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If you cook with tofu, you know that it can be somewhat of a hassle to prep. Wet tofu falls apart the second you try to stir fry it, so getting the moisture out is important. But pressing it between paper towels is messy and uses up a lot of paper. Plus, it's not always easy to balance a heavy object on top. A tofu press can take away the hassle, leaving you with firm fry-able tofu with minimal effort. They're compact, efficient, and do a much better job than paper towels ever could!
We put together a list of the top 10 best tofu presses in both box type and plate type, with TofuBud's press coming in at number one. It's small enough to sit on your countertop while you prep or in your fridge overnight, plus it has a spout so you can pour the liquid off while your tofu presses. Check out the rest of our picks below! And if you want to do some research first, our buying guide reviewed by a professional chef will teach you everything you need to know about tofu presses.
Jim Quast (JQ) is a lifelong professional restaurant and corporate R&D chef who loves everything food-related and the tools, both big and small, to make those great food memories. He's a super huge BBQ, grill, and kitchen gadget fanatic. JQ has spent the last 30+ years trying to figure out what works to make your kitchen life easier and fun. If you can use it to slice it, dice it, cook it, smoke it, or store it, he's been there checking it out. Food = Life!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
If you’re planning to fry, grill, or bake your tofu, pressing it beforehand can help improve its texture and flavor. Tofu straight from the container is wet and crumbly. When added to a hot pan, it can spatter, fall apart, and fail to brown. In the oven or air fryer, wet tofu will steam rather than bake, leaving you with soggy tofu.
Removing the water changes the texture and makes the tofu denser, chewier, and creamier. It also makes it more absorbent; when you marinate tofu after pressing it, it will soak up the marinade and become super flavorful.
Essentially, anytime you’re making a recipe where you want the tofu to hold its shape, pressing it will result in tofu that’s easier to work with and has a better texture. Firm and extra-firm tofu are best for pressing. Don’t press soft or silken tofu, as it will just fall apart!
All tofu presses use the same principle: they apply pressure to a block of tofu to squeeze out excess water. However, they can differ in materials, pressure mechanisms, and design features. In this guide, we'll walk you through the two types of tofu presses, as well as other important factors to consider while you shop.
Tofu presses come in two main types: a plate press or a box press. They both provide the same end result but require different levels of work.
A plate press consists of two flat plates connected with screws. You place the tofu in between the plates, then turn the screws to push the plates together. As the water drains, you can tighten the screws more and more to press out more water.
While plate presses require continual adjustment to achieve the best results, they can result in drier, firmer tofu in less time than box presses. They can also fit a range of tofu shapes and the level of pressure can be fine-tuned depending on the thickness of your tofu.
A box press typically consists of an enclosed box with a spring mechanism. You place a block of tofu inside the box, then lock it closed so that the spring is compressed. The pressure of the spring helps press the water out of the tofu. There are usually two or three levels of compression to choose from, based on the thickness of your tofu.
You can also find box presses that don’t have a spring and instead use a heavily weighted lid. Box presses tend to take a little bit longer to get the same results as a plate press. The shape of the box also limits the size of the tofu you can fit inside.
However, box presses are convenient because they’re super hands-off; you can just insert your tofu, continue on with your recipe prep, and come back later to a firm, dry block.
When pressing tofu, be prepared for lots of water to come out! Plate presses sometimes come with a drainage tray but often do not.
If it doesn’t have a built-in tray, you’ll need to place it on top of a plate so the water has somewhere to collect. If you have limited counter or fridge space, you may prefer a built-in tray which will take up less space.
Box presses are more likely to have a built-in drainage system. Typically, they have space at the bottom of the box for the water to pool as well as a hole or spout so you can pour the water out. Box presses with built-in trays are ideal for pressing tofu overnight in the fridge.
Most box presses will fit the size of the tofu blocks you buy at the grocery store. The dimensions of the tofu block will depend on the brand and type of tofu but generally range from four to six inches in length and width and one to two inches thick.
However, if the tofu you buy isn’t in this standard shape or if you want to press multiple blocks at one time, a box press can be limiting.
