Burgers are a super yummy staple that I love making for my family. There’s one tool in particular that can totally transform your burger-making game: A burger press. The best burger presses can help you create the tastiest smash burgers or help you form thick, uniform patties that your whole family will rave about!
I’ve found that there are two types of burger presses: One that will flatten your patties to perfection for even cooking and crisp, flavorful bites, and another that will help mold thick, consistent patties for seamless grilling. Both designs completely level up your meals, which is why I spent weeks researching the best burger presses to help you get one step closer to becoming a grill master.
The burger presses I selected are strong, long-lasting, and simple to use — not to mention they create the most delicious burgers! Ready to find your new favorite grill tool? Keep reading to discover my picks for the best burger presses.
My Top Picks
- My Top Pick: Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press — $17.99 at Amazon
- Best Cast Iron Burger Press: Lodge 6.25″ Cast Iron Burger Press — $16.99 at Amazon
- Best Stainless Steel Burger Press: Hulisen Stainless Steel Burger Press — $12.99 at Amazon
- Best Personalized Burger Press: Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press — $9.95 at Amazon
- Best Aluminum Burger Press: Weston Burger Press — $34.89 at Amazon
Reviews of the Best Burger Presses of 2024
1. My Top Pick: Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press
This Cuisinart press is my top pick for a ton of different reasons, but my favorite feature is its hefty weight. At one pound, it’s ideal for smashing patties with minimal effort, while the cast iron can withstand the high heat of the griddle, along with any grease splashes. The handle also has a sneaky secret: Although it’s the same color as the press, it’s actually made of wood. So, along with providing a sturdy grip, you won’t have to worry about burning yourself if you forget to grab a potholder.
Additionally, at 6.5 inches in diameter, it’s wide enough to cover the entire burger patty as it’s pressed down (this is essential for fast, even cooking!). If your family requests you make burgers once a week like mine does, this burger press, along with my easy Hamburger Seasoning, will help you whip up the tastiest, juiciest burgers ever!
The Specs
- Material: Cast iron
- Diameter: 6.5″
- Dishwasher Safe: No
- Weight: 1 pound
The Pros
- Heavyweight material efficiently smashes patties
- Pro-level tool
- Comfortable grip
- Extremely durable
The Cons
- The handle can wiggle loose with frequent use
- Can rust if not stored properly
What Others Are Saying
This Cuisinart Burger Press has garnered a 4.7 rating on Amazon from over 36,000 reviewers.
Buy the Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press:
2. Best Cast Iron Burger Press: Lodge 6.25″ Cast Iron Burger Press
For effortless smashing, this cast iron press will flatten your burgers with ease. Cast iron is a very heavyweight material, and because it’s almost two pounds (1.7 to be exact), you’ll barely have to use any elbow grease to make my famous Smash Burgers. Compared to the Cuisinart press, this one has a thin lip at the bottom, which may prevent your patties from becoming completely flat. That said, they’ll still be very juicy and cook evenly!
Aside from the lip, I also like that this press has an ergonomically curved handle for a solid grip — just don’t forget to grab it with a potholder or oven mitt since it is also made of cast iron.
Before purchasing, it’s also worth remembering that cast iron requires extra care to ensure it lasts a long time. After using the press, wash it and immediately dry it. If you leave water on the press for an extended time, it will rust. As long as you remember to do this, the tool can last a lifetime.
The Specs
- Material: Cast iron
- Diameter: 6.25″
- Dishwasher Safe: No
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
The Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Comes pre-seasoned
- Incredibly sturdy
- Heavyweight
The Cons
- A slight lip prevents burgers from becoming fully flat
- Meat can stick to the press
What Others Are Saying
Over 14,000 people have given the Lodge 6.25-inch burger press a 4.7 rating on Amazon.
Buy the Lodge 6.25″ Cast Iron Burger Press:
3. Best Stainless Steel Burger Press: Hulisen Stainless Steel Burger Press
For a burger press requiring less maintenance than the cast iron options, I suggest this stainless steel one from Hulisen. One of the main differentiators between the two materials is that stainless steel is dishwasher safe, so after you smash your burgers to perfection, cleanup is a breeze!
The completely flat press will create the thinnest possible burgers — just remember that because stainless steel isn’t as heavy as cast iron, you’ll likely have to use some muscle power to fully smash your patties. However, that extra bit of strength is worth it in my book because you’ll get the perfect sear and a gorgeous caramelized crust on each burger every time you use it.
The Specs
- Material: Stainless steel
- Diameter: 6.2″
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Weight: 15.1 ounces
The Pros
- Completely flat
- Stain-resistant and rust-proof
- Provides a strong grip
- Easy to clean
The Cons
- Meat can stick to the press if not greased beforehand
- Lightweight and requires manpower to fully smash burgers
What Others Are Saying
The Hulisen Stainless Steel burger press has amassed a 4.6 rating from over 5,500 reviewers on Amazon.
