5 best meat presses

A meat press is a kitchen utensil used to flatten or press meat, typically for various cooking applications. Here's what you need to know about meat presses:

Purpose: Meat presses are primarily used to ensure even cooking of meat by flattening it to a consistent thickness. This is especially useful when grilling, pan-frying, or cooking meat in a skillet, as it helps the meat cook evenly and reduces the risk of unevenly cooked portions.
Construction: Meat presses are typically made of heavy materials such as cast iron or stainless steel.These materials provide the necessary weight and durability to effectively press meat.
Design: Meat presses come in various designs. The most common type resembles a heavy, flat, and rectangular object with a handle for easy maneuvering. Some have ridged surfaces to create grill marks on meat.
Weighted: The effectiveness of a meat press often comes from its weight. The heavy design of the press applies pressure to the meat, helping it cook evenly and preventing it from curling up during cooking.
Versatility: While primarily used for meat, meat presses can also be used to press other foods, such as panini sandwiches, bacon, and quesadillas. They are versatile tools in the kitchen.
Preparation: When using a meat press, it's essential to prepare the meat properly. Season the meat to your liking, place it on a hot cooking surface (e.g., grill or skillet), and then use the meat press to flatten it. This helps sear the meat evenly and achieve desirable grill marks.
Cleaning: Meat presses are relatively easy to clean. Depending on the material, you can typically wash them with warm, soapy water and a sponge or brush. Some cast iron presses may require re-seasoning after washing to maintain their non-stick properties.
Cooking Times: Using a meat press may reduce cooking times because the flattened meat cooks more evenly and quickly. However, it's essential to monitor the cooking process to avoid overcooking.
Burger Press: A specific type of meat press is the burger press, designed for shaping ground meat into uniform burger patties. These presses often come with adjustable thickness settings to customize the size of your burgers.

In summary, a meat press is a kitchen tool used to flatten meat for even cooking. Its heavy construction and versatile design make it a valuable addition to any kitchen, especially for grilling enthusiasts and those who want to achieve consistent results when cooking meat.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best meat presses on the market

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press, Cast Iron CISB-111

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Lock in the juicy flavors & create a caramelized crust with the Cuisinart Cast Iron smashed burger press! Place a loosely shaped ball of meat on your oiled skillet or griddle (you can add a little butter for that extra flavor), then use the heavy smashed burger press & Press down until you touch the cooking surface. The edge-lip of the burger press keeps all the flavorful juices locked into place. The patty will have a nice caramelized layer on the bottom, make sure you scrape under the patty prior to flipping it, to make sure you keep that crust in tack! Classic smashed burgers are topped with mayo & American cheese, but with this burger press you can make your own creations at home! Change up your normal burgers with the Cuisinart Cast Iron smashed burger press, the thinner patty will add a flavorful crust that will amaze your family & friends.

HEAVY WEIGHT: Heavy weight to help smash the patty down to a 6” flat patty shape. The 1 cm raised edge locks in the juices and fats in while pressing down on the patty
DO IT LIKE THE PROS: Place a piece of parchment paper over the loosely packed ball of meat before smashing down! Provides an easy and clean transition between pressing each burger down.
CAST IRON PRESS: Heavy-duty, 6" cast iron burger press helps create perfect, flavorful patties every time.
CRISPY EDGES AND JUICY CENTER: Crispy, cracked edges and a juicy center is what you can expect when you make smashed burgers with this Cast Iron burger press.
1CM RAISED EDGE: The 1cm raised edge of the press helps lock in the juices when pressing down to create crispy, cracked edges and a juicy center

User questions & answers

Question:	Does the cast iron burger press need to be seasoned before using
Answer:	I just called Cuisinart to ask about this. They said that it was not pre-seasoned but, as others have said, since you're not cooking on it, seasoning it isn't strictly necessary. You'd want to take precautions, as again others have noted, so that it doesn't rust since it's pure cast iron with no protective coating on its surface---basically dry it quickly and thoroughly after washing. I'm considering seasoning it myself, or at least applying a thin coating of oil. To be safe, if I do season it, I'm planning to remove the wooden handle while it's baking in the oven.
Question:	Has anybody ground the lip off this to make flatter burgers
Answer:	No if you want flatter burgers just by a flat press. You can get flat cast iron presses.
Question:	How thick of a patty does this make
Answer:	It's about 3/8 of an inch (perfect for 1/4 and 1/3 size patties) if you smash the patty all the way down with this press. For larger patties, I typically just flatten them without pressing so hard they shoot out the side -- this makes them even without being too flat.
Question:	Where is this press made
Answer:	China

