Want to make juicy and tender patties at home? A quality burger press is your weapon of choice for getting restaurant-like hamburgers in your home kitchen. Whether it is beef burgers, vegetarian burgers, or lamb slider, a good patty maker will help you to cook uniform thickness, even in each burger and professional looking food products. Some of these include; Hard wearing aluminum presses and the newer non-stick mat or dimple patterned molds for every day users and Barbeque masters. In this full review, we will discover and discuss the best burger presses available in 2024 and which is right for your home cooking. Click here for more kitchen tools and items.
Best Burger Press List
- My Top Pick: Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed
- Best Cast Iron: Lodge 6.25″ Cast Iron
- Best Stainless Steel: Hulisen Stainless Steel
- Best Personalized: Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press
- Best Aluminum: Weston Burger Press
- Blackstone Burger Press
- Weber 6483 Original Burger Press
Reviews of the Best Burger Presses of 2024
Author’s Choice:
Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press
| Feature | Specifications |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Diameter | 6.5 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Pros | Heavyweight material efficiently smashes patties, pro-level tool, comfortable grip, extremely durable |
| Cons | The handle can wiggle loose with frequent use, can rust if not stored properly |
| Price | $17.99 (Amazon, Home Depot), $26.83 (Walmart) |
Lodge 6.25″ Cast Iron Burger Press
| Feature | Specifications |
| Material | Cast iron |
| Diameter | 6.25 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
| Weight | 1.7 pounds |
| Pros | Ergonomic handle, comes pre-seasoned, incredibly sturdy, heavyweight |
| Cons | A slight lip prevents burgers from becoming fully flat, meat can stick to the press |
| Amazon Rating | 4.7 stars |
| Price | $16.99 (Amazon), $17.98 (Home Depot), $14.98 (Walmart) |
Hulisen Stainless Steel Burger Press
| Feature | Specifications |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Diameter | 6.2 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Weight | 15.1 ounces |
| Pros | Completely flat, stain-resistant and rust-proof, provides a strong grip, easy to clean |
| Cons | Meat can stick to the press if not greased beforehand, lightweight and requires manpower to fully smash burgers |
| Amazon Rating | 4.6 stars (over 5,500 reviews) |
| Price | $12.99 (Amazon), $15.99 (Walmart) |
Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press
| Feature | Specifications |
| Material | Plastic |
| Diameter | 4 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Weight | 6.7 ounces |
| Pros | Designed to make stuffed burgers, easy to clean, comes with a recipe ebook, safe for kids to use |
| Cons | Meat can sometimes stick to the press, not for making smash burgers |
| Amazon Rating | 4.5 stars (over 3,600 reviews) |
| Price | $9.95 (Amazon), $19.95 (Walmart) |
Weston Burger Press
| Feature | Specifications |
| Material | Cast aluminum |
| Diameter | 4.5 inches |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Pros | Spring plunger button applies optimal force to smash and form patties, adjustable to create desired burger thickness, non-stick surface, heavy |
| Cons | The adjustable settings aren’t straightforward to use, requires disassembly to clean |
| Review | Recommended by Food & Wine |
| Price | $34.89 (Amazon) |
Blackstone Burger Press
| Feature | Value |
| Product Name | Blackstone Burger Press |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Pros | Lightweight, easy to use, attractive design, good for crusty patties |
| Cons | Handle may snap after prolonged use, has a slight lip for smash burgers |
| Price | $38.99 (Amazon) |
The Weber 6483 Original Burger Press
| Feature | Value |
| Product Name | Weber 6483 Original Burger Press |
| Purpose | Shaping burgers |
| Material | Plastic |
| Pros | Simple, affordable, forms flat and uniform burgers |
| Cons | Meat tends to stick to the mold |
| Price | $15.49 (Amazon) |
Factors to Consider When Falling for the Perfect Burger Press Machines
However, several critical features will shape your decision when it comes to a particular burger press model to buy. Even the kind of material used in construction of the patty to the sizes also play a great role in formulation of the best patty. Why not take an in-depth look at these broad considerations to assist you in your decision making process.
Material
The material used in your burger press is the key determinant of the longevity and functionality of the burger press. Aluminum allows the handles to be lightweight and very sturdy and stainless steel is stronger and safe for dishwashers. Standard coated presses do not allow patty formations to stick but need less force to push the meat through. Plastic models are cheap and reusable and can easily go in the dishwasher but they usually are not as durable as metal models.