Buy the Hulisen Stainless Steel Burger Press:
4. Best Personalized: Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press
You don’t need to go to a fancy steakhouse to take a bite of a gourmet stuffed burger — this tool from Grillaholics allows you to form perfectly stuffed patties from the comfort of your home, regardless of whether you want to fill them with cheese, jalapenos, or crispy bacon (or a combination of all three!)
The plastic mold helps you shape hefty four-inch patties in seconds, but the nifty part of this tool is the included indent press that quickly creates space to load in your stuffing. Without any sharp edges, your kids can get in on the cooking fun, too! Crafting scrumptious burgers has truly never been easier. However, if your goal is to make Smash Burgers, this press won’t help you get the job done, so, think about the type of burger you want to grill up before purchasing.
The Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Diameter: 4″
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Weight: 6.7 ounces
The Pros
- Designed to make stuffed burgers
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a recipe ebook
- Safe for kids to use
The Cons
- Meat can sometimes stick to the press
- Not for making smash burgers
What Others Are Saying
More than 3,600 Amazon reviewers have given the Grillaholics burger press a 4.5 rating.
Buy the Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press:
5. Best Aluminum: Weston Burger Press
If you struggle to form thick, uniform burger patties with your hands (it can be impossible to make every single one the same size without a tool), this is the best hamburger press. The adjustable tool makes it easy to customize to your desired thickness — between ¼-inch to 1.5-inch — and once the meat is packed in, all you have to do is press the plunger button down for a solid patty.
Having uniform patties makes the grilling process more seamless since each burger will require the same cooking time. That’s why this tool is great for those special occasions when you’re cooking up large quantities of burgers, like for family barbecues or neighborhood block parties.
I recommend using my recipe for Perfect Grilled Burgers to really wow your crowd!
The Specs
- Material: Cast aluminum
- Diameter: 4.5″
- Dishwasher Safe: Yes
- Weight: 2 pounds
The Pros
- The spring plunger button applies optimal force to smash and form patties
- Adjustable to create desired burger thickness
- Non-stick surface
- Heavy
The Cons
- The adjustable settings aren’t straightforward to use
- Requires disassembly to clean
What Others Are Saying
Food & Wine says this tool is the secret to world-famous burgers.
Buy the Weston Burger Press:
Other Burger Presses to Consider
Blackstone Burger Press
Made of shiny stainless steel, this option is lightweight, easy to use, and honestly, a beauty to look at (it’s so pretty I’d display it in my kitchen). While many customers mention it’s a solid option for getting a delicious crust on your patty, a few mention that the handle has a habit of snapping off after about a year of use. It also has a slight lip that isn’t the best choice for making fully flattened smash burgers. The Blackstone Burger Press is available at Amazon for $38.99.
Weber 6483 Original Burger Press
If your main goal is to shape rather than flatten your burgers, this simple and affordable burger press mold from Weber can quickly get the job done. This tool is designed to form flat and uniform half-pound burgers, but meat tends to stick to the plastic mold, even if you use a non-stick spray beforehand. The Weber 6483 Original Burger Press is available at Amazon for $15.49.
Made In Cookware Stainless Steel Grill Press
For those who regularly grill, a standard grill press can come in handy for more than just smashing burgers — they’re also great for searing steaks, paninis, and bacon. This multifunctional tool does all that, but if you rarely grill, the price isn’t justifiable, especially since it’s almost triple the price of every other pick on my list. The Made In Cookware Stainless Steel Grill Press is available at Amazon for $69.
Why You Can Trust Us
Hi, I’m Jessica Gavin, a Certified Food and Culinary Scientist passionate about all things food. I love uncovering the mysteries behind food and started this blog in 2012 to share my findings, showcase the nutritious recipes I’ve developed, and connect with a wider audience.
In 2018, I launched my cookbook, Easy Culinary Science for Better Cooking: Recipes for Everyday Meals Made Easier, Faster, and More Delicious. Inside, you’ll find some of my favorite recipes, but I also include cooking tips and step-by-step guides for home chefs of all levels.
Burger presses are an essential tool for any budding grill master to make the most flavorful, evenly cooked patties. To make my list of the best, I conducted extensive market research to find some of the most popular and reliable models available. Along with my top pick, the Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press, I analyzed other highly-rated options based on their material, size, and the different types of burgers you could make to bring you the top options to suit your needs.
With these picks, you can make the most delicious cookout burgers, from my famous Smash Burgers to my delicious Easy Stovetop Burgers.
What to Know About Burger Presses
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Burger Presses
Selecting the right burger press for your kitchen can make your patties juicer, more flavorful, and easier to cook. But before buying one, you should consider the material, size, and type of burger you plan to grill.
Material
Burger presses can be made from several materials like aluminum, plastic, cast iron, and stainless steel, the latter two being the most common. Cast iron is probably the most popular because its heavyweight composition makes it incredibly easy to smash burgers without much effort — you can fully flatten your patties in seconds!
