Buying a press can ruin you for store-bought tortillas for good.
Try making (or buying) some masa harina, leave those balls in the middle of the plate, and press. You will never look back at those wraps in the local stores again.
Freshly made tortillas are exceptionally good, and they do not take a lot of time and effort to make. Perhaps the most challenging part is getting a reliable press.
No worries, though. We’re here to help with the best electric tortilla maker reviews.
What To Consider When Choosing A Good Tortilla Maker
Electric or manual
There are two types of makers: manual or electric. Although electric models are more expensive, they press and cook your dough with their automatic heating elements.
However, manual models are also pretty popular. You can have greater control over the shape and size of wraps by adjusting how many times you press and the force used.
Size
Tortilla makers range from 6 to 10 inches in diameter. Size matters when you want to press tortillas out of different types of dough. Corn wraps often do not go beyond 6 inches since they do not have enough gluten to span into large sheets.
Hence, if you’re a fan of this type of tortilla, a smaller size will be a good choice. That said, a large-sized press still can do a decent job, depending on how you press the dough. On the other hand, flour wraps need more space to flatten out, so you may need a bigger size.
Material
Most presses are usually cast iron and cast aluminum metals, although you can come across wooden makers. Cast iron and other metals are long-lasting, and they’re heavy in general to flatten the dough balls. So, there won’t be much elbow grease on your part.
While wood models look more eye-catching and make for an ideal decorative item, they are more susceptible to warping and require more maintenance.
Features
The handle is also an important consideration while choosing a tortilla press. It should be long enough to provide the leverage you need to make thin and round flatbreads.
In addition, once you press the masa, it should be easy to lift and fit comfortably in your hands. You don’t want to cramp up after only pressing a few wraps in a day.
Cast iron models often come pre-seasoned to prevent them from rusting and food from sticking to the surface. If your maker is not pre-seasoned, it is advisable to add parchment paper to reduce the stickiness.
Top 5 Best Electric Tortilla Makers (In-Depth Reviews)
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CucinaPro Electric Press – Best Overall
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This CucinaPro press offers reliable performance for a satisfactory taco night. It can make uniform tortillas, chapati, pitas, and flatbread in a maximum of 10-inches diameter. You can customize the size of the tortilla to your needs by adjusting how many times you press and how hard you push.
The plates are made of heavy aluminum, so you won’t have to exert much force for pressing. The material also does a stellar job of evenly distributing heat across the plates for a more even, consistent result.
Cucina also gives the plate a non-stick coat, which prevents the dough from sticking to the surface and makes cleaning a breeze. You’ll also enjoy some excellent extra features for hassle-free tortilla making with this unit. For one thing, the heat setting is adjustable, which allows you to go as soft or crispy as you want.
The machine is ready within 3 or 4 minutes, but there is no need to count down the waiting time thanks to the convenient ready light. Plus, the design can be placed upright, making it ideal for those with less kitchen or countertop space.
Pros
- Durable, heavy aluminum
- Ideal for flour tortillas thanks to the large size
- Adjustable heating temperature
- Space-saving
- Consistent, evenly-cooked wraps
- Easy cleaning
Cons
- Short electric wire
StarBlue Tortilla Maker – Best For Roti
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The StarBlue machine comes with 2 heavy plates to press the dough more evenly without much force from the user. Like many other machines, these plates feature a non-stick coat to guarantee the best taste and texture of your wraps.
We also love using the ergonomic handle that provides the right leverage to achieve a balanced press. While your wraps might not picture-perfect every time, they are well-cooked and symmetrically balanced.
Also, thanks to the robust stainless steel housing, this maker can endure unwanted damage and erosion. As a result, you can enjoy making freshly-made wraps and other flatbreads for years to come.
It can be used with a wide range of doughs and make instant work for not just tortillas but chapati, roti, arepas, empanadas, tamales, etc. Indeed, many people praise the machine for making great Indian roti fast and easy.
This maker is pretty lightweight, at just over 5 pounds, and compact (9.65 x 3.35 x 11.22 inches). It’s a delight to make your favorite comfort food but also a breeze to stash away when not in use.
Pros
- Well-designed handle
- Long-lasting stainless steel housing
- Makes excellent roti
- Lightweight
- Small footprint
- Money-back guarantee within 4 months
Cons
- Quite expensive
Brentwood Electric Tortilla Maker – Best Non-Stick Coating
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Press your dough to the desired brownness with up to 6 control settings of this electric machine. Adjustable heat settings are incredibly useful, especially when using different flours, such as cassava flour and corn, that call for different temperatures. So whether you want your wraps to be crispy or fluffy, you have full control.
While most models come with a non-stick surface, they are not equal to dealing with the dough. We found the Teflon-coated surface of this maker is super non-stick, and there’s no need to insert parchment paper or plastic in between like you would with regular makers.
Besides, the control dial for heat adjustments, the long, cool-touch handle for more leverage, and lights for readiness make this maker a pleasure to use.
Some people noted that the wires inside their machine get quickly broken. We would appreciate it if the manufacturer improved their quality.
Pros
- Durable brushed stainless steel finish
- Multiple brown settings
- Outstanding non-stick coat
- Long, cool-touch handle
- Low maintenance
Cons
- Low-grade wires
M.D.S Press – Best For Budget
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If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, this M.D.S has got you covered. Although priced well under $30, this maker does not lack essential features for kicking out perfect homemade tortillas.
With two 8-inch plates, this unit is an excellent option for those wanting to press smaller wraps. Corn tortillas are smaller than flour counterparts since they don’t have as much sketchy gluten. Thanks to the small size, this press is more suitable for making this type of wrap for street-style tacos.
Like with other models on this list, this maker is a joy to use. The pre-attached metal plates and bolted handle make it a breeze to press the dough to the desired thickness.
