6 Best Tortilla Warmers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Tortilla warmers are more than just an accessory. They actually ensure the tortillas are perfectly cooked before you dig in.
Photo by Kristina Felix
Our Top Tortilla Warmer Picks
- Best Overall: Fox Run Terra Cotta Tortilla Warmer
- Best Value: IMUSA Cloth Tortilla Warmer
- Most Sustainable: Masienda Tortilla Warmer Pouch
- Most Versatile: Hedley & Bennett Chef’s Towel
- Best for High-Volume Kitchens: IMUSA Tortilla and Arepa Warmer
- Best All-in-One Tortilla Warmer and Reheater: Dexas Microwaveable Tortilla Warmer
Tested by Kristina Felix
If you're reading this, you've hopefully experienced the delight of having fresh, warm tortillas brought to you tableside in a tortilla warmer. Perhaps it was a basket, or a hard-shell case, or maybe even a ceramic dish. Whatever the material, tortilla warmers are more than merely serving accessories. Their crucial role is actually to steam the tortillas after they've been cooked on a comal or griddle. This final steaming step before the tortillas reach your plate ensures they are cooked through, pliable and strong, and capable of holding any filling without breaking. This makes tortilla warmers an essential tool for taco lovers — especially if you've spent time using a tortilla press to make your own.
Tortilla warmers come in both soft and hard materials, including options like polyester, cotton, terracotta, plastic and silicone. Some varieties are even designed for reheating tortillas in the microwave, offering a quick way to serve them warm. In choosing the perfect tortilla warmer, consider its ease of cleaning, how many tortillas it can hold, and its aesthetic appeal. Most importantly, the warmer should effectively keep your tortillas warm and soft throughout your meal, allowing you to enjoy your guests' company without the interruption of having to reheat tortillas repeatedly.
We've expertly tested 10 top-rated tortilla warmers, and even a standard dish towel, to find the best tortilla warmers. If you’re looking for the best tortilla warmer for your kitchen, this guide can help you determine which material and style best suits your needs.
Photo by Kristina Felix
How We Tested
We purchased and tested 10 top-rated tortilla warmers from well-known retailers and brands. Before testing, we assessed their price, material, and design, and looked over any included manuals or instructions. We tested tortilla warmers by placing three warmed tortillas in each warmer and checking on them 30 minutes and 1 hour later to see how long the tortillas stayed warm. If the warmer was also meant to be used to reheat tortillas, we placed five cooked tortillas in each warmer, warmed according to the included instructions, made sure they were warmed through and then waited 30 minutes to see how effective the warmer was with heat retention. Finally, we adhered to the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning, storage, and maintenance to make our final choices.
- Versatile
- Easy to clean
- Best heat retention
- Stylish
- Must be submerged in water and heated in a cold oven
The Fox Run Terra Cotta Tortilla Warmer, beautifully made from terracotta, is a versatile and practical tool for every kitchen. It's safe for use in dishwashers, microwaves, and ovens, and it's not just for warming tortillas — you can cook in it too. Although it requires a bit more preparation than other warmers, it significantly outperforms all other types and materials in keeping tortillas warm, reheating effectively, and adding an aesthetic touch to your table setting.
This tortilla warmer needs to be soaked in water for 15 minutes and then heated in a cold oven, but the extra effort is worth it. Once you experience how effectively this terracotta vessel maintains the warmth of tortillas, you'll find other warmers pale in comparison. Not only do tortillas stay warm for over an hour, but the terracotta lid also allows just the right amount of ventilation to prevent sticking and sogginess from condensation. Beyond tortillas, use this versatile warmer to bake eggs or reheat various dishes — it retains heat long after being removed from the oven. We're convinced that terracotta is the superior choice for the future of tortilla warmers!
- Material Ceramic
- Diameter 7"
- Height 4.25"
- Accessible price point
- Machine-wash safe
- Good for both warming and reheating tortillas
- Made from synthetic materials
IMUSA offers tortilla warmers in both soft and hard varieties, and we've tested and highly rated both types. The IMUSA cloth tortilla warmer serves dual purposes: it warms and reheats tortillas, with instructions conveniently printed on the back. It's safe for both the microwave and washing machine, though it should be laid flat to dry. Available in several designs, it caters to a variety of preferences. Priced at $10.78, this warmer is an excellent choice for large dinner parties where multiple warmers might be needed, as well as for those just starting to equip their kitchen and who may not be ready for a solid-state option like the Fox Run Terracotta warmer. As a cloth warmer, it can be stored easily in your linen closet, saving valuable shelf space for other kitchen essentials like a tortilla press.
