But to make delicious tortillas efficiently, you need the right tools, one of which is the best cast iron tortilla press. With it, you’re able to flatten the dough evenly and make the edges nicely round.
The reason why cast iron is the material of choice for a tortilla press is that it is heavy duty, which gives it enough pressing power and longevity.
If you’re in the market for the right press for roti, and don’t want to waste money or time trying to find the right model, this guide is for you. Go through it to get a quality press that will suit your needs.
Let’s get started.
Image | Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 5 out of 5 | |
 | Alpha Living Cast Iron Tortilla Press And Pataconera | 5 out of 5 | |
 | Tortillada Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 4.5 out of 5 | |
 | Lodhi’s Premium-Grade Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 4 out of 5 | |
 | ARC USA 0026 Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 4.5 out of 5 |
Our Top 5 Best Cast Iron Tortilla Press in 2022
1. Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press, 8 Inch
Out of Colombia comes one of the most beloved cookware brands around the world, Victoria. This company has been making high-grade cast-iron cooking tools since 1939.
Their Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press kicks off this list. What does it have to offer? Let's dig in.
First off, it is made of the right material. For tortilla presses, cast iron is the recommended material for the sake of durability and ease of you. The fact that the Victoria press is made of high-quality cast iron means it is very resilient and will last for years of use.
Owing to the design, when you place the dough inside, it is pressed uniformly, and what you get is a nice flat roll with a perfectly round edge.
There are many presses in the market that look like this one, but the difference is that this particular model is heavy-duty. The imitations are lightweight and incapable of creating evenly flat and round roti but this one, being heavy-gauge, does it easily.
If you’re looking for the best cast iron tortilla press for 8-inch roti, you just found it. As the title denotes, this unit is designed to make tortillas with a maximum of 8 inches, which is the standard size.
The lever that comes with this unit is fitted with an additional screw. That makes it powerful, giving you the power to bring the dough to be as thin as you like it. Coupled with the fact that the lever is super easy to use, this factor ensures you can make other sorts of flatbreads besides tortillas. You can make tostones, empanadas, dumplings, arepas, and more.
Lastly, the unit comes pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil that is non-GMO. That goes a long way into ensuring your cast iron press does not rust.
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2. Alpha Living Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Pataconera, 7.5 Inch
With regard to effective pressing, Alpha Living is one of the top products in the market. As mentioned before, material and weight are some of the factors that determine the effectiveness of pressing.
So what material is this unit made of? Cast iron, of course. Yes, there are lots of super cheap aluminum presses out there, but this quality cast unit outperforms them in terms of durability, stability, and the capacity to create flat, uniform press.
If you're looking for uniform size and shape, this tool will definitely serve you.
The unit has a pressing diameter of 7.5 inches. That is a nice standard size for a whole range of products from roti and tortillas to pita bread and empanadas.
There are times when I have found that I have no plastic papers for wrapping the dough to prevent sticking. Ever found yourself in such a position? When confronted with this scenario, a non-stick finish such as the one on this unit comes in very handy.
Though it is always good to use the plastic papers for ease of cleaning, the non-stick finish keeps you going when you’re out of paper.
The ergonomic design of the handle is another great feature that attracts buyers to this unit. It’s a long handle that makes operation seamless and allows you to make items of different degrees of thickness.
Lastly, the aesthetics are fantastic. If you’re looking for a beautiful, classy press, you may want to check out this one.
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3. Tortillada Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press
In the world of tortilla presses, Tortillada is one of the leading brands, with its market extending into more than 50 countries.
The first thing about this press is that it is made of the right material for tortilla pressing. It is a cast-iron press that is heavy enough to create consistent degrees of thickness.
What’s more, the high-quality cast material makes the unit durable so that you keep using it for years.
The truth about cast iron is that it is prone to rusting. Manufacturers, therefore, have to preseason their cast iron presses to minimize the chances of rusting. But not all of them do. Thankfully, the Tortillada comes pre-seasoned. It is heavy-duty cookware that is highly resistant to staining.
Speaking of staining, have you come across a press that got stained so bad and easily that cleaning was hard and involving? If you want to avoid that, this unit is made for you. All you need is a sponge to clean the tool after use. A quick wipe will do the trick without any difficulty.
