Skip to content

The Best Grill Presses In 2024

  • by

The game-changing tools have revolutionized the way people grill, providing even heat distribution and enhancing cooking results. These powerhouse presses are known for their durability, heat retention, and ability to create mouthwatering dishes. With their heavy-duty construction, large surface area, and sleek design, these grill presses are a must-have for anyone who craves professional-level grilling at home. It’s time to take your grilling to the next level and become the envy of your neighborhood cookouts.

Best grill presses in 2024 Review

5. Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

Cuisinart

  Get it now on Amazon.com

With the Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press, you can effortlessly achieve those perfect grill marks and remove unwanted fats, making it ideal for creating delicious panini sandwiches or grilled cheese. This durable cast iron grill press is designed with a wooden handle for a comfortable grip, ensuring ease of use.

Not only does it add incredible-looking grill marks to your meats, but it also helps to press out excess fat and oils, promoting healthier grilling. The compact size of the grill press makes it easy to store, and it is also easy to clean – simply hand wash and dry immediately after use. With a 1-year limited warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that this grill press is built to last.

Pros:

  • Creates perfect grill marks
  • Removes excess fat and oils
  • Ideal for panini sandwiches and grilled cheese
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable wooden handle
Cons:

  • Hand wash only
  • May be heavy for some users
  • Limited warranty period

4. Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press

  Get it now on Amazon.com

The Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press is a heavy-duty cast iron tool that allows you to create perfect smashed burgers on your gas grill. It is made of durable cast iron material that can withstand high heat and pressure, ensuring even and thorough cooking of your burgers. The Cast iron also provides excellent heat retention, resulting in consistent and delicious results every time. The press has a compact size and a cast iron handle, making it easy to handle and store, while also providing a comfortable grip. It is recommended to hand wash the press for cleaning, but its durable construction ensures long-lasting use.

Pros:

  • Heavy-duty cast iron construction for durability
  • Excellent heat retention for consistent cooking
  • Compact size and comfortable grip for easy handling
Cons:

  • Hand wash only, not dishwasher-safe
  • No nonstick coating may require additional oiling
  • Colors and styles may vary due to product enhancement

3. Lodge LGP3 Rectangular Cast Iron Grill Press

Lodge

  Get it now on Amazon.com

Get ready to elevate your grilling game with the Lodge LGP3 Rectangular Cast Iron Grill Press. This must-have tool is perfect for achieving perfectly seared and evenly cooked burgers every time. The grill press is made of durable cast iron, ensuring long-lasting performance.

The rectangular shape and heavyweight design allow for maximum contact with the cooking surface, resulting in even heat distribution and improved searing. It is oven-safe and induction stovetop compatible, making it versatile for a variety of cooking methods. The nonstick coating prevents food from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.

However, keep in mind that this grill press is not dishwasher safe. It requires manual cleaning and can be heavy to handle. Despite these drawbacks, the compact size makes it easy to store.

2. Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

Cuisinart CGPR-221

  Get it now on Amazon.com

Introducing the Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press, a top-rated grill accessory with over 19,000 customer ratings and an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. This grill press is a must-have for any grill enthusiast looking to take their cooking to the next level.

With its cast iron construction and wood handle, it provides a comfortable grip and is built to last. The Cuisinart CGPR-221 is not only great for pressing out unwanted excess fat and oils from meats, but it also adds those perfect grill marks to any meat. It is versatile enough to use for making panini sandwiches or grilled cheese. The press is easy to clean, with just a simple hand wash and immediate drying. It even comes with a 1-year limited warranty for added peace of mind.

Pros:

  • Sturdy and well-crafted
  • Perfect for making smash burgers
  • Handy for various recipes
  • Great quality that will last for years
Cons:

  • The handle can get hot during use

1. Bellemain Bacon Press 8.5-Inch Round

Bellemain Bacon Press

  Get it now on Amazon.com

Discover the Bellemain Bacon Press, an 8.5-inch round kitchen essential that’ll take your cooking to new heights. Made of 100% heavy-duty cast iron, this bacon press ensures equalized weight distribution for perfect grill marks on your bacon, steak, or sandwiches.

Its food-grade iron cookware guarantees safety by avoiding harmful chemicals, and it can be seasoned like cast-iron skillets for a non-stick surface. With its stay-cool wood handle, you can handle this press safely.

The 8.75-inch diameter allows for quick and even cooking, reducing cooking time and preventing bacon from curling up. This versatile press can be used on the pan or grill and fits nearly any cooking area. It’s highly recommended by users for cooking bacon, smash burgers, and other dishes, providing even cooking without the need for constant flipping.

Although some users mentioned that the wooden handle can roll and may require tightening of screws, and the press is fairly heavy and should be handled with care, it remains a popular choice for its effectiveness and durability.