- Material Cloth
- Diameter 12"
- Height 2" (when full)
- Organic materials
- Sustainably sourced
- Cute pocket design
- Must be hand washed
While Masienda is known primarily as an heirloom masa harina brand looking to shakeup the at-home tortilla making industry, they make beautiful kitchen tools designed for those who value social responsibility and clean aesthetics. Their tortilla pouch, handcrafted from organic cotton and dyes, is meticulously sewn by Oaxacan seamstress Deisy Martinez. At $45 a pop, this warmer is the priciest on our list. However, when you consider that Masienda sources their products responsibly and emphasizes using organic materials, its ecological footprint is much smaller when compared to warmers made from synthetic materials like polyester and plastic, which are derived from non-renewable fossil fuels.
Masienda tortilla warmers come in four different colors and effectively keep tortillas warm for an initial serving. Their breathable cotton construction ensures that tortillas don't become soggy over time. It's important to note that because these warmers are made from woven cotton, they must be hand-washed and laid flat to dry.
- Material Cotton
- Diameter 7.5"
- Height 1" (when full)
- Good dish towel
- Machine-wash safe
- You have to keep them clean
Surprisingly, the most adaptable tortilla warmer we found is a simple dish towel, specifically one from Hedley + Bennett. In our quest for the most readily available option, we tested a dishtowel, a common makeshift solution in many kitchens. Dishtowels are convenient, machine-washable, and excellent for a casual weeknight meal. We were particularly impressed with the Hedley + Bennett dishtowels for their range of attractive two-tone colors, their durability, and the fact that you get three for $30.
While not the best at retaining heat, these dishtowels managed to keep tortillas warm for about 15 minutes — perfectly sufficient for a quick breakfast taco. They're also ideal for those looking to avoid cluttering their kitchen with specialized gadgets (like a banana slicer!), offering a simple, no-fuss solution.
- Material Cotton
- Diameter N/A (27.5"L x 20.5"W)
- Height N/A
- Dishwasher safe
- Microwave safe without lid
- A little generic looking
The IMUSA Tortilla & Arepa Warmer, a common fixture in many Mexican restaurants, is ideal for busy kitchens that often rely on the microwave to reheat tortillas. However, it's crucial to note that while the base of the warmer is microwave safe, the lid is not and should be removed during reheating.
Valued for its stackable design, dishwasher compatibility, and cost-effectiveness, this all-in-one solution is practical for everyday use. Although it promises to keep tortillas warm for up to an hour, our findings suggest a more realistic 30 minutes of warmth retention, though its closed shell design notably minimized condensation during reheating compared to other hardshell models. Priced at an affordable $14.66, this warmer is a smart pick for high-volume, straightforward kitchens that value efficiency and a touch of traditional charm.
- Material Plastic
- Diameter 8"
- Height 2.6"
- Completely dishwasher and microwave safe
- Unbreakable
- Trapped condensation
The Dexas Microwavable Tortilla Warmer stands out as the only completely dishwasher and microwave-safe model we tested, making it an exceptionally convenient choice for any kitchen. Proudly made in Texas, USA, which inspired its name, Dexas warmers are designed with a stackable, soft silicone construction. This feature is especially beneficial in kitchens frequented by children, as it reduces the risk of breakage if knocked off the table. Priced at just $9.99, it's the most affordable option, encouraging multiple purchases for various uses beyond just warming and reheating tortillas. While it maintained tortilla warmth for approximately 40 minutes, the snug silicone lid tended to trap moisture, occasionally resulting in a slightly soggy top tortilla. However, this feature could be advantageous for other purposes, like reviving dry leftovers or perfectly reheating rice by retaining essential moisture.
- Material Polypropylene
- Diameter 8.5"
- Height 2.3"
What to Consider When Buying a Tortilla Warmer
Price: The prices of the tortilla warmers we tested varied from $9.99 to $45. Selecting a warmer within your budget that meets your needs, whether for reheating, heat retention, or both, is crucial.
Capacity: Tortilla warmers are available in various sizes, accommodating 10 to 20 tortillas. If you frequently host large gatherings, consider larger capacity warmers or purchasing multiple affordable ones.
Material: For those with busy kitchens, selecting a warmer made from materials that are dishwasher or machine-wash safe is essential. Some cloth warmers incorporate plastic for better heat retention, though machine-wash safe, they require air drying to avoid a meltdown.
Design: A tortilla warmer often doubles as a table accessory. Consider its color and design, especially if you need one to complement specific serving ware. With a wide range of available options, finding a warmer to fit your aesthetic needs is manageable.
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