In the tortilla industry, every decision counts. Choosing between paila vs ALITECH in nixtamal production
can determine whether your business remains limited by traditional processes or takes the leap toward profitability and efficiency.
For decades, the paila has been the most widely used method for nixtamalization. However, rising costs,
growing production demands, and environmental regulations have shown that this system is no longer enough.
👉 This is where ALITECH by Nextamalli comes in, designed to modernize nixtamalization without losing its essence.
🌽 The Traditional Method: Paila
The paila represents tradition and simplicity, but it also comes with clear limitations:
Cooking time of 6 to 8 hours.
High consumption of gas or firewood.
Waste of up to 10 liters of water per kilo of corn.
Nutrient loss and poor grain utilization.
Higher environmental impact due to waste and emissions.
👉 It fulfills its purpose, but at a high operating cost and with low efficiency.
⚡ The Modern Alternative: ALITECH by Nextamalli
Nextamalli’s electric and gas reactors with ALITECH technology transform the nixtamalization process:
✅ Reduced cooking time: from 6–8 hours down to just 2.5 hours.
✅ Energy savings: up to 40% less gas or electricity consumption.
✅ Efficient water use: up to 50% less than the paila.
✅ Better corn utilization: up to 95% converted into masa.
✅ Lower solid waste: less nejayote.
✅ Tortillas with superior flavor, texture, and consistency.
With ALITECH, each batch becomes a faster, cleaner, and more profitable process.
📊 Quick Comparison: Paila vs ALITECH
| Factor | Traditional Paila | ALITECH (Nextamalli) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⏳ Cooking time | 6–8 hours | 2.5 hours | -60% |
| 🔥 Gas/firewood use | High | -40% | Savings |
| 💧 Water use | ~10 L/kg corn | 5–6 L/kg corn | -50% |
| 🌽 Corn utilization | 80–85% | Up to 95% | +15% |
| ♻️ Waste (nejayote) | High | Low | -35% |
| 🏆 Final quality | Irregular | Consistent | Better |
✅ Conclusion: Tradition that Evolves / Paila vs ALITECH in Production
The paila was once the heart of nixtamalization. However, in today’s market, where savings, efficiency, and
sustainability are essential, it is no longer enough.
Nextamalli’s ALITECH technology does not erase tradition—it respects and strengthens it, maintaining
the authentic flavor of nixtamal while offering a faster, cleaner, and more profitable process.
👉 Today, the choice is clear: continue with the paila and its limitations, or make the switch to ALITECH
and secure the future of your tortillería.
