We recently received an email from Jonathan, a reader from Australia who told us about an intriguing invention designed to help in flipping tortillas (omelets). He explained that while visiting Spain he saw people using them and thought they were pretty nifty. So, we decided to investigate. They are large round plates with a lip, similar to a pan lid, with a knob in the center that you hold as you flip the tortilla. When finished cooking, some flippers can be used to serve the tortilla, the knob acting as a pedestal.

Exactly how do they work? The idea is that after you have cooked one side of the egg-potato mixture, you slide it from frying pan onto the flipper, which is cool and light weight. Then, flip the tortilla back into the pan to finish cooking the other side. Because we use frying pans between 8 and 10 inches in diameter (see photo), the weight of the pan and tortilla mixture isn’t too heavy, but it can still slip around, so we usually flip the tortilla over the sink for good measure.

After doing a bit of research, we found that tortilla flippers are available on the web from several retailers in the US and UK. Plastic versions of giratortillas can cost as little as US$5-6, but you can spend upwards of US$30 for a colorful, hand-painted ceramic one. This kitchen accessory seems to be popular with expats, but we’re not sure how popular they are with Spanish cooks, who’ve grown up flipping tortillas with plates.

We haven’t used a giratortillas yet. So, if you’ve used one, leave a comment below to let us all know what you think. Are they worth buying? Are they better than using a plate or pot lid?

• Step-by-Step How to Make "Tortilla Espanola"

Flipping a Tortilla (c) 2007 Lisa Sierra Licensed to About.com

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