Finding the perfect all wood tortilla press doesn’t need to be a chore. The device, while simple, should exhibit a few key features that we will go over in detail here.

Wood tortilla presses appearing in this guide

Check Price

• Press up to 8″ tortillas
• Solid Oak construction
• Price $

Check Price

• Press up to 8″ tortillas
• Classic Oak & Walnut
• Price: $$

Check Price

• Press up to 10″ tortillas
• Classic Oak & Walnut
• Price: $$$

We’ve all had a perfect tortilla at one point in our lives, and I can guarantee it didn’t come out of some package. The tortilla that you remember so vividly completing your taco was most likely hand made. Pressed to perfection in a classic wood tortilla maker.

Some key features to look for in a tortilla press

Besides looking nice (we’ve got you covered there), you will want to make sure you get an even press, and an ergonomic design to stop wrist and hand fatigue. This all comes down to thoughtful design and a good, solid construction.

Cast iron (or metal) tortilla press issues to watch for

There are many options out there, with most modern tortilla presses made of cast iron. Now, you’d think these would be ideal, I mean, they’re metal. Right? Unfortunately we’ve found the majority of modern cast iron tortilla presses are poorly made. The poor construction is used to bring cost down, leaving you with a wobbly and inconsistent tortilla press. Or worse, the cheap ones will even use sub-par iron leading to situations like this:

When the handle breaks, that’s a serious recipe for disaster, and most likely a bloody knuckle or two.

Wood tortilla press issues to watch for

A lot of wood tortilla presses are not much better. The major pitfall that we see with them is the use of soft woods, leading to (again) broken handles, or hinges falling off. This is why you’ll want to find a wood press made of all natural hardwood, like oak, walnut, or in the case of some of our picks, both!

Another thing that most buyers overlook is the point at which the pressure is being applied to the plate. The closer this point is to the end of the handle (where you hold it), the more pressure you will need to apply to get a nice flat tortilla. Moving this point further away from the end of the handle will make pressing a breeze. Take note of our wooden picks below and you will notice the lever meets the pressing-plate at the very edge. A press so simple a child could use it.

The best wooden tortilla press

Shop Central Coast Woodworking Tortilla Presses

When buying a quality wooden tortilla press, look no further than those hand crafted by Central Coast Woodworking.

These classic wood tortilla presses are all hand made in a small home work shop on the central coast of California, designed by a craftsman who knows what he’s doing. Constructed with hardwood materials like oak and walnut, you will not need to worry about breakage. The simple design is effective, and you can count on perfect tortillas with minimal effort every time.

Beyond the classic look and feel, subtle aspects of the design were considered when making this press. Things like the grain of the wood carefully aligned to withstand the downward force while your tortilla is being pressed. It’s this sort of attention to small details that make for a safe and beautiful countertop item.

Operating an all-wood tortilla press

Using the wood tortilla press from Central Coast Woodworking is a breeze. Simply lift the handle, then lift the top plate. You can then rest the plate on the handle as pictured above. This allows you to slide your tortilla dough in, drop the top and press.

But wait! Before you throw your ball of tortilla dough on there and press it let’s protect the wood finish, and make cleanup a little easier by putting some parchment paper in between.

Pre-cut round pieces of parchment paper are sold online, but in our opinion these are not necessary. If you have a standard roll of parchment paper, simply cut a sheet double the size of the plate, put your dough in the middle, fold it over and press.

Good cast iron options

Shop Heavy Duty Cast Iron Tortilla Presses

We had mentioned above that most modern cast iron tortilla presses are cheaply made, and prone to breaking. But the recently re-designed Heavy Duty Victoria 8 Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press is the exception.

Special attention has been placed on the handle of this press, which is arguably one of the most important aspects of any tortilla press. The ergonomic design will help cut down on fatigue when pressing large numbers of tortillas for your next taco Tuesday party.

Even more importantly, you don’t need to worry about the handle breaking. After years of research Victoria created a proprietary iron blend specifically designed to stop breakage. An added benefit to the new iron used for this heavy duty press is it’s actually lighter in weight. Again, another serious benefit when making large numbers of tortillas at a time.

One thing to note about this press is the pressure point is in the middle of this handle. So you will need to put a little more effort into this than our wood picks above.

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1. The fire pit must be smokeless.
2. It must be able to burn any wood log, as well as manufactured eco-logs.

Smokeless wood burning fire pits appearing in this guide

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• Simple design
• Put in any facade
• Smokeless & wood burning

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• Classic look
• Fits most motifs
• Smokeless & wood burning

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• Contemporary
• Cheaper version available
• Smokeless & wood burning

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Few things beat the sound of a crackling wood fire under the stars. But you may be weary of a wood burning fire pit because you know what that entails (smoke). But don’t worry! There have been some unique designs that minimize and even eliminate smoke in recent years, let’s look at them.