Plate presses range in size; some can fit up to two full blocks of tofu at once. Because plate presses don’t have side walls, they’re less restrictive and are better for non-standard tofu block shapes and sizes.
Your tofu press likely won’t be in use all of the time, so you should think about where and how you’ll store it. Plate presses can usually be taken apart, so you can store the two plates flat.
This makes them easy to store like cutting boards or slide into tight spaces. On the other hand, box presses don’t collapse down so you might need to clear some space in your cupboard.
Tofu presses are usually made from plastic or bamboo. The material you choose is up to personal preference, and each has its pros and cons. Plastic presses are lightweight and nonabsorbent. Nearly all box presses are made from plastic.
With a box press, clear plastic can be nice since it allows you to see the tofu inside and gauge the level of compression. However, there is the possibility that the plastic will crack, especially since a tofu press requires pressure to do its job. But plastic presses are convenient to clean, easy to maintain, and are often dishwasher-safe.
Plate presses are made from both plastic and bamboo. Unlike plastic, bamboo won’t crack under pressure and is extremely durable. It’s also a renewable resource, so it’s more Earth-friendly.
However, because it’s a natural, porous material, it can require extra care and cleaning to prevent the growth of mold or bacteria. In addition, bamboo is typically not dishwasher-safe. Still, it’s an excellent option if you prefer to avoid plastic, are trying to shop sustainably, or just like the look of it!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Price | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | TofuBud Tofu Press | $29.95 High Mid | A Large Center Spring in a Compact Package | ||
2 | EZ Tofu Press Tofu Press | $22.49 Mid | A Simple and Effective Plate Press | ||
3 | Tofuture Tofu Press | $27.95 Mid | Silicone Bands and a Built-in Drainage Tray | ||
4 | Healthy Express Upgraded 4-Spring Tofu Press | $26.95 Mid | Curved Plates for an Even Press Every Time | ||
5 | TofuXpress Tofu Press | $42.95 High | Press and Marinate in the Same Container | ||
6 | Yarkor ToPress | $23.98 Mid | An Eco-Friendly Bamboo Press | ||
7 | Noya Adjustable Tofu Press With Cheesecloth | $20.98 Mid | 22 Pounds of Pressure for Dense Tofu | ||
8 | Yarkor Tofu Press - Grey | $19.98 Low Mid | A Clear Design So You Can Watch Your Tofu Press | ||
9 | Grow Your Pantry Bamboo Tofu Press | $24.99 Mid | Bamboo Press With a 3-Year Warranty | ||
10 | Mangocore Plastic Tofu Press Mold | $8.99 Low | Press Homemade and Store Bought Tofu |
Use TofuBud's press on firm or extra firm tofu to get it ready to cook in just 15 minutes. Just insert the block between the two BPA-free plates and compress the spring. Choose between two pressure levels using the knob at the top. The whole press is compact and easily fits in your fridge, cupboard, and dishwasher.
A handful of reviewers had trouble figuring it out. On the other hand, many found it to be much easier than using paper towels and random heavy objects. They appreciated having the spout to pour off the water and said overall this press is easy to use and clean.
If you're short on time in the kitchen, try the EZ Tofu Press, which can press your tofu in 15 minutes or less. It's made from two plastic plates with stainless steel screws that you tighten every few minutes. Centering marks on the plates help you get evenly pressed tofu every time. Plus, it's top-rack dishwasher safe.
If your tofu block is thick, some reviewers warned that it may not fit, so you might need to cut it before pressing. But for the most part, buyers found this press to be reliable, quick, and simple to use. They pressed their tofu while prepping the rest of their meal and said it was easy to tighten every few minutes.
Tofuture's Tofu Press uses silicone bands to squeeze out every last drop from your tofu. Just put your tofu into the box, pull the silicone bands into place, and secure it with the clips on the top. The water will collect beneath the tofu for easy cleanup. After four hours, the tofu will be half as thick and ready to soak up your marinade.
