15 Best Grill Presses In 2023: Reviews & Buying Guide
When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. For more information on how we conduct reviews, click here.
Getting yourself a grill press, otherwise known as a bacon press, helps evenly distribute the heat when grilling your favorite Angus beef. This helps maximize the flavor and turn out of the meat without burning the surfaces.
A grill press is an excellent investment for those who enjoy throwing barbecues with friends and family. So, we've listed the best grill presses along with a buying guide to walk you through a worthy purchase.
Our Top Picks
 |
Best Overall - Bellemain Round Cast Iron Grill Press• Heavy-duty cast-iron material |
Best Extra Features - Homenote Griddle Basting Cover & Grill Press• Restaurant-grade quality |
|
Best for Steaks - New Star Foodservice Iron Steak Weight• Wooden handle |
1. Bellemain Round Cast Iron Grill Press - Best Overall
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
People who purchased Bellemain's round cast iron grill press were delighted because of the product’s superb quality and reliability. A grill press connoisseur mentioned that the bacon press was "how cast iron is meant to be made" by evenly balancing the heat while cooking.
Why We Think It's Great
Another round press on our list, Bellemain, offers users an 8.75-inch diameter heavy-duty cast-iron press. It also has a stay-cool wooden handle for a comfortable hold that compliments the equal weight distribution of 2.8 lbs for thorough grilling.
This bacon press is a time-saver tool and helps decrease cook-time on the grill by minutes. It's also sized suitably to fit any area you choose to cook on, whether it's a skillet, a stainless steel pan, or a grill.
Who Should Buy It
Bellemain's round grill press pan is an excellent accessory for your kitchen. It's a must-have for Sunday barbecues and family dinners.
2. Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Those who bought Cuisinart's cast iron grill press were impressed with its quality. It was built with durability and sturdiness in mind, giving customers a rust-resistant cast iron grill press. Another buyer said the cleaning process was seamless and could be done in just a few minutes with no fuss.
Why We Think It's Great
Cuisinart's Cast Iron Grill Press is an affordable variant that offers excellent durable quality. For less than $15, you will get sturdy construction with a wooden handle that makes grill pressing seamless and convenient. Best for sandwiches and premium meats, this grill press can leave grill marks for a delectable finish.
The manufacturer also provides a warranty for a year if there are any issues with the grill press. This product helps reduce fats and oils from meat, which adds to a healthier approach to cooking proteins. A con to note is that the finish tends to come off quickly, so it is best to season the grill press correctly.
Who Should Buy It
Cuisinart's grill press is best recommended for those who like to use the grill a lot. It works well on a 12-inch frying grill pan or a griddle for those who enjoy making grilled cheese sandwiches for an afternoon snack.
3. Norpro Round Cast Iron Bacon Press
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Many users enjoyed the Norpro round cast iron bacon press for its wooden handle that boasts a comfortable grip. One buyer liked how time-efficient it was for grilling burgers. Reseasoning the pan was also relatively easy and helped with maintenance and longevity. A customer even said it lasted "a little over three years."
Why We Think It's Great
Great for pan skillets, another pick for the best grill press is Nropros' unit, which comes in a round style. It weighs 2.8 lbs which might not be light, but with its nicely built wooden handle, pressing on your favorite hams and burgers won't be too much of a strain on your hands.
It cooks evenly and reduces fat on meats like bacon, burgers, and steaks. This cast iron grill also comes with a seasoning guide to help first-timers to start right. A con to note is the device’s uneven press on the food since the surface comes slightly curved.
Who Should Buy It
Norpro's round cast iron skillet is ideal for those who like to grill on round cast iron skillets. It would also make for an excellent Father's Day gift to the male heroes in your life.
4. New Star Foodservice Iron Steak Weight - Best for Steaks
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Many pleased shoppers liked this grill press brand. New Star Foodservice's grill press helped one customer achieve straight and delectable bacon from curling. Another customer said it was "well made" and commended its great use on grilled cheese and thin meat cuts.
Why We Think It's Great
One of the best grill presses is the New Star Foodservice Iron Steak Weight. It serves as an affordable option for avid grillers to consider. For less than $13, this grill press comes with a wooden handle for a comfortable grip.
