Cast iron is the classic material for a tortilla press, and for good reason. A press works by weight: the heavier the top plate, the less you have to push to turn a ball of masa into a thin, even round. Cast iron is the heaviest common material for a press, it stays flat, and looked after properly it outlasts the cook who bought it.
It also asks more of you than aluminum or wood. Cast iron rusts if it is left wet, the finish varies from bare seasoning to enamel, and some presses sold as “cast iron” turn out, on a closer read of the listing, to be aluminum. This guide covers only cast iron presses: how much they weigh, how they are finished, what makes a good hinge, how to keep them free of rust, and which ones are worth buying.
Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working Mexican kitchen looks for in a tortilla press, the makers’ own specifications and published equipment reviews, which we cite.
Quick verdict: which cast iron press to buy
The best cast iron tortilla press for most kitchens is the Victoria 8-inch HD Cast Iron Tortilla Press: Victoria publishes its weight (5.9 pounds) and hinge-to-hinge length, uses stainless steel pins in the hinge, seasons it with flaxseed oil and makes it in its own factories in Colombia. For larger tortillas, choose the Victoria 10-inch HD. If you would rather not oil a press after every use, the enameled Verve Culture 6.5-inch press, made in Mexico from recycled iron, resists rust.
The rest of this page explains why, and how to choose and care for a cast iron press.
Five cast iron presses at a glance
Our five standout picks, one for each kind of cook, with the details each maker or listing states. All nine presses are reviewed in full below.
| Press | Best for | Plate & weight | Finish | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Victoria 8-inch HD Cast Iron Tortilla PressBest overall
|
Everyday corn tortillas | 8-inch, 5.9 lb | Flaxseed-oil seasoning | View on Amazon |
Victoria 10-inch HD Cast Iron Tortilla PressBest large press
|
Large tortillas, corn and flour | 10-inch, 9.3 lb | Flaxseed-oil seasoning | View on Amazon |
| Less rust care, street tacos | 6.5-inch, weight not stated | Red enamel coating | View on Amazon | |
ARC 6.5-inch Cast Iron Tortilla PressBest small press
|
Small tortillas, small kitchens | 6.5-inch, 4.69 lb | Pre-seasoned, rustproof treatment | View on Amazon |
Uno Casa 8-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Comal SetBest starter extras
|
First press, with a comal | 8-inch, weight not stated | Pre-seasoned | View on Amazon |
Product images from Amazon. Weights are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.
Why cast iron makes the best press
America’s Test Kitchen’s tortilla press review came down to one finding: a press needs “enough weight to produce an evenly thin tortilla”. Its two aluminum presses were too light to press evenly, and its winner, Masienda’s steel Doña Rosa press, weighs nearly 11 pounds. Cast iron gives you that weight in an affordable, compact press. A heavy top plate also flexes less, so the tortilla comes out the same thickness from the center to the edge, and every tortilla in the batch cooks at the same pace.
The costs are weight in the cupboard and rust. Neither is a reason to avoid cast iron, but both are reasons to choose your press carefully. If you are still deciding between materials, our general guide to the best tortilla press compares cast iron with aluminum, wood and steel.
Our picks for the best cast iron tortilla press
These nine presses run from a compact 6.5-inch to a 10-inch, from bare seasoned iron to enamel. Every one is described by its maker or listing as cast iron throughout, which not every “cast iron” listing manages (see below). Each review gives the weight where the maker states it, who the press suits, and one honest reason to skip it.
1. Victoria 8-inch HD Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Published Specs and Stainless Pins
Victoria has made cast iron cookware in its own factories in Colombia since 1939, and its 8-inch press has been the reference point for home tortilla presses for years: America’s Test Kitchen named Victoria’s 8-inch press its best buy. The HD version is the one Victoria now sells on its own website, and it is the cast iron press with the clearest published specifications we found.
Victoria gives an 8-inch plate, a length of 9.45 inches from hinge to hinge and a weight of 5.9 pounds. The body is what Victoria calls spherrous cast iron, and the hinge pins are stainless steel, which matters on a tool you will wipe down with a damp cloth. The listing describes a reinforced design with engineered plates that avoid pinching and an improved base and handle, and each press comes with an extra screw for the lever.
