7 Best Grill Presses of 2026

This game-changing 5-piece set delivers everything a home burger enthusiast needs to nail that crispy-edged, diner-style smash burger with minimal fuss. The dual cast iron presses—round and rectangular—offer unmatched versatility, while the textured grooved base actively channels grease away, ensuring even searing and flavor-locking caramelization. What truly sets it apart is the inclusion of 100 waxed parchment papers, which prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze—solving the #1 pain point of sticky, messy burger lifting.

In real-world testing, the 6.69” round and 7.68” x 4.1” rectangular press handled everything from beef and turkey patties to bacon and chicken cutlets with confidence. The wooden handles stay cool, even during extended griddle sessions, and the weight (thanks to thick cast iron) delivers consistent, hands-free pressure—critical for achieving that perfect thin, crispy crust. It works flawlessly on Blackstone griddles, flat tops, and skillets, though the rectangular press can be a tight fit on smaller pans.

Compared to single-press models like the EWFEN or basic Cuisinart tools, this Grilliance kit is the ultimate all-in-one solution for frequent grillers who want professional results without juggling multiple accessories. It’s ideal for weekend warriors, camping cooks, or anyone hosting tailgate cookouts who values efficiency, performance, and presentation. While pricier than standalone presses, the value packed into this set outshines simpler models that lack parchment support or dual-shape flexibility.

Don’t let the modest price fool you—the EWFEN 7” cast iron press punches far above its weight, offering serious searing power and restaurant-quality grill marks at a fraction of the cost of premium models. Its solid food-grade cast iron body heats evenly and retains temperature like a champ, while the professionally grooved bottom not only enhances browning but also keeps bacon flat and burgers intact during cooking. For budget-conscious cooks who still demand crisp edges and reduced cook time, this is a no-brainer upgrade from flimsy stainless steel tools.

During testing on a flat top griddle, the EWFEN press delivered uniform pressure across thick beef patties and thick-cut bacon, preventing curling and ensuring both sides cooked simultaneously. The ergonomic wooden handle stays cool and feels secure in hand, even during prolonged use, and the dual-screw attachment ensures the handle won’t loosen over time. While it lacks extras like multiple press shapes or included parchment, it excels in core functionality: heavy, steady pressing with excellent heat transfer. It’s compatible with induction, grills, and campfires, though its 7-inch diameter limits batch cooking compared to larger models.

When stacked against the Cuisinart 6.5” or Lodge 8”, the EWFEN holds its own in heat retention and build quality but sacrifices some surface area and brand pedigree. It’s the perfect entry-level press for college grads, first-time griddle owners, or anyone who wants pro-level results without overspending. While it doesn’t offer the luxury of extras, its raw performance-to-price ratio dominates the budget category.

If crispy, caramelized edges are your holy grail, the Cuisinart 6.5” cast iron press is engineered specifically for that mouthwatering smash burger crunch. Its flat-edge design presses patties into the griddle with maximum surface contact, locking in juices while forcing the outer edges to sear instantly into a golden-brown crust—exactly what you’d expect from a pro diner flat top. The solid cast iron construction ensures even heat distribution, and at just the right weight, it delivers consistent pressure without sticking when properly seasoned.

In practice, this press shines brightest on smaller griddles or stovetop skillets, where its compact 6.5” diameter offers precision without overhang. It’s ideal for cooking 1–2 burgers at a time, making it a top pick for couples or solo cooks who prioritize texture over volume. The flat bottom design excels at creating full-metal contact, but lacks grooves for fat drainage—meaning excess grease pools slightly underneath, which can inhibit even crisping if not managed. It’s easy to clean with warm water and soap, but like all cast iron, it requires post-wash drying and oiling to prevent rust.

Compared to the larger Cuisinart XL or Lodge 8”, this model trades size for specialized performance in edge crisping. It’s not meant for batch cooking or pressing paninis, but for purists who live for the smash burger experience, it’s unmatched in focus. While it lacks a wooden handle (you’ll need a mitt), its targeted design and consistent results make it a specialty standout—especially when grilled perfection matters more than versatility.

The Lodge 4.5” x 6.75” rectangular press stands out not for brute size, but for its revolutionary spiral handle—a game-changer for comfort and control in high-heat environments. The ergonomic, cool-grip design wraps naturally in the hand, reducing fatigue during long cook sessions and eliminating the risk of burns, even after prolonged oven or grill use. Crafted from pre-seasoned American cast iron, it boasts unrivaled heat retention, ensuring steady pressure and consistent searing across steaks, bacon, and paninis.

