Here’s an overview of the Best Burger Press that we’ll explore today:
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Top Pick
Cuisinart 6.5″ Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press |
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Best Quality
Pisol Smash Burger Press |
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3
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Smash Burger Press |
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Firsgrill Burger Press 7.08″ Round |
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EWFEN Burger Press |
Burger presses are small but mighty tools for home cooks who want consistent patty thickness, better burger crusts, and faster cooking times. A good press helps shape patties uniformly, reduces sticking, and works across griddles, skillets, and outdoor grills. In this review, I evaluate five popular models across a price range from budget to premium, considering build quality, material integrity, weight distribution, heat tolerance, and ease of cleaning. My testing methodology includes: assessing raw material quality (cast iron vs stainless steel), evaluating edge geometry and pressure uniformity, simulating typical use cases (griddle, grill, and skillet), and measuring maintenance aspects (seasoning needs, cleaning ease, and dishwasher compatibility where relevant). The products covered span brands like Cuisinart, EWFEN, Firsgrill, BEVISS, and Pisol, with price points from $11.99 to $32.99 to help readers identify the best value without sacrificing performance.
1. Cuisinart 6.5″ Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press
- Brand: Cuisinart
- Manufacturer: Cuisinart
Overview: This 6.5-inch cast iron press from Cuisinart focuses on delivering a sturdy, even-crust smash with a flat edge to encourage crisp caramelization. It is a single-piece cast iron tool (no nonstick coating) that weighs roughly 2 pounds and is designed for use on griddles, grills, and skillets. With a simple, no-frills approach, the press emphasizes durability and classic cast-iron performance at a mid-range price of $24.99. Pros emphasize heat retention, natural patina development through seasoning, and straightforward cleaning via hand wash. Cons include lack of nonstick properties and absence of a specialized handle design to reduce heat transfer.
Performance-wise, the flat edge helps achieve the desired burger crust, and the weight aids in consistent patty compression without requiring aggressive hand pressure. The tool pairs well with well-seasoned cast iron surfaces, particularly on a hot griddle where even pressure can yield uniform thickness. Its 8-ounce capacity aligns with standard smash burgers, though users who prefer ultra-thin patties may want a thinner edge profile. Maintenance is simple but requires regular seasoning and hand washing, as it is not dishwasher safe or oven-safe.
Pros
- Sturdy cast iron construction for durable, long-term use
- Flat edge design facilitates crisp crust formation
- Reasonable weight for even pressure without excessive effort
- Good value at $24.99
- Versatile across griddle, grill, and skillet
Cons
- No nonstick coating, so patty release can be challenging without proper seasoning
- Requires seasoning and hand washing; not dishwasher safe
- No heat-resistant handle shield; potential heat transfer to hand
2. Pisol Smash Burger Press
- Brand: Pisol
- Manufacturer: Pisol
Overview: The Pisol press features a pre-seasoned 6.6-inch cast iron body with a wooden handle, weighing about 1.98 pounds. Priced at $19.98, it emphasizes pre-seasoning convenience and a flat bottom for thickness control, as well as a design that aims to minimize curling and promote even heat distribution. Pros highlighted include the comfortable wooden handle and the completely flat bottom, while cons note the potential for seasoning wear if not maintained and the wooden handle being a heat conduit if the unit is hot.
In use, the flat bottom and cast iron mass enable consistent pressure and crisp edges on smash burgers, bacon, and other meats. The wood handle stays cooler to touch relative to a metal handle, which improves grip comfort but introduces wooden-care considerations (keep dry to avoid cracking). The press is compatible with grills, griddles, and skillets, making it a versatile option for indoor and outdoor cooks. However, as with most cast iron tools, routine seasoning and proper drying after washing are essential to prevent rust.
Pros
- Pre-seasoned for immediate use
- Flat bottom provides even thickness control
- Wooden handle offers comfortable, cooler-touch grip
- Compact 6.6″ diameter fits typical burger sizes
- Affordable at $19.98
Cons
- Wooden handle requires careful maintenance and drying
- Not dishwasher safe; cast iron care needed
- May require re-seasoning over time to maintain nonstick surface
3. Smash Burger Press
- Brand: BEVISS
- Manufacturer: BEVISS
Overview: BEVISS offers a premium stainless steel option with 18/8 (304) stainless steel construction, a 2.3-pound heft, and a beveled, ergonomic beechwood handle. At $32.99, this model leans into durability, rust resistance, and a robust feel that delivers smooth, even pressure for crusty burgers. Its standout feature is a rigid single-sheet construction with no welds, aiming to avoid weak points and ensure longevity. Pros emphasize the steel’s rust resistance and weight, while cons note potential heat transfer through the wooden handle and higher price.
