How to Use a Tortilla Warmer (And Why You Should)

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, you probably love having tortillas in your pantry. They’re versatile, delicious, and easy to make. But have you ever struggled with keeping them warm until they’re served? A tortilla warmer is a simple yet effective solution to this problem. 

How to use a tortilla warmer? A tortilla warmer is a versatile and fun kitchen tool that can be useful in many ways. From keeping your tortillas warm for tacos to steaming vegetables and warming up pizza, this simple device can make mealtime much more enjoyable. 

In this article, we’ll show you some delightful ways to use your tortilla warmer and enjoy warm tortillas every time.

What Is a Tortilla Warmer? 

First things first, a tortilla warmer is a kitchen tool used to keep tortillas warm and soft. It is usually made of insulated materials such as cloth, plastic, or ceramic. There are even electric tortilla warmers available, but we’ll get to that later. 

Cloth Warmers

The most popular material for tortilla warmers is cloth. They are inexpensive and easy to wash. Plus, they come in different designs, colors, and sizes.

Cloth tortilla warmers work by trapping heat to keep the tortillas warm. The warm tortillas are placed inside the warmer, and the warmth spreads throughout the stack, keeping them warm and pliable. They are perfect for individual servings or when serving at a dinner party. 

To use a cloth tortilla warmer, you need to dampen the cloth first, then heat the tortillas in a microwave or oven. Finally, place the tortillas in the warmer and wrap the cloth around them.

Plastic Warmers

Plastic tortilla warmers work differently from cloth ones. They are usually made of BPA-free plastic and have a tight-fitting lid to keep moisture in. Unlike cloth warmers, plastic ones can go in the dishwasher and are more durable. 

You can put the tortillas in the warmer without dampening them, and they will retain their heat longer. Plastic tortilla warmers are also stackable, making them perfect for larger gatherings.

Ceramic Warmers

Ceramic tortilla warmers (like these from Amazon) are the fanciest of them all. You can find them in a variety of designs and sizes. You can use them to warm your tortillas in the microwave or in the oven. 

Usually, they have a solid lid that keeps the tortillas warm and fresh. Ceramic warmers can be a bit on the pricier side, but they look great on the dinner table.

Electric Warmers

Finally, electric tortilla warmers are a game-changer. They are perfect for commercial use, large gatherings, or for those who want to enjoy warm tortillas all day long. 

These warmers come with an electric heating element that can keep tortillas warm for hours. They are easy to use and can warm up tortillas in minutes. If you want to serve freshly heated tortillas in an instant, an electric warmer is the one for you.

Why Should You Use a Tortilla Warmer? 

There are many benefits of using a tortilla warmer and why you should consider adding this kitchen must-have to your collection. 

1. Retains Warmth

The first reason to use a tortilla warmer is that it helps retain the heat of your tortillas for a longer duration. 

Instead of resorting to makeshift methods like wrapping them in a paper towel or aluminum foil, just place your freshly made tortillas inside the warmer and close the lid. This keeps them warm and soft until you’re ready to serve them.

2. Preserves Moisture

Tortilla warmers work like a charm when it comes to retaining the moisture of your tortillas. This feature is especially helpful if your tortillas have dried out a bit. 

Placing them in a warmer will help to soften and moisten them up, giving them a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

3. Easy to Use

Tortilla warmers are incredibly simple to use. All you need to do is preheat them before using them and then add your tortillas. You can find ceramic, plastic, or fabric warmers, whichever fits your preference and budget.

4. Versatile

A tortilla warmer can be useful for more than just keeping tortillas warm. You can also use it to warm up other baked goods like naan, pita bread, or even pancakes and waffles. So, investing in a tortilla warmer means you’re investing in a versatile kitchen accessory. 

5. Cost-Effective

Another advantage of tortilla warmers is that they are affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to add one to your kitchen. They are also long-lasting, making them a worthwhile investment.

