Tortilla presses are an essential tool for any commercial kitchen that serves Mexican cuisine. These presses allow chefs to quickly and efficiently create fresh tortillas for dishes like tacos, quesadillas, and enchiladas. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to choose the right tortilla press for your kitchen.
Types of Tortilla Presses
There are several types of tortilla presses available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. The most common types of tortilla presses are:
Manual Tortilla Press: A manual tortilla press is a simple, hand-operated machine that uses a lever or handle to flatten balls of dough into tortillas. These presses are typically made from cast iron or aluminum and are available in a range of sizes, from small tabletop models to larger commercial presses.
Automatic Tortilla Press: An automatic tortilla press is a motorized machine that quickly and efficiently flattens balls of dough into tortillas. These machines are typically more expensive than manual presses, but they can produce a large volume of tortillas in a short amount of time.
Combination Press: A combination press is a machine that can be used for both tortillas and other flatbreads, such as naan or pita bread. These machines are typically larger and more expensive than manual or automatic presses, but they offer versatility for chefs who need to make a variety of flatbreads.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a tortilla press for your commercial kitchen, there are several factors to consider:
Size: The size of the tortilla press should be determined by the volume of tortillas you need to make. If you only need to make a small number of tortillas, a tabletop manual press may be sufficient. However, if you need to produce a large volume of tortillas, you may need a larger automatic press.
Material: Tortilla presses are typically made from cast iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. Cast iron presses are durable and long-lasting but can be heavy and difficult to clean. Aluminum presses are lightweight and easy to clean, but may not be as durable as cast iron. Stainless steel presses offer the best of both worlds, with durability and ease of cleaning, but they can be more expensive than other materials.
Features: Some tortilla presses come with additional features, such as temperature controls or adjustable thickness settings. These features can be beneficial for chefs who need precise control over their tortilla-making process.
Ease of Use: The tortilla press should be easy to use and operate, with minimal training required for staff members. It should also be easy to clean and maintain to ensure that it lasts for years to come.
Price: Tortilla presses can range in price from less than $20 for a small manual press to several thousand dollars for a large, automatic commercial press. It is important to consider your budget and the needs of your kitchen when selecting a tortilla press.
Top Brands and Models
There are several top brands and models of tortilla presses that are commonly used in commercial kitchens. Here are some of the most popular:
Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press: This cast iron press is a popular choice for chefs who want a durable and long-lasting press. It is available in several sizes, from 6.5 inches to 8 inches, and can be used for both corn and flour tortillas. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
CucinaPro Electric Tortilla Maker: This automatic press can produce up to 8-inch tortillas in a matter of seconds. It features a temperature control and an adjustable thickness setting, allowing chefs to customize their tortillas to their exact specifications. It is also easy to clean and comes with a one-year warranty.
Tortilla Masters Automatic Tortilla Machine: This high-volume automatic press can produce up to 900 tortillas per hour. It features a temperature control and can be used for both corn and flour tortillas. It is also easy to clean and maintain, with a stainless steel construction that is built to last.
IMUSA Cast Iron Tortilla Press: This cast iron press is a budget-friendly option for chefs who want a durable and reliable press without breaking the bank. It is available in several sizes, from 6.5 inches to 10 inches, and can be used for both corn and flour tortillas. It also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