With regard to the size, there are two options. You can go for the 8-inch version or the 10-inch one or even both to make tortillas or different sizes. The wider one will be very helpful for making wraps.
As for the handle, this part moves easily and without requiring much effort. It is long and ergonomically designed for movement by human hands.
Are you new to tortilla making? You need not purchase expensive cookbooks. This press comes with a free recipe book containing 50 tortilla recipes to get you started. Very convenient if you asked me.
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4. Lodhi’s Premium-Grade Cast Iron Tortilla Press, 8 Inch
When making tortillas, nothing is as satisfying as seeing them come out evenly. The Lodhi’s Cast Iron Tortilla Press is a tool that many folks are using to create their homemade tortillas with a professional level of evenness.
The product is not only evenly flat but also uniformly round.
This unit is a premium-grade press that is made in the traditional style. It features a simplistic design that is perfect for any beginner out there who’s looking for good quality that is not very expensive.
The Lodhi’s press is designed to make tortillas with a diameter of up to 8 inches. What is beautiful about all this is that the unit works easily and quickly, thanks to the well-made handle.
With a heavy-duty bolt at the center, the lever moves smoothly and goes down all the way to make the tortillas as thin as you want them to be.
You will the length of the handle quite convenient. The long part makes it possible to press the dough without having to apply lots of force. That way, you can work for long hours without getting exhausted.
Versatility is what makes a press truly stand out. With regard to that, you won’t believe the number of items you can make with this machine.
From huaraches and pupusas to gorditas and roti, you can make them all. It’s a truly flexible gadget for any lovers of tortillas out there.
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5. ARC USA 0026 Tortilla Press
ARC is a US brand that has been in operation since 1997. In the provision of cutlery, tableware, and other kitchen tools, this is one of the market’s most trusted brands.
One of the most notable things about its ARC USA 0026 Cast Iron Tortilla Press is its remarkable patterns. They look quite classy and original as well.
This unit comes in 4 handy sizes – 6 inches, 7 inches, 8 inches, and 10 inches. With so many choices, you won’t miss a size that is tailored to your needs. That is why many customers regard the model as the press that is made for the widest variety of corn and wheat dishes.
If there’s something rather annoying about presses, it is to see them rust. To safeguard it from rust stains, the ARC press is made of heavy-duty cast iron then coated with a resilient rustproof finish. You can expect it to go a lifetime without getting damaged by rust.
Looking to avoid the presses that don’t create uniform flatness? This unit is for you. It is made of heavy-duty iron and weighs a ton, making it strong enough to flatten that dough uniformly.
The only issue is that the handle is not very long and it doesn’t press down flat on top of the base. That said it is easy to work with. You will definitely be able to make those tortillas easily and quickly.
Lastly, this item is approved by the FDA. That is an assurance that it's designed for safe food preparation.
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Cast Iron Tortilla Press Buying Guide
If you love corn and wheat dishes, such as tortillas and rotis, then a tortilla press is one of the most important cookware you should be thinking of securing. With it, you’re able to make the rolls not only easily but also speedily.
But while tortilla presses might look like they were cut from the same cloth, they are not. There are lots of variations from the size and shape to the material and design. In the following section, we’ll dive into the factors you need to consider when looking for the best cast iron tortilla press.
Material
Tortillas come in a range of categories based on the material they are made from. The main materials include:
➥ Cast iron
This is the most appropriate material for tortilla pressing. That's because it is heavy-duty enough to deliver the pressure needed to flatten the dough uniformly without too needing to put too much effort with your hands.
When well-coated, it is also rust-resistant and durable, lasting even a life-time. The only negative is that it is not as lightweight as plastic, wood, or aluminum. I’d recommend these cast iron for indoor use as opposed to outdoor use. It’s also suitable for professional application.
➥ Aluminum
Aluminum is not nearly as heavy-duty as cast iron, so don't expect it to deliver professional results. However, it is a lightweight material, making it very suitable for camping and other outdoor activities. The next time you go on a trip, take your aluminum press with you.
➥ Wood
Wood tortilla presses are very common in Mexico. Spanish folks love to use them for making all sorts of wheat and corn dishes.
