The Best Tofu Presses On The Market In 2023
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There's little doubt that tofu is good for you. Regardless of whether you're a vegetarian, a vegan, or a carnivore, adding the soy-based treat to your diet has been associated with various health benefits, such as stronger bones, better brain function, and lower risk of heart disease. This is because bean curd is high in protein, amino acids, vitamins, and other nutrients while being relatively low in calories, according to Healthline.
Made from coagulated soy milk, grocery store tofu is commonly packaged in water to keep it fresh for extended periods of time. However, when bean curd absorbs water, it can become fluffy and prone to crumbling, making it unsuitable for many types of stir-fried and grilled dishes. This is where a tofu press can help. By extracting excess water from bean curd, a tofu press can improve the texture of the plant-based staple, ensuring that it absorbs more marinade and remains firm during the cooking process.
Ready to incorporate bean curd into more of your recipes? Check out our list of the best tofu presses on the market in 2023.
How we selected products
Draining water out of tofu adds texture to what could otherwise be a soggy ingredient and improves its ability to absorb spices and sauces. It also increases bean curd's density, ensuring that it holds its shape and doesn't release water into the dish. And while you can use two plates and a weight to squeeze water out of bean curd, a quality tofu press is bound to make the process easier and more efficient.
There are two main types of tofu presses — plate-style gadgets that function like a vice and box-style gadgets with lids that push down on the protein. In addition, tofu presses are made from different types of materials and feature different capacities. Some even have adjustable tension settings, allowing users to customize the density of the final product.
With so many variables, you may be forgiven for feeling a little overwhelmed. Not to worry, however, because we are here to help you select the right product for your needs. Our team has spent time and energy researching hundreds of different tofu presses to bring you the very best that the market has to offer. We have also perused countless community and expert reviews to ensure that the products we selected meet the highest standards of customer satisfaction.
Best overall tofu press
The Tofuture tofu press is composed of three containers — a top lid that puts pressure on the tofu, a perforated inner drainage container, and an outer container that collects excess water. The gadget also features two bands that apply continuous pressure on the bean curd during the firming process. Better still, the tofu press comes with three settings, depending on the type of tofu you are after — the higher the pressure, the firmer the final product.
Lauren Arzbaecher, who reviewed the Tofuture tofu press for Business Insider, seems very satisfied with the gadget, calling its design both simple and intelligent. More specifically, she highlights that the press is made from BPA-free plastic, which makes it rust-resistant. And that it's so user-friendly that it's virtually "mistake-proof." Kim from Messy Vegan Cook also appreciates the design of the Tofuture tofu press, adding that, unlike some other similar gadgets, it places even pressure on its content resulting in uniformly dense tofu.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Tofuture tofu press from Amazon starting at $25.95.
Best budget tofu press
At around $10, the Mangocore tofu press is more than reasonably priced. Designed specifically for making tofu, the plastic kitchen accessory comes with a reusable gauze. To make your own bean curd, simply place the gauze inside the tofu press before pouring your ingredients into the container. Cover the mixture with the lid and place a heavy object, such as a jug of water, on top of the press. Once the tofu is ready, flip the press over for a perfect block of tofu. The Mangocore tofu press can also be used to make cheese.
The Mangocore tofu press has received 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 1,700 Amazon shoppers, indicating that customers are generally satisfied with the product. One happy reviewer praises the gadget, saying, "This is a nice size press at a great price. The lid fits well and it's easy to place a weight on it to press your tofu or cheese without it falling off like some smaller models. Happy with this purchase." Not all buyers agree with this review, however, with some saying that balancing a heavy object on the container can be tricky.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Mangocore tofu press from Amazon starting at $9.98.
Best tofu press for a splurge
With a price tag of over $100, the Raw Rutes tofu ninja press is on the pricey side. However, with a lifetime guarantee, it's also likely to last you for many years to come. Crafted from stainless steel, the press comes with a hefty 6-pound weight and a container with four feet to elevate the tofu during the water removal process. It also works fast. In fact, according to the manufacturer, at its most optimal the press can extract 35% of the bean curd's total weight in liquid in just 15 minutes.
Pat Tokuyama from All Day I Eat is fond of the Raw Rutes tofu ninja press, saying that while the heavy-duty gadget is expensive, it's also durable, easy to use, and doesn't feature any nooks and crannies that could trap bits of food. He also adds that the press can be used to make cheese and extract water from canned veggies. This being said, Tokuyama also points out that the gadget is rather heavy and doesn't let you control how firm the tofu will end up.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Raw Rutes tofu ninja press from Amazon starting at $105.
