The Best Tofu Presses

The Best Tofu Presses

The secret to cooking flavorful, crispy tofu isn't about your technique or skill in the kitchen — it's actually all about the prep and what you use to cook it. So, to create firm tofu that's filled with flavor, you need to find the perfect tofu press. By squeezing your brick of tofu to get out excess water, you'll allow it to better absorb marinades, sauces, or crisp up in the pan to create the best-tasting tofu you've ever made. Read more about our favorite tofu presses that are durable, easy to use, and will make you look like a culinary pro.

EZ Tofu Press

Tofu perfection

Remove all the excess water from your tofu for the ultimate flavor and press with the best.
Best Overall

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With this easy-to-use press, your tofu will be ready in less than 15 minutes. Perfect for tofu bricks of all sizes, this press has center marks so you know exactly where to place the brick. The stainless steel grommets are easier to use than the elastic style, and will also create a more even press, every time. The press is even dishwasher safe so it’s easy to use again and again without the frustrating clean-up.

Pros:

  • Stainless steel screws create an even press to get out even more water—and give you even more flavor
  • Fits tofu of all sizes so you can press all of your bricks with one easy-to-use tool
  • Dishwasher safe so you can save time and hassle on clean-up

Cons:

  • Takes at least 15 minutes to drain thoroughly—but it gets out every last drop
  • Press is all one piece, making it easier to keep it all in one place, but slightly harder to store

YARKOR Tofu Press

For the tough tofu-maker

This press has everything you need to pack a flavorful punch.
Best Durability

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This press is a great way to set it and forget it. Simply put your tofu brick into the press, and it doesn’t need any more attention—it will continue to press on its own so you can go about your business. The spring-loaded press removes all of the excess water from the tofu brick and separates it into the collecting tray so it’s easy to pour out once the brick is drained. Plus, the design is made of 100% food-grade ingredients and free of chemicals and BPA so you can feel comfortable and confident using it again and again without any health implications.

Pros:

  • All-in-one solution has a lid, strainer, and water collecting tray so you have everything you need in one box
  • Extra-powerful spring that is durable and wear-resistant to keep your press working like new through countless uses
  • Free of harsh chemicals and BPA so you don’t need to worry about unhealthy additives making their way into your food

Cons:

  • Only available in a beautiful, vibrant green shade
  • The extra-strength spring can make it challenging to close the press, but also ensures it gets out every drop of excess water

Mangocore 3Pcs Plastic Tofu Press Mould

Handy is an understatement

This unique product is a tofu press and tofu mold all-in-one.
Best Versatility

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Crafted from high-quality, food-grade plastic, this tofu press is a versatile addition to your kitchen. Simply place your block of store-bought tofu into the press, put on the lid, and allow the excess liquid to drain away. Alternately, you can use soy milk to create your own tofu brick at home for a fresh-from-the-kitchen taste. The multi-purpose gadget is easy to clean and easy to use, guaranteeing it will quickly become one of your most-used kitchen staples.

Pros:

  • Food-grade, dishwashable plastic makes for easier cleanup than ever before
  • The two-in-one press allows you to press store-bought tofu or make your own—it’s a win-win
  • The larger size fits most tofu bricks so you can use it for any different brands you may buy without worry

Cons:

  • The press comes without instructions, so may not be great for beginners—but you can look up easy directions online
  • The press doesn’t come with a collecting tray, so you’ll also need a bowl to catch any excess liquid as it drains

that tofu thing – Tofu Press

A brilliant design

This innovative press will give you the extra-firm tofu you've been after.
Most Innovative

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This tofu press will become your secret weapon in the kitchen. In just 15 minutes, this press will squeeze out all of the excess water so you can infuse it with your favorite marinades and sauces for big flavor with little effort. The press features one screw, allowing you to apply even more pressure with one hand to make it easy and efficient to use. The food-grade press even comes with a cloth storage bag so you can keep it clean and covered when it’s not in use.

Pros:

  • A single screw applies enough pressure to get out all the water, so it’s easier and less awkward to use
  • Drain out all of the excess tofu water in less than 15 minutes so you can get dinner on the table in no time
  • The press is made of food-grade materials so it’s safe to use time and time again without worry

Cons:

  • The press can only accommodate bricks up to a certain size, so you might have to stick with only certain brands of tofu
  • You’ll need paper towels or a bowl handy to soak up the water as it drains

Tofu Press for Extra Firm Tofu

Under pressure

This unique take on a classic design gives you the even pressure you need for perfect tofu, every time.
Best For Firm Tofu

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This ingenious design will press your tofu like never before. The curved plastic plates will give your tofu a strong, even press to get out even more water so it’s extra firm. The press features stainless steel screws and winged handles on both sides so it’s easy to use, and the springs between the plates keep it open so it’s easy to put the tofu in and take it out

Pros:

  • Unique curved plates are extra effective for draining excess water
  • The press includes five recipes so you can make new and healthy tofu dinners for you and your family
  • Extra-large knobs and stainless steel hardware make it extra durable and easy to handle, even for beginners

Cons:

  • The press comes fully assembled and in one piece, so it requires added storage space
  • It’s not as fast as some other options on the market and can take up to 60 minutes to drain. But it works so well, it’s worth the wait

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you press tofu?

Putting tofu in a press helps squeeze out excess water. Doing so allows the tofu to become more absorbent and soak in sauces and marinades to result in a more flavorful preparation. Alternately, it also allows the tofu to become crispier when frying.

How long should tofu be pressed?

The length of time varies depending on the strength of the tofu press you use. On average, tofu should be pressed for about an hour, but some tofu presses can expel the water in as little as 15 minutes.

How do I use a tofu press?

To use a tofu press, place your brick of tofu in the middle of the press. Then, you should either screw the press together, tighten the bands, or place weights on the top of the press depending on which style you have. If your press doesn’t have a drainage container, place a plate, bowl, or towel underneath the press to catch the excess water as it drains. Some presses require tightening every few minutes, so be sure to consult the directions that come with your specific design.