5 Best Tortilla Presses of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
We made dozens of homemade tortillas to find the best tortilla presses.
Photo by Kristina Felix
Our Top Tortilla Press Picks
- Best Overall: Masienda Dona Rosa Tortilla Press
- Smoothest Tortilla Press: Victoria Tortilla Press
- Lightest Tortilla Press: Central Coast Woodworks Tortilla Press
- Best Value: Arc USA Tortilla Press
- Best for Small Kitchens: Verve Culture Tortilla Press
Tested by Kristina Felix
In the last decade, the U.S. has experienced a taco renaissance. These days, no matter where you live, you’ve got a favorite taco spot, or two if you’re lucky, within driving distance. Alongside this much welcomed taco trend is the rise of taco enthusiasts who are making tortillas from scratch. Thanks to new and improved masa harina brands available on the market, it’s so much easier to make fresh tortillas for your tacos and quesadillas that taste like they came straight from the molino. And if you’ve never had the pleasure of having had a fresh tortilla, once you try one, you may never go back to store bought tortillas again.
A key tool in the homemade tortilla-making process is a tortilla press. Despite its name suggesting a single use, a good tortilla press is quite versatile and can be used for flattening leavened breads such as naan, roti, and pita, and can even make rolling out dumpling wrappers a lot less laborious. More durable presses made of cast iron or steel are robust enough to crush garlic, nuts, and spices.
Although the design of tortilla presses has remained largely unchanged for over a century, today's market offers a variety of models made from different materials, each providing a unique tortilla pressing experience. Most tortilla presses share one common feature: They are heavy. This heft, combined with their design, allows for effortless flattening of masa dough, resulting in evenly cooked tortillas that are pliable, chewy, and strong enough to hold the fillings of your tacos and quesadillas in without spilling.
We've expertly tested 10 top-rated tortilla presses, whittling that list down to five top choices. If you’re looking for the best tortilla press for your kitchen, this guide can help you determine which material and size best matches your needs.
Photo by Kristina Felix
How We Tested
We purchased and tested 10 top-rated tortilla presses from well-known retailers and brands. Before testing, we assessed their size, weight, and material, and looked over any manuals or instructions included. Our testing involved flattening golf-ball-sized masa balls, made from masa harina and water, three times with each press. We observed the evenness of the pressed tortillas, the stability of the press under pressure, the amount of pressure required to flatten the dough, and the smoothness of the pressing mechanism.
Next, we followed the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning, storage, and maintenance instructions. Finally, we also considered the design and price of each press to make our selections.
- Easy to clean
- Durable design
- Comes in five colors
- Most expensive
The Masienda Doña Rosa press stood out as the top choice. Its food-safe powder coating and elevated design ensure easy maintenance and protect countertops from scuffs. With a surface wide enough to make tortillas up to 6.5 inches, it consistently delivers thin, evenly pressed tortillas. For those aiming to make larger burrito sized tortillas, Masienda also sells a bigger Tlayuda press that can press up to 14-inch tortillas. Plus, its availability in various colors makes it a functional and fashionable asset to any kitchen.
Crafted in Oaxaca by artisan Doña Rosa and her workshop, these presses blend authenticity with a modern feel, standing out among the tested models. Despite being the most expensive, its heirloom-quality design, durable build, and easy maintenance justify the cost. This press is an excellent investment, designed to last and be passed down through generations.
- Material Hot rolled steel
- Diameter 6.5"
- Weight 10.4 lbs
- Durable design
- Largest surface area
- Smoothest pressing mechanism
- Must remain dry and oiled to prevent rust
- May leave marks on certain countertop surfaces
Victoria tortilla presses, with their classic design, have proven their durability over time. These presses are known for their sturdy cast iron build and smooth, efficient mechanism, tailored for heavy-duty use. Made in Medellin, Colombia by a three-generation family business since 1939, these presses have earned a reputation for their durability and reliability making them ubiquitous in Latin American and Mexican kitchens worldwide. The model we tested can make tortillas up to 8.5 inches, slightly larger than average, and it's priced lower than our Best Overall choice, making it a great option for many kitchens.
When using this cast iron press, it's important to maintain it like you would a cast iron skillet. Keep it dry and regularly oil it to avoid rust. Also, since this press rests directly on surfaces, be aware that it may leave marks on some countertop materials.
- Material Cast iron
- Diameter 8"
- Weight 8.3 lbs
- Lighest press
- Beautiful construction
- Not for use with wheat doughs
The Central Coast Woodworks tortilla press is unique among our tested models, as it's the only one crafted from hardwood. Constructed from alternating blocks of Red Oak and Walnut, this press is not only visually appealing but also the lightest option, making it ideal for kitchens where it needs to be stored on high shelves or for individuals who find lifting heavy metal presses challenging. Unlike its cast iron or steel counterparts, this press is specifically recommended for corn tortillas, as it may not perform as well with tougher, denser wheat doughs.
Despite being made of wood rather than steel, this press needs to remain dry to avoid cracking or warping. It comes pre-treated with several coats of food-grade mineral oil and beeswax, but regular oiling is still recommended.
- Material Hardwood
- Diameter 8"
- Weight 5.4 lbs
- Affordable
- Does not need to be oiled
- Some assembly is required
- The handle is a little rocky making pressing even tortilla a little more difficult
If you're looking for an affordable tortilla press, consider the Arc USA Tortilla Press. Priced at $29.99, it offers great value with its rust-proof cast iron construction, making it easy to maintain and store. Available in four sizes and including pre-cut parchment sheets for pressing, it's an ideal introductory press for beginners not yet ready to invest heavily in a tortilla press. Although the press is treated to resist rust, it should still be kept dry, but regular oiling is not required. This press requires some assembly.
- Material Cast iron
- Diameter 8"
- Weight 7.5 lbs
- Eco-friendly
- Colorful design
- Hard on your knuckles
The Verve Culture Tortilla Press stands out as the most eco-friendly option, crafted from recycled cast-iron Singer sewing machines. Its striking red enamel finish not only adds a pop of color, appealing to design lovers, but also makes maintenance easy without the need for oiling. While its compact size means it can only produce 4-inch tortillas, ideal for street tacos, this same feature makes it easy to store in small kitchens. However, this press is best suited for occasional use, as its lay-flat design can make it easy to accidentally hit your knuckles against the press.
- Material Cast iron
- Diameter 6.5"
- Weight 4.5 lbs
What to Consider When Buying a Tortilla Press
Price: The tortilla presses we tested ranged in price from $30 to $95, so it is important to pick something that fits within your budget.
Size: Tortilla presses come in a variety of sizes, from 6 inch to 10 inch. The smaller presses will require more force to press, and you’ll be limited to small, street taco size tortillas, while the larger presses will feel effortless and provide a larger surface area for burrito sized tortillas. However, a large 10-inch press requires more cabinet space and can be significantly heavier than smaller presses.
Material and Weight: Tortilla presses are deliberately heavy to minimize the effort needed to flatten dough. Wood and aluminum presses, being lighter, struggle to flatten tougher doughs like gluten-rich breads such as naan, limiting their use. Although most tortilla presses should be used with a liner to keep them clean and dry, cast-iron models need to be kept dry and regularly oiled to prevent rust. Likewise, wooden presses should be oiled monthly to prevent the wood from cracking.
Related Content:
