The 10 Best Comals
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in November of 2018. The comal — also known as a budare — is a smooth, flat or concave griddle with origins dating back to the ancient Aztecs. Made of metal or earthenware, it's ideal for cooking flatbreads, searing meats, and toasting nuts or seeds. Use one of these versatile pans to prepare authentic Mexican tortillas, try your hand at making tostones, or throw together a batch of empanadas or quesadillas. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Lodge Round Baking Pan
2. Concord Frying Bowl
3. Ancient Cookware Mexican Clay
Editor's Notes
March 02, 2021:
Cooking implements don't get much simpler than comals. For example, the Ancient Cookware Mexican Clay is about as authentic as they get, and as the name implies, it's made from nothing more than simple clay.
Of course, more durable materials like cast iron can make a difference in both performance and versatility, which is why the Lodge Round Baking Pan remains at the top spot. The Home-Complete Skillet is less expensive but its finish isn't quite as nice, and the Lodge Round Griddle is just a hair less convenient than the others because it doesn't have the same pair of loop handles.
Cast iron isn't the only alternative, though. The MDS Cuisine Convex and Concord Frying Bowl are both made from stainless steel; The MDS has the convex shape needed for some specialty dishes, and the Concord is big enough to accommodate a small food truck. On the other hand, the GauchoGrillX Budare Curado leverages polished aluminum to deliver performance almost on a par with steel models, but at a considerably lower weight.
November 16, 2018:
Considered a variety of contemporary and traditional options suitable for preparing authentic ethnic cuisine, with flat, convex or concave surfaces, with offerings in several different sizes and materials.
Special Honors
Poctli Comal de Barro These artisan-grade, handmade comals are crafted with the pride and care that come with generations of culinary tradition. They come in a variety of sizes, are sourced directly from various towns in Mexico, and will add an air of authenticity to your kitchen. poctli.com
4. Home-Complete Skillet
5. MDS Cuisine Convex
6. Lodge Round Griddle
7. GauchoGrillX Budare Curado
8. Cuisinart Chef's Classic
9. Victoria Cast Iron
10. Columbian Home Mexican Origins
An itinerant wordsmith with a broad constellation of interests, Lydia Chipman has turned iconoclasm into a livelihood of sorts. Bearing the scars and stripes of an uncommon diversity of experience -- with the notable exceptions of joining a religious order or becoming an artist -- she still can’t resist the temptation to learn something new. Lydia holds a master of arts in English from Georgia Southern University, and a bachelor of arts cum laude in integrative studies from Clayton College. Her expertise is in the areas of robotics, electronics, toys, and outdoors and computer equipment.