11 Kitchen Tools You Need for Latin American Cooking

When it comes to making Latin American food, there are certain gadgets you should have in your cocina to achieve those authentic flavors. There’s no doubt many of our abuelas and mamás had a set of essential cookware they used when creating their mouthwatering dishes. For instance, have you ever wondered why your frijoles don’t taste as good as your mom’s? It could be because you’re not using the right cooking utensils.

If you’ve been wanting to improve your cooking game, it starts with having the necessary tools. That’s why we’re sharing a few kitchen items that will help you whip up comidas sabrosas!

Disclosure: Every product is independently selected by our editors. Items purchased through our links may earn us a commission.

1. IMUSA 2.6 Quart Traditional Caldero

Photo: Amazon.com

Calderos are used to create many Latin American dishes, including arroz con pollo and sofritos. This 2.6 Quart Traditional Caldero ($31.99) is made by IMUSA. The brand was established in Colombia in 1934 and later expanded to the United States. The caldero is one of their signature items. It’s made of cast aluminum, is very durable, and can be placed in the oven without the lid. The snug-fitting top helps retain moisture and comes with a steam vent. It’s an Amazon’s Choice product and has a 4.4 star rating out of an impressive 13,260+ reviews.

IMUSA 2.6 Quart Traditional Caldero, $31.99, available at amazon.com.

2. Victoria 8-Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press

Photo: Amazon.com

If you’re craving a batch of freshly made tortillas, then a tortilla press is a must. It makes it easy to create nicely round tortillas that you’ll be proud to serve. Victoria is a family business that was founded in Medellín, Colombia, in 1939 and is known for their cast iron cookware. Their 8-Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press ($25.99) is manufactured with quality materials that ensure it will last you for years. It can be used to make flour, corn, gluten-free, paleo, and wheat tortillas, as well as quesadillas and empanadas. Not only is it a #1 bestseller on Amazon, but it’s also scored a 4.5 star rating out of over 30,470+ reviews!

Victoria 8-Inch Cast Iron Tortilla Press, $25.99, available at amazon.com.

3. Mesa Mia Chapala Stoneware Tortilla Warmer

Photo: JCPenney.com

Once you’ve made your stack of tortillas, you want to make sure they don’t go cold and stale. This is where the Mesa Mia Chapala Stoneware Tortilla Warmer ($17.99) comes in handy. Also known as a tortillero, a tortilla warmer keeps tortillas steamy and fluffy. Plus, this piece has beautiful terracotta style accents, giving it a traditional Mexican cookware appearance. 

Jenny Martinez is the woman behind Mesa Mia. She was born in Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico, and moved to Los Angeles as a child. She’s become a social media sensation by sharing Mexican family recipes and has gone viral on TikTok. Her success and massive following have allowed her to branch out and create her own cookware line that pays homage to her Mexican heritage.        

Mesa Mia Chapala Stoneware Tortilla Warmer, $17.99, available at jcpenney.com.

4. Masienda Molcajete

Photo: Masienda.com

A molcajete is no doubt one of the most well-known Latin American cooking essentials. It’s a mortar and pestle that’s used to ground herbs, make guacamole and salsas, and so much more. The Masienda Molcajete ($95) is not only an essential kitchen piece but also a work of exquisite craftsmanship. Molcajetes are traditionally made of lava rock, which heightens flavors and aromas. This one in particular also features a rounded design and wider legs, giving it a modern appearance and steadier balance. It’s made in Mexico by artisans who are known for working with stone. It has a nearly 5 star rating out of 537 reviews.

Founder Jorge Gaviria, who is of Mexican and Cuban descent, initially launched Masienda to provide home cooks and chefs with quality masa harina sourced from Mexico. Through his products, he aims to preserve Mexican culinary traditions and support the farmers and agriculture of Mexico.    

Masienda Molcajete, $95, available at masienda.com.

5. IMUSA 13-Inch Round Nonstick Carbon Steel Round Comal

Photo: Walmart.com

When I think of a comal, I have flashbacks of my abuela warming up tortillas on the one she owned. A comal is basically a flat griddle and is used for more than just tortillas. You can also use it when cooking up pupusas and arepas. The IMUSA 13-Inch Round Nonstick Carbon Steel Round Comal ($14.81) is a great addition to your cocina. It’s durable and heats up fast on low heat. It’s a bestseller and has received a 4 star rating out of over 1,160 reviews. 

