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 one of the best tofu presses listed in this post.
Top Picks
The 11 Best Tofu Presses In 2023
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 topplateis equipped with stainless steel grommet to block plastic from entering into tofu/paneer. Unlike spring and elastic presses, this doesn’t contain any springs or bands and does not wear out or break easily. Thisreview videohelps you know more about the product.
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
Did you know?2.Best Portable:Tofuture Tofu Press
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 adishwasher. 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. Take a look atthis videoto learn more about this product.
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.
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
- 盖子可能会稍微脆弱。
4.Best For Marinating:TofuXpress Gourmet Tofu Press
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 storagecontainer. 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 this informativevideoto learn more about the tofu press.
Pros
- Better taste
- Easy to clean
- Extra-firm tofu
- Compact size
- Spring-loaded slabs
- Suitable for delicate foods
Cons
- Slightly expensive
5.Best 6-Sided Lattice Panels:that tofu thing Tofu Press
想要享受一些餐厅式豆腐吗?这是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 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
- 独特和时尚的德sign
- Dual orientation structure
Cons
- The press might be slightly tight.
Trivia6.Best BPA-Free:Glue Theory Tofu Press
你喜欢豆腐和按但讨厌打扫吗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 kitchentowels! This efficiently structured, easy-to-use tofu press plate 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
7.Best Craftsmanship:Tofu Kit Tofu Maker
Want to prepare your tofu 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 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.
8.最好的任何腐蚀:Grow Your Pantry Tofu Press
Want to relish some mouth-watering tofu? Then, this bamboo wooden 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 bespoke bottom plate that collects water without making a mess, this turns out to be one of the best tofu presses in the market. The whole construction of this plate style press is made by 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
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
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.
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
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 tofu block 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 press is easy to use but may not suit all tofu block sizes.
Heather Johnson (Food Hussy), 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 presses.
3.Safety and maintenance:一般来说,木和食品级不锈钢tofu 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 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.
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.
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 tofu block and wait until it gets pressed.
2. What are the benefits of a tofu press?
There are numerous benefits attached to a tofu press — it eliminates excess moisture from the tofu to make it extra firm, gives it a better texture, 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.
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.
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 both plate and box-style presses that are durable and help make the process easier. Understanding which type of press works best for you will help you pick the right one. 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: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
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