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7 Best Grill Presses for Perfectly Seared Meats in 2024

By Chris Johns •  Updated: 10/09/24 •  12 min read
Home » Grilling Techniques

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.

Our Top Picks for the Best Grill Presses in 2024

Best Grill Press Reviews

Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

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.

Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press (Wood Handle), Weighs 2.1-pounds

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

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

The Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press is an excellent all-around choice for any grilling enthusiast. Its combination of durability, comfort, and functionality makes it suitable for a wide range of grilling tasks, from delicate vegetables to hefty steaks.

Cuisinart CISB-111 Smashed Burger Press

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.

Cuisinart Smashed Burger Press, Cast Iron CISB-111

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Cuisinart CISB-111 Smashed Burger Press

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

If you’re serious about your burgers, the Cuisinart CISB-111 Smashed Burger Press is a must-have tool. Its specialized design and high-quality construction make it the ideal choice for creating restaurant-quality smashed burgers at home.

Shop Square Cast Iron Grill Press

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.

Cast Iron Grill Press (Set of 2) - 8 x 4 Inch, 2.6 lb Griddle Press with Cool-Touch Wood Handle - Pre-seasoned Meat Press for Steak, Burgers, Sandwiches, and Paninis – Non-Stick Grill Weight

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Shop Square Cast Iron Grill Press

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

For those looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Shop Square Cast Iron Grill Press set is an excellent choice. Its versatility and durability make it a great value for any grilling enthusiast.

Winco SWS-74 Silicone Sleeve Grill Press

If you prefer the low-maintenance and rust-resistant properties of stainless steel, the Winco SWS-74 Silicone Sleeve Grill Press is our top pick. This professional-grade press offers durability and ease of use, making it perfect for both home cooks and commercial kitchens.

Winco SWS-74 Silicone Sleeve, Patty Meat Grill, Steak Weight Press, 4L X 7-1/2W-Inch, Silver

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Highlights

Specifications

The Winco SWS-74 is designed for efficiency and comfort. Its stainless steel body provides excellent heat distribution, while the silicone sleeve on the handle ensures a comfortable grip even during extended use. It’s perfect for pressing bacon, burgers, and sandwiches.

Customer Reviews for Winco SWS-74 Silicone Sleeve Grill Press

  1. “A very solid design. I think this is a great pick for an all-around easy-to-use and clean press.”
  2. “Works great! Love that it’s machine washable.”
  3. “My go-to steak weight. Easy to clean and should last a lifetime.”

For those who value ease of maintenance and professional-grade quality, the Winco SWS-74 Silicone Sleeve Grill Press is an excellent choice. Its durability and ease of use make it suitable for both home cooks and professional chefs.

Blackstone Burger Press 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.

Blackstone Burger Press 7” Round Cast Iron Smash Bacon Press & 8.3”X4.3” Rectangle Cast Iron Grill Press With Wooden Handle for Blackstone Griddle, Ideal for Panini, Steak & Sandwiches, Nonstick Pan

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Blackstone Burger Press Set

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

The Blackstone Burger Press Set is an excellent choice for those who want a comprehensive grilling toolkit. Its versatility and quality construction make it suitable for a wide range of grilling tasks, from burgers to paninis and everything in between.

Cuisinart Griddler

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.

Cuisinart Panini Press, Stainless Steel Griddler, Sandwich Maker & More, 5-IN-1, GR-4NP1

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for Cuisinart Griddler

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

If you’re looking for a versatile appliance that can handle a wide range of cooking tasks, including pressing and grilling, the Cuisinart Griddler is an excellent choice. Its multi-functionality and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any kitchen.

HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press

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.

HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press, 2.5 lbs Heavy Duty Bacon & Grill Press, Stainless Steel Smashed Burger Press, Round Smasher with Wood Handle, BBQ Griddle Accessories for Hamburger, Steak, Meat

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Highlights

Specifications

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 for HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press

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

If you frequently cook for large groups or need a press that can handle bigger cuts of meat, the HULISEN 8.5-Inch Burger Press is an excellent choice. Its size and durability make it perfect for serious grillers and those who entertain often.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Grill Press

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

  1. Material: Cast iron and stainless steel are the most common materials for grill presses. Cast iron retains heat well and creates excellent grill marks, while stainless steel is easier to maintain and resistant to rust.
  2. Weight: A heavier press will provide more pressure and better searing, but it should still be comfortable to handle. Look for presses between 2-3 pounds for a good balance of effectiveness and usability.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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!

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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.