Not all tofu presses are made equal. Some tofu squeezers provide excellent quality tofu straining, and some are even multitasking gadgets in the kitchen.
With the plethora of tofu strainers out there, it can be tough to choose the best one that’s perfect for you and your kitchen. That’s why in this review, we’ll be cherry-picking the best tofu press on the market based on their features and performance.
Best Tofu Press On the Market Reviewed
#1: EZ Tofu Press
If you’re looking for a user-friendly and affordable kitchen tool for better flavor absorption, then the EZ Tofu Press is the one for you.
This contraption takes only 5 to 15 minutes to press tofu, making it so much faster than spring versions which may take hours. Plus, it can be used with tofu bricks of all kinds of sizes.
Offering the best value in the market, the EZ Tofu Press is very easy to clean. It is also designed for smooth pressing, and it has the ability to eliminate plastic from getting absorbed in each tofu block.
To add to these, the EZ Tofu Press has unique stainless steel grommets that allow for smooth pressing and eliminate plastic from getting into your tofu blocks.
The EZ Tofu Press has no springs, just knobs which you have to turn every two minutes, and one must be careful as to the application of pressure so the tofu block would be pressed equally.
These minor details pale in comparison to this tofu squeezer’s ease of use and the fact that it’s easy to clean, making the cleanup after cooking much more convenient.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Easy to clean
- Can be used with most tofu brick sizes
- Very user-friendly
Cons:
- Requires one to turn knobs every two minutes
- The pressure on the tofu block is not dispersed equally with every press
#2: Healthy Express Tofu Press
Affordability meets efficiency in the Healthy Express Tofu Press. Made with unique curved plates, this product is specially designed to apply even pressure on every tofu block.
Guaranteed food-safe and BPA-free, it is delivered fully assembled, ensuring that it’s easy to use even for newbies in the kitchen.
What’s cool about the Healthy Express Tofu Press is that it includes a recipe booklet with 5 dishes for you to try, so once you buy one, you don’t even have to think of possible recipes to cook. Plus, it can be loaded into the dishwasher and storage cabinet fully assembled.
The Healthy Express Tofu Press requires its screws to be tightened with every press, which may be troublesome for some people, but it’s a small price to pay compared with the benefits of its usage.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Presses tofu blocks evenly
- Delivered fully assembled
- User-friendly
Cons:
- Requires screws to be tightened with every press
#3: ToFuture Tofu Press
No, this is not a toy. The ToFuture Tofu Press is a unique and stylish tofu press that drains water from tofu almost immediately. With its compact design, you can easily store it in your refrigerator, and you can even use this product for overnight presses.
The ToFuture Tofu Press comes with an outside container, which means you can see the actual water drained from each block. This feature also ensures that it leaves no mess behind after every press. Plus, it’s BPA-free and dishwasher-safe so it’s guaranteed toxic-free and easy to clean.
Using the ToFuture Tofu Press requires some patience, as it takes longer to press tofu than the other products on this list. Plus, its design and material (it’s made of plastic) make it prone to breakage.
If handled with care, this tofu squeezer can stand the test of time, and work with you through many culinary excursions. Also, it cannot be discounted that it has a very cute design.
Pros:
- Cute and modern design
- Can be left all day and night
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Takes longer to press than other tofu presses
- Prone to breakage
#4: Raw Rutes Tofu Press
The Raw Rutes Tofu Press claims to be the last tofu press you’ll ever buy, and with good reason.
This ultra heavy-duty pressing weight is made from top-quality stainless steel (with 40% recycled content), making it the strongest tofu squeezer on this list. Very easy to navigate, it ensures that the shape of every tofu block is retained even after a hard press.
The Raw Rutes Tofu Press comes in two designs: the Ninja packages itself as a straight shooter, with a black knob and sleek designs, and the Sumo has a laser-cut design on the sides and a red knob for maximum pressure. Both designs press tofu equally well and in the exact same way.
Due to its robust design, it can be difficult to control the pressure made with every press. To add to this, it tends to remove less water than its plastic counterparts, but if you’re looking for a heavy-duty buddy that retains your tofu’s shape, this product is the one for you.
Pros:
- Retains tofu shape
- Sturdy and sleek design
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Removes less water than plastic tofu presses
- Difficult to control pressure
#5: Kimono Kitchen Bamboo Tofu Press
Made plastic-free, the Kimono Kitchen Bamboo Tofu Press is the most environment-friendly tofu presser on this list. With its thick, solid wood boards, you can press tofu again and again without worrying if the boards would bend.
Plus, it is also made with food-safe stainless steel, which ensures that no plastic will enter your tofu as it presses.
