A grill press, sometimes called a bacon press or steak weight, is a heavy, flat tool—often made of cast iron or stainless steel—designed to apply even pressure to food as it cooks. By pressing food firmly against a hot pan or grill, it promotes better surface contact, ensuring faster cooking, more even browning, and the reduction of unwanted curling in items like bacon or burgers. Grill presses are simple but effective tools that help elevate everyday stovetop or grill cooking.
How Grill Presses Are Used
Using a grill press is straightforward: the press is typically preheated along with the pan or grill, then placed directly on top of the food being cooked. The weight of the press helps achieve a uniform sear, speeds up cooking by keeping food flat against the heat source, and minimizes splattering of greasy foods. Grill presses are particularly useful for foods like sandwiches, steaks, burgers, bacon, and even vegetables, where even pressure creates crisp textures and appetizing grill marks.
Why Every Kitchen Should Have a Grill Press, and Why It Might Make Sense to Have More Than One
Every kitchen benefits from a grill press because it combines efficiency with improved results. Foods cook more quickly, release less grease, and develop a professional-quality sear. A press also makes tasks like panini-making easier without requiring a dedicated sandwich press. Having more than one grill press can be especially practical when cooking larger batches—such as pressing multiple burgers or strips of bacon at once—or when using them on both the stovetop and outdoor grill simultaneously. This makes them valuable tools for both everyday cooking and entertaining.
Why the Lodge Grill Press Is Preferable to Others
The Lodge Grill Press stands out due to its cast iron construction, which delivers excellent heat retention and durability unmatched by lighter materials. Its textured surface helps create defined grill marks, while the removable, stay-cool handle provides comfort and safety during use. Pre-seasoned for immediate use, it requires minimal maintenance and only improves with age. Backed by Lodge’s long-standing reputation for quality cast iron cookware, the Lodge Grill Press offers superior performance and longevity compared to many lighter, less robust presses on the market.