Tostonera

A small, hinged wooden or plastic press, used to flatten fried green plantain slices into the thin discs that are then fried a second time to make tostones.

Material & Construction

Two flat, hinged paddles, traditionally wood, sized to press a single plantain slice into an even, thin disc.

Traditional Uses

Flattening partially fried plantain slices before their second fry, ensuring an even thickness for proper tostones texture.

Modern Availability / Equivalents

Widely available through Caribbean and Latin American kitchenware suppliers; the flat bottom of a glass or the side of a knife can substitute with less consistent, even results.

Care & Maintenance

Wash and dry the wood version thoroughly; occasional light oiling helps prevent cracking.