11 Best Tofu Presses To Make Cooking Easier In 2024, Reviewed By Experts
Specialty: Food recipesExperience: 15 yearsHeather Johnson, better known as the Food Hussy, is a food & travel blogger with over 15 years of experience. She focuses on recipes that are restaurant copycats, done on air fryers and using Traeger smoker. Heather was the winner of Guy’s Grocery Games in August 2022.
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In This Article
Preparing tofu the right way can be a little tricky because its inherent flavor is bland even though it features remarkable flavor-grasping abilities. If you want to mold this creamy, solid substance into something yummy, with the right shape and texture, try the best tofu presses to make sure that happens.
Tofu is incredible for cooking both sweet and savory dishes, particularly in Asian cuisine. The white and creamy food item enhances the flavor of your meal and is also a great source of protein, calcium, and iron.
However, tofu needs to be adequately pressed to ensure it becomes most flavorful. If it has too much moisture, it will end up being watery and unpleasant. Thus, to enjoy the perfect tofu each time, bring home the expert-recommended tofu presses listed in this post.
Top Picks
11 Best Tofu Presses To Make Cooking Easier In 2024
1. Best USDA-Certified: EZ Tofu Press
Are you a workaholic and homemaker? Want to cook some delicious tofu quickly? This instant tofu press by EZ may be the right choice for your hectic schedule! It helps you press tofu and also homemade paneer within 15 minutes by removing excess water. There is an extra feature of centering marks to ensure proper placement before pressing. Despite being made of plastic, its top plate is equipped with stainless steel grommet to block plastic from entering into tofu/paneer. Unlike spring and elastic presses, this tofu maker press doesn’t contain any springs or bands and does not wear out or break easily. This product testing cum review video helps you know more.
Pros
- Fastest press
- Better flavor absorption
- Better texture and taste
- Ideal for most tofu block sizes
- BPA-free and USDA certified plastic
- Easy to clean with warm soapy water
Cons
- Knobs may be slightly loose
"I bought it last month and have been enjoying the convenience of this tofu press in my kitchen routine. The pressing process is straightforward and it effectively removes moisture to enhance the tofu texture. It is easy to clean and seems durable too."
Did you know?2. Best Portable:Tofuture Tofu Press
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,517 Amazon users have vouched for this amazing product.
Looking for a stylish, compact, and portable tofu press? Then, this one by Tofuture may be the right choice! This plastic white-green press is completely safe and can be cleaned using a dishwasher. It features multiple containers for varied usage — for tofu placement, exerting pressure, and excess water collection. There is a provision of silicone bands that can be adjusted in hooks as per the thickness of a tofu block. This intricately designed tofu press facilitates a comfortable and clean pressing and can be easily kept inside a refrigerator. This review video showcasing a tester’s experience can help you make an informed decision.
Pros
- Compact
- BPA-free plastic
- Portable tofu maker
- Stylish design with an appealing outlook
- Enhanced taste, texture, and flavor absorption
Cons
- The plastic clips may be slightly fragile.
"I recently tried out this tofu press on my chef friend�s suggestion and it made the tofu pressing process quite convenient. Cleaning is a breeze, too, though plastic build raises durability concerns. So far, it is working well and is a handy kitchen gadget to simplify tofu prep."
3. Best Environment-Friendly:Mangocore Tofu Press With Tofu Cloth
Who doesn’t love an add-on along with a product! Here is a tofu press kit that includes a tofu press and a tofu cloth by Mangocore. Made of food-grade plastic, this tofu maker is an environment-friendly and durable product. Being a comfortable-to-use and odor-free tofu press, pressing tofu using this mold results in better texture and taste, and gives it flavor grasping properties. In particular, it is a steamed tofu box slab much like a flat chassis. This press comes with a cotton tofu cloth that absorbs excess moisture from the tofu.
Pros
- Durable
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Easy process
Cons
- The lid may be slightly fragile.
"This tool helps me simplify the process of making homemade tofu and paneer. But I noticed that the device leaves imprints on the final product. Still, I continue using it as it is easy to clean and has a butter muslin cloth to absorb the moisture."
