Are you looking for the burger press? There are dozens on the market. They all make different claims about how they’re the best. It can get confusing.
Well, we know all about burgers. And we’ve seen all the burger presses. Our goal is to pass our knowledge on to you. That way, you can buy your burger press with the confidence that you made the right choice.
We put all the presses against each other and compare things like:
- Easy of use and cleanup
- What they’re made of
- Durability
- The size of the patty they make
- What people are saying about them
We’ve laid out the things we like and the things we’re not crazy about. All the main features are laid out for you. By the time you’re done browsing our reviews of the ten best and reading our tips and FAQs, you’ll be a pro like us.
Best Burger Presses
1. Cuisinart CSBP-100 3-in-1 Stuffed Burger Press
To make a stuffed burger, you start by adding half the meat to the press. Use the convex press to make the indentation. Then add your fillings, put more meat on top, and press with the flat lid.
It’s so easy. This is the stuffed burger press you can buy. It’ll also make regular burgers and small sliders, but the diameter of the burgers is about the size of a store-bought bun.
Everything is made of plastic. That’s a deal-breaker for some. Burger lovers are thrilled that they can make restaurant-quality stuffed burgers at home.
Sliders are also a favorite among people who’ve made this purchase. Some have complained about how it’s made. They feel the plastic will break before long.
This press allows you to make perfect stuffed burgers almost right away. It takes just a little practice, but you’ll get the hang of it. If you like sliders, you’ll be happy with the thick ones you can crank out.
Features
- Makes stuffed burgers, sliders, and regular burgers
- Non-stick
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
Cons
- Plastic construction
- Not adjustable
- Smaller diameter than most
2. OVOS Aluminum Non-Stick Hamburger Press
It makes 4 ½” burgers up to 1 ½” thick. The outstanding feature is the impressions on the parts of the press that contact the meat. They put sear marks on the patty. When grilled, they darken first for that freshly grilled look.
You may not care about the sear marks, but they do allow the burger to kinda grab onto the condiments. That allows you to load the sauces on without the fear of them oozing off onto your shirt.
The handle’s thread is not long enough. This can cause it to come loose occasionally. You just have to tighten it back up sometimes. That takes only a second, but it can get annoying.
According to burger press reviews, this is one of the most common first presses for people just starting to make their patties. The only thing people complain about is the way they handle comes loose.
This press is similar to GWHOLE’S entry on this list. The main differences are that this one puts sear marks on the patty, and its handle may come loose now and then.
Features
- Non-stick aluminum
- Large handle
Pros
- Easy to use
- Presses sear marks onto patties
Cons
- Handle comes loose
3. GWHOLE Non-Stick Burger Press
Here’s a refreshingly simple burger press. It’s made of aluminum and is supposed to be non-stick, but the meat will sometimes stick anyway. 100 patty papers are included. You can get them cheap at any grocery store, or you can just cut some wax paper to size.
It makes 4 ½” burgers. You adjust the thickness of the burger by using more or less meat. How’s that for simple? The top part has a nice handle that will fit well into anyone’s hand.
People are saying that this is the burger patty maker they’ve ever had. That’s mostly because of how easy it is to use. Making patties with this press is a straightforward concept.
You won’t find many burger presses with such a good handle. You won’t even have to glance at the instructions to make a perfect patty.
Features
- Non-stick aluminum
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Simple design
- Easy-to-hold handle
Cons
- The meat will stick – You have to use the wax paper sheets every time
4. Weber 6483 Original Burger Press
It’s not often you see a burger press with a glass top. It’s pretty useful to see the press in action in this case. You adjust from ¼ or ½ pound patties by changing the base, as opposed to just varying the amount of meat you put in it.
If you don’t put enough meat in, you won’t get a uniform patty. You’ll have a mess if you put too much in. Seeing the patty form as you push on the top helps you learn how much meat to use for each size.
Most people seem to like that you can see the patty being pressed. Everyone loves how easy it is to clean, but many complain about the learning curve. You’ll like how easy it is to make perfect burger patties once you get some experience with it.
