The Best Tortilla Presses In 2023
Used to make tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, tortillas are a flatbread said to have originated in current day Mexico thousands of years ago (via Chapala). Traditionally made from ground corn or maize, today tortillas can also contain wheat flour, as per Health Line. The flatbread received its current name — tortilla or little cake — after the Spanish Conquistadors conquered the area of today's Mexico City in the early 16th century. In the U.S., tortillas have grown in popularity in the mid 20th century with the rise in the number of Mexican restaurants across the country.
Made with a pair of flat surfaces connected by a hinge, tortilla makers are used to flatten balls of dough into round wraps, which are later filled with protein and vegetables. Tortilla presses are typically made from cast iron, aluminum, or wood. Parchment paper or plastic sheets are commonly used to prevent the dough from sticking to the devices during the crushing process. Today, tortilla presses are often used to make non-Mexican specialities such as arepas, empanadas, and even dumplings and rotis. And they can even be used to flatten chicken breasts.
How we selected the products
If you're eager to try your hand at making perfectly-pressed tortillas at home, you need the right equipment. And since tortilla presses are definitely not all created equal, it pays to know exactly what's out there on the market. Luckily, this is where we can be of service. To help you take the guesswork out of buying a tortilla press, we have looked at hundreds of gadgets and sifted through just as many community and expert reviews.
In our quest to help you purchase the right tortilla press for your needs, we took into account a number of very specific features. Firstly, we looked at each gadget's material and size — most tortilla makers are between 6 and 10 inches. We also took into consideration their ease of use and durability. After all, the last thing you need is cookware that breaks down after a few uses. Lastly, we took into account each gadget's price point, since we know how important value for money is to our readers.
Ready to say goodbye to your rolling pin? Here's our roundup of the best tortilla presses in 2022!
Best overall tortilla press
Composed of an 8-inch tortilla maker, a recipe booklet, and a handmade towel to keep your tortillas warm, the Verve Culture artisan tortilleria kit is bound to put you ahead of the tortilla-making pack. And the cast iron tortilla press is very easy to use. All you have to do is line it with parchment paper, place your dough in position, and close the device to flatten the dough into perfectly-shaped wraps. Better still, the press is handcrafted by Mexican artisans from recycled Singer sewing machines, so you can feel good about your purchase.
Heather Braga from BuzzFeed calls the Verve Culture artisan tortilleria kit the best thing she tried in months, adding that "it was super satisfying to see how perfectly round and even each individual circle of dough became after using the press." Amazon reviewers seem to echo this sentiment, awarding the press 4.6 out of 5 stars. One Amazon shopper is clearly impressed with the gadget, saying, "I love this tortilla press. It's sturdy and authentic and makes me feel like I'm in Mexico. The packaging is gorgeous, which means I will be gifting this to many friends. Buy it now, you won't regret it."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Verve Culture artisan tortilleria kit from Amazon starting at $48.
Best budget tortilla press
If you're searching for an inexpensive tortilla maker, you can't go wrong with the IMUSA cast aluminum tortilla press. The traditional-style 8-inch press is both sturdy and very easy to use. Simply place the tortilla dough between the hinged plates and push the ergonomic handle to flatten it into round wraps. The IMUSA cast aluminum tortilla press is backed by a 90-day limited warranty for peace of mind.
The IMUSA cast aluminum tortilla press has received 4.2 out of 5 stars from more than 9,500 Amazon buyers, with many reviewers praising the gadget for its ease of use and fast clean-ups. One Amazon shopper writes, "This is an excellent tortilla press. It is a perfect size and it makes great tortillas. It does not stick and your tortillas come out great every time. [...] If you want a nice, solid, well-made tortilla press check this one out. It is easy to clean, it is easy to use and you get the same tortilla time after time." However, not all Amazon shoppers agree, with one Amazon buyer complaining, " I thought this would be a heavier and better quality. It does get the job done but I don't expect it to last a year. Good if you're on a tight budget."
You can purchase the IMUSA cast aluminum tortilla press from Amazon starting at $14.39.
Best tortilla press for a splurge
Just like its name suggests, this Ematik heavy duty commercial grade restaurant tortilla press is built to handle years of tortilla making. The rectangular 9.5-inch press is made from iron and powder coated with FDA-grade paint. Plus, it's heavy and well-balanced to deliver the stability required to make tortillas (via Amazon).
While the tortilla press has received mixed reviews from Amazon shoppers, who have awarded it an average of 3.9 out of 5 stars, some swear by the device. One Amazon buyer calls the press a "lifelong friend," adding, "I like the length of the handle [...] I like the base size and shape and how the weight holds it in place — I don't have to hold the press still with one hand when pressing down with the other to keep it from skittering across the counter. I like how this is flat on top and I can leave it on the counter and put small canisters on it." On the downside, other Amazon buyers complain that the press has sharp edges and that its surface isn't leveled enough.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase this Ematik heavy duty commercial grade tortilla press from Amazon starting at $89.99.
Best electric tortilla press
While there are many tortilla presses on the market, finding a quality electric tortilla maker can be tricky. However, suppose convenience is at the top of your list of priorities. In that case, the Brentwood electric tortilla maker can help you make crispy 8-inch tortillas — from dough to the finished product — in a matter of minutes. Crafted from stainless steel, the non-stick tortilla maker features a temperature dial and pre-heat indicator lights. The Brentwood electric tortilla maker carries a one-year manufacturer warranty (via Amazon).