EZ Tofu Press Best USDA-Certified | Tofuture Tofu Press Best Portable | Mangocore Tofu Press With Tofu Cloth Best Environment-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 pounds | 0.1 Kilograms | 2.39 ounces |
| Dimensions | 9 x 5.25 x 4 inches | 6"L x 5"W x 2.8"H | 5.6 x 4.5 x 3.7 inches |
| Color | - | Green, White | - |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 5,801 | 9,517 | 1,652 |
| Price | $21.99 | $25.94 | $8.99 |
4. Best For Marinating:TofuXpress Gourmet Tofu Press
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 592 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
This uniquely designed tofu press, which is stylish and elegant, is one of the top tofu presses in the market. It easily fits in a refrigerator and is portable too. By applying pressure over the spring-loaded plastic slabs, the excess water gets collected at the top lid, making cleaning much easier. This tofu maker can also be used for marinating purposes and as a storage container. There are separate, specialized tofu presses available for varied types of tofus as per their properties. This homemade tofu press can be used to press delicate ingredients like cheese, rice, and yogurt. Check out the product testing video to learn more about the tofu maker press.
Pros
- Better taste
- Easy to clean
- Extra-firm tofu
- Compact size
- Spring-loaded slabs
- Suitable for delicate foods
Cons
- Slightly expensive
"This tofu press is now an indispensable tool in my kitchen! It delivers a consistently perfect tofu texture while eliminating the need for makeshift weights. It is very user-friendly and the clever design allows for pressing and marinating in the same container."
5. Best 6-Sided Lattice Panels:that tofu thing Tofu Press
Want to enjoy restaurant-style tofu dishes at home? Here is your one-stop solution — tofu press by that tofu thing! Molding the tofu using this perfectly designed tofu press gives it better texture, taste, and flavor absorbing tendency. What we love the most are its speed and 6-sided lattice panels! It promises you extra firm tofu in just 15 minutes by eliminating excess water through panels. This tried-and-tested tofu maker is equipped with a unique feature of the single-screw design. This makes it easier for you to hold tofu in one hand and press by exerting pressure with another, enabling you to feel the tofu block when it turns right!
Pros
- Long-Lasting
- Speedy pressing
- Food grade material
- Unique and stylish design
- Dual orientation structure
Cons
- The press might be slightly tight.
"Its construction is quite durable, serving me well for years and offers more consistent results while enhancing marinade absorption. There is a slight unevenness in the pressing, though it doesn�t affect its overall functioning."
Trivia6. Best BPA-Free:Glue Theory Tofu Press
Do you love tofu and presses but hate cleaning the water that’s released? Then, this tofu press by Glue Theory may be the right choice! This tofu maker assures better texture and taste, giving you extra firm and meatier tofu. Made of BPA-free food-grade stainless steel, it is completely safe to use and easy to maintain. What we love the most is the detachable bottom plate that collects excess water without having us run for kitchen towels! This efficiently structured, easy-to-use tofu press plate makes the entire process simple and is considered to be one of the best ones in the market for its compatibility and innovative features.
Pros
- Unique design
- Detachable drip tray
- Compatible with most tofu block sizes
- Precisely structured holes to drain water out.
Cons
- Knobs may be slightly tight
"I�ve tried various methods for pressing tofu but none worked as well as this tofu press. It effectively removes water with minimal fuss and no mess, simplifying the process with its built-in drip tray. It is also adjustable, allowing for precision without risking breakage."
7. Best Craftsmanship:Tofu Kit Tofu Maker
Want to prepare perfect tofu blacks from scratch? Do you love Japanese cuisine? Your one-stop solution is this tofu press by Tofu Kit. This tofu maker is known for its fragrance and craftsmanship. The scent of the hinoki (Japanese cypress) will never fail to impress you. Being a wooden tofu press, it is safe and healthy to use. This homemade tofu press comes with a nigari packet (a form of Japanese sushi ingredient), press cloth, and cooking instructions. This tried-and-tested press offers you an incredible experience from ‘produce’ to ‘plate’ – all done by yourself!
Pros
- Compact size
- Extra-firm tofu
- Improvised taste and flavor
- Compatible with most tofu block sizes
Cons
- The top lid might be slightly small.
