Smash It, Sear It, Grill It: The Best Grill Presses of 2024

A grill press is an essential tool for any pitmaster or BBQ enthusiast. The right press can make flipping, gripping, and maneuvering food on the grill a breeze, while keeping your hands safely away from the heat. With so many options available, it can be challenging to find the perfect grill press for your needs.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll review the top grill presses on the market, comparing their features, durability, and performance to help you choose the best one for your BBQ arsenal. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a serious grillmaster, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the best grill presses of 2024.

What is a Grill Press?

A grill press, also known as a meat press or steak weight, is a heavy, flat cooking tool designed to apply downward pressure on food while grilling or cooking on a flat surface. Typically made from cast iron or stainless steel, these presses range from basic rectangular or round weights to specialized smash burger presses with ergonomic handles and textured surfaces.

The basic components of a grill press include:

• A heavy base plate that provides consistent pressure
• A heat-resistant handle (usually wood or silicone)
• A flat or textured cooking surface
• Sometimes ridges or grooves for creating grill marks
• Optional features like pre-seasoned surfaces or non-stick coatings

Modern grill presses come in various sizes and weights, typically ranging from 2-3 pounds, allowing them to effectively press everything from bacon strips to large steaks. While traditional cast iron presses require seasoning and special care, newer stainless steel models offer easier maintenance while still providing excellent results.

Benefits of a Grill Press

A quality grill press offers numerous advantages that can significantly enhance your cooking experience:

Improved Cooking Performance

• Creates even heat distribution for consistent cooking
• Reduces cooking time by up to 30%
• Prevents meat from curling or buckling
• Ensures better contact with cooking surface
• Creates professional-looking grill marks

Better Food Results

• Perfect for creating smash burgers with crispy edges
• Helps render fat from bacon more effectively
• Creates crispier sandwiches and paninis
• Locks in juices for more flavorful steaks
• Achieves better searing and caramelization

Versatile Applications

• Works on multiple cooking surfaces (grills, griddles, skillets)
• Suitable for various foods (burgers, steaks, bacon, sandwiches)
• Can be preheated for additional cooking effect
• Useful for both indoor and outdoor cooking
• Doubles as a bacon press or sandwich press

Time and Temperature Management

• Speeds up cooking process
• Maintains consistent cooking temperature
• Reduces flare-ups on the grill
• Helps achieve desired doneness more easily
• Perfect for batch cooking multiple items

Professional Results

• Creates restaurant-style smash burgers
• Achieves steakhouse-quality sear marks
• Makes professional-looking paninis
• Produces evenly cooked bacon
• Replicates commercial griddle results

Practical Benefits

• Durable and long-lasting
• Simple to use
• Relatively inexpensive
• Easy to store
• Minimal maintenance required

Whether you’re a weekend griller or serious food enthusiast, a grill press is a valuable tool that can help you achieve better results with less effort. From creating the perfect smash burger to ensuring even cooking on larger cuts of meat, this versatile tool can elevate your cooking game to restaurant-quality levels.

How to Choose the Best Grill Press

When selecting the best grill press for your needs, consider the following factors:

• Material: Cast iron and stainless steel are the most common materials. Cast iron retains heat well and creates excellent grill marks, while stainless steel is easier to maintain and resistant to rust.
• Weight: A heavier press provides more pressure and better searing but should still be comfortable to handle. Look for presses between 2-3 pounds for a good balance of effectiveness and usability.
• Size: Consider the size of your grill or griddle. A press that’s too large may be unwieldy, while one that’s too small may not cover enough surface area. Most standard grill presses are between 7-9 inches in diameter or length.
• Handle: Look for a press with a heat-resistant handle, preferably made of wood or silicone. The handle should be comfortable to grip and long enough to keep your hand away from the hot surface.
• Versatility: Some presses are designed for specific tasks like smashing burgers, while others are more versatile. Consider what you’ll be using the press for most often.
• Maintenance: Cast iron requires seasoning and careful cleaning, while stainless steel is generally dishwasher safe. Choose based on how much maintenance you’re willing to do.
• Additional Features: Some presses come with textured surfaces for better grip on food, while others have grooved bottoms for creating grill marks. Decide which features are important to you.

Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press – Best Overall

The Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press is our top pick for its perfect balance of quality, functionality, and affordability. This versatile press is ideal for flattening meats, pressing out excess fat, and creating those coveted grill marks on your favorite foods.

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Highlights

• Durable cast iron construction
• Comfortable wooden handle
• Pre-seasoned and ready to use
• Ideal size for most grilling needs

Specifications

• Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Dimensions: 8.75 x 4.5 x 3.5 inches
• Material: Cast iron with wooden handle
• Dishwasher safe: No (hand wash recommended)

This grill press excels in evenly distributing heat and pressure, ensuring your meats cook faster and more evenly. The cast iron construction retains heat well, while the wooden handle stays cool for safe handling. It’s perfect for creating crispy bacon, juicy burgers, and perfectly seared steaks.