Step-By-Step to Use a Tortilla Warmer 

The easiest way to use a tortilla warmer is to use it with the microwave. Let’s take a look at the step-by-step. 

Step 1: Moistening the Tortillas

Place the to-be-heated tortillas under a damp cloth or paper towel. This process is not necessary, but it does help you maintain the tortillas’ pliability and texture.

Step 2: Putting the Tortillas in the Tortilla Warmer

Once the tortillas are wrapped in a damp cloth, place them in the tortilla warmer. The warmer is made to hold multiple tortillas, so you can repeat these steps a few times. 

Step 3: Heating the Tortillas in the Microwave

With the tortillas inside the warmer, place the lid and microwave them for about 30-45 seconds. 

The exact time may vary on the microwave wattage and the number of tortillas inside. Ensure that the lid is closed so that the tortillas can heat up evenly.

Step 4: Serving Hot Tortillas

Once the microwave beeps, the tortillas are now ready to be served. In most cases, they should be well-heated and pliable and should remain that way for some time while they sit in the warmer. You can use tongs or simply open the warmer to get the tortillas out.

Step 5: Cleaning the Tortilla Warmer

After using the tortilla warmer, let it cool down before washing it with soap and water. Depending on the material of the warmer, you can also put it in the dishwasher.

Remember not to soak plastic and cloth warmers for too long in the water, as it can lead to warping, discoloration, and damage.

Other Ways to Use a Tortilla Warmer 

Tortilla warmers are incredibly versatile, so there are a few different ways to use them, in addition to warming up your tortillas. Here are just some ideas to enjoy your warmer. 

1. Steam Vegetables

Your tortilla warmer can be used as a steamer for vegetables. 

Simply place some veggies in the warmer, add water, and microwave it for a few minutes. The steam will cook the vegetables quickly and easily, and they will be ready to serve in no time. This is a convenient way to enjoy your daily dose of greens without any fuss.

3. Warm Up Leftover Pizza

You can use your tortilla warmer to warm up leftover pizza. Simply place a slice in the warmer and microwave for a minute or two. 

The steam from the warmer will heat up the pizza, and it will be just as good as it was the day before.  

4. Use It as a Bread Basket

The warmer can also be used as a bread basket on your dining table. Simply fill it with some fresh bread or rolls, and cover it with the lid. The bread will stay warm and fresh, and your guests will be impressed by your hosting skills. 

5. Store Leftovers

Finally, your tortilla warmer can also be used as a storage container for leftovers. Simply place your food in the warmer, close the lid, and put it in the fridge. 

This is an easy way to keep your food fresh and avoid wasting any leftovers. It’s also a convenient way to bring your lunch to work or school.

How Long Does the Tortilla Warmer Keep Your Tortilla Warm? 

The duration that your tortillas will remain warm in the warmer depends on several factors, such as the type of tortilla you use, the warming method, and the capacity of your tortilla warmer. 

For instance, corn tortillas retain heat better than flour tortillas, while a high-quality tortilla warmer with thick insulation will keep your tortillas warm longer than a thinner one.

Another critical factor to consider is the warming method you use. A microwave, oven, stove, or grill can warm your tortillas before transferring them to the warmer. Some heating methods may produce tortillas that retain heat longer than others. 

For instance, indirect heating methods such as ovens and grills tend to keep tortillas warm for a longer time than direct heating methods such as microwaves and stovetops.

It’s also important to note that tortilla warmers come in different sizes, and the capacity of your warmer can affect the duration it will keep your tortillas warm. If you’re serving a big party, consider getting a larger tortilla warmer to accommodate more tortillas.

In general, most tortilla warmers can keep your tortillas warm for up to an hour. However, the duration may vary depending on the factors mentioned earlier. 

For instance, if you’ve used a thick insulation tortilla warmer, warmed your tortillas using an oven, and have a small number of tortillas, it can keep them warm for much longer.