Mexicans have been making tortillas for thousands of years, long before the invention of the modern tortilla press. Traditional methods for pressing tortillas by hand include using a rolling pin or simply clapping the dough between your hands. However, most Mexican households today use some type of tortilla press to efficiently produce perfectly round tortillas.
The Traditional Tortilla Press
The traditional tortilla press used in Mexico is a very simple device made of two wooden or metal plates connected by a hinge at one end. The bottom plate remains stationary while the top plate is pressed down to flatten the dough ball placed in between. This compact design allows the user to exert significant pressure to flatten the dough into a thin round tortilla.
Traditional tortilla presses are often made of cast iron or hardwoods like mesquite or oak. Cast iron retains heat well to keep the dough warm and flexible. Wood also works well and imparts no flavor to the tortillas. The heavy materials help apply even pressure across the dough. Lighter materials like aluminum tend to flex under pressure resulting in unevenly pressed tortillas.
Tortilla presses can be found in a variety of sizes based on the size of tortilla desired. The average press makes tortillas between 6-8 inches across. Many Mexican families have several sizes of presses on hand to make everything from small street taco size tortillas to large burrito-sized tortillas.
Using a Traditional Tortilla Press
Using a traditional tortilla press takes a bit of practice but quickly becomes second nature.
- Preheat the press. Place the bottom plate over low heat for a minute or two. This helps the dough release more easily.
- Cut two small pieces of plastic wrap slightly larger than your tortilla press plates.
- Form a dough ball about the size of a golf ball and place on the plastic wrap on the bottom plate.
- Cover with the second piece of plastic.
- Gently press the top plate down until the tortilla reaches the desired thinness, about 1/16th inch thick.
- Peel off the top layer of plastic. Gently peel off the tortilla from the bottom plastic, and place it on a hot comal or griddle to cook.
- Repeat the process with the remainder of the dough balls.
This traditional method works great but can be time consuming when making large batches of tortillas. Many cooks today use an electric tortilla press to speed up the process.
Electric Tortilla Presses
Electric tortilla presses provide an assisted pressing mechanism so you don’t have to press as hard by hand. The upper plate lowers down at the touch of a button, applying even pressure across the dough.
Most electric presses have a lever or handle to raise the top plate. Once the dough ball is centered below, you simply lower the top plate down. Some presses auto-stop at a preset thickness while others need to be manually raised back up.
Electric tortilla presses heat up just like the traditional versions. Built-in thermometers allow setting an exact temperature. Teflon coated plates provide easy release of the pressed tortillas.
Tips for Using an Electric Tortilla Press
- Allow the press to fully preheat before starting. This allows the dough to immediately bake a bit when pressed for easy release.
- Lower the top plate slowly and evenly. Too much pressure too fast can result in misshapen tortillas.
- Use the plastic sheets method recommended for traditional presses. The non-stick surfaces work great but the plastic sheets prevent any sticking.
- Adjust the thickness settings until you achieve the desired size tortilla.
- Work in small batches so previously pressed tortillas don’t sit too long before cooking.
Electric presses range from small 4-inch presses to 12-inch jumbo tortilla makers. Prices also range from $30 on up to over $100. Well-known brands include Imusa, Norpro, and Victoria.
Tortilla Presses vs. Tortilla Makers
In addition to presses, there are a few different appliances specifically designed to make tortillas. Here’s an overview of how they compare.
Tortilla Presses
As described above, a tortilla press compacts a dough ball into a thin round tortilla which is then cooked on a griddle or comal. The process requires rolling dough balls and cooking the tortillas separately.
Even electric presses require manual labor forming the dough balls and handling each tortilla. But they deliver authentic, hand-pressed taste and texture.
Tortilla Makers
Tortilla makers fully automate the entire process in one machine. The user simply adds masa or dough into the hopper. Internal rollers press the dough, a cutting die stamps out rounds, and then the tortillas are cooked on a built-in griddle.
Tortilla makers deliver fresh homemade tortillas with little effort. But the texture and taste differ slightly from hand-pressed. They also tend to be more expensive machines.
Comparison
| Method | Process | Texture | Convenience | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tortilla Press | Manual dough balls and cooking | Authentic hand-made texture | Time consuming for large batches | Very affordable, $15-$100 |
| Tortilla Maker | Fully automated | Slightly different texture | Very convenient | More expensive, $120-$350 |
Choosing the Right Tortilla Press
Consider the following when shopping for a tortilla press:
- Manual or electric – Choose manual to save money or electric to save effort
- Press size – Size it based on quantity and size of tortillas desired
- Material – Cast iron or wood work best for even heating and pressing
- Ease of use – Electric presses will be the easiest for high volume cooking
- Temperature range – Look for presses with adjustable temperature controls
- Cleanup – Non-stick coatings help with cleanup
While tortilla presses are most commonly associated with making corn tortillas, they can also be used to press flour tortillas, roti, puris, and more. Consider your current and future cooking needs when selecting a press size and style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tortilla presses necessary for making tortillas?
No, tortilla presses are not essential. Tortillas have traditionally been made by hand. However, a press makes it much easier to shape tortillas uniformly and thinly.
Can I use a tortilla press for flour tortillas?
Yes, a tortilla press will work for pressing wheat or flour tortilla dough as well as corn masa dough. Be sure to dust the press plates with flour first.
How thin should tortillas be?
Authentic hand-pressed tortillas are rolled out very thin, around 1/16 inch thick. Thicker tortillas will be dense and doughy while thinner tortillas end up crispy.
Can I make tostadas with a tortilla press?
Yes, you can press thicker tortillas using a tortilla press and then fry them into crispy tostada shells.
What temperature should I cook tortillas?
Use a high heat between 400-500°F to lightly char tortilla spots and get a puffed texture. Cook only 30-60 seconds per side.
Conclusion
Mexicans have pressed tortillas for centuries using whatever tools they had on hand. Today, simple tortilla presses provide an affordable and efficient way to continue this tradition. Both manual and electric tortilla presses deliver quality, homemade texture and taste with minimal effort. Consider the frequency of use and quantity needed to choose the right press for your household needs.