press in Action

This is another "delicious" video where the chef prepares crepes with fruits. The same procedure can be used to make tortillas.

If you are looking for a professional tortilla press that can also make other dishes, this might be your safest bet. The device is protected by a warranty period of 3 years and it is very easy to clean. It is capable of producing up to 1,000 watts which basically means that your food is going to heat up very quickly. During my research I found out that making a crepe can take as little as 90 seconds which is not bad. It comes with a detailed instructions manual and it can be used to make almost any type of flat bread, waffle cones or roti.

Features I Do Not like About It

1. Relatively expensive, you have to use it often to justify the investment
2. Might be a bit difficult to use at first, until you learn all its functions
3. A warranty period of just 3 years, which is short compared to a lifetime on the cast iron products
4. Heavy at around 10 pounds. Use carefully
5. Might cook unevenly if the plates are not positioned correctly, so remember to always check the manual if in doubt

I Would Buy It, If

1. I was preparing tortillas, pizzelles, roti, crepe or flat bread often
2. I want a high-end, reliable product to make dishes quickly
3. I am willing to spend somewhere between $70 and $100 for a kitchen appliance (Price at the time of writing this review)
4. I have a decent amount of space on my kitchen countertop (remember that the top splits up in 2 8 and 1/3 inch cooking surfaces)
5. I want a product from a trustworthy US-based company

I am sure that by now you have a decent amount of data to make an informed decision, but if you want to see the opinions of the customers who used this product, feel free to do so. I really like this device because it gives you multiple options such as preparing tortillas, pizzelles, crepe, roti and many others. In other words, why spend hundreds of dollars on appliances that prepare these items separately when you can have all of them in one product at a convenient price?

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Quesadilla Maker: Hamilton Beach 25409 Quesadilla Maker

Now that you have a broader understanding of tortilla makers, I wanted to present you a "bonus" product which will help you prepare delicious dishes with the tortillas. This product – the quesadilla maker – might give you cooking ideas and help you experiment with your tortillas once they are ready.

The product I choose is a popular one from Hamilton Beach. It currently sells thousands of products such as food processors, coffee makers, quesadilla makers, grills, you name it. The 25409 model from Hamilton Beach is a great quesadilla maker which splits your tortillas into 6 wedges and I found that really useful.

What Makes It One of the Best

1. The Quesadillas are ready in about 5 minutes
2. It comes with nonstick surfaces
3. It features a locking lid to minimize mess and spilling
4. It includes recipes in the package
5. It features indicator lights for power and preheat
6. It is ideal for 7, 8 or 9 and 1/2 inch tortillas
7. Good value for money, affordable product
8. It is easy to use
9. It is stable on the countertop thanks to its thick metallic legs

Here's a Video of This Quesadilla Maker in Action

Features I Do Not like About It

1. The locking handle is made from plastic, so you shouldn’t expect much reliability from it. Some customers say that their unit arrived with broken handles. Make sure you use it carefully and don’t stuff too many veggies in your tortillas, so that you don’t have to press too hard to close the lid
2. Doesn’t accommodate 10 inch tortillas although in some places it is advertised to do so

Another thing that I want to bring it up here is the inconsistency regarding the warranty period offered by this product. On the manufacturer's page, you'll see a picture which states that it comes with a 5 years warranty. But, if you open the usecareguide found on the same page and you look for the word "warranty" (Ctrl + F and type warranty), you'll arrive at a section that mentions the warranty period is just 1 year.

I Would Buy It, If

1. I want a reasonably-priced quesadilla maker to use it once or twice a week
2. I don’t expect to fit excessively large tortillas in it (10 inches or larger)
3. I am aware that the appliance doesn’t allow me to put a lot of veggies and meat between tortillas
4. I want quick results as this appliance can heat up tortillas in as little as 5 minutes

If you want to know more about this product, you can check out some pictures and reviews by customers on Amazon. Regarding the warranty issue, you can call toll-free customer service numbers at 1-800-267-2826 for Canada and 1-800-851-8900 for USA.

Check Price and Buy on Amazon

Guide on Buying the Perfect Tortilla Press

A tortilla press is also known as a tortilla maker. It is a tool designed to save time and facilitate the process of making tortillas. The traditional way of preparing these dishes is by taking a chunk of dough and roll it until it becomes a thin sheet. This might not be a big problem if you make 3 or 4 tortillas, but what if you want to make 30-40 for an upcoming event? In that case, rolling the dough will eventually become a serious upper body workout which might leave you exhausted in less than 10 minutes.

In this case, a tortilla press is the perfect tool to facilitate the job at hand. All that you have to do is prepare your dough, use plastic wrap or wax paper if necessary, put the dough on the center of the plate and close the press. Use as much force as necessary to make a tortilla of your desired thickness, but remember,even if you try to press hard, the amount of effort involved is much less than if you would use a roller.

If you want to buy a tortilla maker but don’t currently know which one is suitable for you, this guide will be really helpful. I created it to outline all aspects related to tortilla makers and assist you in making an appropriate decision. Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger said, "I left no stones unturned", so let's dig deeper into this guide and learn the basics of tortilla makers.

Aspects to Keep in Mind

It is important to know what to look for when buying a tortilla press. Here are some of the most important aspects.

