Tortilla Steamers

Commercial Tortilla Steamers: What You Need to Know

Cold or stiff tortillas do not fold as easily as warmed ones, and warm tortillas will keep their contents hot before serving. Cold tortillas sap heat from hot food, leading to meals that are not served at an appropriate temperature. These machines – frequently marketed as sandwich steamers, burrito steamers, and tortilla steamers – use steam to transfer heat to food quickly and efficiently without drying out the product. They are different from steam cookers in that they are not intended to provide cooking heat to the food. Instead, they rewarm already cooked foods or melt and heat foods that do not need cooking, such as deli meats and cheeses.

Common Questions About Tortilla Steamers

What does a commercial tortilla steamer do?

These steamers quickly heat pre-cooked dishes without dehydrating them or changing their texture in undesirable ways. They usually have a small footprint, meaning you don't have to give up much kitchen space to implement them. All steamers require water to produce steam that transfers heat into food. Normally, the machines will have a reservoir for water and may require distilled water to prevent mineral buildup in the components. Water transfers heat efficiently and can warm food more quickly than electric and gas heat, so these burrito steamers are convenient additions to any food prep process.

Which establishments need a tortilla steamer machine?

Restaurants that serve tortillas need a way to heat them up before meals are plated, and these sandwich steamers are a perfect solution. Their small footprint means even food trucks can make use of a steamer, so long as they can power the machine and provide water. Mexican food – along with a wide array of Central and South American cuisines and other fusion styles – makes use of tortillas for a variety of dishes, but keeping them hot can prove a challenge. As they are already cooked, there is no need to cook tortillas along with the rest of the meal. In fact, exposing delicate tortillas to direct radiant heat can dry them out and crack them, creating an unpleasant, tough texture. Steam heat keeps the tortilla moist enough to be wrapped around the rest of the meal. Any establishment that serves tortillas is going to need a tortilla warmer of some sort.

What size tortilla steamer machines are available?

Countertop steamers come in a broad selection of sizes, but half-size steaming pans are common and easy to incorporate in an existing cooking process. Choosing a steamer that fits half-size pans increases the options an operator can heat with his or her steamer, as pans can be interchanged between processes. Other steamers will give specific dimensions for their products rather than listing it in pan sizes, so consider the size of product you expect to use with the steamer and ensure the model you choose will encompass it. Choosing an option larger than you need, however, will lead to wasted energy and higher utility bills.

What setup do tortilla steamers require?

Most small, countertop steamers require only a 120-volt outlet and a glass full of water. A steamer you would use to heat tortillas would not require a direct steam hook-up or plumbing to the machine because the amount of water required is no more than can be manually added to the reservoir. Consult individual product specification sheets before purchase to ensure your chosen model does not need more than your establishment can provide.