Size
That means size versatility plays an important role when choosing a burger press. Standard presses will hold up to 4-6 inches patties, which is perfect for normal hamburgers. Options can include settings for thickness like 70mm to 40mm, ideal for making everything from the classic ‘smash’ burger through to juicy thick patties of the likes of a steakhouse. Think about what is more suitable for your establishment – a press that delivers quarter pound portions or the larger half pound portions, to satisfy those big eaters.
Burger Type
Depending on the particular type of burgers one can have different press features. For the conventional beef patties, you should go for presses that have grooving for the excellent imitation of grill lines. Those lovers of a veggie burger should opt for utensils that will not stick to their fragile plant-based batter. Some of the fancy features include; reversible plates for different types of burger patties, from stuffed burgers to mini burgers.
Performance
Finally, performance includes the ease of use, how easy or convenient it is to clean the appliance and the uniformity of results. Choose handles that are moulded to create a comfortable grip and have appropriate leverage. That is why such features as quick-release mechanisms will help to avoid sticking and utensils, as well as dishwasher-safe parts will make cleaning easier. The best presses produce even thickness which has a humped edge to avoid shrinkage when grilling, for that restaurant-like outcome. You can buy all these items from Amazon.
Are Burger Presses Worth It?
For burger enthusiasts and home cooks, burger presses can be a game-changing investment that pays dividends in food quality and consistency. Here’s why they’re worth considering:
Consistency and Professional Results
- Ensures uniform thickness for even cooking
- Creates perfectly round shapes every time
- Prevents the dreaded “burger bulge” in the middle
- Delivers restaurant-quality presentation
Time and Effort Savings
- Speeds up patty preparation, especially when making multiple burgers
- Eliminates hand-forming fatigue
- Reduces mess and clean-up time
- Perfect for meal prep and batch cooking
Better Cooking Experience
- Even thickness means more predictable cooking times
- Patties cook more uniformly on the grill or stovetop
- Reduces shrinkage during cooking
- Helps maintain juiciness by creating slight dimples
Cost-Effective
- More affordable than buying pre-made patties
- Allows bulk meat purchases for additional savings
- Durable models last for years with proper care
- Enables portion control for better cost management
While not essential, a burger press is a worthwhile investment for anyone who regularly makes burgers at home or enjoys entertaining. The improved consistency, professional results, and time savings make it a valuable addition to any kitchen toolkit.
DIY Alternatives of Burger Press
- Cast Iron Skillet: Use the bottom of a small cast iron skillet, around 4 to 5 inches in diameter, to press down on the burger patty.
- Measuring Cups: Press down with the bottom of a 1- or 1.5-cup measuring cup. If it’s less than 4 inches wide, press multiple times to achieve the desired flatness.
- Spatula: Use a flat metal spatula to press down on the patties. For more leverage, press down on the top of the spatula with another spatula or a meat pounder to evenly flatten the meat.
- Parchment Paper: Cut squares that are 4 to 5 inches wide. Place one on top of the patty before pressing it down to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can shape the patties between two parchment squares before transferring them to the pan.
Conclusion
Are you ready for homemade burger that will be a different meal than what you are used to? Having a good burger press is invaluable and they are tools that definitely get their value with every consistently round and juicy, evenly grilled patty produced. Here you have our top choice for its sturdy construction and non-stick surface, as well as the budget option that still does the job well – now you know how to make restaurant quality burgers at home. You should therefore look at the Cooking frequency, preferred materials and cleaning preference to make your decision. Everyone’s closely guarded secret to restaurant quality burgers is just behind the right burger press.
FAQs
Are burger presses worth it?
Yes, burger presses are worth it if you make burgers often, as they ensure uniform patties and easier forming.
What are pressed burgers called?
Pressed burgers are called “smash burgers,” where they’re pressed on a hot surface for a crispy crust.
What can I use as a press for burgers?
If you don’t have a burger press, use a large flat spatula or the bottom of a heavy pan, with wax paper between for easy release.
How do you press a perfect burger?
Use 4-6 ounces of meat and a burger press or parchment paper for even pressing, with a center indentation for cooking.
Do you oil a burger press?
Yes, lightly oil a burger press to prevent sticking; vegetable oil or nonstick spray works well.