The finish is three layers of non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil, with no powder coating, PFAS or paint, according to Victoria. Care is simple: wipe it with a dry or lightly oiled towel after use; if it is very dirty, wash it with warm water and a brush, rinse, dry it straight away and wipe on a thin layer of oil.
Why we like it
- Maker publishes weight (5.9 lb) and hinge-to-hinge length
- Stainless steel hinge pins; spare lever screw included
- Three layers of flaxseed-oil seasoning, no coating or paint
- Victoria’s 8-inch press was America’s Test Kitchen’s best buy
- Made in Colombia; lifetime warranty advertised by Victoria
Key specifications
| Model | 8-inch HD (spherrous iron) |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 8 inches; 9.45 inches hinge to hinge |
| Weight | 5.9 lb (Victoria) |
| Finish | Three layers of flaxseed oil; no PFAS, coating or paint |
| Hinge and pins | Stainless steel pins; spare lever screw |
| Extras | None stated |
| Made in | Colombia |
| Care | Wipe dry or oiled; wash if needed, dry, oil lightly |
Why we recommend it
It is the cast iron press we would buy first: the right size for corn tortillas, heavy enough to press evenly, built with a hinge that will not rust, and backed by a maker that tells you exactly what you are buying.
Skip it if you want the heaviest 8-inch press you can get; Victoria’s traditional 8-inch model, our top pick in the general tortilla press guide, is listed by a retailer at about 8 pounds.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Clearly published specifications
- Rust-resistant stainless pins
- No synthetic coating
- Long-established maker
Cons
- Lighter than the traditional model
- Bare iron needs drying and oiling
- No liners in the box
2. Victoria 10-inch HD Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Wider Plates, More Weight
The 10-inch HD is the same press as our top pick, scaled up. Victoria gives a 10-inch plate, 12.2 inches hinge to hinge, and a weight of 9.3 pounds, with spherrous cast iron, stainless steel pins and the same three-layer flaxseed-oil seasoning. The extra width gives you room for larger corn tortillas and leaves a wide margin around a taco-size one, so the masa never squeezes out at the edges.
The extra weight helps too. America’s Test Kitchen found that a heavier press needs less force for an evenly thin tortilla, and preferred plates at least 8 inches wide, “but the wider, the better”. That is why this press is also our manual pick in the guide to the best tortilla press for flour tortillas, where it gives wheat dough a fast head start before a few strokes of a rolling pin.
Care is the same as for the 8-inch: wipe it after use, wash only when needed, dry it straight away and keep a thin film of oil on it. Store it somewhere dry, away from the steam of the stove.
Why we like it
- 10-inch plates for larger tortillas
- 9.3 lb, so the weight does most of the work
- Stainless steel hinge pins
- Flaxseed-oil seasoning, no coating or paint
- Made in Colombia
Key specifications
| Model | TOR-010 |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 10 inches; 12.2 inches hinge to hinge |
| Weight | 9.3 lb (Victoria) |
| Finish | Three layers of flaxseed oil; no PFAS, coating or paint |
| Hinge and pins | Stainless steel pins |
| Extras | None stated |
| Made in | Colombia |
| Care | Wipe dry or oiled; wash if needed, dry, oil lightly |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you make large corn tortillas, press for a crowd, or want one manual press for both corn and flour.
Skip it if you mostly make taco-size corn tortillas; the 8-inch is lighter, smaller to store and does that job just as well.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide, heavy plates
- Works for corn and flour
- Stainless pins
Cons
- Heavy to lift and store
- Larger than taco tortillas need
- Needs drying and oiling
3. Verve Culture 6.5-inch Enameled Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Made in Mexico from Recycled Iron
This is the cast iron press for cooks who do not want to oil a press. Verve Culture says its press is made in Mexico from old Singer sewing machines and other recycled irons, then finished with a bright red enamel coating that prevents rust. You get the weight and flatness of cast iron without the bare surface that rusts if you forget to dry it.
At 6.5 inches it is a street-taco press. A press makes a tortilla a little smaller than its plates, so expect small rounds suited to tacos al pastor, sopes and small quesadillas rather than enchiladas. The kit comes with a handmade servilleta, a cloth napkin for keeping tortillas warm, and a booklet on the history of tortillas with directions and recipes. Verve Culture also sells a larger 9-inch press, but that one is aluminum and was down to its last few units when we checked.