The original BREEO smokeless fire pit (and grill)

Shop BREEO Smokeless Fire Pits via Amazon

The Double Flame by BREEO is our favorite smokeless fire pit because of it’s versatility. This wood burning outdoor fire pit comes in a minimalist stainless steel design that will fit most modern back yard motifs. The flared top edge lends itself perfectly to building this into a brick, stone, or a cement facade. Best of all, these fire pits are designed and made in the USA with no a frill technology for a clean burning fire.

BREEO is the original smokeless fire pit, and the innovation behind it is so simple. No motors, gases, or other extras are used. Cold air is pulled in through the bottom from the heat of your fire, then travels inside the walls of the fire pit where it is heated and then comes out small holes along the top. This is where the magic happens. This hot air actually mixes with and combusts the would-be smoke, effectively re-burning it and minimizing the smoke you see and smell to nearly nothing!

Another notable feature is the ability to turn this fire pit into a grill with an add-on that can be found on the BREEO website.

TIKI Brand smokeless fire pit for wood logs or pellets

Shop TIKI Smokeless Fire Pits via Amazon

The TIKI Brand smokeless fire pit uses a similar technology to the BREEO, but has a few extra features worth noting. First, the most obvious is the classic look. This smokeless fire pit would work great with most modern motifs, especially those located on coastal or lake areas because of the horizontal black steel slats.

Another excellent feature is the ash catch at the bottom. This catch actually pulls out for easy coal and ash disposal.

TIKI recommends using their wood pellets with this fire pit. This is not because they burn any better than your own wood logs, but because they are predictable in the amount of time they will burn for. This can be helpful if you are looking to stay out for a set amount of time, and don’t want to have to tend a seemingly endless fire. The pellets are a nice option to have, but are not necessary with this pit.

Solo Stove “Bonfire” a smokeless fire pit ready for camp-outs

Shop Solo Stove Smokeless Fire Pits via Amazon

The Solo Stove “bonfire” is another great choice. It can burn wood logs, and re-burns smoke just like the others. This comes up last on our list simply because we found the design to be less versatile than the other two.

This may work perfectly with your minimalist motif, especially if you’ve got a lot of stainless steel aspects. Besides the easy clean out system, you will not be missing anything. It also comes in a smaller “Ranger” option which is perfect for traveling with, and it will actually save some money in the end! Smokeless bonfires on the beach? Sign me up.

Well that does it.

With this range of the very best smokeless fire pits, we know you’ll find the one that fits your particular need. Your hair and clothes will thank us later.

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Some of the sharpest modern kitchen knives

We’ve all been there. You’re trying to dice some carrots for tonight’s soup and it’s like you’re at the gym working on your arms all over again. Or worse, your dull knife slips! Let’s save the workout for the gym. All material kitchen knives are forged in three layers of Japanese steel. These blades come sharp, and stay sharp longer.

A balanced modern kitchen knife set. (Not just visually pleasing)

Most Chef will confirm, the next most important thing to a sharp blade is a balanced knife for the the kitchen. Once you have a balanced knife in your hand, you will know exactly what they mean. A balanced kitchen knife will cut down on wrist strain from repetitive cutting, and makes dicing a breeze. So while this modern kitchen knife set remains visually balanced, they are also physically balanced providing a pleasant cooking experience.

More than modern knife sets

From frying pans to kitchen sheers, if you’re looking to complete your kitchen, look no further than Material. With a growing line of modern kitchenware, you can have a complete, functional, and minimal kitchen without breaking the bank. Shop Material Kitchenware.

Low price, great quality

The founders (Eunice and Dave) at Material had a simple goal. They wanted to create robust kitchenware with a modern look, but it was important to provide it at an unbeatable price. This is something small companies can get away with. They don’t have enormous overhead with thousands of employees. Eunice & Dave can simply focus on the art, make amazing products, and pass the savings on to you.

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Record Players Appearing in This Guide

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• Bluetooth (Wire Free!)
• Exceptional Sound
• USB Option

Buy Used

• Classic
• Collectors Item
• Original Minimalist Look

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• Contemporary Design
• Ultra Minimalist
• Great Sound

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A wireless Bluetooth record player by Sony

Shop Sony’s PS-LX310BT via Amazon

Sony’s minimalist Bluetooth PS-LX310Bt Buy now on Amazon

If you’re looking for something a little more modern, and perhaps a little more minimalist, try this.

Why would you pick a modern record player over a classic one?