Overall, it’s a great, affordable press that can make uniform ½ and ¼-pound burgers.
Features
- Made of glass and plastic
- Very easy to use
Pros
- Simple design
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Meat sticks to the top – must use wax paper
- Cannot make huge burgers
- Takes practice to make a patty
5. Grillaholics Stuffed Burger Press and Recipe eBook
Grillaholics has made a primo stuffed burger press. Once you get the technique down, you’ll be able to make a great burger bulging with fillings in no time. The thick plastic it’s made of is unlikely to break, ever. It may outlast some of the aluminum presses. It’s just that strong.
You’ll get a free recipe e-book in your inbox after you buy it. This is a very popular press. People get excited about trying the recipes that come with it.
Talk online mostly centers around how you need to practice to learn how to make a good stuffed burger. Even though it’s made of plastic, it’s tough enough to last for years. Follow the included recipes and practice your stuffing. You’ll be making awesome burgers in a few tries.
Features
- Heavy-duty plastic
- 4″ burgers
- Comes with a recipe e-book
Pros
- Tough plastic
- Free recipe book
Cons
- There’s a learning curve
6. Mountain Grillers Burger Press
Here’s a strong plastic burger press that people love. You can make burgers up to eight ounces. It’s easy to use too. There are only three extra steps to go from solid to stuffed burgers. You use the domed press piece to make the indention. Then you fill and add the top layer of meat and press again.
People who use it say that it’s easy to use and easy to clean. Everyone likes the sear marks. Those who’ve been using theirs for years remark about how well it’s held up.
This adjustable burger maker lets you make different-sized burgers, but only up to about ½ pound. It is very durable and can be cleaned in a dishwasher.
Since it can make both stuffed and regular burgers, this may be the last press you need to buy for years. Just be aware that it doesn’t make sliders.
Features
- Strong plastic
- Makes stuffed burgers
- Up to ½ pound patties
Pros
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
- Easy to use
Cons
- Cannot make extra-thick burgers
7. Amy Non Stick Burger Press
Don’t be intimidated by all the parts. The bottom of the press comes out, not just for easy cleaning, but to help you get the patty out easier.
You can make patties from very thin to almost a pound. The dishwasher-safe plastic is hard and non-stick. Take care of it, and it should last you for years.
People talk about making big burgers with this press. You can put between ¾ and a whole pound of meat into the mold. They also like the sweet price.
It seems like the burger press reviews all mention that you need some practice to use the press correctly. But perseverance pays off. Once you get used to the removable bottom of this one, you’ll have no trouble. Your patties will pop right out with no need for any wax paper lining.
Features
- Includes big mold for regular and stuffed burgers, plus a slider press
- Comes apart for easy cleaning
- Dishwasher safe
Pros
- Non-stick
- Thick plastic
Cons
- A bit harder to use than others
8. MiiKO Stuffed Burger Press with Free Recipe E-Book
This burger press gives Grillaholics a run for their money. It’s made similarly and functions the same way. One difference is that it can make bigger burgers. If you like ¾-pound burgers, you may want to go with this one instead of Grillaholic’s.
Its slider mold is 2 ½” in diameter. That’s a perfect size. According to hamburger press reviews, people like this one can make sliders as well as stuffed and regular burgers.
They just wish the meat didn’t stick so much. It’s great press at a great price. You can save a few dollars on a press that doesn’t make stuffed burgers, but it’s nice to be able to make something different once in a while.
You can make burgers and sliders fairly easily with this tough press. Cleanup can be as easy as tossing the pieces in your dishwasher.
Features
- Makes burgers, stuffed burgers, and sliders
- Comes with recipes
Pros
- Dishwasher safe
- Durable
Cons
- Takes practice
9. Weston Burger Express Double Hamburger Press with Patty Ejector
You can press two patties at a time with this one. They come out easily too, thanks to the spring ejector. Make patties from ¼” to 1 ¼” thick that weigh from ¼ pound to ¾ pound.
