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Quick answer

Our overall pick is the Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press (CISB-111P), a flat-edged cast iron press with a 6.5-inch face and a listed weight of 2 lbs. Cast iron singles suit cooks who want a single press for grill marks or bacon, kits suit those who want patty papers or extra shapes, and stainless steel presses suit cooks who prefer that material.

If you are shopping for the best burger press for grilling, the decision usually comes down to three things: the metal the press is made from, the size of its pressing surface, and whether you want one press or a kit with patty papers and extra shapes. This roundup covers 19 presses, from single cast iron tools to stainless steel options.

Quick picks

19 Best Burger Presses for Grilling compared

# Product Best for Material Size Weight
1 Cuisinart CISB-111P Cast Iron Smash Press Best overall for diner-style edges Cast iron 6.5 in 2 lbs
2 Amazon Basics Round Cast Iron Smash Press Grill marks on burgers, bacon and steaks Cast iron with wooden handle 6.8 in round 2.23 lbs
3 Lodge 8-inch Cast Iron Griddle Press Largest round surface in this roundup Cast iron, pre-seasoned 8 in round Not listed
4 Lodge 6.25-inch Cast Iron Burger Press Best with a looped handle Cast iron, seasoned 6.25 in round 1.0 lb
5 Firsgrill Round and Rectangle Cast Iron Press Best for matching round and rectangle shapes Cast iron with wood handle 7.08 in round and 8.3 x 4.3 in rectangle 2.5 lbs
6 XUDAKAIXIN Grooved Smash Burger Press Best grooved press for gas grills and skillets Cast iron 7.1 in Not listed
7 vivicreate 7-inch Burger Smasher Best for a stay-cool wooden handle Cast iron with wooden handle 7 in round 2.2 lbs
8 EWFEN 7-inch Grooved Burger Press Best grooved 7-inch wood-handled press Cast iron with wood handle 7 in round Not listed
9 Pisol Cast Iron Smash Burger Press Best dishwasher-safe cast iron pick Cast iron, pre-seasoned 6.6 in wide 1.98 lbs
10 Basinel Fluorine-Free Smash Burger Press Best fluorine-free cast iron option Fluorine-free cast iron, pre-seasoned 6.5 in round 1.74 lbs
11 Grilliance 6.6-inch Smash Burger Press Kit Smooth flat bottom with a non-slip handle Cast iron with wood handle 6.6 in round Not listed
12 Whaleme Blackstone Burger Press Set Best two-press set with a wood handle Cast iron with wood handles 7 in round and 8 x 4 in rectangle Not listed
13 SMASHER KING Press with Patty Paper Kit that includes 25 patty papers Cast iron with wood handle Not listed Not listed
14 The Burger Smasher Kit with 30 Patty Papers Best kit for pressing more than one burger Cast iron, pre-seasoned 5.5 in diameter 2.251 lbs
15 Amzlink 5-Piece Smash Burger Press Kit Five-piece kit with steak weight Cast iron with wood handles 6.69 in round and 7.68 x 4.1 in rectangle 3.83 lbs (set)
16 Cuisinart 6-inch Stainless Steel Press Best stainless steel flat-edge press Stainless steel 6 in round Not listed
17 Pisol 5.5-inch Stainless Steel Press Best silicone-covered handle for hot griddles 304 stainless steel 5.5 in diameter Not listed
18 SHUNLIAN 6-inch Stainless Steel Press Heaviest stainless steel press at over 3 lb 304 stainless steel 6 in round 3.1 lbs
19 Burger Iron Sasquash Welded Press Best welded one-piece design Stainless steel 6 in round 1.0 lbs

How we chose

We compared manufacturer listings and specifications on Amazon as of November 2026. We did not test these presses by hand. Our criteria were the material each listing states, the pressing surface size, the listed weight, the handle type, whether the listing describes a flat or grooved bottom, and whether the set includes extras such as patty papers.

Where a listed specification conflicted with the product title or description, we left that specification out and noted the conflict in the product’s cons.

Cast iron presses for grills and griddles

Single cast iron presses, with wood, looped or ergonomic handles, for cooks who want one tool for smash burgers, bacon and steaks.

1. Best overall for diner-style edges: Cuisinart CISB-111P Cast Iron Smash Press

This Cuisinart cast iron smashed burger press has a 6.5-inch flat pressing face and is listed at 2 lbs. The listing describes a flat iron face that smashes the full circle at once for even pressure, and says the press is heat-tolerant and compatible with grills and griddles. The listing advises pressing a loose ball of beef flat, then lifting the press so the patty can sear.

Best for: Cooks who want thin, diner-style burger edges from a single cast iron press.