Whether you're grilling over a skillet or a full-size grill, this steak weight is perfect for juicy and meaty T-bone steaks. It also comes in two different sizes: 8.25 x 4.25-inch or 9.25 x 5.25-inch variant for those who work with oversized griddles and skillets. This grill press also offers hassle-free cleaning, just run it under water and use a bit of soap.
Who Should Buy It
Perfect for anyone who loves to grill steaks on Friday nights, the New Star Foodservice Iron Steak Weight is a budget-friendly option and makes for an ideal starter grill press.
5. Jim Beam Stainless Steel Meat Press
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Customers gave Jim Beam's stainless steel meat press outstanding feedback for its ease of use when grilling their favorite meats.
A shopper said they were surprised by the grill press' quality since they were more used to using a lodge cast iron press, but this brand exceeded their expectations. According to another buyer, the metal handle was "awesome" and way better than a wooden one.
Why We Think It's Great
Externally, Jim Beam's stainless steel meat press poses a unique all-metal design which gives users a different take on steak-pressing. The handle is made from metal as well, but it stays cool while searing steak.
The best grill press is made from high-quality, food-grade safe cast iron that holds exceptional durability for long-term use. It also comes pre-seasoned with vegetable oil which means you can use it directly from the box. Owning a Jim Beam steak press makes cooking less of a drag for easy dinner prep.
Who Should Buy It
This steak press by Jim Beam is an excellent purchase for carnivores who have steak multiple times a week. It makes cooking steak dinners more efficient, especially on date night.
6. Lodge LGPR3 Round Cast Iron Grill Press - Most Professional
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
"Perfect for smash burgers," said a happy customer who did not mind the heaviness since the grill press came in the right size and left beautiful grill marks on the patties. Another buyer liked the Lodge Round Cast Iron’s stainless steel handle compared to other grill presses with wooden handles.
Why We Think It's Great
Lodge brings a round cast iron grill press to avid grillers that boast a 7.5-inch surface that leaves attractive grill marks on food. This is an excellent kitchen tool for chicken breasts, bacon, and ham, as well as other meats.
Instead of a wooden handle, this grill press is built with an incredible stainless steel grip that makes it easy to press down meat without burning your hands. It also helps save time from grilling during barbecues and lessens fat and oils from meats like hotdogs, bacon, steaks, and ribs.
Who Should Buy It
Lodge's round cast iron grill press comes pre-seasoned and ready for immediate use. It is ideal for beginners and new owners who are eager to try it on their skillets.
7. Victoria Cast Iron Grill Press - Best Design
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Apart from being 100% natural cast iron, this grill press was well received by its customers. A satisfied buyer said that the grill press could do wonders on their food when used accordingly.
In terms of seasoning, the flaxseed oil used on this kitchen tool is an excellent way to go.
Clean-up is also hassle-free and only requires soap, water, and a quick rub to get the grime off. Overall, it's a superb option for people who love grilling.
Why We Think It's Great
We think Victoria's cast iron grill press is a must-have barbecue tool. It comes pre-seasoned with flaxseed oil, making it easy to use immediately over any food on a pan, girdle, grill, or skillet. A highlight of this grill press is its textured bottom surface which thoroughly distributes heat and flavor throughout.
It also has a stay-cool handle for easy grip and hassle-free maneuvering. This grill press weighs 2.1 lbs and is exceptionally lightweight, great for those who don't want to strain their hands and arms when cooking. Using a Victoria grill press allows you to cut down on cook time for an efficient grilling experience.
Who Should Buy It
Victoria's grill press makes for a fabulous wedding present to your just-married friends. What are you waiting for? Introduce them to a new grilling tool they didn't know they needed.
8. Charcoal Companion Cast Iron Grill Press - Best Textured Surface
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Buyers agreed that the Charcoal Companion Cast Iron Grill Press is perfect for cooking burgers, chicken breasts, and paninis. According to a customer, it's a "great little press" ideal for flattening meat on their small skillet.
Why We Think It's Great
A stand-out in our list of the best grill presses is Charcoal Companion's Cast Iron Grill Press. It boasts a unique patterned design and high-quality cast iron material. The pattern leaves grill marks on your meat and is ideal for sandwiches and paninis.