"Making my own tofu has been a delightful experience with this sturdy wooden press. The lack of English instructions was a bit inconvenient but the online resources filled the gap nicely. The craftsmanship is impressive and it is a solid product to enjoy authentic homemade tofu."
8. Best Corrosion-Free:Grow Your Pantry Tofu Press
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 506 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
Want to relish some mouth-watering tofu? Then, this bamboo tofu press by Grow Your Pantry helps you prepare extra firm tofu with great texture and smacking taste in just 15 minutes of pressing time! With its precisely slotted holes that drain excess water out and a drip tray that collects the liquids without making a mess. The whole construction of this plate-style tofu press is made using bamboo wood, which ensures safety and longevity. It is a durable tofu press that resists rust, corrosion, and breakage. It comes along with a tofu press instruction manual, a recipe book, and a surprise bonus gift.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Speedy pressing
- Sturdy and durable
- Includes a storage bag
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Anti-rust stainless steel finger tighteners
Cons
- Springs may be slightly tight
"I�m pleased with the sturdiness of this bamboo tofu press. It assists me in effectively transforming the tofu texture by eliminating extra moisture from it. Moreover, I like that its simple to clean�just soap and rinse."
9. Best With Spring Press:Wecation Tofu Press
Are you looking for a tofu press to remove excess moisture from tofu and make it delicious? Bring home the Wecation tofu press that is uniquely designed with a spring press and water collecting container. This 16 to 26oz press has a lockable lid and a screw to press the tofu, and the transparent container helps you see the thickness of tofu and accumulated water.
Pros
- Non-slip silicone handle
- Metal spring with waterproof design
- Dishwasher-safe
- Easy to clean
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- May not be easy to assemble
"Assembling it is straightforward, taking mere minutes and it is all set to transform the tofu�s texture. It's efficient, pressing out much more water than the manual methods I've used, and the design prevents any mess. Plus, it is simple to clean due to detachable parts."
Pro Tip10. Best Large-Sized:Country Trading Co. Gourmet Wooden Tofu Press
Looking for an all-in-one press for your soggy food items? Are you a Japanese food lover? Well, here it is! Gourmet Wooden Tofu Press by Country Trading Co. This tool allows you to press double-block tofu in 30-60 minutes to make it extra firm tofu with better texture and sharpness. Along with this tofu press, you get a cheesecloth, sushi and musubi squares, and sushi and tofu recipe ebooks. Rolling sushi, preparing vegan cheese, and pressing them will no longer be a problem when you have this large tofu press.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- Larger holding space
- Can press multiple blocks at the same time
- Presses paneer, cheese, feta, and halloumi
Cons
- Might be heavy
- The base might be slightly flimsy.
"What I admire about this presser is its versatility in handling large quantities of cheese or tofu. Not only does it have a generous size, but it also doubles as a serving board. Despite the lack of a dip tray, I stick to this option as it meets my home needs."
11. Best Quick-Pressing:Raw Rutes Tofu Press
This stainless steel tofu press is eco-friendly and safe to use. With its ultra-heavy pressing weight, this tofu maker gives you an extra firm and tastier tofu by eliminating all the water out of it. This manual tofu press does not have any springs, plastic parts, or bands, leaving no room for breakage, corrosion, and rust. This simple yet classy homemade tofu press comes in 2 styles — The Sumo with a laser-cut design and red-colored knob on top, and The Ninja with a black colored knob and glossy sides.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to clean
- Quicker pressing
- Suitable for making paneer and cheese too
Cons
- Expensive
- Might not be suitable for few tofu block sizes
"The sturdiness of this stainless steel tofu press amazed me. It simplifies the process with its weight-based mechanism, requiring no fussy adjustments�just set it and forget it. The pressing takes a bit of time, but it is worth it for an evenly pressed tofu yield."
Choosing the right tofu press may be a little confusing. You need to consider a few key factors before arriving at a decision.
How To Choose The Right Tofu Press?
Choosing the right tofu press may be a little confusing. You need to consider a few key factors before arriving at a decision.