The nice thing about a modern record player that holds to classic minimalist design is that you get exceptional look paired brand new technology. The best of both worlds.

 

As you know, wires are not the most minimalist thing in your home. With built in Bluetooth your record player can now be in one area while your speaker sits comfortably on a shelf, or even in another room, no messy wiring needed.

 

Other modern benefits? Connect the USB output to any computer and easily convert your records into a digital (mp3, wav etc.) format, or even listen through the speakers on your computer.

 

Both the Bluetooth and USB options are really helpful if you don’t have a stereo amplifier to accompany your new record player (yes you will need an amp of some sort with most other record players).

 

Where does this record player fall short?

Sound. The sound will be acceptable for most listeners, but if you are an audiophile, we would suggest picking up a now discontinued PS-HX500 on eBay, featured next, scroll on!

The perfect modern record player for lovers of Scandinavian design (discontinued)

Shop New & Used Sony PS-HX500 via eBay

Sony’s modern record player, the PS-HX500 Buy now on eBay

Sony’s PS-HX500 is one of our favorite modern record player picks. Not only is it a minimalist turntable by design, but it also received a five star rating from What Hi-Fi for superior sound quality. This is an excellent player for those with a Scandinavian design motif, or just want something simple. Another aspect that sets this turntable apart is it’s USB output in addition to standard RCA.

Bang & Olufsen Beogram, classic minimalist record players (that started it all)

Shop Bang & Olufsen Beogram via ebay

 

Bang & Olufsen Beogram 1800 Buy now on eBay

In 1972 Danish industrial designer Jakob Jensen created the first truly minimalist record player. One that redefined the way turntables should look. It was the Beogram 4000 for Bang & Olufsen, and with it sleek, stylish, and uniquely modern record players were born. Bang & Olufsen went on to create a whole series of minimalist turntables that embodied swiss design right down to the Helvetica type. They range from modern minimalism, to classic complete with wooden finishes. But one aspect they all share is attention to detail, sleek design, and slim form factors.

Designed to be timeless, today’s demand shows they accomplished this with ease.

These record players were designed with such care that they are still relevant and highly sought after even today. Beogram’s are no longer manufactured, but are available on ebay. Used prices range from $200 all the way to $1,000+ depending on model and condition. That’s a lot of money for a classic, but hey, we get it. These things are serious conversation pieces that can complete your classic minimalist look (and sound good)!

Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000 Buy now on eBay

 

Check out this excellent Beogram history blog post on ebay if you’d like learn more.

REGA Planar 2, high gloss contemporary minimalist record players

Shop REGA Planar 2 via Amazon

The REGA Planar 2 in gloss white almost looks futuristic Buy now on Amazon

The REGA Planar 2 or “P2” is a unique find that is available in black, white, or red and finished with a clear acrylic platter. It has an almost futuristic look with its strong shapes, and gloss finish. This is a highly rated record player in both form, function, and most importantly sound.

Stunning black REGA P2 Sporting a simple contemporary design. Buy in black now via Amazon

With great sound quality and an ultra minimalist look (no messy looking buttons or dials), this could be the perfect record player for a contemporary setting.

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Detailed look at the Black Industrial Minimalist Hanging Pendant Light by CLAXY

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These round outdoor garden pots are constructed with fiber cement which is a type of cement that is noted for it’s improved crack resistance and is significantly lighter in weight. Two aspects that make these concrete planters extremely tasteful in design and function.

The post Large Round “Rio Bowl” Minimalist Gray Outdoor Concrete Garden Pots appeared first on ML.

Possibly the most appealing aspect of any Playa Blanca series is the fact that you receive three planters as a set. They can be arranged in such a way to tie you’re whole yard together, or you could group them together making a nice focal point for your outdoor space.

These round outdoor planter pots are constructed with fiber cement which is a type of cement that is noted for it’s improved crack resistance and is significantly lighter in weight. Two aspects that make these concrete planters extremely tasteful in design and function.

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Other things to note are the symmetrical design, and the fact that the back folds down to double as a futon bed; making it a great piece of minimalist furniture for small spaces.

The post Minimalist Linen Futon Couch With Retro Wood Legs appeared first on ML.

The post Tall Minimalist Home Leaning Ladder Rack, Metal and Wood by Yamazaki appeared first on ML.

These Nambu cast iron kettles are crafted in ancient Japanese techniques that date back to the 17th century, using a firing technique to protect the kettle from rust.

The black Nambu cast iron kettle is an excellent mix of modern minimalist and traditional styles. A useful and distinguished addition to any minimalist’s kitchen who enjoys tea or pour over coffee.

The post Nambu 2016, A Minimalist Japanese Black Cast Iron Kettle by Makoto Koizumi appeared first on ML.