This press weighs only 3.7 pounds and measures around 12 x 8 x 9 inches. As a result, it’s the lightest and most compact option here, making it more appealing to those concerned about storage issues.
However, we found the plastic handle is not quite well-built, so you may want to handle it with care.
Pros
- Affordable
- Suitable for corn tortillas
- Easy to use and clean
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Poorly-made handle
Saachi Tortilla Maker – Best For Temperature Control
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This press boasts a broad range of temperatures to bring out the perfect wraps for different dishes. You enjoy better control over the heat with this maker. It presses and cooks your dough with a UL-approved heating thermostat, so you can rest assured about safety issues.
The 8-inch plates of this maker are non-stick coated so as not to break the dough. Thanks to the heating elements on top and bottom, the heat is well-distributed throughout the plates for evenly-cooked tortillas. Also, flattening the dough is an easy job, thanks to the cool-touch handle.
One quibble about this model is that it takes some time to heat up. However, like other capable competing models, you won’t need to wait for long for enough scrumptious wraps for your taco nights.
Pros
- Sleek chrome finish
- Quick and even heat distribution
- Adjustable temperature via the knob
- Ready indicator light
Cons
- Takes time to heat up
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Mexicans use tortilla presses?
Yes, tortilla presses are a staple in many Mexican households. However, they are not an absolute need. You can use a flat-bottomed casserole dish or skillet to imitate a true maker.
What do you call a tortilla maker?
A tortilla press or maker is called “tortilladora” in Mexico.
Is it worth getting a tortilla press?
A dependable maker is a real investment for Mexican food enthusiasts who frequently make this type of flatbread in large batches. You can use the maker not only for tortillas but also for a wide variety of flatbreads.
However, if you only make Tacos’ wraps on occasion, there are some nice alternatives, such as a rolling pin or skillet to make them from scratch.
Can I make flour tortillas with a tortilla press?
Of course, you can make flour tortillas with a press. You’re about to make them in the same way as corn tortillas.
Are aluminum presses good?
Aluminum makers are lighter and easier to handle than their cast-iron counterparts, although you’ll find it a bit harder to press with. They are also low-maintenance and don’t need to be pre-seasoned to prevent sticking. Instead, these models will come with a non-stick coat.
Why are my tortillas sticking to the press?
When the water-to-masa ratio is not right, the dough will become sticky, even when you line a parchment paper or plastic wrap. The easy fix is to add a little dough at a time until it no longer feels sticky.
The temperature might be another culprit. Your masa harina should be at room temperature. It can get sticky if it’s too warm.
What can I use instead of a tortilla press?
- Smash the dough with a cast-iron skillet
- A rolling pin (or any similar object like a glass bottle)
- Pat the masa by hand
- Place the dough between two plates and press
How do you make a vegan tortilla?
To make a vegan tortilla, you will need:
- 1 cup of flour
- 2/3 cup of water
- A pinch of salt
- A tablespoon of oil (optional)
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, water, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are fully combined. If the mixture is too sticky, add a little more flour. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more water.
Once the dough is ready, divide it into 8-10 equal parts. Roll each part into a ball, then flatten them into discs.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and brush with oil. Place one tortilla on the hot skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until it begins to bubble. Flip it over and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
Repeat with the remaining tortillas. Serve warm or store in a sealed container in the fridge.
How do you make a gluten-free tortilla?
Making a gluten-free tortilla is actually quite easy. All you need is a few simple ingredients, including cornmeal, water, oil, and salt. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup of cornmeal, 1/2 cup of water, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine.
- Place a piece of parchment paper or a silicone baking mat on a baking sheet. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it out into a thin tortilla shape.
- Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tortilla is firm and golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
Is it necessary to use lard or vegetable shortening to make tortillas?
No, it is not necessary to use lard or vegetable shortening to make tortillas. You can use any type of oil you like, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, or canola oil.
Can I use olive oil instead of vegetable shortening or lard?
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of vegetable shortening or lard. However, keep in mind that olive oil has a lower smoke point than vegetable shortening or lard, so it may not be the best choice if you’re planning to cook your tortillas over high heat.
How do I know when my tortillas are done cooking?
It’s usually easy to tell when your tortillas are done cooking. They will be firm and golden brown in color. If you’re not sure, you can cut one open to check.
Can I store my tortillas in the fridge?
Yes, you can store your tortillas in the fridge. They will keep for several days in a sealed container. You can also freeze them for later use.
What kind of cornmeal should I use to make tortillas?
You can use any type of cornmeal to make tortillas, but it’s best to use fine ground cornmeal for the best results. You can find fine ground cornmeal at most grocery stores.
Do I need a special tortilla maker to make tortillas?
No, you don’t need a special tortilla maker to make tortillas. You can use a rolling pin or even your hands to shape the tortillas.
Can I make my tortillas smaller or larger?
Yes, you can make your tortillas smaller or larger depending on what you need them for. just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller tortillas will cook faster than larger ones.
Can I make tortillas with store-bought masa harina?
Yes, you can make tortillas with store-bought masa harina. Just follow the instructions on the package to prepare the dough. You may need to add a little more water or oil if the dough is too dry or sticky.
How do I get my tortillas to be nice and fluffy?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the amount of water you add to your tortilla dough will affect the fluffiness of the tortillas.
However, adding too much water can make the tortillas difficult to work with and they may not cook evenly. Try adding a little at a time and adjust as needed.
Conclusion
There is little barrier to getting into making tortillas at home.
All you need is just masa or masa harina, water, and a reliable press. However, the last thing deserves some attention as it significantly affects the taste and shape of the flatbread.
We hope you can find the best electric tortilla maker from our reviews, and if you don’t, feel free to refer to our buying guides to make the best decision.