Some reviewers said the plastic clamps aren't the most durable, while others said it takes some muscle to stretch the bands into place. Still, many agreed that it has improved the quality of their tofu dishes. They liked that they can stick it in the fridge overnight and drain the water out while the tofu is still pressing.
Instead of flat plates, Healthy Express' tofu press features curved plastic plates that straighten when tightened, resulting in even pressure on your tofu. The stainless steel hardware includes four springs to help spread out the pressure. Depending on how often you adjust it, you can have pressed tofu in 15 to 60 minutes.
Most reviewers were pleased with how sturdy and simple it is. They said it works exactly as expected and makes their tofu more delicious and easier to work with. Plus, they appreciated that they can throw the whole thing in the dishwasher for easy cleanup.
The TofuXpress Tofu Press is a box press that uses a single heavy-duty spring to yield firm tofu in as few as 15 minutes. Once your tofu is pressed, pour the water out and use the same container to marinate it. This press also works for removing the liquid from veggies like eggplant and thawed frozen spinach.
Overall, reviewers gave this tofu press high ratings, saying it's a must-have for regular tofu eaters. They found the process of pressing tofu to be easy and quick, requiring minimal clean-up. And many said it's absolutely worth the small amount of space it takes up in your kitchen cabinet!
If you're looking for a non-plastic tofu press, check out this one from Yarkor. It's made of natural bamboo and features two plates and a drip tray. With a pressing area of seven by four inches, it's ideal for pressing eight- to 12-ounce blocks of tofu. They can be ready to cook with in just 15 minutes!
The quality of this press seems to be somewhat inconsistent, with some reviewers reporting cracked plates, leaks, or missing hardware. Still, many others found this press to be effective and easy to use, giving them dry tofu in no time. Plus, they added that it looks so much better on their countertop than a plastic press.
This box press from Noya uses a twist dial and spring to apply up to 22 pounds of pressure to your tofu. The water will drip through the bottom plate and collect; you can easily pour it out via the pour spout on the lid. Depth markings in inches and centimeters help you get consistently pressed tofu every time.
Some reviewers said the knob broke and wouldn't move, while others got uneven pressing. On the other hand, many appreciated its small and compact size, which makes it convenient to leave in the fridge overnight. Others liked the pour holes, which allow them to drain the tofu while it presses.
Yarkor's tofu press is easy to set and forget. Just place the tofu into the tray and buckle the lid closed. Leave it for a couple of hours or overnight; you'll be able to see how compressed your tofu is thanks to clear walls. This press works best with firm or extra firm tofu in eight- to 12-ounce blocks.
This press from Grow Your Pantry is made from bamboo, with a six by four-inch pressing area and slotted holes for quick drainage. A drip tray at the bottom means you don't have to dirty a plate. When you're done, store it in the included drawstring bag. They promise online resources, customer support, and a three-year warranty.
Some reviewers thought this press was a bit finicky and didn't like having to disassemble and reassemble it for cleaning. However, others said once they got the hang of it, it was very effective at getting all the water out of their tofu. They also liked the bamboo construction, saying it's sturdy and attractive.
While this tofu press mold from Mangocore is designed for making your own tofu, you can also use it to press store-bought blocks. It's made from food-grade plastic, with drainage slits on the bottom and sides. Just place your tofu inside, then weigh the lid down with a heavy object. Do this over a plate for easy cleanup.
Note that you'll need to find something small enough to fit within the top of this press to weigh it down, which some reviewers said was hard to do. However, others were pleased with how easy it is to use to make tofu and paneer, or drain ready-made tofu. They said it's the perfect size for a block of tofu for the grocery store.
Once your tofu is pressed, it's ready to be marinated, fried, baked, and more! Make sure you have the right cookware for whatever meal you're craving with more of our top kitchen tools below.
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
No. 1: TofuBud|Tofu Press
No. 2: EZ Tofu Press|Tofu Press
No. 3: Tofuture|Tofu Press
No. 4: Healthy Express|Upgraded 4-Spring Tofu Press
No. 5: TofuXpress|Tofu Press
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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