I am just a guy who fell in love with tortilla española many years ago in Spain. Every time I eat a good one, I feel happy. When I came home, I wanted to make it myself. The big problem? Normal frying pans don’t work well. The tortilla sticks, it breaks when I flip it, and half ends on the floor. I cried one time (true story). After wasting money on bad pans, I decided to test the most popular ones that people say are good for tortilla española. I bought three with my own money, used them many times, made more than 50 tortillas, and took notes. Today I share everything – the good, the bad, and which one finally gave me perfect tortillas almost every time. If you also dream of thick, juicy tortilla española without stress, keep reading. I promise no lies and simple words.
Quick Comparison Table
| Product name | Top features | Product Price |
|---|---|---|
| Magefesa Frittata Double-Sided Frying Pan | Two pans lock together, non-stick, flip easy | Check Price on Amazon |
| MAGEFESA Coral Double-Sided Frying Pan | Old classic model, cheap, red color, lock system | Check Price on Amazon |
| Uno Casa Cast Iron Comal / Griddle | Heavy cast iron, natural non-stick when seasoned | Check Price on Amazon |
Now let’s talk about each one like we are sitting in my kitchen.
The best fry pan for do tortilla española – Detailed Reviews
1. Magefesa Frittata Double-Sided Frying Pan
Pros
- Super easy to flip – almost zero risk of breaking the tortilla
- Good non-stick (eggs slide)
- Heats evenly, potato cooks the same everywhere
- Handle stays cool
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- A little expensive
- After many uses the lock becomes loose
- Coating can scratch if you use metal tools
Who should buy this? If you’re like me – someone who gets nervous when flipping the tortilla and has broken many – this pan is perfect. It is made for people who are not pros but want restaurant results at home. Young people living alone, families, Spanish food lovers – everyone who wants safe flipping should choose this.
Specifications
- Size: 9.4 inches (24 cm)
- Material: Aluminum with non-stick coating
- Two pans that lock together
- Works on gas, electric, ceramic
- Weight: about 3.3 pounds
- Color: Black and silver
My real experience with the most important features
The magic is the double-pan system. You cook the tortilla in the bottom pan. When the bottom is golden, you close the top pan, lock, and flip. No plate, no stress, no egg on the floor. The first time I did it, I laughed because it was too easy. In my opinion, this is the biggest reason this pan wins for tortilla española.
The non-stick coating is strong. I made 30 tortillas and never used oil spray – only a little olive oil with the potatoes. Nothing stuck. My friend who is very clumsy borrowed it and even he made a perfect tortilla on the first try.
Heat distribution is excellent because it is thick aluminum. The center and the edges cook at the same speed. With cheap pans I had raw potato in the middle and burnt edges. Here everything is equal.
One small story: one night I forgot the pan on low fire for 10 extra minutes. Normal non-stick would burn black. This one only got a light brown mark that I cleaned with a soft sponge. If you’re like me and sometimes forget things on the stove, you will love how forgiving it is.
After one year the lock is not as tight as day one, but it still works. I just hold both handles when I flip now. Not a big problem for the price.
2. MAGEFESA Coral Double-Sided Frying Pan
Pros
- Very cheap
- Same flip system as the new model
- Light to carry
- Red color looks nice
Cons
- Coating is thin – starts to peel after 6-8 months
- Heats very fast in the center, edges slower
- Lock feels cheap from day one
- Handle gets hot
Who should buy this? Buy this only if your budget is very tight or if you will make tortilla española only a few times per year. Students, people who rent and move a lot, or someone who just wants to try the double-pan idea without spending much – this is okay for you.
Specifications
- Size: 9.4 inches (24 cm)
- Material: Aluminum with basic non-stick
- Double pan with lock
- Works on all stoves
- Weight: about 2.8 pounds
- Color: Red
My real experience
I bought this one first because it was half the price of the new Magefesa. At the beginning I was happy. Flipping is easy like the new model, and the tortilla looked good. But after 15-20 times the center started to get too hot and the edges stayed pale. I had to move the pan around the fire all the time.