Customer Reviews

• “Very nice for grilling – Heavy enough to put pressure on whatever you’re cooking.”
• “Sturdy, great price. This thing is built like a tank and holds heat really well.”
• “Works well smashing potatoes and burgers. A bit of work to clean, but worth it.”

Cuisinart CISB-111 Smashed Burger Press – Best Premium

For those seeking the ultimate smashed burger experience, the Cuisinart CISB-111 Smashed Burger Press is our premium pick. This specialized press is designed to create perfect, restaurant-quality smashed burgers with crispy edges and juicy centers.

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Highlights

• Specifically designed for smashed burgers
• Heavy-duty cast iron construction
• Edge-lip design to lock in juices
• Comfortable wooden handle

Specifications

• Weight: 2.65 pounds
• Dimensions: 6.5 x 5 x 3 inches
• Material: Cast iron with wooden handle
• Dishwasher safe: No (hand wash recommended)

The Cuisinart CISB-111 excels at creating the perfect smashed burger. Its weight and design allow you to achieve that ideal thin, crispy patty while locking in flavors. The edge-lip feature helps contain juices, ensuring your burgers stay moist and flavorful.

Customer Reviews

• “I made the best cheese hamburger sandwiches. This thing is pretty much perfect.”
• “Excellent for smash burgers. Solid built and works great, cleans up easily.”
• “Perfect for smash burgers. We use a parchment paper for easy cleanup.”

Shop Square Cast Iron Grill Press – Best Budget

The Shop Square Cast Iron Grill Press offers excellent value for those on a budget. This set of two presses provides versatility and durability at an affordable price point, making it perfect for both occasional grillers and those who love to entertain.

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Highlights

• Set of two presses for added value
• Pre-seasoned cast iron construction
• Cool-touch wooden handles
• Versatile for various grilling tasks

Specifications

• Weight: 2.6 pounds each
• Dimensions: 8 x 4 inches
• Material: Cast iron with wooden handles
• Dishwasher safe: No (hand wash recommended)

These grill presses are ideal for a variety of tasks, from pressing burgers and sandwiches to flattening bacon. The pre-seasoned surface ensures food doesn’t stick, while the wooden handles provide a comfortable grip even during extended use.

Customer Reviews

• “This thing is a must-have. Very solid built and very large.”
• “Heavy – Very nice and heavy press. Works well and not as expensive as others.”
• “Sturdy and well-built. If you flat grill your bacon or hamburger, this is a must.”

Blackstone Burger Press Set – Best Set

The Blackstone Burger Press Set is our top pick for those who want versatility in their grilling tools. This set includes both a round and rectangular press, making it perfect for a variety of grilling tasks, from smashing burgers to pressing sandwiches.

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Highlights

• Set includes round and rectangular presses
• Heavy-duty cast iron construction
• Wooden handles for comfortable use
• Suitable for various grilling and griddle tasks

Specifications

• Round press dimensions: 7 inches diameter
• Rectangular press dimensions: 8.3 x 4.3 inches
• Material: Cast iron with wooden handles
• Dishwasher safe: No (hand wash recommended)

This set offers excellent versatility, allowing you to tackle a range of grilling tasks with ease. The round press is perfect for smashing burgers, while the rectangular press is ideal for bacon, sandwiches, and larger cuts of meat.

Customer Reviews

• “Good 7-inch cast iron burger press. Solid and holds heat nicely.”
• “Great for making paninis. Smash burgers are so easy to make with the round press.”
• “Nice and heavy duty. If you like cast iron, this is perfect.”

Cuisinart Griddler – Best Versatile

For those seeking ultimate versatility in their grilling tools, the Cuisinart Griddler is our top pick. This 5-in-1 appliance combines the functionality of a grill press with additional cooking options, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen.

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Highlights

• 5-in-1 functionality: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
• Removable, reversible non-stick cooking plates
• Adjustable temperature controls
• Floating cover for even pressing

Specifications

• Weight: 13.2 pounds
• Dimensions: 13.5 x 11.5 x 7.12 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with non-stick cooking plates
• Dishwasher safe: Yes (removable plates)

The Cuisinart Griddler excels in its versatility. It can handle everything from pressing paninis to grilling steaks, making it perfect for those who want a multi-functional appliance. The adjustable temperature controls and floating cover ensure perfect results every time.

Customer Reviews

• “We love this grill. It’s super easy to clean and food particles come off without problems.”
• “This grill is absolutely fantastic. Cooked my rib-eye steak; it came out delicious with nice grill marks on both sides.”
• “Excellent for smash burgers. The quality is excellent, as expected from Cuisinart.”

HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press – Best Extra-Large

For those who need extra-large coverage, the HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press is our top pick. This heavy-duty stainless steel press offers a generous size and substantial weight, making it perfect for larger grills or cooking for a crowd.