Best bamboo tofu press
Great for tofu enthusiasts who are environmentally conscious, the Yarkor bamboo tofu press is an eco-friendly option for squeezing water out of tofu. Suitable for 8- to 16-ounce blocks of bean curd, the 100% natural bamboo kitchen tool comes with two plates and two stainless steel screws that extract water out of the plant-based treat in between 5 and 15 minutes when tightened. Last but not least, the press features an integrated water tray to keep your kitchen nice and tidy. Please note that the Yarkor bamboo tofu press isn't dishwasher-friendly and should be periodically treated with a little oil to minimize the risk of splitting.
The Yarkor bamboo tofu press has received positive ratings on different platforms, including 7.4 out of 10 stars on Best Views Reviews and 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon. One shopper recommends the press, saying, "We don't like to use plastic with our food, so having this as sustainable bamboo was perfect. Easy setup, easy cleaning and most of all — it works!" This being said, not everybody is happy with the product, with some customers complaining of cracked wood and stiff screws that take a lot of force to tighten.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Yarkor bamboo tofu press from Amazon starting at $23.98.
Best tofu press with measurement markings
If you're very particular about the firmness of your tofu, you're bound to appreciate the transparency of the NOYA adjustable tofu press. Featuring a clear water catcher with measurement marks in both inches and centimeters, the press lets you choose how dense you want your tofu to be — and replicate the experience. Simply place your bean curd in the drip tray, lower it into the water catcher, and adjust the knob at the top of the gadget until your tofu reaches the desired measurement mark on the container. In addition, the press comes with a spout that lets you pour out excess water without opening the lid.
Overall, the NOYA adjustable tofu press has received positive reviews from shoppers, rating 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. Perhaps one customer sums up the tofu press best, saying, "I wasn't expecting too much with this, but was I WOWED! [...] This press gets a major amount of water out of the tofu. [...] Cleaning is a bit of an issue since there are three sections. Two are pretty easy. The actual press portion does require attention."
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the NOYA adjustable tofu press from Amazon starting at $18.69.
Best tofu press set
The Grow Your Pantry tofu press comes with a tote bag for easy storage and portability, as well as a handy eBook guide with tips and recipes for bean curd dishes from around the globe. There's also a gift box in case you're buying the gadget for a friend or a family member. Made from sustainable bamboo, the press features two rust-resistant stainless steel bolts that can be tightened to squeeze water out of bean curd. Plus, the set includes a handy drip tray to keep tofu out of the drained water.
With an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from more than 500 Amazon shoppers, the Grow Your Pantry tofu press is a great buy for the price — especially considering the bonus accessories. One customer calls the gadget "a great little tool," adding, "You assemble it when you first get it (five minutes, maybe) then after you just screw and unscrew the wing nuts to use and clean it. Cleaning is easy — I usually just run it under water and let it dry. [...] The construction and materials are great, it feels really sturdy." On the downside, some shoppers complain that there are too many small pieces that require assembling and disassembling every time you use the press and that the gadget is prone to cracks.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the Grow Your Pantry tofu press from Amazon starting at $25.99.
Best tofu press for marinating
The TofuXpress gourmet tofu press doesn't just press the water out of bean curd, but can also be used to marinate it in sauces. This, of course, translates to less washing up at the end of the day. Made from plastic, the tofu press comes with a lid and a flat plate connected by a removable stainless steel spring. To press down the block of tofu, simply turn the knob on the top of the lid to lower the bottom panel. The gadget doesn't come with any drainage holes, so you'll have to tip out the extracted water manually. And while this may seem inconvenient at the time, it's precisely what lets you marinate your tofu directly in the press.
The TofuXpress gourmet tofu press has received 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, with 74% of shoppers awarding it five out of five stars. One customer calls the gadget "amazing," elaborating, "I absolutely love the ease of just adding marinade to the same container after the tofu is pressed! I have never had so much marinade be soaked up by the tofu before!" This being said, the press comes with a heavy-duty spring that may damage soft tofu. As such, it's best to only use it with relatively firm tofu.
At the time of this writing, you can purchase the TofuXpress gourmet tofu press from Amazon starting at $55.95.