This product requires only 6 to 15 minutes of your time to press your tofu for you. Plus, its design promotes a non-toxic and healthy lifestyle, making it the ideal partner for those who want to live healthy holistically.
Using this product requires one to tighten its screws continuously so it may not be ideal for those who are pressed for time in the kitchen.
Twisting the Kimono Kitchen Bamboo Tofu Press’s screws may be a task a bit difficult for some as well.
However, it is the perfect tofu strainer for people who want to lead toxic-free and thoroughly environment-friendly lives.
Pros:
- Non-toxic materials
- Drains tofu the quickest
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Requires you to continuously tighten screws
- Tightening its screws can be a bit difficult
#6: TofuPresser Super Tofu Press
An affordable contraction that offers convenience plus efficiency, the TofuPresser Super Tofu Press is THE original tofu squeezer. Designed to make your life easier, it can apply even pressure of up to 50 pounds per square inch of each tofu block.
If you’re always cooking in a rush, this is your best bet as this product drains out all the excess water from tofu bricks in as little as 15 minutes. With its four spring technology, it is equipped to squeeze tofu of all firmness and texture.
Their tofu squeezer is made with custom molded BPA-free HDPE plastic, and the TofuPresser Super Tofu Press is so confident of its quality that it even offers an unconditional 30-Day money-back guarantee.
On one hand, this tofu strainer’s four screws require it to be individually tightened in every usage, which may cause unevenly pressed tofu. Plus, it can make a bit of a mess in the kitchen, but these are minor setbacks compared to their value and performance.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Efficient to use
- Can squeeze tofu of all firmness and texture
Cons:
- Requires constant tightening of screws
- Can cause a mess
#7: Tofu Xpress Gourmet Tofu Press
The Tofu Xpress Gourmet Tofu Press is more than just a tofu squeezer. It can function as a shredder of other food items such as cabbage, spinach, and cheese. It even comes with a separate lid that can double as a marinating dish.
This tofu presser is easy to clean, and it even comes with a recipe book, perfect for neophytes in the kitchen. Plus, you can monitor the progress of your tofu straining with this product.
To add to these amazing features, this tofu squeezer is compact enough to store in the refrigerator, making it optimal for overnight tofu squeezing.
It should be noted, however, that there have been complaints about its durability. It can easily break after falling. It cannot contain large tofu blocks as well, but if you’re looking for a multipurpose gadget in the kitchen (and you’re careful), this might be the one for you.
Pros:
- Multipurpose
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a recipe book
Cons:
- Fragile
- Cannot contain large tofu blocks
#8: Mangocore Tofu Maker Press Mold Kit
The most affordable tofu strainer in the market, the Mangocore Tofu Maker Press Mold Kit comprises three pieces that can function both as a presser and a mold. It has a very simple, straightforward design, and it even comes with a free cheesecloth.
Very easy to clean, this product is safe to be loaded in the dishwasher. Plus, it’s made from food-grade plastic, meaning it is odorless and safe and it does not infect your tofu with toxic materials. It is also very durable so this tofu squeezer will surely last a long time in your kitchen.
It should be noted, however, as this product has no screws or special plates, you need to apply a lot of pressure in order to squeeze out the excess water in each tofu block.
Also, it does not come with an instruction manual so you have to figure out using it yourself. Given its affordability and durability, this product is still of great value.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Easy to clean
- Excellent durability
Cons:
- Requires a lot of pressure
- No instruction manual
#9: Simple Drip Tofu Press
With the Simple Drip Tofu Press, you can set it and forget it. It presses tofu blocks even without your assistance, so you can multitask in the kitchen.
Equipped with a patented tofu presser design, this product includes three core parts: a standard top plate for squeezing tofu blocks, a bottom plate with drip holes, and a removable drip tray.
Plus, this tofu strainer is made with the best quality materials in the market as the presser is BPA-free, and all its bolts and nuts are made of food-grade stainless steel.
Very compact, this tofu squeezer weighs about two pounds. It guarantees no mess in the kitchen, and if for some reason you’re dissatisfied with its performance, they even offer a 100% money-back guarantee.
Its parts aren’t detachable, which means it prevents fat storage. Given its size, it is not optimal for large tofu blocks as well. However, if you have a lot of tasks at hand, this tofu squeezer can strain tofu by itself so all in all, it’s not a very bad trade-off.
Pros:
- Can squeeze tofu on its own
- No mess in the kitchen
- 100% money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Parts aren’t detachable
- Cannot be used for large tofu blocks
10: Yarkor Tofu Press
A spring-loaded press that strains out the most water possible, the Yarkor Tofu Press is an all-in-one solution for pressing your tofu block.
With its simple and convenient design, this tofu strainer doesn’t require much of your attention once it’s set up, perfect for busy people who are juggling a lot of things in the kitchen.
