Tofu is a soy-based meat alternative frequently used by culinary professionals and home chefs alike. However, many struggle with learning how to make this alternative protein source as palatable as the tasty morsels that others masterfully serve up.
One common prep misstep involves failing to remove the excess water inside many pre-packaged tofu blocks prior to marinating, baking, or grilling, which causes it to lose its shape, fall apart, and fail to absorb additional flavor. For optimal taste and texture—especially when frying—those who are looking to regularly incorporate this plant-based staple into meal planning would be wise to opt for a tofu press.
“Tofu pressing is a very easy process that will help your tofu absorb flavor and hold its shape while cooking,” Lauren Montelbano, personal chef and holistic nutritionist at The Vibrant Veg, says.
To help you find the best prep tools for your next vegetarian meal, we tested out the top-rated tofu presses. Each one was used to press different types of tofus, including the medium and extra-firm varieties. Then, the tofu presses were all rated on design, material, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value.
Best Overall
EZ Tofu Press
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- Dishwasher safe
- Larger surface area
- Tofu fully pressed in 15 minutes
- No drainage plate or area
Ease of use, time efficiency, and fast drying time are major selling points of this budget-friendly model. The EZ Tofu Press can press a small or large block of tofu in under 15 minutes, thanks to the ability to increase the pressure level every two to three minutes via hand-controlled knobs. We found this option to be incredibly straightforward to use. It’s great for newer tofu fans or long-time lovers alike. Because it requires very little assembly, it is also incredibly easy to clean.
Product components are made out of BPA-free plastic and stainless steel. Other major pluses during hands-on testing included being able to fit a range of tofu block sizes, having centering marks to ensure proper placements and doubling as a press for paneer. One slight downside to the press is that it doesn’t have anywhere for the water to drain. We recommend setting it on some paper towels to avoid any spills.
Material: Stainless steel grommets and BPA-free plastic | Dimensions (LxWxH): 9 x 5.25 x 4 inches | Dishwasher-safe? Yes
Best Budget
Yarkor Tofu Press
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- Very affordable
- BPA-free plastic
- Easy to use
- Full press takes at least two hours
Simple functionality, compact size, and a drainage feature make this tofu press a solid buy. A built-in spring mechanism will gradually press the moisture out of standard 16-ounce tofu blocks. We recommend allowing the tofu to remain overnight or at least for several hours before cooking, since once the block is fully secured inside, no other “hands-on” action is needed.
Our favorite features include being fully dishwasher-safe, how quickly it presses, and that the bottom tray collects surplus water as it drips out, preventing spills on counters or in the fridge. It’s also a solid choice as a “starter” press for anyone in the process of learning how to prepare tofu for a variety of dishes. The manufacturer also offers a 100 percent money-back guarantee for one month after purchase.
Material: BPA-free plastic | Dimensions (LxWxH): 7.09 x 5.12 x 3.94 inches | Dishwasher-safe? Yes
Best Bamboo
Grow Your Pantry Bamboo Tofu Press
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- Drip tray included
- Tofu fully pressed in 15 minutes
- Antibacterial material
- Hand-wash only
An assortment of “extras,” such as a drainage tray, storage bag, and a recipe e-book, are useful accessories bundled with this pick. Bamboo is naturally antibacterial so the press is an economical and hygienic option for eco-conscious shoppers. The product also comes with easy-to-follow instructions in addition to all necessary tools, which makes putting it together—and taking it apart—a cinch.
The earthy vibe also prevents it from being an eyesore for those who prefer to leave the press in a ready-to-use position on countertops. Thus, being eco-friendly in terms of design and aesthetic makes this tofu press a suitable choice for any home cooks who prioritize purchasing sustainable kitchenware. Keep in mind, though, that it is not dishwasher safe so you’ll have to wash this one by hand.
Material: Bamboo | Dimensions (LxWxH): 11.61 x 6.57 x 2.99 inches | Dishwasher-safe? No
Best Plastic
TofuXpress Gourmet Tofu Press
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- One-year warranty
- Can be refrigerated
- Only fits standard size tofu
Drain and season in the same compartment with this dual-purpose press. Being able to use this product to press and marinate tofu is quite handy. We found it very easy it is to clean and the overall design very convenient. Keep in mind, however, that it really only fits standard-sized tofu blocks since the springs can’t be adjusted.
The tofu can be left in the bottom compartment after the initial moisture is eliminated to then be prepped with other sauces, herbs, and more—then simply popped into the fridge (prior to cooking). The model’s design also lends itself well to withdrawing liquid from yogurt, spinach, eggplant, and cabbage.
