Great smash burgers start with a hot, flat cooking surface and a press that helps you spread the meat into a thin, even patty. The right tool can make it easier to get crisp edges, press bacon flat, or sear a sandwich, too. Below, you’ll find five options—from lightweight stainless steel presses to heavy cast iron weights and a multi-piece kit—so you can choose based on how you cook and how much gear you want.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison: Best Tools To Make Smash Burgers
| Product | Material and size | Standout feature | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pisol Stainless Steel Smash Burger Press | 304 stainless steel, 5.5 inches | Silicone-covered heat-resistant handle | Everyday griddle cooking and easy cleanup |
| Pisol Cast Iron Smash Burger Press | Cast iron, 6.6 inches, 1.98 pounds | Flat bottom and wooden handle | Those who prefer a heavier press |
| Zelythil Stainless Steel Smash Burger Press | Stainless steel, 5.5 inches, 275 grams | Lightweight, smooth design | Easy handling and simple storage |
| SHUNLIAN Heavy Stainless Steel Burger Press | 304 stainless steel, 6 inches, 3.1 pounds | Heavy base for steady pressure | Frequent griddle or backyard cooking |
| Amzlink 5-Piece Smash Burger Press Kit | Cast iron presses, round and rectangular | Includes patty maker, papers, and brush | Those who want a more complete setup |
Our Picks: Best Tools To Make Smash Burgers reviews
1. Pisol Stainless Steel Press: A Versatile Pick for Everyday Griddles
This 5.5-inch press is made from 304 stainless steel and has a silicone-covered handle designed to help reduce heat transfer. Its size suits individual patties, while the smooth, polished surface is intended to help meat release and make cleanup easier.
Use it on a griddle, grill, griddle pan, or frying pan. The press can also flatten bacon and sausages or press sandwiches. Stainless steel makes it a practical choice if you’d rather avoid the seasoning and drying routine associated with cast iron.
The lighter, smaller format is easier to maneuver than the heavier presses in this lineup. The tradeoff is that it relies more on your hand pressure than a weighty steak press does. At 5.5 inches, it may also feel small if you want to press a broad area at once.
Pros:
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Silicone-covered handle is designed to help insulate from heat
- Compact size works for individual patties
- Dishwasher-safe according to the product description
Cons:
- Smaller than the 6-inch and 6.6-inch presses here
- Does not have the substantial weight of the cast iron or SHUNLIAN options
Verdict: Choose the Pisol stainless steel press if you want a versatile, easy-care tool with a heat-resistant handle and don’t need a heavy weight to do the pressing.
2. Pisol Cast Iron Press: A Heavier Option with a Wooden Handle
This 6.6-inch cast iron press weighs 1.98 pounds and has a flat bottom intended to apply even pressure. Its pre-seasoned surface is ready for use, and the wooden handle is designed for a comfortable grip while helping keep your hand away from the hot cooking surface.
The larger contact area and added weight make this a good fit if you want a press that feels substantial without choosing the heaviest option in this guide. It’s also described for use with bacon, steaks, and sandwiches on grills, griddles, and skillets.
Cast iron requires more care than stainless steel. The product description says to clean and wipe it dry after use, and also mentions dishwasher use; because care needs can vary for cast iron, follow the manufacturer’s current care instructions and dry it thoroughly. The wooden handle also makes this a different care proposition from an all-metal press.
Pros:
- Wide 6.6-inch flat base
- Heavy cast iron construction adds pressure
- Pre-seasoned surface
- Wooden handle offers a distinct grip from metal-handled models
Cons:
- Cast iron calls for more attention to cleaning and drying than stainless steel
- Heavier than the lightweight stainless options
Verdict: Pick this Pisol model if you want a broad, weighty cast iron press with a wooden handle and are comfortable caring for cast iron.
3. Zelythil Stainless Steel Press: A Lightweight, Simple-to-Handle Choice
At 275 grams, this 5.5-inch stainless steel press is the lightest option in this comparison. Its flat bottom is designed to distribute pressure across the patty, and the smooth surface is intended to rinse clean without much fuss.
The low weight makes it easier to lift, move, and store than a cast iron press or the heavier SHUNLIAN model. It can also be used for bacon, paninis, and steaks, on a grill, griddle, or cast iron skillet. That range makes it a useful basic tool if you cook several kinds of food on a flat surface.
The main compromise is leverage: this press won’t provide the same passive downward force as a heavier model. You’ll need to apply the pressure yourself. Its 5.5-inch size is also best suited to a single patty rather than broad, multi-item pressing.
Pros:
- Lightweight 275-gram design
- Stainless steel construction is described as rust-resistant
- Smooth surface is intended for easy cleaning
- Suitable for griddles, grills, and skillets
Cons:
- Less weight than the cast iron and 3.1-pound stainless models
- 5.5-inch base may be limiting for larger portions
Verdict: The Zelythil is a sensible choice if easy handling matters more to you than having a press that supplies significant weight on its own.
4. SHUNLIAN Heavy Stainless Steel Press: Built for Steady, Hands-Off Pressure
This 6-inch press is made from 304 stainless steel and weighs 3.1 pounds. Its thick, flat base is designed to use gravity to help apply even pressure, which can be useful when you want a consistent smash without leaning heavily on a lighter tool.
The all-stainless construction is described as rust-resistant and dishwasher-safe. Its size and weight also make it suitable for pressing bacon, searing steaks, or flattening seafood on a flat-top griddle or stovetop. The product includes a one-year warranty, according to its listing.
At 3.1 pounds, it’s the heaviest single press here, so it may feel less convenient to lift and reposition than the smaller stainless options. Its solid weight can be an advantage for pressing, but it’s worth considering whether you’re comfortable handling a heavier tool over a hot surface.
