The most popular types of tortilla presses: Aluminum, Wood, and Cast Iron
#1 Best Quality
Product: Central Coast Woodworks Hardwood Tortilla Press- 11.5 inch
The Cheapest Place: Amazon
Material: Walnut and Oak Hardwoods
Size: X-Large
Finish Type: Food Grade Mineral Oil and Beeswax
Weight: Approx. 10lbs (Weight may vary)
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Love this press! They are manufactured in California. The wood used to make this press are high-quality hardwoods which provide it with durability and unique pattern.
It is easy to handle and does not require as much pressure as other metal presses. These require minimum strength to flatten the flour dough down. I especially love the size, larger presses means more options for different sizes of whatever delicious product you are trying to create.
Handmade which make the wood color, grain patterns.
Size may vary slightly with each press
Heavy-duty stainless steel hinges and screws
Non-toxic and has been treated with several coats of food-grade mineral oils and beeswax.
Varying flours have varying effects. If you choose flour with gluten in the dough, once pressed it will shrink and become thick again. Mixes have similar effect depending on the amount of gluten found in the mix.
When you allow for it to rest it will be easier to handle, also remember to rotate it at 180 degrees and press again for best results.
Do not forget to use parchment paper, or plastic to place between the flour and the press making the desired product easier to handle.
Cleaning is easy, it only needs to be wiped down and dried.
#2 Most Durable
Product: Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press – 8″
The Cheapest Place: Amazon
Material: Cast Iron
Dimensions LxWxH: 9.5 x 8 x 2.5 inches
Weight: 7.87lbs
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5
You can make your own tortillas, sopes, flatbread, patacones, empanadas, quesadillas, and arepas at home fast and easy.
Regardless if you are making flour, non-gluten or Paleo tortillas it works great with all kinds of flour! Do not forget the parchment paper or plastic so that the flour does not stick to the press.
Well-built and sturdy. There are complaints about the handle breaking, I can only see this happening if mishandling occurs
A large amount of flour should not be placed between the plates while the handle forcefully presses against the edge of the top plate (as shown in picture).
You should press the top plate manually while rotating between presses, until the handle is able to fit over the top plate without effort.
The cons for me are:
Size- largest is 8 inches
Press arrives with an extra screw and pin for the lever, but I would recommend getting a screw that can used with a bolt to replace the pin that it comes with.
This product rusts easily if not thoroughly dried, or left in humid storage location. Make sure to store in a dry location.
The best way to care for this is to clean with a hot wet rag right after use and then dry fully, or wiped down with a rag that has been oiled.
#3 Best Price
Product: IMUSA USA 8-In. Aluminum Tortilla Press, 8 Inch
The Cheapest Place to buy: Amazon
Material: Aluminum
Dimension: 5.12 x 7.87 x 10.43 inches
Weight: 1.85 lbs
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Great beginners press; lightweight and has a good price. Easy to use and does not take up a lot of room.
Perfect for occasional use.
Not ideal for everyday use although on the flimsy side, it is effective for intermittent handling.
Rotate the tortillas for them to come out even on all sides.
Do not forget plastic or parchment paper dough does not stick to the actual press.
I would recommend making sure that the dough is not too gooey where it sticks to your fingers. The consistency should be manageable enough that when rolled into balls they stay together but not too hard where it is hard to knead.
Maintenance is simple, and can be hand-washed or wiped down.