Look after the enamel as you would on any coated cookware: wipe the press clean with a damp cloth, dry it, and avoid scraping the plates with metal. Verve Culture does not publish the press’s weight.
Why we like it
- Enamel coating that the maker says prevents rust
- Made in Mexico from recycled iron
- Small 6.5-inch plate for street tacos
- Servilleta and recipe booklet included
Key specifications
| Model | VCTORTS |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 6.5 inches |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Finish | Red enamel coating |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated |
| Extras | Handmade servilleta, recipe booklet |
| Made in | Mexico (recycled iron) |
| Care | Not stated; wipe clean and dry |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if rust care puts you off cast iron, if you mostly make small tacos, or if you are giving a press as a gift and want something made in Mexico.
Skip it if you want full-size corn tortillas; a 6.5-inch plate makes small ones only.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Resists rust without oiling
- Made in Mexico
- Gift-ready kit
Cons
- Small tortillas only
- Weight not stated
- Coating needs gentle handling
4. ARC 6.5-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Compact and Pre-Seasoned
ARC makes the same cast iron press in four sizes and publishes a weight for each: 4.69 pounds for this 6.5-inch, 4.93 for the 7-inch, 8.45 for the 8-inch and 18.25 for the 10-inch. That makes it easy to compare. At under five pounds, the 6.5-inch is one of the lightest cast iron presses you can buy, and still heavier than most aluminum presses of its size.
ARC describes the iron as heavy-duty and rustproof, with a surface treatment that gives it a natural stone appearance, and says the press is pre-seasoned and ready to use. It does not say what the treatment is. The handle is wider and thicker than ARC’s earlier design, and 100 parchment sheets come in the box. ARC’s own advice is that corn tortillas do better in a smaller press and flour tortillas need a larger pressing area, which is exactly where this size fits.
Care is listed plainly: hand wash before and after use, and dry the press thoroughly with a paper towel before storing it.
Why we like it
- Maker publishes weights for every size
- 4.69 lb, easy to lift for cast iron
- Pre-seasoned, with a rustproof surface treatment
- Reinforced, wider handle
- 100 parchment sheets included
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (6.5-inch) |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 4.69 lb (ARC listing) |
| Finish | Pre-seasoned; rustproof surface treatment (type not stated) |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated; reinforced handle |
| Extras | 100 parchment sheets |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Hand wash; dry thoroughly before storing |
Why we recommend it
Choose it for small corn tortillas, a small kitchen, or a cook who wants cast iron but cannot manage an eight-pound press.
Skip it if you want taco-size or larger tortillas; ARC’s 8-inch is the better all-round size.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Light for cast iron
- Clear weight figures
- Ready to use
Cons
- Small tortillas only
- Surface treatment not described
- Origin not stated
5. Uno Casa 8-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press and Comal Set – Press and Comal in One Box
Uno Casa sells its 8-inch press here as a set with a 10.5-inch cast iron comal. The listing says the press arrives seasoned, so dough releases from the first batch, and the box adds 100 parchment sheets, a silicone handle sleeve for the comal and a recipe e-book. For a first press, that saves a trip for liners and gives you a pan to cook on.
There is one published criticism to weigh. America’s Test Kitchen reviewed Uno Casa’s 8-inch press and found its surface rough enough that the handle got stuck on the ridge of the top plate. The finish may have changed since, but it is worth working the lever a few times when the press arrives and returning it if it catches.
Uno Casa says to wash both pieces with warm water and towel dry, and that the comal holds and spreads heat up to 450°F on gas, electric, grill or open flame. For corn masa, use thin plastic liners rather than the parchment if your masa is very soft. The listing does not give a weight.
Why we like it
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- 10.5-inch comal included
- 100 parchment sheets and a recipe e-book
- Standard 8-inch plate
Key specifications
| Model | Not stated (8-inch set) |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 8 inches |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Finish | Pre-seasoned |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated |
| Extras | 10.5-inch comal, silicone handle sleeve, 100 parchment sheets, recipe e-book |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Warm water, towel dry (listing) |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a first press and a comal in one box, with liners included. Uno Casa’s 10-inch press and comal set is in our general press guide.