Made with the highest quality materials, this tofu squeezer contains no harmful chemicals. Plus, it’s very easy to clean up. To add to these, if you encounter any problems with this product, you are entitled to a 30 day 100% money-back guarantee upon purchase.
Some users have commented though that it can be difficult to set up, and it cannot cater to all tofu sizes. Plus, it drains only one block at a time. Given that it can work on its own and it doesn’t cause a mess in the kitchen, this tofu presser is still worth a try.
Pros:
- Can work on its own
- Easy to clean up
- 30 day 100% money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Can be difficult to set up
- Drains only one block at a time
Best Tofu Press: Buyer’s Guide
The type of tofu press you should avail of ultimately depends on your personal preferences. As the list above details, every tofu strainer has its strengths and setbacks. It would be ideal to have a list of what you should look out for before investing in a tofu squeezing partner in the kitchen.
Here are critical factors that should be on your list as you choose the best tofu straining press for you:
Pressing Capability
If you’re preparing meals for yourself or a small group, you should opt for a more compact tofu presser that can accommodate a few small blocks at a time. This would save you a lot of space in the kitchen. However, if you’re the type to regularly prepare meals for big crowds, investing in heavy-duty tofu presses that can cater to all sizes might be your best to maximize your resources.
Durability
The sturdiness of your tofu strainer would impact its longevity and the number of tofu dishes you can prepare. Plus, it would mean that you don’t have to buy a replacement or spare parts in case of damage or breakage. Thus, it is important to consider the durability level of the contraption you’ll be availing of.
Easy to use
If you’re a newbie in the kitchen, it would be best to go for a tofu presser that’s very user-friendly in order to make your life easier. You can go for the more complicated and heavy-duty models if you’re more advanced in the kitchen.
Easy to clean
Given that cooking any dish in the kitchen will require you to make a bit of a mess, choosing a tofu press that’s easy to clean would save you so much time and effort. While it doesn’t solve all your cleaning problems, it’s one less thing you’d have to worry about.
Material Quality
The quality of the materials used to make your tofu presser would ultimately impact the tofu dish you would consume, so it’s best to invest in tofu pressers that are made of premium quality materials. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
It is important to note that a hefty price tag doesn’t always ensure superior performance. As detailed above, there are affordable options that can hold its own against the pricier tofu presses in the market. The fact of the matter is that a good quality tofu squeezer will maximize the flavor of your tofu dishes, making them handy gadgets in one’s kitchen. That’s why these little contraptions are useful even for the neophytes in the kitchen.
Best Tofu Press: FAQs
Q1: What is tofu?
Originally from China, Tofu is a bean curd made from condensed soy milk that is pressed into solid blocks. The process of making tofu is similar to cheesemaking. Tofu is vegetarian-friendly and full of nutrients such as protein, which is why it is a popular meat alternative. Plus, they’re affordable and versatile, a very handy ingredient in one’s pantry.
Q2: What can you cook with tofu?
Not only is tofu affordable but also very versatile. The possibilities are endless as you can fry, grill, scramble, bake or even blend tofu to make delicious tofu dishes. It’s popular among vegetarians and a staple item in Asian kitchens, but given how easy it is to flavor and cook, it’s a great food item for everyone.
Q3: What types of tofu presses are there?
There are two types of tofu presses: the plate-style and the box style. The plate-style tofu strainer requires tofu blocks to be squeezed in between its slabs, and they’re very simple to use. The box-style tofu squeezers are convenient contraptions as there is no need for constant adjusting of screws, but these ones might require a bit of squeezing effort from you.
Q4: What happens when you don’t press your tofu?
If you don’t press your tofu, chances are that they’ll end up bland because of the excess water in each block, which is probably why tofu has a reputation for being boring. A tofu press amps up the flavor of your dishes, making them more delicious than ever. Plus, using a tofu squeezer will ensure that the tofu will keep its shape.
Q5: Where can you buy a tofu press?
There are a lot of online stores that offer different tofu strainers. Your best bet for scoring the ideal tofu presser is Amazon as there are a lot of models available as well as customer reviews so you can read up on people’s firsthand experience. You can also check out other leading e-commerce stores such as eBay and AliExpress.
Conclusion
Tofu is a versatile and affordable food item that can be cooked in so many ways. Whether you’re on a plant-based diet or not, it’s a definite must-have in everyone’s kitchen. Acquiring a tofu press helps you maximize the flavors of your tofu dishes, helping you whip up delicious meals every time.
They’re usually small and easy to store, which makes them optimal even for small kitchens. Always remember though that your tofu is what you make of it. A tofu press just helps you make them a press above the rest.
