Using Tortilla Equipment

Make your business or eatery stand out above the rest by using tortilla equipment effectively
By Jennifer Ehlenfeldt, Freelance Writer Tortilla equipment can be a major purchase for any size restaurant or business. Most restaurants don't have a lot of empty space in the kitchen to store or use tortilla equipment, so it's important to keep the size of the equipment in mind when you make your purchase. If space becomes an issue, a second location beyond the kitchen can be considered to house your tortilla production.

Once you decide on a location to house your new tortilla machine, you'll want to make sure you're using the best ingredients possible in your corn or flour tortilla maker. Buy flour in bulk if you plan to produce a large number of tortillas, but if you won't be creating tortillas in mass production, you may want to find a specialty flour to make your tortillas unique.

1. Consider how much space you have available for a commercial tortilla maker.

2. Use your tortilla machine as a way to draw customers in.

3. Create great tasting tortillas using quality and unique ingredients.

Find the space for your tortilla maker machine

When purchasing a commercial tortilla machine, you'll need to not only fit your budget but also the space you have available. Don't try to squeeze a large production machine into a small kitchen. Look for compact models if your space is limited, or consider remodeling to add a tortilla production room or area. A designated room or area could become a draw for customers if you plan to make the production process an attraction and allow customers to watch.
Try:  Find a compact Counter Top Crust Sheeter that makes up to 12-inch round tortillas and fits easily on the counter. If you're looking for an all-in-one unit to press and grill tortillas, consider the BE&SCO Mini Wedge Tortilla Press Combo. The company also sells small countertop versions of the tortilla press that can produce up to 500 tortillas an hour. If have the space and want to purchase highly efficient equipment, consider an all-in-one system from La Poblana Food Machines.

Show off your tortillas machine and production

Draw customers in by making your tortilla production a part of the restaurant experience. Create a location where they can watch their tortillas go from flour to the finished product. They'll enjoy eating a tortilla they watch you make, and you can even package tortillas for customers to take home if you have large tortilla equipment.
Try:  Go "old school" and roll and cut your own flour tortillas. Once you roll them out, use a good tortilla press from Tortilla Xpress to finish them off. If don't need to mass produce the tortillas themselves, take a more personal route by pressing each customer's tortilla(s) when they order it using the Dough Pro.

Use fresh ingredients in your tortilla machines

The main ingredient in any tortilla is obviously the flour. Whether you're making corn or flour tortillas, you'll want to use the best ingredients to ensure your tortillas taste good.
Try:  Use corn, white or wheat flour from Gruma so you know your tortillas will be made from some of the best-rated ingredients in the industry. Use Maseca Corn Flour from MexGrocer.com if you don't need to buy in bulk.

• If your business already has a dough roller, it can usually be used quite easy to rough the tortilla dough as well. Save money by only purchasing the tortilla grill or press and use your existing roller.