10 Best Meat Presses 2025 in the United States

The Cuisinart 6.5" Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press is designed for anyone who loves making delicious, crispy smashed burgers, whether at home on a skillet or outdoors on a grill. Its heavy-duty cast iron construction ensures even pressure, which is key to achieving juicy and flavorful burgers with that desirable crispy crust. The flat edge of the press helps caramelize the burger edges, enhancing the classic smash burger experience.

One of the notable strengths of this product is its versatility; it can be used on various cooking surfaces, from griddles to grills, making it suitable for different cooking settings. Weighing only 1 pound, it's also relatively lightweight, which makes handling it easy, even for beginners.

However, there are some drawbacks to consider. The press lacks a non-stick surface, which can make cleaning a bit more challenging since food might stick, especially if not properly greased. Additionally, it's not dishwasher safe, requiring hand washing, which some may find inconvenient. The handle design, while sturdy, may not be the most comfortable for extended use, particularly if you're pressing multiple burgers at once.

The EWFEN Burger Press is a versatile meat press, made from heavy-duty cast iron, making it durable and effective for grilling and cooking. One of its main strengths is the ability to evenly transfer heat to your food, which helps prevent curling in bacon and ensures that all parts of the meat are cooked properly. The textured design on the bottom adds a nice touch, giving your meats and sandwiches those appealing restaurant-quality grill marks. Plus, it can handle various cooking surfaces, including grills and stovetops, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The ergonomic wooden handle is another highlight, as it offers a comfortable grip and stays cool to the touch, which is a nice safety feature when working with hot surfaces. The weight of the press (4.49 pounds) allows it to effectively press out excess fat and oils from your food, promoting healthier cooking.

The cast iron material is fantastic for heat retention but requires some maintenance to keep its non-stick surface, as it needs to be seasoned. Additionally, its weight might be a bit cumbersome for some users, especially if you're planning on using it for extended cooking sessions. While it works well for various meats and sandwiches, it may not be suitable for those who prefer lighter, non-metal press options.

The Lodge LGP3 Rectangular Cast Iron Grill Press stands out in the meat press category, perfect for those who enjoy grilling or cooking meats and sandwiches. One of its main strengths is the cast iron material, which provides excellent heat retention and even heating, ensuring that your food is cooked thoroughly and evenly. The pre-seasoned finish adds convenience, allowing you to start using it right away without needing to season it yourself.

The cool-grip spiral handle is designed to offer a safe and comfortable grip, which is especially beneficial when handling the press during hot cooking sessions. Weighing in at 2.64 pounds, it has a sturdy feel, helping to press down on meats effectively, which can also aid in fat removal during cooking. With dimensions of 6.75 inches by 4.5 inches, it’s compact enough for most grilling surfaces, making it versatile for indoor and outdoor cooking, including use on induction cooktops.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The press is not dishwasher safe, so you'll need to wash it by hand, which might be a hassle for some users. It does have a non-stick coating, but you will need to be careful with utensils to avoid scratching it. Additionally, while it can hold up to 3 pounds of food, larger cuts might not fit well in its rectangular shape. For those looking to enhance their grilling experience, this press is a reliable choice, especially for cooking bacon, pressing sandwiches, or achieving that perfect sear on meats. Just remember to factor in its care requirements and size limitations when making your decision.