Pros:
- Heavy 3.1-pound build helps apply steady pressure
- Made from 304 stainless steel
- Six-inch flat base suits a range of griddle tasks
- Dishwasher-safe according to the product description
Cons:
- Heavier to lift and reposition than the other stainless presses
- Does not include the extra prep tools found in the Amzlink kit
Verdict: Choose the SHUNLIAN if your priority is a heavy, stainless steel press that lets its own weight do much of the work.
5. Amzlink 5-Piece Kit: A Flexible Set for Prep and Cooking
This set includes a 6.69-inch round cast iron press, a 7.68-by-4.1-inch rectangular press, a patty maker, 100 patty papers, and a cleaning brush. The two press shapes give you different contact areas: use the round press for an individual patty and the rectangular one when you want to cover a wider section.
The included patty maker and papers make this the most complete prep setup in the group. The papers are intended to help separate portions and reduce sticking, while the brush provides a tool for removing cooking residue. Both presses have wooden handles and are described for use on grills, griddles, and skillets.
This is a more involved choice than buying one stainless steel press. The cast iron pieces need appropriate care, and the kit takes more storage space than a single tool. On the other hand, it offers the most flexibility for someone setting up a burger station or looking for different press shapes.
Pros:
- Includes round and rectangular cast iron presses
- Comes with a patty maker, 100 patty papers, and a cleaning brush
- Wooden handles provide a grip on both presses
- Useful for burgers, bacon, steak, and sandwiches
Cons:
- Cast iron pieces need more care than stainless steel presses
- More pieces require more storage space
Verdict: Choose the Amzlink kit if you want a complete burger-making setup with two press shapes and useful prep accessories.
How to Choose the Best Smash Burger Press
Pick a material that fits your cleanup routine
Stainless steel is a straightforward choice if you want a rust-resistant tool that is simple to wash. Cast iron offers a heavier feel, but it generally calls for more attention to cleaning and drying. Check the care instructions for the specific press you choose, especially if it has a wooden handle or a seasoned surface.
Consider how much weight you want to handle
A heavier press can provide more downward force through its own weight, which may make repeated smashing feel easier. A lightweight press is easier to lift, move, and store, but you supply more of the pressure yourself. Think about your grip and how many patties you plan to make at a time before choosing between a 275-gram model and a press weighing several pounds.
Match the press size to your cooking surface and portions
The products here range from 5.5 inches to 6.6 inches, with the Amzlink kit also offering a rectangular press. A smaller round press is easy to place over one patty. A wider base can cover more area, but make sure it fits comfortably on your griddle or skillet and leaves room to handle the food around it.
Look for a comfortable handle and useful heat protection
Handles vary across these options. One Pisol press has a silicone-covered handle, while the cast iron presses have wooden handles. Consider which grip feels right for you and remember that any press used on a hot cooking surface needs careful handling. A handle’s material doesn’t remove the need to keep your hand clear of hot grease and metal.
Think about what else you’ll press
These tools are also described for flattening bacon, searing steaks, and pressing sandwiches. If you want one tool for several jobs, a versatile flat base may be more useful than a burger-only gadget. For a wider range of burger prep, the Amzlink kit adds a patty maker and papers, along with both round and rectangular presses.
Check care details before you buy
Dishwasher guidance differs among the listed products, and cast iron may require different care from stainless steel. Read the product instructions for the exact model you select. If the press has a wooden handle or a seasoned surface, follow the manufacturer’s guidance rather than assuming all parts can be cleaned the same way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a smash burger press do?
A smash burger press helps flatten a portion of ground meat against a hot, flat cooking surface. A thin patty makes broad contact with the griddle or pan, which helps create the browned, crisp edges associated with smash burgers.
Do I need a heavy press to make smash burgers?
No. A lighter press can work if you apply the pressure yourself. A heavier press may feel more stable and let its weight do more of the work, but it can be harder to lift and reposition.
Is stainless steel or cast iron better for a burger press?
Neither material is right for everyone. Stainless steel is a practical pick if you want a rust-resistant press and simpler cleanup. Cast iron provides a heavier feel, but it may need more attention to cleaning and drying. Follow the care guidance for the model you buy.
Can I use a burger press on a regular skillet?
The presses in this guide are described for use on surfaces such as skillets, frying pans, griddles, or grills. Use a stable, flat cooking surface and check that the press fits without getting in the way of the pan’s edges or handle.
How do I keep a burger from sticking to the press?
A smooth press surface or a piece of patty paper can help reduce sticking. The Amzlink kit includes patty papers for separating portions and helping with sticking. You can also follow the press maker’s care and use directions for your specific surface.
Can I use the press for foods other than burgers?
Yes. The product descriptions list other uses such as pressing bacon, steaks, sausages, seafood, and sandwiches. Choose a press size and shape that suits the food and cooking surface.
Which option is best if I want one press for regular home cooking?
The Pisol stainless steel press is a balanced option for home use if you want a compact tool with a silicone-covered handle and stainless steel construction. If you prefer a heavier press, consider the SHUNLIAN; if you want several prep accessories, the Amzlink kit offers the broadest setup.
Final Recommendation
For a straightforward, versatile option, the Pisol stainless steel press combines a practical 5.5-inch size with a silicone-covered handle and easy-care stainless construction. Choose the SHUNLIAN if you want a heavier press, the Zelythil if low weight matters most, or the Pisol cast iron model for a wider, weightier press with a wooden handle. If you want tools for both prep and cooking, the Amzlink kit is the most complete set.