Material: FDA-approved thermoplastic and stainless steel | Dimensions (LxWxH): 5 x 5 x 5 inches | Dishwasher-safe? Yes
Best Stainless Steel
Raw Rutes Ninja Tofu Press
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- Lifetime warranty
- Easy to clean
- Heavy-duty material
- Durable and long-lasting
- More expensive than other models
As versatile as it is sleek, it earns its “Ninja” moniker by being too dynamic to be hidden away in the kitchen cupboard. The spring-, screw-, and rubberband-free design not only results in a more minimalist look when it comes to form but also streamlines the pressing process. The magic is in the weighted top, which does the heavy lifting in terms of extracting water from tofu blocks and canned veggies, and it can be used to create tofu and paneer cheese at home.
Another added perk is that the food-grade stainless steel is actually partially composed of recycled materials. We really love the contemporary chrome exterior because it doesn’t look out of place on kitchen countertops with its upscale vibe. With this comes a higher, price tag, however.
Material: Stainless steel | Dimensions (LxWxH): 4.1 x 3.1 x 2.5 inches | Dishwasher-safe? Yes
Final Verdict
Our top spot goes to the simple, yet powerful, EZ Tofu Press—the function is incredibly straightforward and everything is dishwasher-safe for easy cleaning. For the most hassle-free tofu making, we recommend the Yarkor Tofu Press, thanks to its simple functionality, affordability, compact size, and drainage feature.
How We Tested
Our selected tofu presses were tested for hours by our product tester for the most authentic results. We paid close attention to the design, material, performance, ease of cleaning, and overall value of the presses. We made careful note of how effectively the products pressed the moisture out of different blocks of tofu, and whether the material was of durable quality. We also rated based on its convenience factors—whether it made everyday kitchen functions easier and better.
What to Look for in a Tofu Press
Design
The majority of tofu presses are constructed with two flat plates or in the shape of a box. Ideally, look for one that has small recesses that will allow the bolt heads to sit flush into the bottom plate. That will result in the press being able to sit flat on the counter. Some presses are not manufactured with such recesses, so plastic or metal bolts are then in direct contact with the surface it’s sitting on top of, making it easy for scratches or dents to occur on countertops when used.
Material
Tofu presses come in a range of different materials, including plastic, bamboo, and stainless steel. Plastic presses are the most affordable and the simplest to use and clean. Bamboo presses are preferred by some due to their anti-bacterial properties—it’s the ideal choice for the eco-conscious. Yet, stainless steel presses are undoubtedly the most durable and strong. We recommend this for users who plan on making frequent use of their tofu press and want maximum extraction power.
Many presses have plastic knobs or tiny wing nuts that can be difficult to grip when tightening to apply pressure on tofu blocks. Look for ones that are made out of brass, steel, or bamboo and are large enough that your hand will be able to get sufficient leverage to turn tightly.
FAQs
How do you press tofu?
Here are the specific steps that Lauren Montelbano, personal chef and holistic nutritionist at The Vibrant Veg, recommends following:
Step 1: Wrap the tofu block in the tea towel to absorb the moisture as it releases, or prior to placing in a press.
Step 2: Place the wrapped block in the press or on one of the plates/baking sheets, and cover with the second plate or baking sheet.
Step 3: Press for at least 30 minutes, although the longer, the better. It can even be left overnight so that it’s ready and waiting for you in the morning.
Step 4: Remove the tofu, slice or cube it, and marinate.
Optional step: You can also slice the block in half before pressing if desired, to help to get more moisture out of the tofu.
Do you have to press tofu?
“If you are trying to have a delicious, flavorful tofu, I would highly recommend pressing your tofu before you marinate it,” explains Montelbano. “This will remove the water and allow you to replace it with flavor. Tofu isn’t as absorbent before you press it, because it’s waterlogged, so once you remove that excess moisture, it becomes like a dry sponge ready to soak up additional liquid.”
How do you store tofu after pressing?
Montelbano says that pre-pressed tofu can be stored in an airtight container for a few hours if need be. “However, in my opinion, it is best to get it into a marinade right away, because it will need to remain in the marinade for at least 30 to 60 minutes,” she says.
Do you have to press every type of tofu?
Medium and extra firm tofu both do well with pressing, but Montelbano does not recommend pressing silken or soft tofu ever, “unless you want a mushy mess on your hands.”
Can you buy tofu that’s already been pressed?
“Yes. Tofu that is vacuum-sealed is almost always pre-pressed,” Montelbano says. “It’s usually already marinated, too.”
