MomSkoop
Perfect smash burgers require the right equipment, and after months of testing, I finally found the winners. Eleven different grill presses went through rigorous testing in my kitchen, each one promising crispy edges and juicy centers. Some delivered restaurant-quality results while others fell short of expectations. Here’s everything you need to know about which presses actually work.
1. Winco SWS-74 Steak Weight Press – The Budget Champion
Restaurant kitchens everywhere swear by this affordable workhorse, and now I understand why. The heavy-duty construction distributes weight evenly across your burger patties, creating those coveted crispy edges without breaking the bank.
Weighing in at just over two pounds, this press delivers consistent results every single time. The flat surface makes perfect contact with ground beef, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Cleanup takes seconds thanks to the smooth stainless steel finish that wipes clean effortlessly. Professional chefs choose this model for good reason.
2. Made In Stainless Steel Grill Press – Premium Performance
Sleek design meets serious functionality in this premium option that caught my attention immediately. The ergonomic handle stays cool during cooking sessions, while the polished surface creates beautiful sear marks on every patty you press.
Heat distribution happens uniformly across the entire pressing surface, eliminating hot spots that can burn your burgers. The substantial weight provides just enough pressure without crushing your meat completely flat.
Professional-grade materials justify the higher price point when you see the consistent restaurant-quality results. Your burgers will thank you for this upgrade.
3. Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press – The Heat Master
Cast iron retains heat like nothing else, making this press a game-changer for serious burger enthusiasts. Once heated, it maintains consistent temperature throughout your entire cooking session, delivering professional results at home.
The rectangular shape covers more surface area than round presses, perfect for multiple small patties or larger burger portions. Seasoning improves with each use, creating better non-stick properties over time.
Maintenance requires a bit more care than stainless steel options, but the superior heat retention makes the extra effort worthwhile. Your patience pays off with incredible flavor development.
4. Bellemain Cast Iron Grill Press – Traditional Excellence
Old-school craftsmanship shines through in every detail of this traditionally-made cast iron press. The time-tested design has been creating perfect smash burgers for generations of home cooks who appreciate quality construction.
Pre-seasoning comes factory-applied, so you can start cooking immediately without lengthy preparation steps. The generous size handles multiple patties simultaneously, making family cookouts much more efficient.
Durability stands the test of time when properly maintained, often lasting decades with regular use. Many customers pass these down through families like treasured heirlooms.
5. Blackstone Culinary Cast Iron Grill Press – Griddle Specialist
Designed specifically for griddle cooking, this press excels on flat-top surfaces where most smash burgers get their start. The specialized shape maximizes contact with your cooking surface, creating edge-to-edge searing that’s hard to beat.
Weight distribution feels perfectly balanced in your hand, giving you complete control over pressing pressure. The handle angle keeps your hands safely away from hot surfaces during intense cooking sessions.
Blackstone’s reputation for outdoor cooking equipment shows in every thoughtful design element. Griddle masters consider this their secret weapon for burger perfection.
6. Cuisinart Cast-Iron Smashed Burger Press (CISB-111) – Purpose-Built Perfection
Purpose-built specifically for smash burgers, this specialized tool takes the guesswork out of achieving perfect results. The unique design creates optimal pressure distribution for those signature thin, crispy edges that make smash burgers so addictive.
Size and weight have been carefully calibrated for home cooking, unlike restaurant equipment that can be too heavy or unwieldy. The comfortable grip allows for precise control during the crucial pressing moments.
Cuisinart’s kitchen expertise shows in thoughtful details like the balanced weight distribution and easy-clean surface. Burger enthusiasts will appreciate the specialized engineering behind this focused design.
7. Finex 8-Inch Cast-Iron Press – Artisan Quality
Handcrafted quality meets modern performance in this beautifully engineered press that’s as much art as cooking tool. The octagonal shape isn’t just for looks – it provides multiple pressing angles for different cooking techniques and burger styles.
American-made construction uses premium materials and time-honored techniques that result in exceptional durability. The unique geometric design distributes pressure evenly while creating interesting grill mark patterns.
Investment-level pricing reflects the artisan craftsmanship and superior materials used throughout. Serious home cooks treat this as a lifetime purchase rather than just another kitchen gadget.