The non-stick disappeared fast. After six months eggs started to stick a little. I always used wood or silicone tools, but the coating is just thin. One day I saw small black pieces in the sink – the coating was coming off. I stopped using it for eggs.
The handle gets hot. I burned my hand twice because I forgot to use a cloth. If you’re like me and cook when you are tired after work, this can be dangerous.
In my opinion, you pay less now but you buy again in one year. For a few dollars more the new Magefesa is 100 times better.
3. Uno Casa Cast Iron Comal / Griddle
Pros
- Will last forever
- Natural non-stick when you season it well
- Beautiful golden color on the tortilla
- Can use on fire, oven, barbecue
- Heavy = stays flat, no bending
Cons
- Very heavy (6.5 pounds)
- You must flip with a plate – high risk
- Takes time to heat and cool
- Needs care (dry after wash, oil it)
- Not good for small kitchens
Who should buy this? People who already love cast iron, have strong arms, and don’t mind the traditional plate-flip method. If you cook many things (steak, pizza, pancakes) and want one pan for life, this is amazing. But for easy tortilla española, it is not the best.
Specifications
- Size: 10.5 inches (26.7 cm)
- Material: 100% cast iron (pre-seasoned)
- Flat on both sides
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Made to use on stove or direct fire
My real experience
Cast iron looks scary but when it is seasoned it is the most non-stick thing in the world – better than Teflon. My tortilla got the perfect golden skin, and the taste was incredible because cast iron keeps heat so well. The potatoes cooked soft inside and the egg was creamy.
But every time I had to flip I was sweating. The pan is heavy, the plate is hot, oil drips everywhere. Two times the tortilla broke and I almost cried again. If you’re like me and your hands shake a little when you are nervous, you will hate this moment.
Cleaning is easy if you do it right – hot water, no soap, dry fast, put a little oil. But one time I forgot and it got a little rust. Five minutes with steel wool and it was perfect again, but I don’t want extra work every day.
In my opinion, this pan is fantastic for people who enjoy the ritual and have experience. For normal people who just want dinner fast and safe, the double-pan system wins.
Simple Buying Guide – How to Choose Your Pan for Tortilla Española
- Do you get scared when flipping? → Choose a double-sided pan (Magefesa).
- Is money very tight? → Coral is okay for short time.
- Do you already love cast iron and have strong arms? → Uno Casa is beautiful.
- Do you want one pan forever with almost no risk? → New Magefesa Frittata.
- Will you make tortilla more than once a month? → Spend a little more, you will thank yourself.
Size tip: 24 cm is perfect for 4-5 eggs and 3 big potatoes (normal family tortilla). Bigger is harder to flip.
Which Product Is the Best for Tortilla Española?
For 95% of normal people the winner is clear: Magefesa Frittata Double-Sided Frying Pan (the first one, black color). It makes the scariest part (flipping) feel like a game. The tortilla comes out whole, juicy, and pretty every single time. Yes, it costs more than the red Coral, but it will last many years and save you from sadness and cleaning broken egg from the floor.
If you have muscles and patience, the Uno Casa cast iron gives the absolute best taste and crust. But only if you are ready for the traditional flip.
The old red Magefesa Coral I do not recommend anymore unless you have no other choice.
Final Words from My Kitchen
After testing all three for a long time, I now smile every time I make tortilla española. My friends say “wow, you cook like a Spanish abuela!” and I laugh because the pan does all the hard work. If you’re like me – just a normal person who wants perfect tortilla without drama – click the link below and get the Magefesa Frittata. You will make your best tortilla the very first day, I promise.
Thank you for reading my long story. Now go make some tortilla and enjoy life!
(Best choice again → Check Price on Amazon)
By day, I’m a Doctor of Clinical Psychology student (Psy.D.) at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine – basically learning how the brain works while drinking way too much coffee.
By night (and weekends, and lunch breaks…), I’m a total kitchen geek. I’m that person who gets excited over a new spatula, owns three different vegetable choppers “for science,” and has strong feelings about which nonstick pan actually stays nonstick.