1. Choose your style: There are two types of tofu presses — plate style press and box-style press.
- Plate style press: These presses function with two plastic or metal plates. You need to tighten the plates, place the tofu block between them, and exert pressure over it using two to four knobs to eliminate water. Timely adjustment of knobs is required as the block of tofu tends to shrink. This process takes up to 10-30 minutes in total, depending on the block sizes.
- Box style press: These presses function with a metal, plastic box, or container and a top plate equipped with a spring mechanism. All you need to do is place the tofu block in the box and fit the top plate as per the instructions given. After this, the plates exert pressure over the block inside the box to eliminate moisture and water. This type of tofu press has a user-friendly design but may not suit all tofu block sizes.
, a food blogger and winner of Guy’s Grocery Games in August 2022, says, “I have this type of tofu press at home and have used it countless times. It removes all the moisture and helps you make an easy-to-use block of tofu effortlessly.”
2. Ease of use: One of the key points to consider before purchasing a tofu press is its ease of use. Generally, box style presses are convenient to use than plate style ones as they ensure quicker pressing. However, if you don’t mind adjusting knobs, you can opt for plate-style tofu presses.
3. Safety and maintenance: Generally, wooden and food-grade stainless steel presses are considered to be good and can be safely maintained. When it comes to plastic, opt for a BPA-free one. The knobs in plate-style tofu presses can be metal or plastic, while the screws and springs are mostly made of steel. While purchasing a tofu press, look into the durability and longevity of the product too. A compact and portable tofu maker can be quite efficient.
4. Unique features: Look for unique features in your tofu press. These may include appealing design, lattice panels to drain out water, innovative structure, warranty, and add-ons such as recipe books and cheesecloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I use a tofu press?
It depends on the style you choose. If it’s a plate style press, you need to adjust the knobs according to the tofu block size for the plates to exert pressure. As for the box-style press, you just need to place the block of tofu and wait until it gets pressed.
2. What are the benefits of a tofu press?
There are numerous benefits attached to getting an expert-reccomended tofu press — it eliminates excess moisture from the tofu to make it extra firm, gives it a better texture, and enhances its flavor-absorbing properties to make it tastier and meatier. A tofu press also relieves you from hectic manual pressing using a stack of thick books, paper towels, and heavy objects.
3. Does a tofu press make a difference?
Yes, pressing the tofu manually may only remove the moisture from its outer layers. However, using a tofu press will squeeze out the water from within, making the tofu dense and creamy.
4. How long should I press tofu?
Ideally, pressing the tofu for 15 to 30 minutes will suffice. However, you may press it for an hour to ensure the tofu is firm enough. You could also look up expert-recommended guidelines to get the desired results.
5. How should I press tofu without a press?
Slice the tofu into two slabs and place a few paper towels under one slab while placing a few more on top. Add another slab on top, making sure that the edges line up, and cover it with a few more paper towels. Now place a pan on top and add some weight. Leave it for 15 to 30 minutes
6. How do I know when the tofu is fully pressed?
After about 15 to 30 minutes, you will notice that tofu looks thinner and the excess water will be collected in the container below. This is when you know that your tofu is fully pressed.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Sakshi John is experienced in reviewing kitchenware and furniture. She is passionate about finding the best kitchenware and helps her readers have a hassle-free shopping experience. Using her interest in kitchen products, she has evaluated and compared various tofu presses available in the market. To narrow down the best options, Sakshi has carefully considered user reviews and features of each product. The products on this list are well-designed to make it easy and convenient for you to press tofu the right way.
The Bottom Line
Tofu is known to be rich in proteins and iron and is widely used in Asian cuisine. Making tofu in the comfort of your home can become easy with the best tofu presses. The options we have listed include plate-style presses, such as the EZ Tofu Press, and box ones, like the Tofuture Tofu Press and TofuXpress Gourmet Tofu Press, which can help make the process easier. Understanding which type of press works best for you will help you pick the best tofu presses. Further, prioritize features such as ease of maintenance and BPA-free plastic as well as add-ons and warranty.
Infographic: How To Use A Tofu Press?
Pressing tofu is crucial to remove excess water from the block, yield firmer and drier tofu, and ensure your recipes are a hit without compromising on the texture and crispness. So, check out the following infographic to learn how to use a tofu press to attain the best results effectively.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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