2. Grill marks on burgers, bacon and steaks: Amazon Basics Round Cast Iron Smash Press

This Amazon Basics press is a round, 6.8-inch cast iron tool with a wooden handle, sold as a 1-pack in black. The grooved bottom is described as creating grill marks on burgers, bacon, steaks and sandwiches. The listing also says it works as a bacon press, meat press and steak press on grills, griddles and skillets.

Best for: Cooks who want grill marks on several foods from one round cast iron press.

3. Largest round surface in this roundup: Lodge 8-inch Cast Iron Griddle Press

3
Lodge 8-inch Cast Iron Griddle Press

Lodge 8-inch Cast Iron Griddle Press

Lodge
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 8-inch round surface, the largest round press listed here
  • Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil
  • Listing describes heat retention for stove or grill

Cons

  • The listing does not state a weight.
  • The listing notes that a rust-looking spot may appear on arrival.

This Lodge griddle press is an 8-inch round cast iron tool, pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil according to the listing. The listing says it suits smash burgers and grilling steaks or chicken, and it describes the iron as offering heat retention for stove or grill. The listing also explains that a spot resembling rust on arrival is oil that has not fully carbonized.

Best for: Cooks who want the widest round pressing surface on a cast iron press.

4. Best with a looped handle: Lodge 6.25-inch Cast Iron Burger Press

This 6.25-inch Lodge press is made from seasoned cast iron and has a looped handle that the listing describes as comfortable for lifting while cooking on grills and griddles. It is seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, and the listing says the surface develops more character with continued use. The listing describes steady pressure intended to support browning and crisp edges.

Best for: Cooks who prefer a looped handle and a smaller round press from Lodge.

5. Best for matching round and rectangle shapes: Firsgrill Round and Rectangle Cast Iron Press

This Firsgrill set includes a 7.08-inch round press and an 8.3 by 4.3-inch rectangle press, both with flat bottoms, listed in cast iron with a wood handle. The listing says the round press covers 1/3 to 1/2 lb patties, and it describes a non-slip, ergonomic handle that helps keep the press stable. Compatibility is named for Blackstone, Camp Chef, Pit Boss and Weber griddles.

Best for: Cooks who want two press shapes in one listing for griddle cooking.

6. Best grooved press for gas grills and skillets: XUDAKAIXIN Grooved Smash Burger Press

6
XUDAKAIXIN Grooved Smash Burger Press

XUDAKAIXIN Grooved Smash Burger Press

XUDAKAIXIN
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 7.1-inch square footprint in the listing
  • Grooved bottom listed in the title
  • Listed for griddles, skillets and gas grills

Cons

  • The listing does not state the weight.
  • The listing does not name the handle material.

This XUDAKAIXIN press is a 7.1-inch cast iron tool with a flat-edge design and a grooved bottom, according to the title. The listing describes food-certified cast iron and says the press works on griddles, cast iron skillets and gas grills. The listing says the ergonomic handle is designed to prevent slipping or wobbling during use.

Best for: Cooks who want a grooved 7.1-inch cast iron press for several cooking surfaces.

7. Best for a stay-cool wooden handle: vivicreate 7-inch Burger Smasher

This vivicreate press is a 7-inch round cast iron tool with a wooden handle that the listing describes as stay-cool and ergonomic. The listing says the flat surface helps press burgers, bacon, steak and sandwiches more evenly for better searing. It also describes steady pressure intended to improve contact with the cooking surface. The listing gives a weight of 2.2 pounds and a height of 2.6 inches.

Best for: Cooks who prioritize a wooden handle described as staying cool to the touch.

8. Best grooved 7-inch wood-handled press: EWFEN 7-inch Grooved Burger Press

This EWFEN press is a 7-inch round cast iron tool with a natural wood handle that the listing describes as smooth and ergonomic. The grooved bottom is described as giving meats and sandwiches grill marks and keeping bacon from curling. The listing names oven, stove, grill and griddle use, and says the press is 2.0 inches tall.

Best for: Cooks who want grill marks and a 7-inch round press with a wood handle.

9. Best dishwasher-safe cast iron pick: Pisol Cast Iron Smash Burger Press

This Pisol press is made from 1.98 pounds of food-grade cast iron and is described as pre-seasoned and rustproof. The title says it is dishwasher safe, and the listing describes a natural wood handle with a cool touch. The completely flat bottom is described as helping control the thickness and crispiness of a burger.

Best for: Cooks who want a pre-seasoned cast iron press listed as dishwasher safe.

10. Best fluorine-free cast iron option: Basinel Fluorine-Free Smash Burger Press

This Basinel press is a 6.5-inch round cast iron tool, made from fluorine-free cast iron and pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil, according to the listing. The listing describes a flat bottom for full surface contact and a heavy weight it says helps create crispy, caramelized crusts. The title lists a wood handle.