Budget

This is the most important aspect for obvious reasons. At the time of this writing, most tortilla presses[People already know they are called makers or presses by now after the intro. This could kind of lead to keyword stuffing in some sense] are available at prices between $15 and $100. You can definitely find more expensive tortilla makers, but the pricier they get, the more features they pack. To make sure you don’t overspend or underspend, try to set a budget right from the start such as, let's say, $30 or $50. Then look at the products which fit your budget range and you'll be more likely to make a better decision.

Electric or Non-Electric

"To be electric or not to be? This is the question." The differences between an electric tortilla press and a non-electric one can be huge. For example, all electric ones can also heat up your tortilla and eventually prepare other types of foods such as pizzelles, crepe, even quesadillas. As a result, you get a kitchen appliance that can perform multiple tasks which is convenient if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

If you decide to go for electric tortilla makers, be prepared to spend more than $50, on average. Still, don’t get discouraged as these products usually come with a reassuring warranty period of at least 1 or 3 years, so your investment is protected. Don’t forget to read the instructions manual before using it.

On the other hand, if you don’t really intend to warm up your tortillas directly on the press, go for a non-electric one. A non-electric tortilla is easier to maintain, doesn’t consume any electricity [The amount spent is negligible considering that you have to heat the tortilla on a pan to cook it in the end if you don’t use an electric one.]and usually occupies less space on your countertop.

Brand

Before settling for the actual products, make sure you pick the right brands. Although this might seem like a small detail, it makes a big difference. For example, would you buy something which is advertised to be a superior product, but it comes from brand you never heard of? Most likely no. Would you buy something from a reputable brand with maybe 50 years of experience in the field and with huge popularity all over the country? If you're like most people, the answer is yes.

Every customer buys a product with the intention to use it for as many years as possible. Therefore, make sure you only settle for well-known brands (I picked tortilla presses only from trustworthy companies for this review) and don’t hesitate to contact them if you have questions. Products which come from reputable brands are more likely to offer you decent customer support and let you take advantage of the warranty which accompanies your product.

Construction Material

In this review, I picked one tortilla press made from aluminum, 2 made from cast iron and one made from a combination of iron and stainless steel (the electric one). Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, aluminum is lighter, so the press is easier to maneuver, but it might not be as durable as a cast iron tortilla maker. On the other hand, products made from iron are more durable, but heavier and might require some periodic maintenance such as seasoning. Ultimately it is up to you and how comfortable you feel with that particular type of material.

Machine Size and Tortilla Diameter

In a similar way, size is also important, especially if you have a relatively small kitchen with not much space left to spare. The size of the tortilla press is usually directly related to the size of the actual tortilla sheet. In other words, if you get a larger press, it can make larger tortillas. This review includes products which can make tortillas from 6 up to 8 inches.

Accessories Included

Why shouldn’t you be interested in some additional perks for the money spent? Prestigious manufacturers don’t mind offering you accessories that go well with the products you purchase. For example, some brands add a barbecue glove and an ebook with recipes which can be seriously helpful for people who want to know what they can do with their tortilla press. If you go for electric models, in the package you might find tongs for placing and removing the tortilla safely as well as measuring spoons for dough.

Warranty

The warranty policy is also important because it protects your investment. Most companies offer a warranty period of at least 1 year and in the case of cast iron tortilla makers, the warranty period can stretch for a lifetime. Make sure you find out about this when buying your tortilla press so that you can ask for a replacement or a repair service should something go wrong with your product.

What Else Can You Prepare with It

Tortilla presses are good for flattening chunks of dough, but some of them can also be used for focaccia and pita bread. In some cases, you can use your tortilla maker to prepare pizzelles, crepe or even pancakes. Learn how versatile your tortilla press can be and then decide if it is worth the money or not.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Not many people enjoy cleaning, but with the right tortilla press, it will be quick and easy. For example, if you go for cast iron tortilla presses, they can be cleaned easily as they usually feature a nonstick coating on the plates. All you have to do is remove food remains, rinse with hot water and apply vegetable oil. To prevent food from sticking to your tortilla maker, you can also use the aforementioned plastic wraps. If you opt for an electric tortilla press, the plates are usually removable and dishwasher safe, so your cleaning process is even easier in this case.

Customer Reviews

Remember that it is your right to look at what other customers have to say about a certain product before buying one. Feedback from other customers can be a very empowering tool and it can actually make the decision for you. I recommend looking at the customer reviews on Amazon, but if you feel you need more than that, look up for your products on Google and see what others have to say about them.

Prioritization and Why It Is Important

As you can see, there are numerous aspects to keep in mind here, but don’t let this overwhelm you. When buying a product, the best way to make sure you get one suitable for your needs is to prioritize the aspects we’ve already discussed. For example, once you set your budget, ask yourself if you want an electric or non-electric tortilla press. When you get the answer to that question, ask yourself what size you prefer. What material should it be made of? How about the accessories and the warranty?

By asking these questions, you create a small list of features that are important to you. Then you can look out for the product which fulfills your criteria. If you do this, there are high chances that you'll be satisfied with your tortilla maker for years to come.

Whether you read this entire review or just the buying guide, you're in a better position to make an informed decision and spend your hard-earned money on a quality product. I’ve strived to cover all the important aspects and to give you practical insights when it comes to buying the right tortilla maker.