Chef's Secret 8 Cast Iron Tortilla Press Quesadilla Maker Review
Our verdict
A manual cast iron tortilla press built for making fresh flatbreads by hand, not an electric quesadilla cooker. At $19.95 and 6 lb, it is a solid stovetop companion for anyone who presses tortillas from masa.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Home cooks who make corn tortillas or flatbreads from scratch and want a traditional, no-electricity press that builds with use.
Skip if
You want an electric appliance that cooks a quesadilla in one step, or you have no interest in making dough-based tortillas from scratch.
- Dimensions 9.53 X 8.62 X 1.73 In
- Weight 6.01 lb
- Priced 34% below the category median ($30.03 across 20 tracked models)
- Weight of 6.01 lb - heavier than 69% of the 20 models we track
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.2/5
4.2 average across 373 owner ratings
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Popularity2.5/5
373 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other toaster ovens, convection and pizza ovens, toasters, stand and hand mixers, bread machines and baking appliances we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
["The Chef's Secret 8 Cast Iron Tortilla Press is a manual, non-electric unit. It measures 9.53 x 8.62 x 1.73 inches and weighs 6.01 lb. That weight is typical for cast iron tortilla presses, which rely on mass to press dough flat evenly.", 'At $19.95, it is the lowest-priced item in this group. Unlike plug-in quesadilla makers, this press does not apply heat. It flattens masa or dough balls into round tortillas that are then cooked on a comal or skillet. That is a different workflow, but for traditional tortilla making it is the right tool.', 'With 373 reviews and a 4.2 rating, buyer reception is positive. Cast iron presses typically earn steady reviews from users who appreciate the durability and the quality of the tortillas they produce. The compact closed height of 1.73 inches stores flat.']
Pros
- Lowest price in the group at $19.95
- Cast iron construction is durable and long-lasting
- Compact when closed at 1.73 inches tall, stores easily
- Works with any stovetop heat source, no electricity needed
Cons
- Manual press only, does not cook, requires a separate pan or comal
- At 6.01 lb it is heavy relative to its small footprint
- Cast iron requires drying after washing to prevent rust
Specifications
| Dimensions | 9.53 X 8.62 X 1.73 In |
|---|---|
| Weight | 6.01 lb |
Performance notes
No electrical specs apply as this is a manual press. At 9.53 x 8.62 inches base and 6.01 lb, the unit provides steady pressing force through its own weight. The 1.73 inch closed height indicates a relatively thin pressing plate gap. Plate size accommodates standard 6 to 8 inch tortillas.
What buyers say
373 reviews averaging 4.2 stars indicate solid satisfaction among buyers who understand what a tortilla press does. Users who expected an electric cooker and received a press account for most of the lower ratings.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Chef's Secret tortilla press cook the tortillas too?
No. This is a press only. It flattens dough into a thin round. You then cook that round on a hot comal, griddle, or skillet. The press has no heating element, cord, or plug.
What size tortillas does the 8-inch press make?
The press is sized for tortillas up to approximately 8 inches in diameter. Corn tortillas at 5 to 6 inches are the most common use case. Flour tortillas tend to require rolling rather than pressing to reach full size.
Does cast iron require special care?
Cast iron should be washed quickly, dried thoroughly right after, and lightly oiled if stored long term. Leaving it wet or soaking it in water will cause surface rust. A thin coat of vegetable oil prevents that and keeps the press in good shape.