It’s simple. You lay a patty of paper in the mold, then add a ball of ground meat. Close the lid and press the plunger. The plunger pops back up. Then all you have to do is pull the patty out by the edges of the patty paper.
There are holes drilled for mounting the press to a prep table. Some folks have taken advantage of the mounting option. It makes grilling easier for them because their burger press is always right there where they need it.
People say that they are easy to clean, even though they can’t use their dishwashers. That’s a big plus when it comes time to wrap up a cookout.
This burger press is a top-of-the-line cooking tool that should last for years. It’s easy to use and clean.
Features
- Non-stick aluminum
- Makes 4 ½” patties
- Adjustable thickness
Pros
- Can be mounted to a solid surface
- Adjustable
- Heavy duty
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not dishwasher safe
10. BBQ-Aid Burger Press
There used to be two designs for burger makers. Then this one came along. There’s no thin aluminum or plastic. The bottom press is steel and the top is porcelain.
Not only does it put sear marks into both sides of the patty, but it also presses an indentation into the center. That prevents shrinkage while cooking.
This large-diameter burger press is a step up from the rest. There are no others made this well that can make 5″ burgers weighing almost a pound before cooking.
They are talking about how heavy and well-made it is. Many have asked why other burger press manufacturers don’t offer similar designs. That speaks volumes about how much people like it!
This may very well be the burger maker out there. You can make big burgers that won’t shrink. They’ll look as good as they taste.
Features
- Made of steel and porcelain
- Makes bigger burgers
- Special design keeps burgers from shrinking
Pros
- Impressive design
- Dishwasher safe
- Heavy-duty – very durable
The Advantages Of Using Burger Press
There are many reasons you should be using a burger press instead of forming patties with your hands.
Uniformity
You’ll get perfectly formed patties every time with a press.
When you use your hands, the patty will have an irregular shape. Not only does this look bad, but it can cause parts of the burger to break off during cooking or when someone’s eating it.
The irregularity isn’t confined to the shape of the burger.
Its density will vary. That makes some parts cook more quickly than others. Some of the burgers may be well done, while other parts may maybe medium.
This can be a big problem if you like your hamburgers rare. There may be a part of the burger that doesn’t get cooked to a safe temperature.
Speed
It may seem like using a press to make patties would take longer, but that’s not the case.
Sure, it’ll take a bit of practice to get used to it if you’ve never used a press, but it’s a lot quicker once you get the hang of it.
The pre-made patties that you see at the grocery store are made by a press. Why do you think that is? Presses are quicker than hands when it comes to making uniform shapes out of anything, and that includes meat.
Safety
Anything you touch after handling raw meat, but before you wash your hands, gets contaminated with bacteria. The less exposure to uncooked meat the cook has, the fewer germs will be in your home.
Presses to keep contact between your hands and raw meat to a minimum. That means less cleanup time and a more sanitary home.
Tips On Choosing
Here are some quick tips to get you started.
Beware Of BPA
Plastic burger presses are light and tough. They can’t get dented, and the good ones are hard to crack.
But you have to make sure that you don’t get one that is made with the toxic chemical BPA.
Most countries strictly forbid any item made with this toxin, but some manufacturers still use it.
You’re better safe than sorry. Only buy plastic hamburger presses from established and reputable companies. Avoid any brand you have never heard of.
All of the manufacturers who appear in our reviews use only non-BPA plastic.
Find A Good Price
A good quality single-patty press should cost between $10 and $20. Special presses, like those made from porcelain or ceramic, can be much more expensive.
Check The Return Policy
Whether you’re shopping online or at a brick-and-mortar store, make sure the seller has enough confidence in the manufacturer to offer a money-back refund if the product is defective or doesn’t live up to its advertisement.
You should be able to get your money back with a receipt, or at least be able to exchange the press.
Don’t Believe Everything You See On TV
You can’t make a good decision when someone is in your face pressuring you to buy their product.
