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The Best Burger Presses for Your Next Summer BBQ
Burgers are everyone's favorite comfort food, but making burgers can be a messy affair. You need to have the proper ratio of meat to fat, the right spices, and most importantly, fresh Ingredients. Once you’ve finally mastered the art of the burger, you still need to cook it to perfection.
Enter the burger press, a tool that allows you to make evenly shaped smash burger patties that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. If you’re looking for a burger press that will make your life easier, we've tested the best burger presses of 2024 to bring you this carefully curated list. The Cave Tools Burger Press wins our best overall award, but the other options follow closely behind. Read on to learn more!
View all ContentsWe Found the Best Burger Smashers
Best Overall
The Cave Tools Burger Press is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a reliable and easy-to-use tool for forming perfect hamburger patties. Its unique design makes it an ideal choice for both professional and amateur cooks. The burger press features a palm-shaped handle that enables you to make burgers with increased speed and ease. The press comes with an indicator line that allows you to make consistently sized ¼ or ⅓-pound patties, which ensures even cooking. The press is made of lightweight aluminum which makes cleaning a breeze.
In addition to its reliable design, the burger press also comes with 200 non-stick parchment papers. These papers are square-shaped and provide an easy way to divide and separate your burger patties so they are ready to be cooked in no time. Finally, the press also comes with a downloadable recipe book filled with delicious ideas for outdoor grilling and backyard BBQs. This book can help you make the most of your grilling experience and create delicious recipes that your family will love. All these features and more elevate this burger press to the best overall on our list.
Pros
- Easy to use and master quickly
- Produces perfectly round burgers in minutes
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
Cons
- Not durable long term
Runner Up
Nothing beats a good burger. But what separates a great burger from a good burger? According to burger experts, it’s all in the smash. By smashing your burgers with this Cuisinart cast iron burger press, you’ll get crispy, cracked edges and a juicy, flavorful center that will make your burgers the talk of the town. This heavy-duty burger press is made from durable cast iron and features a 6″ diameter, making it the right size for smashing your burgers.
Made from heavy-duty cast iron, this press will assist in creating flavorful patties every time and will help to keep your burgers nice and flat. The press comes with a convenient carrying handle for easy transport and storage and is also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. So next time you’re in the mood for a burger, grab this burger press and get ready to smash!
Pros
- Heavy-weight construction for pressing
- Easy-to-hold handle
- Makes perfect 6” burger patties
Cons
- Pushes the juice out of the patties
Contender
Sometimes, a simple yet effective burger press is all a person needs to get the right burger going. The Hulisen Stainless Steel Burger Press is just that – a high-quality, durable, and rust-resistant burger press that will make light work of any burger-pressing needs you might have. This particular model comes with a 6.2-inch diameter, making it just the right size for most burgers, and its smooth and flat surface ensures that your burgers will come out correctly flattened and with a uniform thickness.
The burger press also comes with a comfortable grip handle, making it easy to use, and its laser-welded construction means that it is built to last. Additionally, it’s ideal for professional and home kitchens. So, if you are in the market for a burger press with longevity, this press is the right option for you.
Pros
- Stainless-steel make doesn’t rust
- Burger doesn’t stick to the surface
- Easy to clean without scrubbing
Cons
- Pushes the juice out of the patties
Honorable Mention
Lodge knows how to make a burger. And by that, we mean not only the type of meat patty that goes between two buns but also the cooking apparatus used to cook it. The company has been making cast iron skillets and Dutch ovens in America for over 100 years, so they must be doing something right. And with their 6.25 Inch Seasoned Cast Iron Burger Press, they’ve created a tool that is the perfect size for making smash burgers.
The cast iron construction provides this press exception heat retention and conductivity. This means that your burgers will cook evenly and taste great. The press is also seasoned with 100% vegetable oil and has a non-stick finish.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned press surface
- Can be placed on a hot pan
- Easily creates a pressed shape
Cons
- The curved handle is uncomfortable
Also Consider
You might be thinking, “I don’t need another press. I’ve got a George Foreman.” But unlike your Foreman grill, the Victoria Cast Iron Buyer Press is completely organic and kosher-certified. Not only does it protect your protein, but it also cuts down the overall cooking time. You will also save time while cleaning, as the removable wooden handle makes it very easy to clean after you are done cooking.