Skip it if a smooth finish matters most to you; America’s Test Kitchen’s experience with the handle catching is the reason it is not higher on this list.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Ready to use
- Comal in the box
- Liners included
Cons
- ATK found the handle could catch
- Weight not stated
- Hinge hardware not described
6. IMUSA 8-inch Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Tortilla Press – IMUSA’s Genuine Cast Iron Model
IMUSA is best known for its silver aluminum press, and that has led to some confusion. This black 8-inch press, which IMUSA calls the DS model, is the one its listing describes as cast iron throughout: eight-inch cast iron construction with a pre-seasoned coating and engineered flat plates for uniform pressure across the whole surface.
That clarity matters, because another IMUSA listing on Amazon is titled “Cast Iron Tortilla Press” but says in its own feature list that it is made of cast aluminum. If you want IMUSA’s cast iron press, check for the DS model number (IMU-85008DS) on the listing. IMUSA sells a 10-inch DS version too, but it was down to its last few units when we checked.
IMUSA does not publish the weight or care instructions for this press. Treat it like other pre-seasoned iron: wipe it after use, dry it fully and keep it lightly oiled.
Why we like it
- Cast iron throughout, per the listing
- Pre-seasoned surface
- Engineered flat plates for uniform pressure
- From a long-established cookware brand
Key specifications
| Model | IMU-85008DS |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 8 inches |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Finish | Pre-seasoned coating |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated |
| Extras | None stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated; dry fully and oil |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you trust the IMUSA name and want its cast iron press rather than its aluminum one.
Skip it if you want published weights and care instructions; Victoria and ARC give you both.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Genuine cast iron
- Pre-seasoned
- Flat plates
Cons
- Weight not stated
- Easy to confuse with IMUSA’s aluminum presses
- Few published details
7. Chef’s Secret 8-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Six Pounds, Old-World Style
Chef’s Secret’s press is a traditional round 8-inch cast iron press, and its listing gives the weight: six pounds, in the same range as Victoria’s HD model. It describes a flat round top plate that levers firmly closed with a solid, easy-to-grip handle.
The care advice on the listing is a good one for any bare cast iron press: after washing with mild soap, set the press on the stovetop briefly so the heat drives off the last of the water and it does not rust. Do that only over low heat, never leave the press unattended, and wipe on a thin film of oil once it has cooled.
The listing does not say whether the press is pre-seasoned, what it is seasoned with, or where it is made, so plan on wiping it with oil before the first use.
Why we like it
- Listed weight of 6 lb
- Standard 8-inch plate
- Solid, easy-grip handle
- Clear advice on drying to prevent rust
Key specifications
| Model | 8-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 8 inches |
| Weight | 6 lb (listing) |
| Finish | Not stated |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated |
| Extras | None stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Wash with mild soap; dry on the stovetop |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a plain, traditional 8-inch cast iron press with a stated weight and you are happy to season it yourself.
Skip it if you want a press that is ready to use out of the box; the listing does not mention seasoning.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Stated weight
- Traditional design
- Sensible care advice
Cons
- Seasoning not stated
- Origin not stated
- No liners included
8. Alpha Living 8-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Honest About Liners and Dough
Alpha Living’s 8-inch press is a substantial cast iron body with a manual lever, and what stands out is how straightforward its listing is. It says finished tortilla size and thickness depend on the dough, its consistency and the portion size, which is true of every press. It says to use food-safe plastic cut from a zip-top bag, or parchment, above and below the dough. And it notes that wheat-flour dough may need resting or extra rolling.
That makes it a sensible, no-surprises press for corn tortillas. The 8-inch plate is the standard size, and cast iron gives it the weight to press evenly. Alpha Living does not publish the weight, the finish or where it is made, and the listing does not mention seasoning, so wipe on a little oil before the first use and dry it carefully after each one.
Why we like it
- Substantial cast iron body
- Standard 8-inch pressing surface
- Realistic guidance on liners and dough
- No electricity, simple lever
Key specifications
| Model | 50520A |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 8 inches |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Finish | Not stated |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated |
| Extras | None stated |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated; dry fully and oil |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a basic 8-inch cast iron press from an identifiable brand and do not need extras in the box.