Performance-wise, the press excels at consistent patty formation due to its substantial mass and hard stainless steel contact surface, which resists warping and maintains a smooth surface for release. The beechwood handle stays cool enough for comfortable use while pressing on hot surfaces, reducing finger burns. Cleaning is straightforward thanks to the nonstick-friendly steel surface, though users should avoid abrasive cleaners to preserve the finish. The heavy design helps generate uniform patties but may require more wrist strength during long sessions.
Pros
- Premium 18/8 stainless steel construction for durability and rust resistance
- No welds design reduces risk of weak points
- Heavy 2.3 lb heft for even pressure with minimal effort
- Smooth surface aids in easy patty release
- Beefy build conveys restaurant-grade quality
Cons
- Higher price at $32.99
- Wood handle can conduct some heat; not fully heat-proof
- Heavier than typical budget presses, which may fatigue some users
4. Firsgrill Burger Press 7.08″ Round
- Brand: Firsgrill
- Manufacturer: Firsgrill
Overview: Firsgrill’s 7.08-inch cast iron press emphasizes even weight distribution, a round form factor, and a wood handle, with a claimed 4/6 design that balances heat retention and grip comfort. Priced at $21.99, it sits in the middle of the spectrum and highlights a nonstick-friendly surface due to cast iron seasoning. Pros point to its size for thicker patties, durability, and the included nonstick capability with proper seasoning. Cons include potential sticking if the seasoning is uneven and the absence of modern nonstick coatings.
In practice, the equalized pressure from a 7.08-inch round press helps create uniform thickness and grill marks across the patty, making it well-suited for Blackstone griddles and similar flat-top surfaces. The wood handle remains cool to touch during use, though long sessions require attention to heat buildup on the press head. Cleaning after use is straightforward with a cast iron surface—seasoning between uses will help prevent rust and reduce sticking. This model is ideal for cooks who value traditional cast iron performance with a large pressing area.
Pros
- Large 7.08-inch diameter suitable for thicker patties
- Even weight distribution for consistent crust and thickness
- Heat-resistant wood handle for safer use
- Durable cast iron construction
- Good value at $21.99
Cons
- Requires regular seasoning; not dishwasher safe
- Natural cast iron can rust if not dried properly
- Larger footprint may be less convenient for compact kitchens
5. EWFEN Burger Press
- Brand: EWFEN
- Manufacturer: EWFEN
Overview: The EWFEN 7-inch round press is a budget-friendly option at $11.99, featuring heavy-duty cast iron with a wood handle. It markets itself as a versatile tool for burgers, bacon, sandwiches, and paninis, suitable for griddles, grills, and nonstick pans. Pros include the very accessible price and the ability to season the cast iron to create a nonstick surface, along with the safe-touch wooden handle. Cons center on the lower price point implying potentially lighter construction and more frequent maintenance to maintain the seasoning.
In use, the press provides adequate pressure for smash burgers and reduces curling in bacon, helping to achieve uniform crusts on a budget. The 7-inch diameter matches standard smash burger sizes, and the wooden handle stays relatively cool during pressing. Maintenance is a factor here: as with other cast iron serves, seasoning and drying after cleaning are essential to prevent rust and ensure easy patty release. This option is ideal for new cooks or those testing the concept of a press without committing to a premium tool.
Pros
- Budget-friendly at $11.99
- 7-inch diameter suitable for standard smash burgers
- Cast iron with seasoning potential for nonstick surface
- Wooden handle remains cooler to touch
- Versatile for burgers, bacon, and paninis
Cons
- Lower price may reflect lighter construction
- Requires regular seasoning and proper drying
- Nonstick performance depends on seasoning quality
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about burger presss to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: For value, EWFEN and Pisol deliver solid performance at accessible prices.
For premium build quality and corrosion resistance, BEVISS tops the list.
The choice hinges on material preference (stainless vs cast iron), maintenance willingness, and how you plan to use the press (daily griddle work vs occasional outdoor cooking)..