Nowadays, everyone makes their own tortillas. Once you've tried making your own, you won't go back to store-bought tortillas. But where should you start? Watching YouTube instructions won't suffice. First, you must have the suitable pan. The best comal for tortillas ensures that they are cooked evenly and thoroughly.
However, the multitude of names under which comal pans are sold makes it difficult to determine which one is best. Don't worry, I've already done all the hard work. As a professional chef with thorough study, I've cut down the common pan market to five best choices for any home and budget.
What is a Comal?
A comal is a pan that is used to cook a variety of meals. It's not like a wok or a regular lightweight pan, which requires you to constantly move it around the stovetop while cooking.
It is offered in round and extended oblong shapes. Large, rectangular alternatives that span two burners on a standard stovetop are also widely available. The surface of the comal is slightly rougher than that of a stainless steel or nonstick pan.
To prevent the tortillas from burning while cooking, use a comal, which provides a consistent source of heat. Keeping the baked tortillas warm in this manner keeps them pliable and flexible until you're ready to eat them.
Whether you want something sturdy and long-lasting or lightweight and small, I have a pan for you. Read on to find out why these comal pans topped my list of favorites!
Best Comal for Tortillas
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1. Lodge L9OG3 Cast Iron Round Griddle, Pre-Seasoned
- Foundry seasoned, ready to use upon purchase
- Use on all cooking surfaces, grills and campfires
- Oven safe
- Sauté, sear, fry, bake and stir fry to heart's content
- Made in the USA
Lodge Cast Iron has been in business since 1896, making it one of the oldest cookware producers. So, in my quest for the best comal pan for frying tortillas, the Lodge Cast Iron Griddle stood out as a device with superior craftsmanship.
The Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Tortilla Skillet is a durable and well-made alternative. Its 10.5-inch diameter allows me to utilize it for a variety of kitchen duties other than making tortillas. I also used it for a variety of cooking techniques, such as searing, sautéing, baking, braising, and broiling.
Image Source: lodgecastiron.com
We all know that the material makes a significant impact in the quality of the best comal pan. The cast-iron gauge used to construct this unit is the required thickness. It warms rapidly and evenly and retains heat for an extended period of time, making it an ideal tool for foods that require a lot of heat to stay place.
The heavy-gauge steel makes the pan substantial and sturdy on my gas stove. So I can spin the tortillas without moving or shaking my pan. Finally, the Lodge griddle has shown to be a long-lasting option, having withstood three years of steady use.
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2. Hawkins Futura Non-stick Flat Dosa Tava Griddle
- This griddle/Tava is made up of heavy gauge 4. 88mm thickness and...
- Nonstick coating applied on Hard anodized surface to last Longer
- Diffuses heat fast and evenly
- Stay-cool handle well balanced pan with sturdy rivets
- Protective hard Anodizing will not pit, crack, chip, tarnish or...
Hawkins Futura Non-stick Flat Dosa Tava Griddle has an appealing design and meets its purpose effectively. Unlike other comal pans used to prepare tortillas, this Mexican comal is made of anodized aluminum and has a highly refined, light sheen.
The handle is affixed at an angle, lifting it 4 inches above the pan in what looks to be a charming minimalist gesture. The handle is made of glossy silicone and stainless steel, which gives a touch of sophistication.
I benefit from several advantages as a result of its construction. I can confirm the durability of hard-anodized aluminum.
Image Source: hawkinscookers.com
I didn't have to worry about it cracking, chipping, pitting, corroding, getting dull, or deteriorating in any way like cheaper ones do. To top it all off, anodizing creates a superb surface that prevents food from sticking.
This unit is 4.88 mm thick to guarantee that heat is retained and distributed consistently, allowing for even cooking. The elevated handle helped keep my hands cool. In addition, I enjoy how three sturdy rivets hold the handle to the pan.
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3. Ecolution Artistry Non-Stick Griddle
- EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS: This multipurpose griddle pan is built to...
- EASY TO CLEAN, INSIDE AND OUT: The non-stick interior releases...
- COOK YOUR WAY: This high performance griddle cooks a wide range...
- GREAT HEAT DISTRIBUTION: The rings on the bottom of this griddle...
- SAFE TO USE: The nonstick coating features an ecologically...
Consumers' motivations for purchasing purchases range from enthusiasm to necessity. However, the Ecolution Artistry Non-Stick Griddle is something you not only need but also value.
Aluminum's remarkable heat conductivity is widely known at this stage. Nonetheless, the material was not chosen only for aesthetic reasons; the product's extraordinary longevity is also worth noting. Furthermore, there will be no effort required to remove whatever you are cooking from the pan.
Image Source: ecolutionhome.com
Although it may be washed in the dishwasher, manual washing is equally easy. Unlike some pans, which I have dropped because they were too hot to handle, this comal pan is easy to hold. This is due to the cool silicone handle, which ensures a stable and comfortable grip.
Just because you're looking for a comal to make tortillas doesn't mean you can't use it for other recipes. This 11-inch pan is appropriate for whatever experimentation you wish to do. Furthermore, the water-based coating is safe because it was created without the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA).
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4. Farberware 21745 High Performance Nonstick Griddle Pan
- QUICK TO HEAT INDOOR GRIDDLE: Aluminum griddle ensures fast, even...
- PREMIUM NONSTICK GRIDDLE: SmartGlide Nonstick System with...
- OVEN SAFE, DISHWASHER SAFE GRIDDLE: The nonstick pancake griddle...
- COMPLIMENTS OTHER FARBERWARE ITEMS: This square griddle is a...
It's no secret that certain corporations have found out how to give their products the high-end appeal that buyers seek. The Farberware team seems to have reached the same conclusion. Until I tested their 21745 Nonstick Griddle Pan, I would never have said that.