The cast-iron build also adds to the heat retention properties of this press and transfers heat evenly to the protein — all you need to do is preheat the press and get cooking. The flaxseed oil seasoning is ready to use right out of the box, and it doesn’t contain any harmful PTFE and PFOAs. So go ahead and make those gourmet burgers, paninis, quesadillas, and grilled sandwiches. With this heavy-duty meat press, it’ll be easier than ever.
Pros
- Ergonomic wooden handle
- Flattens out pre-made patties
- Seasoned with non-GMO oil
Cons
- It does not give a uniform shape
The Ultimate Buyers Guide to Burger Presses
Now that you know about all the great burger press products out there, you might still be wondering which one is the perfect fit for you. Should you go with the burger press with a perfectly ergonomic handle? Or, maybe the beginner-friendly burger press is the way to go. Before you open your wallet and make any purchases, we want to give you a few last tips and tricks that will help you make an informed burger press purchase. We went the extra mile creating this guide, which will teach you everything you need to know about burger presses, from choosing the right one for your needs to using it like a pro.
The Function of a Burger Press
A burger press is a kitchen utensil used to shape and evenly cook your burger patties. They vary in size and shape, but most of these products have a circular mold that presses the ground beef into a patty. Some also have a built-in cutter so that you can easily make evenly-sized burgers.
Benefits of Using a Burger Press
- A burger press can help you create perfectly shaped burgers every time. No more misshapen patties!
- It can help you achieve consistent results.
- It will save you time. Say goodbye to the days of taking forever to get the perfect burger patty shape.
- A press can help you avoid messes. No more raw meat sticking to your hands or flying across the kitchen!
What Makes a Good Burger Press
Material
Before anything else, consider the material of the press. Plastic and metal are some of the commonly found materials, however, if you feel a little fancy, you can get one made from wood or silicon as well. However do remember that every material has something going for it while something stops it from being the ultimate press so do your research before picking.
Size
For something that is used to shape up your patties, the size is of utmost importance. Burger presses come in various sizes, from small presses that make individual patties to large presses that accommodate multiple patties.
Ease of use
Some burger presses are very simple to operate, while others may require a little more effort. If you’re cooking for a large group, you’ll want to make sure the press is easy to use so that everyone can get their burgers made promptly.
Molds
Many burger presses come with different mold options. You may want a press that only makes 4-inch patties or one that can also do sliders. Some presses have multiple molds so that you can make different-sized burgers with the same tool. If you want to get fancy, some presses even come with molds for making shaped burgers like hearts or stars. These are great for special occasions or if you just want to show off your burger-making skills.
Consistency
You would want a press that keeps the shape and size of your burgers consistent. This is especially important if you are cooking for a large group of people. Nobody wants to be the person who gets the misshapen burger because the cook couldn’t use a press properly. Look for a press with a mold or two so you can get perfectly shaped burgers every time.
Durability
And finally, like all other cooking utensils, you’ll want to ensure your burger press is made from durable materials. Some presses are even dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. These presses should also be heat-resistant as you’ll likely be using them on the grill or stovetop. Choose a burger press that is built to last and will make your burger-making experience that much better.
People Also Asked
How do I use a burger press?
To use a burger press, first par-cook your burgers on the stove or grill. Once this is done, place the burger press onto the patty and press down. If you want to create a smash burger, you should press down on the handle with extra strength to flatten the burger. Then, remove the burgers from the press and enjoy!
Can I use a burger press to make veggie burgers?
Yes, you can! Just cook your veggie burgers as usual, then place them on the burger press and flatten them. Burger presses are a great tool for any home chef, including vegetarians and vegans.
Do I need to oil my burger press?
No, you don't need to oil your burger press if they are non-stick. However, if your burgers are sticking to the press and falling apart, you can try lightly oiling the press.
How do I clean my burger press?
To clean most burger presses, simply wash them with soap and water. If there is any stuck-on food, you can use a brush or scrubber to remove it. However, if you are cleaning a cast iron burger press, you will want to stick to the cleaning instructions that come with the product. Cast irons can easily lose longevity if they are cleaned incorrectly.