What makes this grill press a promising purchase is its ability to lock in moisture. It spreads heat out evenly for a flavorful finish and works on smaller pans and skillets that require a quick press. A point to note would have to be the fastening since it can be pretty loose, so adjust it well before using.
Who Should Buy It
The patterned grill press by Charcoal Companion makes for a great addition to anyone's barbecue equipment. It is best for families looking to grill every weekend.
9. The Burger Iron Stainless Steel Burger Smasher
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
According to a shopper, the Burger Iron Stainless Steel Burger Smasher complemented his flat top grill. It worked great for smash burgers and flattened 2-5 ounce patties while still giving it the perfect crust. Another buyer said the textured bottom was a notable highlight for their grilling experience.
Why We Think It's Great
When it comes to grilling burger patties, the round Burger Iron Stainless Steel Burger Smasher is an option not to miss. It's made with sturdy, smooth, and polished stainless steel, making it rust-resistant. Cleaning is no trouble since it can go in the dishwasher with soapy water for a few minutes to rid it of all the grime.
It has a built-in wooden handle for a comfortable grip, but it does tend to slip easily. It is best to wipe down the handle from the oil splatters while cooking. This grill press is also relatively lightweight at 1.1 lbs and not rigid on the wrists after a couple of minutes hanging by the grill.
Who Should Buy It
This round stainless steel smasher is excellent for those who are very particular when grilling burgers.
10. Geesta Grill Press Steak Weight
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Geeta Grill's press steak weight received many positive reviews from its buyers. Customers said it was perfect for smashed burgers and was able to work on other food as well, like a grilled cheese sandwich. In terms of grip, the wooden oak handle was comfortable to hold for long periods.
Why We Think It's Great
Another one of the best grill presses on our list, Geeta Grill's Press Steak Weight is a versatile product that works on burgers and steaks, among others. It's built with functionality and heavy-duty usage in mind, featuring an ergonomic, ultra-wide, and thermal insulated handle.
This 5.5 x 5.5-inch stainless steel steak press fits most pans and skillet surfaces. If you plan to make breakfast paninis, then this kitchen tool is a must-try.
Who Should Buy It
It might be a bit pricey, but the Geesta Grill Press Steak Weight is an ideal barbecue tool for those who might be able to stretch the budget. Since this steak weight is constructed of stainless steel, it's ultimately dishwasher safe.
11. Winco Stainless Steel Steak Weight
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
The Winco Stainless Steel Steak Weight "is the one you want," according to a satisfied customer. The cleaning component and maintenance of the item sold them. The steak weight is dishwasher safe and didn't ruin the bottom surface of their grill press.
Another happy buyer mentioned it was the ideal grilling tool for indoor burgers and steaks. She also enjoyed how convenient it was to clean.
Why We Think It's Great
We liked Winco's steak weight for its flexibility. It's built to last and features 18/8 stainless steel material that can be stacked and nested depending on your preference. A great thing about this grill press is that it's not just for steaks. It can also be used on sandwiches and even hash browns.
This steak press is entirely on the lighter side, weighing 2 lbs, and can be used on round or square-shaped skillets, thanks to its workable size of 7.7 x 4.5 x 2.9 inches. The red silicone handle is ergonomic and user-friendly, helping flatten chunky meats like chicken breasts and steaks.
If you are using it for meats like burgers, this durable steak weight will allow you to save some energy and cook time. This little grilling tool offers an even distribution of heat on meats with thicker cuts and leaves grill marks for a delectable finish.
Who Should Buy It
Winco steak weight performs well with ease and is ideal for any barbecue lover. In terms of cleaning, users enjoy the comfort of washing the steak press since it doesn't have any ridges or rough surfaces. If you're lazy with kitchen clean-up, then this might be the ultimate choice for you.
12. GadgetWiz Enameled Bacon Cast Iron Grill Press - Budget Option
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Those who purchased this iron grill press thought the product was great because of the easy clean-up. A customer enjoyed its ability to finely press on bacon which her husband enjoyed using.
Another happy shopper said that GadgetWiz built a remarkable cast iron grill press for grilling cutlets. They liked its ability to cook quickly while adding appetizing grill marks on their meat.