Television commercials are useful for presenting products, like burger presses, but they’re often used as high-pressure sales traps.
They’ll exaggerate the good aspects of the product, but they will never mention any drawbacks.
Avoid the infomercials and do your shopping. Use the information you get here to guide you, even if you don’t get one of the presses that we think are the best.
Know-How To Use Reviews
If you look for a burger press online, you’ll find dozens, sometimes hundreds, of reviews.
Sometimes people leave bad reviews because they didn’t take the time to learn how to use the press.
Scrutinize the reviews before taking them at face value.
Pay attention to the longer reviews. You can’t get an accurate description of any product in just a few sentences.
Factors To Consider
So how can you be assured that you end up getting a burger press you’ll be happy with? That’s easy. Know what you want before you shop.
Here are some considerations to keep in mind.
What Kind Of Burgers Do You Make?
If you’re only going to make regular burgers, you can save a little money by getting a regular burger press.
What about stuffed burgers? You can’t make them with a regular burger press. There’s not enough room for both the meat and fillings.
Get a press that can make stuffed patties if you like stuffed burgers. Stuffed burger makers can also make regular patties.
Sliders require a special press. There are burger presses that come with the smaller bases and tops you need to make sliders.
For the ultimate versatility, get a 3-in-1 press. They cost just a little extra, but you can make sliders, regular, and stuffed burgers.
Metal Or Plastic
You may think that plastic ones are cheaper, but they cost about the same.
The durability of both is similar. Metal can’t crack, but it can get dented. Plastic won’t dent, but it can crack.
The main difference comes into play when it’s time to wash them. Plastic comes cleaner in a dishwasher. Metal is best washed by hand.
Metal presses are often advertised as non-stick. While coated aluminum or steel is certainly less prone to sticking, there aren’t any that are 100 percent non-stick. You’ll need to use wax paper regardless of what your press is made of.
Size Matters
First, decide on the diameter you need.
A 4 ½” press will make a burger that fits perfectly on a store-bought bun. If you like the bigger buns, go with a 5″ press.
How thick do you like your hamburgers?
Most burger presses can make patties of any thickness. The top goes down into the bottom, so you vary the thickness of the patty by simply adjusting the amount of meat you put into the press.
If different molds are included for different sizes of patties, look and see what the finished thicknesses are.
FAQs
What's The Best Non-stick Burger Press?The truth is that there isn't one. But there are things you can do to prevent sticking. Use very cold meat to press your patties. Cold meat is less greasy. Don't think that grease will help the patty pop out of the mold easier. It actually acts like glue and adheres to the press's non-stick coating. Cold meat is less sticky. It's best to use wax paper. Many burger presses come with wax paper squares already cut to size. You can buy more of them when you run out, or you can get a roll of cheap wax paper and cut your own. Either way, place a small square in the bottom mold and over the top of the meat before pressing.
Is It Easier To Use A Hamburger Press?It's easier once you get the hang of it. You go through more steps using a press, but it actually takes less effort. All you have to do is drop the meat in and press it. And it's way easier to make stuffed burgers with a press.
Can A Hamburger Press Be Used For Veggie Burgers?There are tons of recipes around for homemade veggie burgers. They can all be made better in the press. You won't have to adapt the recipe at all.
What Can You Stuff A Burger With?The sky is the limit, but here are a few ideas:
- Cheese
- Crumbled bacon and sauteed onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Mac and cheese
- Jalapenos and corn
Are You Ready To Buy The Best?
Making patties by hand is a thing of the past.
A good press will save you time and help you make the perfect burger. Think about it: no more burgers falling apart on the grill, no more uneven cooking, and no more greasy, nasty hands.
You can even buy ground meat in bulk and make and freeze as many patties as you want. That will save you so much time and money. Seriously, a burger press can pay for itself for one summer.
Since you’ve made it to the end of our post, you have a good idea of what’s out there. You know what to look for, and you can spot the burger press for you when you see it.
Go ahead and order one today. It’s time to be the burger pro you were meant to be.
