Chai spice mixture with cinnamon and cloves in a mortar

These are the 9 cooking appliances every Latino should own

From a pilón to a comal, we should all have these essentials in our homes

MARCH 20, 2020 6:00 PM EDTMAR 20, 2020, 6:00 PM EDT

Growing up we would watch out abuelas pull out some OG cookware every time she would make a homemade sofrito or adobo (which she’d probably store in a tub of butter). Not only do things like a pilón and a caldero bring back delicious memories, but they also have a way of tying us back to our ancestors cooking techniques. Regardless of the appetizing or painful memories they bring (like flipping tortillas with your fingers because that’s they only way to do it), these are all things that a Latino needs in their cooking arsenal.

Comal

Comals are a flat, smooth and round skillet perfect toasting and cooking all the tortillas your heart desires.

Wooden Spoons

These are the perfect stirring tools to suit any type of caldero (best part is that they won’t scratch them either).

Clay pots used in traditional Georgian kitchen.

Clay cookware

There is something special about slow cooking a sancocho in a clay pot that reminds us of our heritage.

Leek and potato soup in a cast iron pot and in a bowl

Caldero

The humble caldero will always have our back.

Pilón

Mash or grind sazones like your abuela used to make.

Roasted chicken with creamy garlic sauce in cast iron frying pan on dark wooden background

Cast iron pan

Not only are this pan a celeb chef staple, but also a great cooking tool to have in your arsenal.

Paellera

Whether you love a seafood paella or a carne paella, this circle pan is another great addition to your kitchen — and who doesn’t love a delicious paella and sangria on a Saturday night?

Tortilla Press

Press your tacos and then cook them on the comal. #easypeasy

Citrus squeezer

Perfect for those with small hands.