Generally, wood presses are inexpensive, but they’re not as long-lasting as the metal models. That being said, there are variations within this category. For instance, oak and maple last longer than pine presses, but they’re more expensive. The higher-quality and heavier the wood, the better the results and longevity.
➥ Plastic
If your budget is very limited, then you may want to consider a plastic press. However, keep it in mind that the material is lightweight and not very capable of delivering adequate pressure to make the dough thin or even uniformly flat.
Plastic presses are cheap but they don’t perform very well and they don’t last.
Size
What size of tortillas are you thinking of making? If you want them for taco wraps, chances are that you’ll want them wide, perhaps more than 8 inches.
The dimension we’re talking about here is the diameter. It determines the maximum diameter of the rolls you can make.
Realize that these presses come in a variety of sizes. In the review above, for instance, the smallest model is 6 inches wide (ARC USA 0026 Cast Iron Tortilla Press) and the biggest one is 10 inches wide (Tortillada Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press).
Apart from the size of the tortillas you look to make, you also got to consider the amount of space you have in your kitchen.
In case you have limited space, it’s reasonable that you go for the compact models. The models in the review above are compact units that you can move around and store easily.
There’s another important factor that is associated with the size – the price. Keep it in mind that as the size increases, so does the price.
Electric vs Non-Electric
One major variation in presses is that there are both electric and non-electric models. The difference is that while the non-electric models only flatten your dough, the electric ones also cook it.
With an electric model, you get to save time when preparing your wheat or corn dishes.
But there is a key benefit that the non-electric models, such as the ones in the review above, have to offer. They cost much less. If you’re on a budget and are not in a position to deal with a large initial cost, a non-electric press will be the appropriate choice.
Ease of cleaning and maintenance
When you’re done using your press, there is a need to clean it before storing the item, right? If there is something frustrating, it is to find that there’s dough baked on the inner surfaces that is hard to remove.
The main determinant of the ease of cleaning is the material from which the press is made. Some materials attract the dough easily while others don’t.
Properly-coated cast iron is the best option when it comes to ease of cleaning.
Comparison table
Name | Diameter (inches) | Weight (pounds) | Pre-seasoned |
|---|---|---|---|
Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 8 | 3.68 | Yes |
Alpha Living Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Pataconera | 7.5 | 4 | No |
Tortillada Premium Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 6, 8, and 10 | 6-inch = 6.6 pounds | Yes |
Lodhi’s Premium-Grade Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 8 | 6.64 | Yes |
ARC USA 0026 Cast Iron Tortilla Press | 6, 7, 8, and 10 | 6-inch = 4.69 pounds | No |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it really necessary to have a tortilla press?
Lots of people use a dough rolling pin to make flat dough during tortilla preparation. But the issue with using the pin is that it takes lots of time. While you can spend up to several minutes trying to make the dough flat and round, it takes only a few seconds to do the same using a tortilla press.
If you’re looking to speed things up and obtain professional results, a tortilla press is necessary.
2. Is a coated roti press dangerous?
Many cast-iron presses come with a coating to protect them from rust. First off, this is usually a high-grade finish that will not get into your food. Secondly, the dough is normally placed in between parchment papers, so it never really comes into contact with the surface of the press.
3. Can I use a tortilla press to make chapati?
Chapati refers to an Indian wheat dish that is virtually the same as tortillas. It is made by flattening dough before cooking/baking it, so therefore, you can use a tortilla press to prepare it.
4. What can I use a tortilla press for?
A tortilla press can be used to make a wide variety of dishes. Basically, anything that needs flattening can be prepared with the press. That includes pizzas, dumplings, pita bread, tortilla chips, arepas, tostones, empanadas, and more. Here we have discuss the process of using a tortilla press.
Final Word
Tortillas are some of the most delicious meals of Mexican origin. With the invention of the press, it became easy for everyone who loves the tortillas, dumplings, and a whole lot of other corn and wheat dishes to make and enjoy them.
With the best cast iron tortilla press, you get to eliminate the mess that comes with the conventional techniques of tortilla preparation. Moreover, you’re empowered to create disks that are perfectly flat and evenly round.
When choosing your preferred model, be sure to pay attention to the diameter, most importantly. Rest assured, the reviewed products are some of the market's top-rated cast iron tortilla presses. They work and they last.
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