Why Should you Own a Tortilla Press?
Besides being able to make your own tortillas at home, purchasing a tortilla press comes with multiple other perks that can spice up your cooking journey.
- One of the major reasons why people invest in tortilla presses is the freshness factor. Sure, buying ready-made tortillas from the local grocery store is fast and easy, but it doesn’t even come close to the quality that freshly-made tortillas provide. Whenever you’re in the mood for a quick wrap or quesadilla, just pull out your tortilla press and enjoy a fresh and warm tortilla within 10 minutes.
- Besides the quality aspect of buying a tortilla maker, purchasing one will earn you the incredible benefit of getting to choose your own ingredients. Whether it’s oat, corn, or paleo, you can make tortillas with any mix of your liking. You can even experiment by adding different kinds of herbs and spices to make your tortillas more flavorful.
- Anyone can make a solid tortilla dough, but it’s the rolling process where many get stuck. Manually rolling out your tortilla dough can often lead to uneven tortillas and accidental tears. Tortilla presses help you avoid this hassle by creating perfectly round and uniform tortillas every single time.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Tortilla Press
Material
Aluminum: Cast Aluminum made tortilla presses offer strength and support on top of being appreciably lightweight in nature. This allows the user to store the machine with ease and efficiency and also be able to travel with the appliance for barbeques and picnics. Along with possessing infrangible properties, what makes aluminum a unique construction material is its ability to resist rust formation and increase longevity. It’s important to note that due to its lightweight nature, you may have to apply more pressure while pressing tortillas to achieve optimal results.
Wood: Wooden tortilla makers have the advantage of being a lot larger in size as compared to aluminum or cast iron-made presses. These machines are usually lighter than iron presses while offering the same, if not better results. However, wooden tortilla presses do require more care and maintenance to protect the joints from rusting or becoming warped. You may also need to shield these appliances from harsh and extreme temperatures to avoid damaging the wood.
Cast Iron: One of the most popular materials used to make tortilla presses is cast iron and rightfully so. Cast iron tortilla makers handle the heat like none other and are impervious to pressure, unlike other materials. For this reason, cast iron is a great option for beginners and newbies who are looking for an effortless operation with maximum results. Regardless, cast iron presses may be susceptible to rust over time if not looked after properly, otherwise they are worth the dollars.
Size
A typical tortilla press generally consists of a lever system and a circular base area that ranges from anywhere between six to ten inches depending on the version and type of tortilla maker you buy. It’s useful to know beforehand what you’ll usually be making in the tortilla press. For example, if you’re a fan of corn tortillas and prefer them over flour ones, then you’d be better off purchasing a slightly smaller model like a six-inch press as corn dough doesn’t spread as much. Whereas, the opposite is true for making flour tortillas where you’ll want to go slightly bigger to equip the dough with ample space to spread. The same rule applies for making multiple other types of bread such as rotis and empanadas.
Weight
Multiple factors come into play when considering the weight of your tortilla press. Heavier machines tend to require less force to press the dough due to the hefty lid, whereas lighter materials may be more labor-intensive. However, unlike heavy-duty tortilla presses, lightweight machines have the advantage of being remarkably portable in nature while simultaneously encouraging efficient transportation and storage, contrary to heavier machines. Among the staple materials used to manufacture tortilla presses, cast iron remains to be the heaviest, while wood and aluminum tortilla presses tend to be on the lighter side.
Durability
The right investment can last for generations to come without needing to replace or mend it. A high-grade tortilla maker should enable you to make countless tortillas before breaking down. Even when force is applied to press the tortillas, a sturdy and high-quality machine should not buckle down under the pressure. Cast iron tortilla presses are normally known to be more durable due to their heavy-duty frame which requires less force to press down the dough, causing less pressure damage over time.
How to Use a Tortilla Press
Start by lining the tortilla maker with parchment or wax paper to prevent the dough from sticking to the press. Continue by placing the recommended amount of dough(according to your machine size) in the center of the lined tortilla press, you may flatten the dough ball with your hands slightly to give it a circular shape. Next, use the lever to press down the lid into your dough until it comes in complete contact with the base of the press. Detach the lid back up using the handle and check the thickness and size of your tortilla, you may repeat this process until you achieve your desired results. Finally, cook the tortillas on either a griddle on a medium flame or bake them in the oven until they’re slightly golden brown.
How to Maintain a Tortilla Press
Before using a tortilla press, make sure to properly line the inside with wax paper as this will not only prevent any sticking but also make the cleaning process much easier. It’s important to keep in mind that cast iron tortilla presses are generally more tricky to clean and may require rigorous wiping to get them properly clean, so chose one that is high-quality yet simple to maintain. Similarly, make sure to never pour water directly on top of your tortilla press to avoid damaging the machinery. Always use some lukewarm water and a soft, clean cloth to gently wipe the surface clean and remove any oily and stubborn spots.
Tortilla Press FAQ
Q: How do I keep my tortillas fresh for longer?
A: You can preserve the freshness of your newly-made tortillas by simply wrapping them in either a clean cloth or towel to trap in the moisture and prevent them from drying out. Likewise, you may also utilize a tortilla warmer for faster results.
Q: Apart from tortillas, what else can I make in my tortilla press?
A: Tortilla makers are remarkably versatile machines that allow you to not only make scrumptious tortillas but also produce items like dumpling wrappers, empanadas, and even pancakes if you’re in the mood for something sweet.
Q: What does the term “pre-seasoned” mean?
A: The process of pre-seasoning a cast-iron press involves applying a layer of either shortening or vegetable oil on the cast iron and baking it for around an hour. This creates a protective seal on top of the iron that hinders rust formation.