Best for: Cooks who prefer fluorine-free cast iron with a flat bottom and wood handle.

11. Smooth flat bottom with a non-slip handle: Grilliance 6.6-inch Smash Burger Press Kit

This Grilliance press is a 6.6-inch flat round cast iron tool with a completely flat, smooth bottom, according to the listing. Its wooden handle is described as securely attached, heat-resistant and non-slip. The listing names Blackstone griddles, cast iron skillets, flat-top grills and camp stoves, and says it suits both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Best for: Cooks who want a smooth flat bottom and a non-slip wooden handle.

Kits with patty papers and extra presses

Sets that bundle patty papers, a second press shape or a patty maker with the press.

12. Best two-press set with a wood handle: Whaleme Blackstone Burger Press Set

12
Whaleme Blackstone Burger Press Set

Whaleme Blackstone Burger Press Set

Whaleme
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Two shapes with wood handles
  • Grooved bottom for even heating and drainage
  • Listing describes seasoning like a cast iron skillet

Cons

  • The listing does not state the weight of either press.
  • The listed height, length and width fields read 1.0 inch, which does not fit these presses, so rely on the title sizes.

This Whaleme set includes a 7-inch round smash press and an 8 by 4-inch rectangle press, both made from cast iron with wood handles. The listing says the grooved bottom helps heat evenly while allowing drainage, and that it keeps meat from curling. The listing also says the presses can be seasoned like cast iron skillets and names Blackstone and Pit Boss griddles.

Best for: Cooks who want a round and rectangle set with a grooved bottom for griddles.

13. Kit that includes 25 patty papers: SMASHER KING Press with Patty Paper

13
SMASHER KING Press with Patty Paper

SMASHER KING Press with Patty Paper

SMASHER KING
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 25 pieces of patty paper included
  • Listing says it stores in a cabinet or drawer
  • Listed for meat, bacon and sandwich pressing

Cons

  • The listing does not state a diameter for the press.
  • The listed dimension fields are unclear for this product.

This SMASHER KING kit includes a cast iron smash press with a black wood handle and 25 pieces of patty paper, according to the listing. The listing says the paper helps keep patties from sticking to the press. It also says the press is compact enough to store in a cabinet or drawer and can be used as a meat, griddle, bacon or sandwich press.

Best for: Cooks who want patty papers included with a cast iron press.

14. Best kit for pressing more than one burger: The Burger Smasher Kit with 30 Patty Papers

14
The Burger Smasher Kit with 30 Patty Papers

The Burger Smasher Kit with 30 Patty Papers

The Burger Smasher
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Flat bottom with no ridges or rimmed lip
  • Includes 30 patty papers
  • Listing describes washing and re-seasoning

Cons

  • The 5.5-inch diameter is smaller than the 6 to 8-inch presses in this roundup.
  • The listing does not mention a handle material.

The Burger Smasher kit includes a pre-seasoned cast iron press with a 5.5-inch diameter and a completely flat bottom with no ridges or rimmed lip, according to the listing. The kit includes 30 patty papers, a bacon press and a griddle press. The listing says the press can be washed, wiped completely dry and re-seasoned with oil if desired.

Best for: Cooks who want a flat-bottom press to smash more than one burger at a time.

15. Five-piece kit with steak weight: Amzlink 5-Piece Smash Burger Press Kit

15
Amzlink 5-Piece Smash Burger Press Kit

Amzlink 5-Piece Smash Burger Press Kit

Amzlink
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Five pieces including a patty maker and brush
  • Round and rectangle presses with wood handles
  • Listed for steak weight and bacon pressing

Cons

  • The listed weight covers the whole set, so per-press weight is not listed.

This Amzlink kit has five pieces, including a 6.69-inch round cast iron press, a 7.68 by 4.1-inch rectangle press, a patty maker and a brush, according to the title. Both presses have wood handles, which the listing describes as giving a comfortable grip and balanced downward pressure. The listing also names steak weight, grill, griddle and bacon press uses.

Best for: Cooks who want a complete set with a patty maker, brush and two press shapes.

Stainless steel presses

Presses made from stainless steel, for cooks who want a non-cast-iron option.

16. Best stainless steel flat-edge press: Cuisinart 6-inch Stainless Steel Press

This Cuisinart smashed burger press is a 6-inch round tool made from stainless steel, with a flat-edge design the listing says evenly presses patties. The listing describes it as suitable for griddles, skillets and grills, and for indoor cooking as well as outdoor cookouts. It is listed at 3.1 inches tall.

Best for: Cooks who want a stainless steel flat-edge press from a known kitchen brand.