While Amazon reviewers praise the Brentwood electric tortilla maker for flattening the dough into tortillas, some have said that the appliance leaves the tortillas overly thick. Perhaps one Amazon shopper sums this up best, saying, "There is a slight gap between the plates even in the completely closed state so the roti can only get so [thin,] which in my case, I found to be thicker than it should be. [...] But I should say, the roti was cooked right."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Brentwood electric tortilla maker from Amazon starting at $34.68.
Best tortilla press with parchment paper
Lining a tortilla press with parchment paper is a great way of preventing the dough from sticking to the press. While normally these have to be purchased separately, the Uno Casa cast iron tortilla press comes with 100 sheets of parchment paper so you can start making tortillas as soon as the gadget arrives on your doorstep. Made from durable cast iron, the 8-inch press also comes with extra hinge screws and a recipe eBook.
The Uno Casa cast iron tortilla press has received the thumbs up from over 6,000 Amazon buyers, who have awarded the gadget 4.4 out of 5 stars. One Amazon shopper praises the press, saying, "This tortilla press is awesome! It's very easy to use and keep clean, and my tortillas were perfectly round every time! I also love that [...] sheets of pre-cut parchment paper are included as I would always rather use something biodegradable than plastic when cooking."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Uno Casa cast iron tortilla press from Amazon starting at $29.90.
Best wooden tortilla press
Pairing hardwood treated with beeswax and mineral oils and stainless steel hinges, the Central Coast Woodworks tortilla press is both elegant and sturdy. Nevertheless, it's important to remember that the colors and grain patterns of each square-shaped device may vary slightly depending on the piece of wood used. It's also important to note that while the Central Coast Woodworks tortilla press works well with corn-based dough, it's not recommended for making flour-based tortillas.
The Central Coast Woodworks tortilla press has received the seal of approval from Amazon shoppers who have given the press an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars. One Amazon reviewer says that the press makes consistent tortillas, adding, "I replaced my cheap aluminum press with this one, after debating with my wife over the added expense. This press makes it easy to make thin tortillas. [...] One of my wife's concerns was where to keep [the press] when not in use. [However,] it is such a beautifully made [utensil] that we keep it out on our granite counter."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Central Coast Woodworks tortilla press from the brand's website starting at $84.99.
Best adjustable tortilla press
The ABUSA adjustable tortilla press comes with several settings that let you customize the thickness of your wrap to 1/16, 1/8, 1/6, 1/4, and 3/8 inches (via Amazon). This makes the 8-inch device ideal for not only making tortillas, but also dumplings, rotis, empanadas, arepas, and even pie crust. Made from high quality aluminum, the ABUSA adjustable tortilla press is also lighter than cast iron presses. The gadget is available in both black and green.
Overall, Amazon shoppers give the ABUSA adjustable tortilla press generally favorable reviewers, rating it 4.1 out of 5 stars. One Amazon shopper praised the fact that the gadget is adjustable, adding, "I believe it is the only one that does this. Therefore, I have used it more often, saved time and gotten better results shaping baked goods. I gave it 4 out of 5 stars for sturdiness because the top part of the press is loose as it comes down. It really isn't a problem. I just make it a point to control it so that it comes down straight and doesn't veer off to the side." This being said, some Amazon buyers say that they find adjusting the press tricky.
You can purchase the ABUSA adjustable tortilla press from Amazon starting at $46.99.
Best large tortilla press
Forged by a family-owned company in Colombia, which has been producing cookware since 1939, the Victoria 10-inch commercial-grade tortilla press is large enough to easily make burritos. Plus, the cast iron press is made with leveled plates and a curved handle for maximum leverage and comfort. Coated with non-GMO flaxseed oil, the press is free of synthetic chemicals including PTFE and PFOS (via Amazon).
Standing testament to its quality, the Victoria 10-inch commercial-grade tortilla press has received 4.5 out of 5 stars from more than 23,000 Amazon shoppers. One Amazon shopper calls the press "sturdy and well made," explaining, "This press is heavy and requires less work than lighter options. Press then rotate 180 degrees and press again, for a uniform press. [...] It comes with an extra pin for holding the handle in place. I'm very pleased with this." Since the press is on the heavy side, some Amazon reviewers recommend placing a barrier — such a towel — between the device and the countertop to prevent damage.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Victoria 10-inch commercial-grade tortilla press from Amazon starting at $85.99.
Best compact tortilla press
Norpro has been crafting quality cookware for five decades and the Norpro 6-inch tortilla maker is no exception. Made from aluminum, the tortilla maker isn't just smaller than most other presses — it's also lighter. While cast iron presses can weigh up to 10 pounds, the Norpro press comes in at just one and a half pounds, making it ideal for those with limited strength. Being smaller than most other tortilla makers, the press is also more portable and easier to store.
The Norpro 6-inch tortilla maker has received a favorable reception from Amazon shoppers, who have given the product an average of 4.2 out of 5 stars. One happy Amazon customer calls the tortilla maker a "great gadget," adding, "I love when simple things work exactly as they were designed to do! ... Some reviews claim that it's not sturdy. I totally disagree. It needs so little pressure to do its job, that I can see it lasting for years to come with proper care." On the downside, some reviewers complain that the device doesn't deliver even wraps, as one Amazon shopper explains, "When I press the tortillas, I usually end up with one side a tiny bit thicker than the other."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Norpro 6-inch tortilla maker from Amazon starting at $16.60.