The use of aluminum in its construction illustrates that improved heat conduction and frame longevity may be achieved in a single product. The aluminum griddle heats up rapidly and is ready for cooking in no time.
Image Source: farberwarecookware.com
Furthermore, the external color distinguishes it as one of the most fashionable electronics in my kitchen. Its SmartGlide Nonstick System eliminates the need to scrape the pan's bottom to remove the cooked meal.
Its biggest benefit, however, is that it has simplified cleaning. It's not an issue even when I want my dishwasher to do the cleaning. However, without the correct handle, a pan is practically useless. Fortunately, the Farberware team recognized the need of a high-quality grip and included one.
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5. Cuisinart 623-24 Chef’s Classic Hard-Anodized 10-Inch Pan
- The hard anodized exterior is dense, nonporous, and highly...
- Quantanium interior, a patented nonstick cooking surface...
- Solid stainless steel riveted handles stay cool on the stovetop:...
- Tapered rim eliminates drips while pouring
- Oven safe to 500 F. This pan is not induction ready.
Cuisinart is an extremely well-known brand in the United States. The term has become almost synonymous with kitchen appliances, namely food processors and cookware. For example, the Cuisinart 623-24 Chef's Classic Hard-Anodized Cookware is one of their best tortilla pans.
This cookware is made of aluminum, an excellent heat conductor. Another advantage of aluminum is its lightweight nature. Now I have a comal that is not only thick and durable, but also lightweight and portable.
Image Source: cuisinart.com
Cuisinart understands that metal cannot withstand extensive use on its own, so it adds an extra layer of protection. In addition, the outside has been anodized using Quantanium. Quantanium is not only long-lasting, but it can also be used in the kitchen at temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit without risk of food contamination.
The pan's 10-inch diameter provides ample space for both little and large tortillas. I use it to prepare a large amount of meals all at once. It's reassuring to see that this item has a gorgeous handle that's securely attached. The approximately 6-inch-long stainless-steel handle gives me with adequate gripping surface.
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What Do You Consider Before Purchasing the Best Comal for Tortillas?
1. Material
The ideal comal for tortillas should be able to uniformly transmit heat and maintain it for a lengthy period of time. Cast iron is by far the most effective material for maintaining heat on a griddle, although stainless steel and aluminum are also viable possibilities. Beyond that, a cast-iron comal heats up evenly and quickly.
Furthermore, cast iron has higher heat endurance than other materials. It also has the huge advantage of being relatively heavy.
This means that while you cook on the stove, it will not move or shake. Still, you may be looking for a lightweight variant for a variety of reasons. In that case, I recommend getting an aluminum one.
2. Size
The size of the unit is the single most important factor to consider when designing. The characteristics of a task, as well as the user’s preferences and expectations, are frequently used to establish the right tool size.
A smaller unit is appropriate if you eat alone most of the time and do not intend to entertain visitors. A huge pan, on the other hand, is ideal for cooking for a large gathering or preparing a great amount of food at once.
3. Thickness
The key to making tortillas successfully is having steady heat. If the heat is not distributed uniformly, the tortillas will not cook evenly, compromising their flavor and texture. The thickness of the pan is one of the factors used to determine uniform heat dispersion.
4. Design
The unit’s design explains the construction process used. For example, what is the color, if any? Common colors are usually black or gray.
You may want to examine the shape of the pan as well. The two most popular shapes are round and square, and I believe your pick should be based on personal preference. For example, if you wanted your lunch to be square, you would choose a square casserole.
A spatula is an essential tool to have on hand when working with a tortilla pan. So, if you’re looking for a pan, avoid picking one with a very high wall or edge, as this will make it more challenging to insert the spatula. A curved, outwardly sloping edge that isn’t too high is preferable.
5. Handle Quality
I’ve never seen a comal without a handle, but the design and craftsmanship of the handle matter. The handle facilitates transportation by making the unit more controllable. It also provides a convenient spot to rest your hands while using a cast iron skillet or griddle.
over avoid scorching your hand, a longer handle is better over a shorter one. Furthermore, the pan’s handle must be tightly riveted to the body of the pan to keep it from swaying.
The material should be durable, and stainless steel is a good option because of this. A rubber or plastic piece that can withstand high temperatures added to the handle would make it much more comfortable to hold while the comal is hot from the stove.
6. Non-Stick Surface
With a pan that distributes food well, cooking tortillas and other foods is easy and enjoyable. This is why the ability to keep food from sticking is crucial in the best comal pan.
Keep in mind that most materials do not have an inherent lack of stickiness. Instead, coating the surface with compounds such as Quantanium would make it possible. While Quantanium is safe to use at temperatures below 500 °F during normal cooking, some non-stick coatings are harmful to your health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Comal Pans
1. What pan is best for cooking tortillas?
Whether it’s a large skillet or a flat griddle that sits over two burners, it’s better to use a cast iron pan. You could use a nonstick skillet, but the tortillas may be a touch rough. If you have cast iron, cling to it.
2. Is it necessary to season my comal pan?
Seasoning is needed unless your tortilla pan is pre-seasoned. Seasoning the pan fills the surface’s microscopic pores, which prevents food from sticking.
To season the pan, sprinkle a teaspoon of frying oil across its surface. Place the tool in the oven for 60 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit without removing the oil. After that, remove the pan, clean off any remaining oil, and let the device cool down. After cooling, return the pan to the oven for a further hour at the same temperature.
3. What can I use instead of a comal?
When making tortillas, especially non-stick ones, you can also use a heavy dry skillet in place of a comal if you’re having trouble finding the best comal pan or an authentic Mexican comal.