IMUSA 13-Inch Round Nonstick Carbon Steel Round Comal, $14.81, available at walmart.com.

6. Vasconia 26-Quart Steamer Pot

Photo: Amazon.com

While you can enjoy tamales year-round, it’s a tradition in many Latinx households to make them during the holidays. I have fond memories from my childhood of spreading masa across corn husks with my mom, tías, and abuela. A steamer pot is necessary when it comes time to cook the tamales. Vasconia is a company based in Mexico that specializes in manufacturing cookware. Their 26-Quart Steamer Pot ($49.99) is made of sturdy cast aluminum. Its large size makes it ideal for cooking large amounts of food. Besides tamales, you can also use it to cook soups and seafood. Out of 758 reviews, it has a solid 4.3 star rating.       

Vasconia 26-Quart Steamer Pot, $49.99, available at amazon.com.

7. Tu Cocina Lemon Juicer

Photo: TuCocina.us

There are a variety of Latin American dishes and beverages that call for some type of citrus, from ceviche to agua fresca. If you don’t want to deal with hand cramping, get a squeezer tool. Tu Cocina’s specialty is producing gadgets for the Latinx kitchen. Their Lemon Juicer ($13.26) can also be used to squeeze limes and is available in yellow and green. Its ergonomic and sturdy design will ensure you get every last drop out of your produce.  

Tu Cocina Lemon Juicer, $13.26, available at tucocina.us.  

8. Topekada 8-Pcs Wood Kitchen Utensil Set with Holder

Photo: Walmart.com

Don’t underestimate the power of wooden utensils! From stirring sauces to grounding beef, they’re useful when cooking Latin American cuisine. My mom had multiple sets in her kitchen. The wood material makes these items gentle on your cookware. If you have to scrape the bottom of a pan, you don’t have to worry about scratches being left behind. 

The Topekada 8-Pcs Wood Kitchen Utensil Set with Holder ($13.95) is super convenient because it comes with different types of spoons to accommodate what you’re making. Their long handles allow you to mix at a distance so hot liquids don’t sizzle and splatter on your skin. This set is a bestseller and has scored a 4.7 rating out of 72 reviews.  

Topekada 8-Pcs Wood Kitchen Utensil Set with Holder, $13.95, available at walmart.com.

9. IMUSA Jumbo Plastic Empanada Mold

Photo: Amazon.com

If you love empanadas and have always wanted to try making your own, this nifty tool will be your best friend. The IMUSA Jumbo Plastic Empanada Mold ($8.50) saves you time and energy when it comes to pressing the dough. The ridged edge seals the dough securely so your filling doesn’t spill out. The plastic material also makes it lightweight and easy to handle. Out of over 5,180 reviews, this item has earned a 4 star rating. 

IMUSA Jumbo Plastic Empanada Mold, $8.50, available at amazon.com.

10. KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher

Photo: Amazon.com

When you’re whipping up refried beans, you don’t want to be without the KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher ($11.93). I love this tool because it gives frijoles the perfect texture and consistency. The stainless steel wire is durable and rust-resistant, and the ergonomic handle makes it comfortable to use. A masher is also great if you’re smashing potatoes to make tacos de papa. This item is an Amazon’s Choice product and has a 4.8 star rating out of over 13,000 reviews. 

KitchenAid Gourmet Stainless Steel Wire Masher, $11.93, available at amazon.com.

11. Ibarra Imports Michoacán Mexican Clay Cazuela

Photo: IbarraImports.com

Clay cookware is not only helpful when cooking Latin American food, but it’s also a beautiful staple to have in your cocina. Clay pots are known to distribute heat evenly over an extended period of time. Many Latinx cooks have a cazuela in their kitchens, and they can be used for beans, pozole, and stews. The Michoacán Mexican Clay Cazuela ($58.99) from Ibarra Imports is a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship of artisans in Mexico. The natural clay material gives a distinct flavor to your meals, producing authentic tastes and aromas. This product has received a nearly 5 star rating out of 48 reviews.  

Ibarra Imports Michoacan Mexican Clay Cazuela, $58.99, available at ibarraimports.com.