Evelots Grill/Bacon Press-Cast Iron-Heavy Duty-Wood Handle-Burger/Grilled Cheese

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

This heavy duty bacon press will allow you to cook your bacon fully without worrying about it curling up.
Achieve the perfect crisp with your bacon in half the time! Measures approximately 7 Inches Diameter x 2.5 Inches Height with a 6 Inches Long handle.
Can be used for other foods such as sausage, ham, hamburger, hash browns, grilled sandwiches, quesadillas etc.
Made of heavy cast iron with a smooth wooden handle that remains cool to the touch.A great tool to have for the kitchen, restaurants, camping, and more.
A trusted Vermont seller! For years Evelots has provided unique products with a 30 day easy return policy, and 100% satisfaction guarantee.

User questions & answers

Question:	So this is easier to use and worth it as opposed to winging it with a smaller fry pan like many cookbooks suggest as a workaround
Answer:	Well the charger itself can't be charged, it charges things. It won't batter a battery.
Question:	Can you use it in an air fryer
Answer:	Please rest assure that it actually read 2 digits of precision with high accuracy (+-0.1Volt).
Question:	Is it preseasoned
Answer:	Yes, its voltage measuring range is 8V-30V
Question:	Where is this item made
Answer:	The USB C car charger with a manual.

Cuisinart CGPR-221, Cast Iron Grill Press (Wood Handle)

Cuisinart

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Cuisinart Cast Iron Grill Press is a handy tool that makes grilling easier, faster and healthier. Press away unwanted excess fat from your meat and serve up healthier grilled foods. Heat the press on your grill and use it to grill the top side of your food - reducing cooking times and creating incredible grill marks just like the pros. Ideal for making creative paninis right on your grill. The press weighs nearly 3-pound and the comfortable wood handle makes it easy to move around your grill.

CAST IRON CONSTRUCTION: Durable cast iron press weighs 2. 8-pound
WOOD HANDLE: The wooden handle provides a comfortable grip with a stylish touch
HEALTHY GRILLING: Press out unwanted excess fat and oils from meats
GRILL MARKS: Add incredible looking grill marks to any meat
GREAT FOR SANDWICHES: Make delicious homemade panini sandwiches or grilled cheese right on the griddle!
EASY CLEANUP: Hand wash and dry immediately after washing
WARRANTY: 1-year limited warranty

User questions & answers

Question:	Why does this rust? I don't see anything that says wash and dry immediately
Answer:	Common with cast iron. Never in dishwasher. Or with soap. Brush it clean and keep dry. Use oil sunfloweroil or similar regurly and it will last a lifetime
Question:	is this press fairly smooth on the bottom or does it have rib or the like
Answer:	We just purchased this item in late 2020 and there are no ribs on the bottom. It is a somewhat rough cast iron surface.
Question:	Is it lead free
Answer:	I would assume so seeing as it's being advertised as "cast iron"..............
Question:	Is it durable? I want to go camping and barbecue with my friends. Besides this grill press and griddle spatula, what other tools do I need
Answer:	This grill press is just the right size for me, does a good job. I bought a BBQ tool set before, the price and quality is great. They are necessary tools for my barbecue. Recommend to you. https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Stainless-Spatulas-Condiment/dp/B073PWKB2B/ref=sr_1_41?crid=2LXUGSX3ZLMH6&keywords=griddle+spatula

Product features

It's easy to use.

When the grill press is heated sufficiently, the ridged surface will create perfect char marks every time. Start by heating it to the same temperature as the grill or pan, then place directly on top of foods to accelerate cooking. Large enough to press two burgers at a time. Great for cooking bacon, pork chops, or for keeping hot dogs in place on the grill.

Perfect for grilled sandwiches.

Heat a pan on the stove with the grill press in the pan. When the pan and press are sufficiently heated, put a fresh pannini or grilled cheese sandwich in the pan and place the grill press on top of it. The three pound weight of the grill press applies the perfect amount of pressure to not only cook sandwhiches evenly, but with wide diagonal char lines.

Cast iron lasts a lifetime.

This is a must have tool for everyone, whether you’re a serious chef or new to grilling. The cast iron radiates heat evenly, helping foods cook to perfection. Cooking out fat while searing meat develops complex flavors. Treat the grill press like all cast iron cookware, when hand washing be sure to dry it immediately to avoid rust or ruining the seasoning.