Pros:

  • Made of 100% heavy-duty cast iron
  • Food-grade iron cookware, avoiding harmful chemicals
  • Can be seasoned like cast-iron skillets for a non-stick surface
  • Equalized weight distribution for perfect grill marks
  • Stay-cool wood handle for safe handling
  • 8.75-inch diameter for quick and even cooking
Cons:

  • Wooden handle can roll and may require tightening of screws
  • The press is fairly heavy and should be handled with care
  • Can hold moisture and may cause grease to spit when lifting

What to consider when buying the best grill presses

best grill presses

Material

Grills that are made with steel builds and porcelain-enameled finishes are recommended as they symbolize durability and resilience, ensuring that your grill will withstand the test of time and provide you with delicious meals for years to come. Here are three reasons why these materials are ideal for grill presses:

  • Long-lasting performance: Steel builds are known for their strength and ability to withstand high temperatures. This means that your grill press will be able to handle the heat without warping or cracking. The porcelain-enameled finish adds an extra layer of protection, preventing rust and corrosion.
  • Even heat distribution: Steel conducts heat evenly, allowing for consistent cooking results. This means that your food will be cooked thoroughly and evenly, with no hot spots or cold areas. The porcelain-enameled finish helps to retain heat, ensuring that your grill press stays hot for effective searing and grilling.
  • Easy to clean: Steel builds and porcelain-enameled finishes are easy to clean, requiring just a simple wipe-down after use. The smooth surface prevents food from sticking, making cleanup a breeze. This means less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious grilled meals.

Size

A crucial aspect to consider when choosing a grill is the size of the cooking surface, as it determines the amount of food you can cook at once and the space it will occupy in your outdoor setup. To help you visualize the different sizes available, here is a comparison table:

Grill Size Cooking Surface (Square Inches)
Small 147-363
Medium 424-458
Large 884-1263

Small grills, like the Weber Smokey Joe Portable Grill, are compact and lightweight, making them perfect for picnics or small gatherings. Medium-sized grills, such as the Green Mountain Grills Ledge Prime Plus, offer a balance between cooking capacity and portability. Large grills, like the Char-Griller Smokin Champ Offset Smoker, provide ample space for cooking large quantities of food and are ideal for big parties or events. Consider your cooking needs and available outdoor space when selecting the size of your grill.

Shape

Consider the shape of the grill, as it can greatly impact your cooking experience and the type of food you can prepare. The shape of the grill determines the distribution of heat and the amount of space available for cooking.

A rectangular grill, for example, provides more cooking surface area and is ideal for grilling larger cuts of meat or multiple items at once. On the other hand, a round grill is great for evenly distributing heat and is perfect for cooking smaller items like burgers and hot dogs.

Additionally, the shape of the grill can affect how well it retains heat and how easy it is to clean. So, when choosing a grill, think about the shape that suits your cooking needs and preferences.

Handle

Now let’s talk about the handle of the grill presses. The handle is an important feature to consider as it affects your comfort and control while using the press. You want a handle that is sturdy, ergonomic, and heat-resistant to ensure a safe and enjoyable grilling experience.

When it comes to handles, there are a few options to choose from. Some grill presses have a solid metal handle that provides a firm grip and durability. Others may have a wooden handle that adds a touch of elegance to your grilling tools. There are also grill presses with heat-resistant silicone handles that stay cool to the touch, even when the press is hot.

To give you a better understanding, here is a comparison table detailing the different handle types:

Handle Type Description
Solid Metal Sturdy and durable, provides a firm grip
Wooden Adds elegance, comfortable to hold
Silicone Heat-resistant, stays cool to the touch

Consider your personal preferences and choose a handle type that suits your needs and style. With a comfortable and reliable handle, you’ll have full control over your grilling and achieve those perfect grill marks every time.

Weight

Get ready to up your grilling game with a grill press that adds the perfect weight to your meats and veggies, creating those mouthwatering grill marks you crave.

When it comes to grilling, the weight of your grill press is crucial. A heavier press will apply more pressure, ensuring even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Look for a grill press that is substantial enough to provide the right amount of weight, but not too heavy that it becomes difficult to handle.

A well-balanced grill press will make you feel like a pro, giving you the confidence to create delicious grilled dishes every time. So, whether you’re grilling burgers, steak, or vegetables, make sure to choose a grill press that adds the perfect weight to elevate your grilling experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grill press and how does it work?

A grill press is a tool used in cooking to apply pressure and create even cooking. It works by pressing down on food, helping to remove excess fat, and ensuring thorough cooking.

What are the benefits of using a grill press?

Using a grill press has several benefits. It helps to cook food, creates attractive grill marks, and speeds up cooking time. It also helps to retain moisture and allows for better heat distribution.

Can a grill press be used on different types of grills?

Yes, a grill press can be used on different types of grills. It is a versatile tool that can be used on gas, charcoal, electric, and even kamado grills to help cook food evenly and achieve those coveted grill marks.

Are there any specific features or materials to look for in a grill press?

When looking for a grill press, consider materials like cast iron or stainless steel for durability and even heat distribution. Look for features like a sturdy handle and a ridged surface for creating grill marks.

How should a grill press be cleaned and maintained?

To clean and maintain a grill press, start by wiping it down with a damp cloth after each use. For deeper cleaning, use a mild dish soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly and store in a dry place to prevent rust.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a grilling enthusiast or just enjoy cooking outdoors, these grill presses will take your culinary skills to the next level. With their durable construction, even heat distribution, and ability to create perfect grill marks, these presses are like the secret ingredient to a mouthwatering meal. So why settle for anything less?

Upgrade your grilling game with the Lodge Cast Iron Grill Press, the Cuisinart Cast Iron Grill Press, or the Weber Style Stainless Steel Grill Press, and experience the magic they bring to your cooking.