Skip it if you want to know the weight and finish before you buy; the listing gives neither.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cast iron weight
- Honest usage guidance
- Standard size
Cons
- Weight and finish not stated
- No liners included
- Origin not stated
9. VEVOR 10-inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press – Large Plate, Flaxseed Seasoning
If you want a second 10-inch option, VEVOR’s 10-inch press is a large cast iron alternative from a brand that sells a wide range of kitchen equipment. The listing describes it as made entirely of heavy-duty, rust-resistant cast iron, seasoned with 100% non-GMO flaxseed oil, with a surface treatment that gives it a natural stone look.
The handle is extra-thick, and the press needs no assembly. VEVOR includes 100 sheets of silicone paper for lining it, and makes the same point as other makers: smaller presses suit corn tortillas, larger presses flour. A 10-inch plate gives you room for both, and plenty of margin around a corn tortilla.
VEVOR does not publish the weight or where the press is made. Care follows the usual pattern: wipe it after use, dry it fully and keep a thin film of oil on it.
Why we like it
- 10-inch plate
- Seasoned with flaxseed oil, per the listing
- Extra-thick handle, no assembly
- 100 silicone paper liners included
Key specifications
| Model | HES250 |
|---|---|
| Plate size | 10 inches |
| Weight | Not stated |
| Finish | Flaxseed-oil seasoning; stone-look surface treatment |
| Hinge and pins | Not stated; reinforced handle |
| Extras | 100 silicone paper sheets |
| Made in | Not stated |
| Care | Not stated; dry fully and oil |
Why we recommend it
Choose it if you want a 10-inch cast iron press with liners in the box and do not need a maker’s published weight.
Skip it if you want a known tortilla-press maker behind it; the Victoria 10-inch has clearer specifications and a longer track record.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Large plate
- Flaxseed seasoning
- Liners included
Cons
- Weight not stated
- Origin not stated
- Large to store
Is it really cast iron? Listings to read twice
Cast iron sells, so some listings use the words loosely. While researching this guide we found several presses on Amazon whose listings describe them as cast iron in one place and aluminum in another:
- An IMUSA listing titled “Cast Iron Tortilla Press 8-Inch, Black” says in its own feature list that the press is made of cast aluminum.
- Two Gonzalez presses made in Mexico are titled as aluminum and cast aluminum, then described in the bullet points as heavy-duty cast iron.
- A flexman listing calls its 6.5-inch press a “Victoria Cast Iron Tortilla Press” in the title, then describes it as heavy-duty aluminium alloy. It is not a Victoria product as far as we can tell.
None of these made our list. Aluminum presses are not bad, but they are much lighter, and weight is the reason to buy cast iron. Before you buy, read the whole listing, not just the title: look for cast iron in the materials line as well as the title, a stated weight (the 8-inch cast iron presses above weigh roughly six to eight and a half pounds, going by the makers’ figures), and a dark seasoned or enameled finish rather than bare silver metal. A bare silver finish usually means aluminum.
How to choose a cast iron tortilla press
Weight
Heavier presses do more of the work. Among the makers that publish weights, 8-inch presses run from about six pounds (Victoria HD, Chef’s Secret) to eight and a half (ARC), and 10-inch presses from 9.3 pounds (Victoria) upward. If lifting the press down from a shelf is a struggle, choose a smaller size rather than switching to aluminum, or keep the press on the counter.
Size
Cast iron presses come in about 6.5, 7, 8 and 10 inches. A 6.5-inch press makes street-taco tortillas; an 8-inch press makes every common corn tortilla size and is the one to buy if you only buy one; a 10-inch press suits large tortillas and flour dough. Remember that the press makes a tortilla a little smaller than its plates.
Pre-seasoned, bare or enameled
A pre-seasoned press, like the Victoria, ARC, Uno Casa, IMUSA and VEVOR models, has oil baked onto the iron and is ready to use; it still needs drying and an occasional wipe of oil. A press sold without seasoning needs a coat of oil before first use. An enameled press, like the Verve Culture, is sealed against rust and needs no oil, but treat the coating gently: if it is ever damaged, the bare iron underneath can rust.
Hinge and pin quality
The hinge is where a cheap press shows itself. If the pins are loose or the casting is rough, the top plate rocks as it closes and your tortillas come out thicker on one side. Look for stainless steel pins (Victoria states them), a maker that includes a spare screw or rivet set (Victoria), and a handle that moves smoothly over the top plate. America’s Test Kitchen also favored handles at least 10 inches long for leverage.
