Smashburgers are one of those foods that I consider my go-to, especially during a busy week. They're quick, easy to make, and delicious, and I can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. That's hard to do for most recipes, so we make different varieties of these a ton at our house. That being said, smashburgers can be tricky to make if you don't have the right tools—and that starts with a good smash burger press. So that begs the question: what is the best burger press for smash burgers?
Unfortunately, not all products are built to withstand the pressure you want to produce consistent results. If the burger smasher base is too flimsy or uneven, it will be really difficult to get an even press, and you might even accidentally break up your burgers. In this post, I will explain what you need to know when selecting a burger press for your smashburgers and which one I prefer.
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Which Smash Burger Press is The Best?
There are tons of burger presses and spatulas on the market that claim to be the best for burgers, and I’ve tried several over the years. For the longest time, my favorite spatula to use was my, Fox Run's Large Stainless Steel Spatula, which is technically a cookie spatula. That said, its design checks every box for smashburgers and more. I used it for over 5 years for everything from moving racks of ribs off the smoker to flipping pancakes on the griddle. That being said, I found a tool last year that outperforms everything else I’ve used for smash burgers— the Made In Grill Press. I’ll walk you through exactly why I love it so much, plus the general characteristics you should still be looking for in a burger press if you wind up going another route.
What Makes this Stand Out?
What makes it stand out is its build and weight. It’s made of stainless steel, so it is extremely durable and doesn't bend under pressure. Plus, the wide base provides enough surface area to apply solid pressure when smashing burgers, helping create the crispy crust you're looking for without breaking the patty.
Just keep in mind, it is on the pricier end — it runs ~$80 at the store. Personally, I think it’s one tool that is actually worth the money. Still, I’ll walk you through a few characteristics below that this burger press has and that you should look for if you want a cheaper alternative, too, including a spatula if you want to go that route.
Key Characteristics of a Good Spatula or Burger Press
- Straight Edge – I know this seems like common sense, but this is key for an even smash. You don't want a flimsy spatula or burger press that bends easily or a spatula with protrusions for smashburgers. A straight edge is always a good idea, as it allows you to apply uniform pressure across the patty, helping you achieve that signature crust while maintaining a tight and consistent burger shape.
- Heavy Duty Feel – A little weight goes a long way. A heavy spatula or burger press tends to be a better option, often a characteristic of stainless steel products like the one I recommended, which helps apply natural pressure during the smash and provides leverage when flipping burgers without bending or wobbling.
- Insulated handle – This is a must, especially when making several smashburgers. Since the tool will be close to a very hot cooking surface, it will burn your hand quickly if you do not have insulation. My recommendation checks this box, but buying an option with a wood handle would also be a great option. Wood won’t melt or get too hot to handle, which is clutch when you’re working over high heat. It also tends to offer a more comfortable, secure grip than slick plastic or metal.
- Firm Grip – Whether you're flipping a smashed burger or navigating a crowded griddle, grip matters. A solid handle provides better control and keeps the spatula steady, even when handling greasy ingredients.
Whether you opt for the burger press that I love using or choose your own, be sure to consider these features to help you find the perfect spatula for you.
Other Gear Worth Having
If you're getting into smashburgers, you don't need a whole lot of tools to get started, but these two will be your other essentials, in my opinion:
- Parchment paper: Lay it between the spatula and the patty during the smash. Keeps meat from sticking and makes cleanup easier. I've also found that thinly sliced onions work well, if you're looking for a natural option. When you don't use one of these options, the patty is likely to stick to the back of your spatula after pressing, which can cause the burgers to tear or break apart if you're not careful.
- Flat-top grills, griddles, or cast-iron skillets: This goes without saying, but having a flat surface to cook on is key to making the best smash burgers. They allow for even, high heat across the whole cooking surface and don't have holes, cracks, or crevices for meat to fall into. Having a griddle is great because it allows you to cook more at once, but you can always fall back on a cast iron skillet if you're making single batches.
Should You Buy a Smash Burger Press?
If you're a burger lover who really enjoys cooking on a griddle or flat-top of any kind, I think investing in a solid burger press is a good option. Is it an absolute must? No it's not. But it is a great tool to have, and I find that it really does come in handy, and the model that I recommend has outperformed any other products that I have tried so far.
If you only plan on making smash burger occasionally or don't want to make quite the investment right now, I still think getting an oversized stainless steel spatula like my second recommendation is a goods idea.
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