Why We Think It's Great
GadgetWiz is a promising addition to our list of the best grill presses on the market. This kitchen tool's highlight is the enamel coating, so there’s no need to keep seasoning it. This grill press also starts at an affordable price point which is ideal for first-time grill press users.
GadgetWiz's grill press works particularly well with bacon since it prevents it from curling and spreads out the juicy flavor up to its corners. It is built with top-quality cast iron, making it less prone to rusting, plus cleaning it is hassle-free. Simply rinse it under water after use.
Using this grill press on any cook-top is seamless because it works on several grills, griddles, and cast iron skillets over gas or electric stoves. The underside of the press has deep grooves and lines to distribute heat over meats evenly. It's pretty big at 7.9 x 2.5 inches in size, which works best for larger non-stick pans and grill tops.
Who Should Buy It
This best grill press is perfect for bacon lovers. Consider getting it as a birthday present to your bacon-lover friends and family, a promising kitchen tool for weekend barbecues as well.
13. Homenote Griddle Basting Cover & Grill Press - Best Extra Features
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Customers who took the Homenote Griddle Accessories Kit for a spin were quite satisfied with the grill press and steaming dome’s performance. A happy shopper who took the grill press and dome with them on their camping trip said that they "love this lid!"
It made cooking omelets and grilled cheese sandwiches quickly, with melted cheese oozing out of every corner. Overall, the product received overwhelmingly positive feedback from its buyers.
Why We Think It's Great
The Home Griddle Accessories Kit is a crowd favorite for its extra features that created a pleasant and convenient grilling experience. This package comes with a stainless steel dome with an ergonomic knob and a heavy-duty cast iron grill press with a wooden handle.
The steaming dome is large in diameter, 12.5 inches in size, which can help simmer flavorful dishes in a wok. The durable cast iron grill press boasts superb heat resistance, spreading the heat into meats and other vegetables.
The bacon press has quite the weight at 3.9 lbs, flattening ground beef or pork for tasty burgers. Although the knob can get hot quickly, using a mitten wouldn't be too much trouble if you're only going to use it for basting or adding moisture to the steaks.
Who Should Buy It
If you're building your grilling equipment from scratch, this grill press starter kit is an option to consider. The included steaming dome will encourage users to try new ways to cook food on the grill, like basting and steaming juicier meats.
On the other hand, the cast iron bacon press will help reduce oils and speed up the cooking time, making it perfect for serving many guests during a cook-out.
14. Lodge Flat Iron Grill Press
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
Despite the product not being seasoned prior, a customer said it was an excellent grill press. It was able to fit two burger patties under one press, which he enjoyed. Another buyer who seemed to be a Lodge brand loyalist appreciated its excellent craftsmanship, especially the grill marks on their meat.
Why We Think It's Great
We included Lodge's flat iron cast press in our list of the best grill presses because of its promising value. It measures 8.31 inches and can press on two to three burger patties at once. Not to mention, it's made with heat-resistant cast iron for quality performance on any grill top.
It works on 10.5-inch square skillets and grill pans for those who plan to use it indoors. The grill press can take high temperatures up to 500 degrees, perfect for those who like to use their grill press in the oven. The only con is that it doesn't come pre-seasoned.
Who Should Buy It
This barbecue tool is ideal for country fairs and neighborhood cook-outs since it helps provide solid and balanced flavors on grilled meats.
15. PIPE Burger Patty Maker and Grill Press - Most Travel-Friendly
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
What Customers Have To Say
A satisfied buyer thought PIPE's patty maker and grill press was a "great addition to their kitchen." It delivered quality and flavor, which made it a fun kitchen must-have to experiment with.
Another buyer said the grill press was fantastic and could even cook veggie bean burgers well for their vegetarian girlfriend. Overall, most people who spent their money on this product were impressed and recommend it to their friends.
Why We Think It's Great
Last but not least on our list of the best grill presses is PIPE's hamburger patty maker and grill press. It's one of the most travel-friendly picks since it’s only 5 inches in diameter and comes with an e-booklet of 15 different burger recipes. Burger skewers and patty paper sheets are also included in this package for convenience.
What we liked about this grill press are its user-friendliness and compactness. It is constructed with rugged yet lightweight aluminum that can withstand high heat and distribute it evenly for balanced flavors.