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Highlights

• Extra-large 8.5-inch diameter
• Heavy-duty stainless steel construction
• Comfortable wooden handle
• Suitable for large burgers and multiple smaller items

Specifications

• Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.5 x 3 inches
• Material: Stainless steel with wooden handle
• Dishwasher safe: No (hand wash recommended)

The HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press excels in its size and weight. It’s perfect for pressing large burgers or multiple smaller items at once. The stainless steel construction ensures even heat distribution and easy cleaning, while the wooden handle provides a comfortable grip.

Customer Reviews

• “Hulk SMASH! This press is heavy! It is heavier than it looks and is solid stainless steel.”
• “Very solid built and very large. Worked well for smash burgers.”
• “Premium burger smasher. This thing is premium all the way around.”

Additional Buying Tips

While selecting the perfect grill press, keep these extra tips in mind to make the most informed purchase:

• Budget: Set a realistic budget before shopping, as grill presses can range widely in price. Affordable options often perform just as well as premium models if you prioritize the right features.
• Brand Reputation: Trusted brands with a history of producing durable kitchen tools are a safer choice. Research customer reviews to gauge satisfaction levels.
• Storage: If you have limited kitchen space, consider a smaller press or one with a more compact design.
• Complementary Tools: Some grill presses come as part of sets, including items like spatulas, scrapers, or storage cases. These can add value to your purchase.

Recipes to Try with Your Grill Press

Grill presses are versatile and can elevate various dishes. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Classic Smash Burgers: Flatten patties to achieve thin, crispy edges and a juicy center.
• Grilled Sandwiches: Create perfect paninis or Cuban sandwiches with crispy, golden crusts.
• Flattened Bacon: Keep bacon strips flat and evenly cooked for easier serving or layering in sandwiches.
• Seared Steaks: Achieve restaurant-quality sear marks on your favorite cuts of beef.
• Pressed Chicken: Speed up cooking time and ensure even cooking by pressing down on chicken breasts or thighs.
• Grilled Vegetables: Use your grill press to press zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms for quicker cooking and better grill marks.

Maintenance Tips for Your Grill Press

Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of your grill press. Follow these guidelines:

• Cast Iron Presses: Regularly season your press with a light coating of oil to prevent rust and maintain non-stick properties. Avoid soaking in water for extended periods.
• Stainless Steel Presses: Clean with mild soap and water, and dry thoroughly to avoid water spots. Dishwasher-safe models simplify cleanup.
• Wooden Handles: Avoid exposing wooden handles to excessive water or heat. Wipe clean with a damp cloth as needed.
• Regular Inspection: Check for loose screws or damage to handles to ensure safety and functionality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a grill press used for?

A grill press is used to apply pressure to food while grilling or cooking on a flat surface. It helps create even cooking, better sear marks, and can speed up cooking time. It’s particularly useful for making smash burgers, grilled sandwiches, and flattening cuts of meat.

How do you clean a grill press?

For cast iron presses, clean with hot water and a stiff brush, dry thoroughly, and apply a light coating of oil. Avoid soap as it can strip the seasoning. For stainless steel presses, you can usually clean them in the dishwasher or with soap and water.

Can you use a grill press on any type of grill?

Most grill presses can be used on various types of grills, including gas, charcoal, and electric grills. They’re also suitable for use on griddles, flat-top grills, and in skillets.

How do you make the best smash burger with a grill press?

To make the best smash burger:

1. Preheat your griddle or skillet to high heat.
2. Form loose balls of ground beef (about 2-3 oz each).
3. Place the ball on the hot surface and immediately press down firmly with the grill press for about 10 seconds.
4. Season the patty and cook for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Flip, add cheese if desired, and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

Are grill presses worth it?

Grill presses can be a valuable tool for many cooks. They help create even cooking, better sear marks, and can reduce cooking time. If you frequently grill burgers, sandwiches, or meats that benefit from being pressed, a grill press can be a worthwhile investment.

Conclusion

A quality grill press can significantly enhance your grilling and cooking experience. Whether you’re looking to create the perfect smash burger, achieve even cooking on your steaks, or make restaurant-quality paninis at home, there’s a grill press out there to suit your needs.

Our top overall pick, the Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press, offers an excellent balance of quality, functionality, and affordability. However, each of the presses we’ve reviewed excels in its own way, catering to different preferences and cooking styles.

Remember to consider factors like material, weight, size, and maintenance when choosing your grill press. With the right press in your grilling arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to take your outdoor (and indoor) cooking to the next level. Happy grilling!

Chris Johns

Chris is the founder of BBQ Report® and has been an avid barbecue fan for over 20 years. His mission is to make grilling and smoking the best food possible easy for everyone. And each year, he continues to help more people with grilling, smoking, and barbecue recipe recommendations.