In real-world use, the rectangular shape fits perfectly on standard bacon strips or chicken cutlets, preventing curling and promoting even browning. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller skillets or indoor stovetops, though it’s less suited for large griddles or batch cooking. The smooth bottom surface ensures full contact but doesn’t include grooves, so excess fat must be manually managed. It performs flawlessly on induction, grills, and campfires, and its Made-in-USA build promises long-term durability. However, the small footprint means frequent repositioning when pressing multiple items.

Against the Lodge 8” or Cuisinart XL, this model sacrifices surface area for superior ergonomics and handling. It’s the best choice for home chefs who value comfort and precision over mass production. While not the largest press available, its thoughtful handle design and reliable performance make it a standout for daily use, especially when compared to models with basic straight handles that can wobble or heat up.

When heat retention and even searing are non-negotiable, the Lodge 8” round cast iron press becomes the undisputed king of thermal performance. Its massive 8-inch diameter and thick iron body absorb and radiate heat like a thermal battery, ensuring consistent, deep searing across large patties, steaks, or multiple bacon strips. Unlike thinner presses that cool under contact, this one maintains high surface temps, delivering restaurant-quality crusts every time. The smooth, pre-seasoned surface develops a better non-stick patina with use, making it a long-term investment in flavor and performance.

In testing, the 8” press excelled at cooking 3–4 smash burgers simultaneously on a 22” griddle, reducing cook time and eliminating hot spots. It’s heavy enough to flatten meat without constant supervision, and its full-round contact maximizes griddle-to-patty transfer. While it lacks grooves or a wooden handle, its simple, rugged design ensures durability and compatibility with all heat sources—from induction to campfires. The only caveat? It’s hot to handle without protection, so always use a mitt or towel.

Compared to the Cuisinart XL or Blackstone set, this Lodge model offers superior raw heat performance but fewer convenience features. It’s not the most versatile, but for cooks who prioritize sear quality and thermal consistency, it’s unmatched. While pricier than budget models, its build quality and American-made craftsmanship justify the cost, especially when stacked against lighter, less durable alternatives.

The Cuisinart XL 10” x 10” press isn’t just big—it’s a powerhouse of efficiency, designed for those who cook for crowds and demand restaurant-scale results. Weighing in at 5.1 pounds of heavy-duty cast iron, it delivers even heat distribution and massive coverage, allowing you to press six burgers, four paninis, or two thick steaks at once. The stylish wooden handle stays cool, offering a secure, comfortable grip during extended use—making it one of the most user-friendly large presses on the market.

In real-world scenarios, this press dominates on large griddles like Blackstone or Pit Boss, where its extra-large footprint minimizes flipping and maximizes throughput. It creates deep, defined grill marks thanks to its flat, grooved-free surface, and the weight ensures no warping or curling in meats. It’s perfect for tailgates, family BBQs, or meal prep, though its size can be overkill for small stovetop skillets. Like all cast iron, it requires hand washing and oiling, but the nonstick surface improves with seasoning over time.

Against the Lodge 8” or Grilliance set, the Cuisinart XL wins on sheer capacity and handle comfort, though it lacks multiple press shapes or included parchment. It’s the best overall pick for serious home chefs who want maximum utility, durability, and performance in one tool. While not the cheapest, its combination of size, build, and ergonomics makes it the most complete package for frequent, high-volume cooking.

Engineered for the modern griddle master, the Blackstone 7” round and 8.3” x 4.3” rectangular press set is a precision duo built for high-volume, high-performance cooking on flat tops. The grooved bottom design isn’t just for show—it channels grease efficiently, promotes even browning, and delivers crisp, professional-grade sear marks on burgers, bacon, and chicken. The dual-shape system gives you the flexibility to smash round patties or flatten deli meats and steaks, making it the most versatile press set for griddle-specific cooking.

In action, both presses heat evenly and maintain consistent pressure, thanks to thick, food-grade cast iron that’s pre-seasonable for natural non-stick performance. The practical wooden handles are ergonomically shaped, stay cool, and are securely fastened with dual screws—a critical safety feature under high heat. It’s optimized for Blackstone, Weber, and Pit Boss griddles, fitting perfectly across burn zones. However, the rectangular press can be awkward on round skillets, limiting its indoor versatility.

Compared to the Grilliance 5pc set, this Blackstone kit matches in performance but exceeds in griddle-specific design. It doesn’t include parchment, but its professional-grade build and dual-press utility make it ideal for serious outdoor cooks. While not the cheapest, its targeted functionality and durability offer superior value for griddle owners who want pro-level control and consistency—especially when speed and presentation matter.