Smash burgers and smash tacos have exploded in popularity on social media, and if you want to recreate these crispy, caramelized patties at home, a quality burger press—also called a grill press—is essential. These tools apply steady pressure to the meat as it cooks, producing the signature crust of a smash burger. Beyond burgers, a grill press is handy for pressing bacon flat, finishing paninis, and searing steaks or pork chops evenly on a griddle or in a cast iron skillet.
Below I’ve rounded up the best burger presses I recommend for home cooks. I tested several of these myself and included other highly rated options that reviewers and trusted food writers recommend. Any of these presses will work well on a full-size griddle, a cast iron skillet, or a grill pan.
My Top Picks
- What’s in My Kitchen: Cuisinart Burger Press — Price: $16.32
- Best Splurge Burger Press: Made In Grill Press — Price: $69
- Best Large Burger Press: Blackstone Griddle Press — Price: $24.99
- Best Budget Burger Press: Lodge Burger Press — Price: $14.98
Reviews of the Best Burger Presses
1. What’s in My Kitchen: Cuisinart Burger Press
The Cuisinart cast iron press is my everyday choice for smashed recipes. Its heavy cast iron surface delivers steady weight for great searing, while the wooden handle stays cooler than bare metal. Measuring roughly 6.5 inches in diameter, it’s sized perfectly for classic smash burgers and is very budget-friendly. To reduce sticking, place a small square of parchment paper between the press and the patty when smashing down.
The Specs:
- Material: Cast iron
- Shape: Round
- Size: 6.5 inches
- Weight: 1 pound
What I Like:
- Affordable and reliable
- Wood handle reduces heat transfer
- Durable construction
What I Don’t Like:
- Cast iron can stick if not used with parchment or well-seasoned
What Others Are Saying: The Cuisinart press has strong customer ratings and is frequently recommended for home cooks seeking a reliable, affordable cast iron option.
2. Best Splurge Burger Press: Made In Grill Press
If you’re making smash burgers often, the Made In stainless steel grill press is worth the investment. Constructed from heavy-duty stainless steel, it resists rust and tolerates very high temperatures. The taller handle keeps hands further from heat, and it comes with a leather handle cover for extra protection. Stainless steel is easier to clean than raw cast iron, but because it’s lighter, you may need to apply more downward force when smashing patties.
The Specs:
- Material: Stainless steel
- Shape: Rectangular
- Size: 5.5 x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
What I Like:
- Rust-resistant and easy to clean
- Raised handle and leather cover for heat protection
- Durable, professional feel
What I Don’t Like:
- Not as heavy as cast iron presses, so you’ll press manually more
- Higher price point
What Others Are Saying: This grill press has earned praise in reviews and was named a top pick by several food publications for its build quality and handle design.
3. Best Large Burger Press: Blackstone Griddle Press
For batch cooking or larger cuts, the Blackstone press stands out. Its cast iron surface measures about 10 inches wide, letting you press multiple patties or a large piece of meat at once. With a weight over 4 pounds, it delivers powerful, even contact for excellent crust formation. The rubber-coated handle helps protect your hand, though rubber can warp if left in direct high heat for long periods, so use caution with very hot grills.
The Specs:
- Material: Cast iron
- Shape: Rectangular
- Size: 10 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 4.28 pounds
What I Like:
- Extra-large surface ideal for batch cooking
- Substantial weight for superior searing
- Heat-resistant handle coating
What I Don’t Like:
- Handle coating may not withstand continual high heat if left on the grill
What Others Are Saying: Food writers who test grill gear often recommend the Blackstone press for its size and weight when cooking for larger groups.
4. Best Budget Burger Press: Lodge Burger Press
Lodge’s cast iron press is an excellent low-cost option. It typically measures about 6.25 inches and is offered in round, square, and ridged surfaces depending on the finish you prefer. The press comes pre-seasoned to help reduce sticking, but the short metal handle will get hot, so keep an oven mitt handy when handling it.
The Specs:
- Material: Cast iron
- Shape: Round (other shapes available)
- Size: 6.25 inches
- Weight: 1.75 pounds
What I Like:
- Very affordable
- Multiple design options
- Pre-seasoned to help prevent sticking
What I Don’t Like:
- Handle provides little heat protection
What Others Are Saying: Home cooks consistently praise the Lodge press for value and durability, making it a top pick for budget-minded buyers.
Other Burger Presses to Consider
Winco Grill Press
A stainless steel option with a narrow rectangular face, the Winco press is ideal for bacon or smaller patties. It usually features a rubberized heat-resistant handle cover and is straightforward to clean.
Bellemain Bacon Press
Designed for bacon but versatile enough for other meats, this round cast iron press is larger—about 8.75 inches—and typically has a textured bottom to help prevent sticking while keeping food flat for crisping.
Our Place Grill Press
The Our Place press pairs a cast iron core with an enameled exterior in signature colors to match the brand’s cookware. It’s slightly textured, doesn’t require seasoning like bare cast iron, and makes a stylish countertop piece. Hand washing is recommended.
Williams Sonoma Smash Burger Press
A classic cast iron smash press with a beech wood handle that stays cooler to the touch. It comes pre-seasoned and is rated safe for high temperatures, making it a reliable, traditional option.
Why You Can Trust Me
Hi, I’m Gina, the author and recipe developer behind Skinnytaste. I focus on lighter, family-friendly recipes made with fresh ingredients. I grill regularly for my family and developed a collection of healthy burger and grilling recipes. After seeing the smash trend on social media, I added a burger press to my kitchen tools and tested several models to recommend the best options for home cooks.
In addition to the press I use at home, I’ve highlighted top-rated presses that have been tested by reputable food writers and many real users to give you a range of choices at different prices and sizes.
Everything to Know Before Buying a Burger Press
What to Consider Before Buying
Material: Cast iron and stainless steel are the most common materials. Cast iron provides more weight and superior searing but needs seasoning and careful cleaning. Stainless steel resists rust and washes more easily but is usually lighter.
Size: Presses come in round and rectangular shapes. A 6-inch press works well for standard smash burgers; larger presses (8–10 inches) are better for batch cooking, steaks, or bacon.
Heat Protection: Look for a press with a wooden, rubber, or insulated handle to protect your hand. Even with protective handles, an oven mitt or towel is wise when handling a heated press.
What Is a Smash Burger?
A smash burger is formed by pressing a loosely formed ball of ground meat down onto a hot griddle or skillet, creating a very thin patty with maximum surface contact. That contact produces intense browning and a crisp, flavorful crust.
How to Use a Burger Press
Preheat the press by leaving it on the griddle for a few minutes or warming it on a burner. Place your loosely packed meat ball on the cooking surface, then place the press on top with a square of parchment if desired. Press firmly to flatten, hold until a good sear forms, then remove the press and flip the patty.
How to Smash a Burger Without a Press
If you don’t have a press, a large, sturdy spatula can do the job. Use a wide metal spatula to press each patty down firmly and hold it in place to achieve similar browning and texture.
How to Prevent Sticking
Prevent sticking by placing a small piece of parchment paper between the press and each patty before pressing. The parchment releases easily and makes flipping simple. For cast iron presses, maintain seasoning and dry thoroughly to minimize sticking over time.
The Best Smash Recipes
A grill press is versatile—use it for smash burgers, bacon, potatoes, and more. Here are a few recipes where a press helps create extra-crispy results:
- Smash Tacos
- Paprika Smashed Potatoes
- Smashed Sweet Potatoes
- Cheeseburger Crunch Wrap
- Salmon Quinoa Burgers
- Inside-Out Turkey Cheeseburgers
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.