One downside of cast iron is its upkeep — the material isn’t dishwasher safe and requires seasoning after each use to prevent rust and to keep it functioning properly. The extra care is one reason why stainless steel burger presses are also popular. These tools are easy to clean (most dishwasher safe) and create incredibly thin patties. They need a bit more muscle power since they’re not as heavy as cast iron.
Plastic and aluminum presses also exist. Burger presses made from materials are often used to form perfectly uniform patties rather than smashing them on the grill.
Size
Burger presses aren’t a large tool — they don’t take up a lot of space and are easy to store. All of the picks on this list are between 4 and 6.5 inches in diameter, with the smaller ones being ideal for forming patties, while the larger ones are perfect for creating the perfect crisp smash burger.
With that in mind, any press between 4 and 4.5 inches will help you form uniform burgers. Typically, I use about 6 oz of meat per patty when I make burgers. With this amount of ground beef, my burgers are usually 4 to 4 ½ inches in diameter and about ¾-inch thick. If you want to make smash burgers, you’ll want your press to be a bit larger — anywhere from 6 to 6.5 inches is ideal. This allows the burger to expand seamlessly under the weight of the press.
Burger Type
All burger presses won’t produce the same type of burger — some will make the best smash burgers, while others help you form perfectly uniform patties. Some even help you create stuffed burgers! So before purchasing a burger press, consider the types of burgers you regularly make.
For smash burgers, you’ll want a standard, no-frills round press that easily flattens your patties with minimal effort. Look for something made from cast iron or stainless steel with a rounded design.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for something to help you form burgers, I suggest the Weston Burger Press, which will mold the patties to your desired thickness. Additionally, if you’re feeling fancy and want to stuff your burgers with cheese or jalapenos, try the Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press, which will keep the burger intact and create a little divet for the ingredients to sit in.
Is Cast Iron or Stainless Steel Better for a Burger Press?
Burger presses are most commonly made from cast iron or stainless steel. Although both materials work well to flatten patties, some prefer cast iron because it’s heavier and can effectively smash burgers without using much elbow grease. A stainless steel burger press will produce the same effect if you’re not against using a tiny bit of muscle power.
Do You Need a Burger Press for Smash Burgers?
The ideal tool for smashing the beef is a round smashed burger press. These tools are wide enough to make 4- to 5-inch wide patties, and the handle makes it easy to push down just once. However, here are some other options with tools you already have in your kitchen:
- Cast Iron Skillet: Use the bottom of a mini cast iron skillet, 4 to 5 inches in size, to push down on the patty.
- Measuring Cups: Use the bottom of a 1- or 1-1/2-cup measuring cup. You should press down a few times if it’s smaller than 4 inches wide.
- Spatula: Use a flat metal spatula to push down on the patties. It helps to use a meat pounder or another spatula to push straight down on the top of the blade to flatten the meat.
- Parchment Paper: Cut 4- to 5-inch sized squares. Place a piece on top of the burger before flattening it with the desired tool. This helps to prevent sticking. If you feel more comfortable flattening the patties before adding them to the pan, do this in between two squares or parchment, then transfer them to the pan.
Are Burger Presses Worth It?
If you regularly find yourself grilling up burgers, adding a burger press to your grill kit is a great addition to ensure you’re creating the most consistent, flavorful, juicy patties. Beyond the grill, they can also be used on a skillet for indoor cooking. So, if you want to become a burger master, it’s a great tool to have in your kitchen.
How Do You Press a Perfect Burger?
For traditional burger presses that you use mid-cooking, there is a foolproof way to flatten for the juiciest, most flavorful burger. After placing the burger onto the grill or pre-greased pan Don’t wait longer than 30 seconds to smash it down. Otherwise, the fat will warm up and release its juices.
You also want maximum contact with the bottom of the hot pan, so be sure to press straight down onto the patties. Cook each burger until a golden crust forms, about 2 minutes. Use the edge of the spatula to scrape and release the patty from the pan. Flip the burger and cook for about 1 minute. The thin patties cook in less than 5 minutes!
Best Recipes to Use Your New Burger Press
Now that you’ve decided on the best burger press for your kitchen, check out some of my favorite burger recipes:
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
Robert H. says
I use the Weston Burger Press with great results. It’s a real time-saver for making quick and uniform patties from ground Beef, Pork, Poultry, Salmon — and the list goes on. It also works well with leftover mashed potatoes. For potato patties, I mix-in a few diced onions and seasonings, form the patties and fry them up in a small amount of cooking oil. You can do the same thing with chopped vegetables — leftovers or pre-sauteed. Just use any basic veggie-burger recipe for binding options.
You do have to experiment for desired burger thickness settings with this press. I find that a leveled 1/2 cup measure makes about a 1/2″ thick patty, but there’s plenty of adjustment. The press does have to be disassembled for cleaning. However, the entire cleaning/re-assembly process takes me only a few minutes — and it’s very easy to clean. Another great feature, no cheap plastics are used in this press. All materials are aluminum and they will never rust. All-in-all, lightweight to handle and heavy enough to do the job!
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for your feedback on the Weston Burger Press! I’ll have to give your potato patties a try, they sound delicious!