17. Best silicone-covered handle for hot griddles: Pisol 5.5-inch Stainless Steel Press

17
Pisol 5.5-inch Stainless Steel Press

Pisol 5.5-inch Stainless Steel Press

Pisol
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • 100% 304 stainless steel
  • Silicone-covered handle over a hollow grip
  • Polished surface listed as non-stick

Cons

  • The listed length and width fields read 4.0 inches, which conflicts with the 5.5-inch title.

This Pisol press is made from 100% 304 stainless steel with 2.5 mm thickness and a 5.5-inch diameter, according to the listing. Its handle is covered in silicone over a hollow, anti-scald handle to insulate heat. The listing says the polished stainless surface helps keep patties from sticking.

Best for: Cooks who want a stainless press with an insulated silicone-covered handle.

18. Heaviest stainless steel press at over 3 lb: SHUNLIAN 6-inch Stainless Steel Press

18
SHUNLIAN 6-inch Stainless Steel Press

SHUNLIAN 6-inch Stainless Steel Press

SHUNLIAN
View on Amazon.com
Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Over 3 pounds of listed weight
  • 304 stainless steel with a 0.3-inch base
  • Title mentions a 1 year warranty

Cons

  • The listed count field shows 50, which does not match a single press, so confirm the package contents.

This SHUNLIAN press is a 6-inch round tool made from 304 stainless steel, with a 0.3-inch thick base and over 3 pounds of weight, according to the listing. The listing says its weight lets gravity do the work and that the smooth, flat surface is easy to clean. The listing names bacon, steak, sandwiches and seafood on a flat top griddle, and the title mentions a 1 year warranty.

Best for: Cooks who want a heavy stainless steel press that relies on its own weight.

19. Best welded one-piece design: Burger Iron Sasquash Welded Press

This Burger Iron press is a 6-inch round stainless steel tool with a welded one-piece frame and 2 mm stainless steel, according to the listing. The extra-wide flat handle is described as creating a straight press and more direct downward force. The listing says the design is built to avoid the flex and wobble of screws and wood, and lists it at 1.0 pound.

Best for: Cooks who want a stainless press with a one-piece frame and no screws or wood.

How to choose the best burger press for grilling

Start with the material. Cast iron presses are described in these listings as heavy, able to hold heat and suited to griddles and grills. Stainless steel presses are listed as rust-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Both can work for smash burgers, so pick based on how you want to handle and clean the tool.

Next, check the pressing surface. A wider round face covers more of a patty in one press, while a smaller face is easier to control on a crowded griddle. Some listings also include a flat or grooved bottom. A flat bottom is described for smooth, even contact, and a grooved bottom is described for grill marks.

Look at the handle. Wood and silicone-covered handles are described as insulating, and some listings mention looped or ergonomic grips. Always keep your hands clear of hot surfaces and follow the manufacturer’s manual for heat and cleaning instructions. The National Fire Protection Association’s grilling guidance is a useful reference for safe grill habits.

Consider the extras. Kits can include patty papers, patty makers or a second press shape. Those extras are useful if you press a lot of burgers, but check the listing for what is actually included.

Weight matters too. Some listings state a weight that helps the press apply pressure without much effort. Where a listing leaves weight out, check the product page before you buy.

What to look for

  • Material stated in the listing, such as cast iron or 304 stainless steel
  • Pressing surface size and shape, round or rectangle
  • Flat or grooved bottom, depending on whether you want grill marks
  • Handle type, such as wood, silicone-covered or looped
  • Listed weight, and whether it refers to one press or a set
  • Included extras, such as patty papers or a patty maker

FAQ

Is cast iron or stainless steel better for a burger press?

Neither is better in every case. The listings here describe cast iron as heavy and suited to griddles and grills, and stainless steel as rust-resistant and easy to wipe clean. Pick the material that fits how you cook and clean.

Should I grill-mark my burger with a grooved press?

A grooved bottom is described in several listings as creating grill marks. A flat bottom is described for full surface contact and even crusts. Your choice depends on the look you want.

How do I know the burger is cooked safely?

Pressing a patty does not confirm it is done. Use a food thermometer and check the USDA FSIS safe temperature chart for ground meats. You can also review our BBQ food safety guide for handling and leftovers.

Can I wash these presses in the dishwasher?

Only one listing, the Pisol cast iron press, states that it is dishwasher safe. For other presses, follow the manufacturer’s manual for cleaning and seasoning. Browse more grilling ideas in our Other BBQ Recipes category.

References

  1. Amazon product listings and manufacturer specifications (accessed November 2026)
  2. USDA FSIS, Safe Temperature Chart
  3. NFPA, Grilling home fire safety