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Press With Cool-grip Spiral Handle, 4.5 inch X 6.75 inch, Black

Lodge

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

On the stovetop or grill, the Lodge Cast Iron Grill Press keeps bacon from curling and presses out unwanted grease from burgers. When preheated, the press also significantly speeds up cooking time. The heavy-duty cast iron base with a rustic hammered finish provides excellent heat retention for consistent, even cooking, and the spiral handle allows for a safe, comfortable grip. This grill press is safe to use in the oven, on the stove or grill, and over a campfire. The Lodge Cast Iron Grill Press is made for decades of cooking and comes pre-seasoned for an easy-release finish that improves with use. Assembly requires a flathead screwdriver and an adjustable wrench or pliers. Includes one Lodge Cast Iron Grill Press, 6.75 Inch x 4.5 Inch. Made in America. Care instructions for cast iron: 1. Wash with warm water. Add a mild soap, if desired. 2. Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. 3. Oil the surface of the pan with a very light layer of cooking oil while warm. Hang or store the cookware in a dry place.

For the stovetop or the grill, this press pushes out the excess fat in burgers or chicken, eliminates the curl in bacon or ham, and retains the heat in grilled sandwiches. Made of heavy cast iron and weighing about 3 pounds, the grill press uses its heft to do the work. The press measures 6-3/4 by 4-1/2 inches and has a unique hammered finish. A cool-grip spiral handle keeps hands comfortable when working over a hot grill.--Cristina Vaamonde

One Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Press With Cool-grip Spiral Handle, 6.75 Inch x 4.5 Inch
Cool-grip Spiral Handle provides a safe, comfortable grip
Unparalleled heat retention and even heating
Use in the oven, on the stove, on the grill, or over a campfire
Great for induction cooktops
Item shape: Rectangular

User questions & answers

Question:	Is it made in the USA
Answer:	Yes - and it controls everything except the speaker, A or B, selected. It includes a 'Remote Interactive' jack on the back, permitting connection to a 'RI' supporting accessory, like my Onkyo C7030 CD Player - which came with the interconnect cable.
Question:	how much does it weigh
Answer:	you can only hook up 4 speakers to this stereo, ch a left and right, and ch b left and right and a sub woofer, make sure the speakers are 8 ohms
Question:	I put the press together and, as many of the low star reviewers, the handle is incredibly loose. Is that the design
Answer:	Yes, it comes with both an AM antenna and an FM antenna.
Question:	Is the underside flat or grooved
Answer:	The Speaker A and B buttons on the front individually turn on or off either set of speakers. You can turn both A and B on at the same time for a setup you describe, although it won't be actual surround, as this is a stereo receiver that only supports left/right, not 5.1 or 7.1 surround

Product features

Lodge Pre-Seasoned Rectangular Cast Iron Grill Press

On the stove top or grill, the Lodge Rectangular Grill Press keeps bacon from curling and presses out unwanted grease from burgers. When preheated, the press also speeds up cooking time significantly.

Seasoned with oil for a natural, easy-release finish that improves with use, this grill press has a heavy duty cast iron base with stay-cool spiral handle and hammered finish. At home in the oven, on the stove, on the grill or over the campfire. Also, great for induction cooktops. Unparalleled in heat retention and even heating.

Hand wash and towel dry immediately after cleaning. Apply a light coating of cooking oil to grill press.

Assembly requires a flathead screwdriver and an adjustable wrench or pliers.

Winco Cast Iron Steak Weight, 4.25-Inch by 8.25-Inch,Black, Tan,Medium

Winco

Based on 721 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Winco SWA-2 Cast Iron Steak Weight, 4.25-Inch by 8.25-Inch,Black, Tan,Medium

Winco products are made to meet the high demands of a kitchen
Trusted and reliable
Winco products range from tabletop to kitchen utensils to food preparation supplies
Winco products are used by all foodservice and hospitality industry experts worldwide
Good quality product

User questions & answers

Question:	How msny presses come in the order
Answer:	One per order. I ordered 4 to cover the top of my grill.
Question:	where is this made
Answer:	Marked on the box as Made in China.
Question:	Can this be used in an over and an enclosed grill
Answer:	The handle is wood. I guess it would depend on the cooking temperature of the oven/grill vs the ignition temperature of wood
Question:	Is this winco swa-2 cast iron steak weight, 4.25-inch by 8.25-inch pre-seasoned
Answer:	This is not pre seasoned. There is another model that is pre-seasoned available. However, a little clean up and some olive oil and I’ve had no issues.

Product features

About us

Since our beginnings in 1992, we have been dedicated to providing a wide range of quality products with chefs and restaurateurs in mind. We deliver quality food service products for busy kitchens that enhance food preparation, cooking and dining experiences for operators and patrons.

Winco was established on the idea that a small wares and equipment supplier must be able to deliver quality products as well as partnership services, and this remains the company’s foundation. These joint strengths, combined with the passion for food service, are why Winco continues to be recognized as a leading brand in the industry.