A wooden handle is also attached to the surface, but best to check the tightness because a few users have reported it to be quite flimsy. Nevertheless, its grill lines and ridges at the bottom add to a fine finish on every burger patty.
Who Should Buy It
Another highly recommended grill press made especially for burger patties is PIPE's grill press. It's perfect for travelers and campers who love to grill burgers or those who enjoy having a cheat day once a week. Meanwhile, the included recipe ebook will guide first-time users into trying new vegetarian burgers.
Best Grill Press Buying Guide
When planning to purchase a grill press, consider a few factors to ensure you get value for your money.
-
Weight
The weight of your grill press should be something you can carry. Some grill presses can be too heavy and a hassle to use if you're trying to serve burger patties on the go. The ideal weight should be around 1.5 to 2.5 lbs to achieve excellent heat distribution and flavor to the meat.
-
Material
Most bacon presses are built with cast iron which is the most common material used in grilling equipment. It does a great job at retaining heat and evenly distributing it in foods.
Stainless steel is another material used to make grills and bacon presses, and it is significantly more convenient in terms of maintenance and clean-up. It is best to check the material since not all grill presses do an excellent job resisting corrosion and rust.
-
Handle
For easy grip and a comfortable press, check the quality of the handle. Many grill presses come with either wooden or silicone handles, which both have their pros and cons. A common advantage of both is that they’re not prone to absorbing heat.
Best to also check if the handle is placed high above the grill press for extra safety. Some manufacturers fail to leave a wide gap to prevent users from burns or unconscious gripping, often leading to painful blisters.
-
Maintenance
The highlight of a grill press is that it's not prone to collecting dirt or grime in corners and crevices. A simple rinse and wash should do it, while others prefer putting the grill press in a dishwasher. Be sure to double-check with the manufacturer to avoid destroying the quality of your kitchen tool.
Grill Press FAQ
1. What do you use a cast iron grill press for?
A cast iron grill press does more than just even out the heat when grilling meats; it can also reduce fat and even limit grease splattering.
Other meats like bacon tend to curl up due to prolonged exposure to high heats, but using a cast iron grill press can keep the bacon strips from shrinking in size. It also works well for evenly melting cheese on burgers.
2. What is the best grill press for meat?
The best grill press for meat is a cast iron grill press since its weight and material helps even out heat distribution while reducing fat.
We recommend the Bellemain Round Cast Iron Grill Press, which gives you good value for money and ensuring you create restaurant-grade grilled food. It's made with excellent cast-iron material that helps flatten your meats.
3. Should you use a grill press?
Yes, a grill press is a simple yet efficient tool that can improve your dining experience. It's perfect for those who enjoy eating burger patties, seared steaks, and bacon. If properly used, a grill press can aid in flavorful food served at parties, barbecues, or family dinners.
4. What temp kills bacteria on the grill?
Preheating a grill or any cooking equipment you want to use is a rule of thumb in the kitchen. Keep the grill hot for 15-25 minutes ranging from 400-450 °F on high, 300-350°F on medium, or a minimum of 300°F on low.
5. How do you season a grill press?
Start by using vegetable shortening, not oil, since oil can easily manipulate the surface. Turn the heat on at 325 °F for roughly 15 minutes, then remove the grill press from the flame. Wait for the surface to cool down, then start wiping the grill press to spread out the shortening evenly. Leave it on the flame for an hour to finish off before placing it over any meat.
Conclusion
The secret to perfectly grilling meat lies not only in the grill but also in the grill press. This simple barbecue tool maximizes and brings out the flavors in your favorite meats, be it beef, pork, or chicken.
If you want to make tasty, restaurant-quality burgers, choose the Bellemain Round Cast Iron Grill Press for its outstanding performance. It can spread out heat and balance the flavors of your patties and steaks and uncurl bacon without the risk of material corrosion.
The PIPE Burger Patty Maker and Grill Press might be a more suitable choice for avid campers and travelers. It's pretty portable and boasts an easy set-up. Plus, it comes with patty sheets and skewers for easy serving.
Do any of our selections of the best grill presses interest you? Let us know in the comments which one you want to try at your next barbecue.