Liners
Every cast iron press needs liners for fresh masa, because wet masa sticks to iron. Many presses come with parchment, but Masienda finds parchment and zip-top bags too heavy to peel cleanly off fresh masa and recommends thin plastic cut from a grocery or bread bag. Our tortilla press guide covers reusable press liners and the pressing method step by step.
Seasoning, rust and everyday care
After every use. Most of the time a press only needs a wipe. Victoria’s instructions are to wipe it with a dry or oiled towel; if it is very dirty, wash it with warm water and a dish brush, rinse thoroughly, and dry it straight away. Victoria’s listing is firm that its presses should never be air dried or washed in a dishwasher. Finish with a very thin layer of cooking oil, and store the press somewhere dry, away from steam.
If rust appears. A few orange spots are not the end of a press. Lodge, the American cast iron maker, advises scouring small amounts of rust away, then oiling. For larger patches it recommends reseasoning: scrub with steel wool and warm, soapy water, rinse and dry by hand, rub a very thin, even layer of oil over every surface, and bake upside down in an oven preheated to 450 to 500°F for one hour, letting it cool in the oven. Lodge writes those instructions for its pans, but cast iron is cast iron; check that your press has no plastic or rubber parts, such as non-slip feet, before it goes in the oven.
Enameled presses skip all of this: wipe them clean and dry them. If the coating is ever damaged, keep the exposed spot dry and lightly oiled.
Hinge care. Every so often, check the screw or rivet at the hinge and tighten it if the top plate has started to wobble. A drop of cooking oil on the pin keeps it moving smoothly.
How we chose these nine cast iron presses
We started with what a Mexican kitchen asks of a cast iron press: enough weight to press masa thin and even, flat plates, a sound hinge and a finish that can be kept free of rust. We then looked at every cast iron tortilla press we could find on Amazon in the United States and checked stock with Amazon’s product data on the day of writing. We read each listing in full and kept only presses described as cast iron throughout, from identifiable brands. We left out listings that contradict themselves on material, presses down to their last few units, and near-identical presses from sellers that publish no details. Specifications come from Victoria’s own website for the Victoria presses and otherwise from each brand’s Amazon listing, which we name; other makers publish little beyond their listings. Lodge does not appear to make a tortilla press: the Lodge “press” that turns up in searches is a round grill press for searing. For how presses perform we relied on America’s Test Kitchen’s tortilla press review, and for rust care on Lodge’s cast iron troubleshooting guide. We have not pressed tortillas with every press listed here; where we describe how a press behaves, we say whose findings those are.
Cast iron press questions, answered
Is a cast iron tortilla press better than aluminum?
For corn tortillas, usually yes. Cast iron is heavier, so it presses more evenly with less effort; America’s Test Kitchen found the aluminum presses it reviewed too light to press evenly. Aluminum is lighter to lift and never rusts, which suits occasional use.
How heavy should a cast iron tortilla press be?
For an 8-inch press, about six to eight and a half pounds, based on the weights Victoria, Chef’s Secret and ARC publish. A 10-inch press weighs more, from 9.3 pounds for the Victoria.
Do I need to season a cast iron tortilla press?
Most arrive pre-seasoned and only need drying and a thin wipe of oil after use. If a listing does not mention seasoning, oil the press before its first use. Enameled presses need no seasoning.
How do I get rust off a cast iron tortilla press?
Scour small spots away and oil the press. For larger patches, Lodge’s method is to scrub with steel wool, dry, oil thinly and bake at 450 to 500°F for an hour; remove or avoid any plastic or rubber parts first.
Can a cast iron tortilla press go in the dishwasher?
No. Victoria says its presses should never go in a dishwasher or be left to air dry. Wipe or hand wash, then dry it straight away.
Our final pick in cast iron
Buy the Victoria 8-inch HD if you want one cast iron press that does the job well and comes with clear specifications, stainless pins and a long-established maker. Go up to the Victoria 10-inch for large tortillas and flour dough, choose the enameled Verve Culture if rust care puts you off, and the ARC 6.5-inch if you want small tortillas from a light cast iron press. Whatever you buy, read the listing to the end, keep it dry, and give the hinge a check now and then.
For the rest of the kit, from the comal to the warmer, see our guide to tortilla making tools, and to cook what you press, the best comal for tortillas.
And if tonight is not a tortilla-making night, see the menu or call to order.