Making homemade tacos has always been a culinary dream of mine, but the process of crafting perfectly crisp taco shells seemed daunting. I envisioned a kitchen disaster—burnt tortillas, uneven frying, and a significant mess. This pushed me to seek out a solution, and the Norpro Taco Press promised to be the answer.
The allure of homemade tacos is undeniable—the superior taste and freshness compared to store-bought shells are worth the effort. However, the challenge lies in achieving consistently crisp and evenly cooked shells without the hassle of traditional methods. The ideal customer for a taco press is someone who values convenience and consistent results, someone who enjoys homemade tacos but lacks the time or expertise for more complex techniques. This tool isn’t for those who prefer the rustic charm of hand-formed shells or those who already have a perfected method. Before purchasing a taco press, consider your cooking style, the type of tortillas you prefer (corn or flour), and the amount of oil you’re comfortable using. Look for a press with a sturdy construction, easy-to-clean design, and features that meet your needs, such as a heat-resistant handle.
- Fresh tacos shells are so much better tasting than store bought! The process of making tacos at home just got so much easier, with this uniquely designed taco press!
- Use to mold tortillas into fresh, crisp, fried taco shells! Faster, safer and easier than the old fork and tong method. Simple and easy to use! Perfect tacos every time!
- The L-shaped handle rests on the fryer rim to protect your hands from hot oil.
Introducing the Norpro Taco Press
The Norpro Taco Press is a chromed steel press with a red, rubberized plastic handle. Its design promises faster, safer, and easier taco shell creation than traditional methods, producing perfectly formed shells every time. While it doesn’t boast the advanced features of some higher-priced models, its simplicity and effectiveness make it a compelling option. It’s ideal for those who want a straightforward, reliable tool to make tacos at home. It’s not, however, suited for large-scale taco production or individuals seeking intricate shaping capabilities.
- Pros: Simple to use, durable construction, easy to clean, relatively inexpensive, produces consistently shaped shells.
- Cons: Only fries one shell at a time, the angle is quite wide, may require adjustments for deep frying.
- Prepare perfectly cooked quesadillas in less than 5 minutes
- 11-INCH COOKING SURFACE: Cook 6 quesadilla wedges on the large 11-inch nonstick cooking surface in just under 5-minutes. Cheesy, melty and delicious snacks
- CAST IRON TORTILLA MAKER: Our cast iron press is seasoned with non-GMO, kosher-certified flaxseed oil and made without PTFE, PFAS, or other forever chemicals. It has a smaller footprint than...
Unveiling the Features and Benefits: A Comprehensive Look
Ease of Use and Efficiency
The Norpro Taco Press’s simplicity is its greatest strength. The process is intuitive: place a tortilla into the press, submerge it in hot oil (or use other cooking methods), and fry until golden brown and crisp. The L-shaped handle allows it to rest on the edge of the pan, keeping your hands away from the hot oil – a significant safety advantage. This streamlined process saves time and effort compared to the fiddly fork-and-tong method or attempting to fry tortillas directly in the oil. This efficiency is a game-changer for busy weeknights or large gatherings.
Durable Construction and Longevity
Made of chromed steel with a rubberized handle, this Norpro Taco Press is built to last. The sturdy construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of regular use and the high temperatures of frying. The chromed steel is easy to clean—simply wipe it down after each use, or place it in the dishwasher. This durability reduces the need for frequent replacements, making it a cost-effective investment in the long run.
Consistent Shell Formation
One of the most significant benefits of the Norpro Taco Press is its ability to produce uniformly shaped taco shells. The press ensures even cooking and prevents the warping or misshaping that can occur with traditional methods. This consistency leads to more aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound tacos. The uniform size and shape also make filling and eating the tacos easier and more enjoyable.
Versatility and Adaptability
While primarily designed for deep frying, the Norpro Taco Press can be adapted to various cooking methods, including pan-frying or baking. While deep frying yields the crispiest results, pan-frying provides a slightly softer shell, and baking offers a healthier alternative. This adaptability broadens its appeal to cooks with different preferences and dietary needs. Experimenting with different cooking methods and oils will unlock the press’s full potential, tailoring your tacos to your desired level of crispness.
Addressing Common Criticisms
Some users have noted the wide angle of the press as a drawback, finding it difficult to fry both sides evenly in shallow oil. While this is a valid point, it can be mitigated by using a deeper pan or adjusting your frying technique. Others have commented on the single-shell capacity; however, this is a trade-off for the press’s compact size and ease of use. For large batches, simply increase the number of frying sessions.
What Others Are Saying About the Norpro Taco Press
Online reviews generally praise the Norpro Taco Press for its ease of use and ability to produce consistently shaped shells. Many users appreciate its simplicity and durability, highlighting it as a worthwhile addition to their kitchen tools. While some criticisms regarding the angle and single-shell capacity exist, these are often balanced by the overall positive experience and the superior results achieved compared to traditional methods.
The Verdict: A Taco Revolution in Your Kitchen
The Norpro Taco Press truly delivers on its promise. It solves the problem of creating consistently crispy, perfectly shaped taco shells with ease. Its simplicity, durability, and effectiveness make it a worthwhile investment for any taco enthusiast. While some minor adjustments to your technique might be needed, the overall convenience and superior results make this a must-have kitchen tool. To elevate your taco game and enjoy delicious, homemade shells with minimal fuss, click here to check out the Norpro Taco Press today!