Ultimate Tofu Press Buying Guide

Whether you are dealing with store-bought firm tofu or homemade tofu, you will need to adjust the water content, which influences the final dish's texture, flavor, and crispiness. Buying a tofu press gets complicated as not all tofu presses are made the same- you will need to consider various features such as built-in drainage plates, drip trays, materials used, size, and ease of storage. 

Let’s take a detailed look into buying a tofu press, what you need to look out for, and our list of the best tofu presses.

What Is a Tofu Press?

A tofu press is a kitchen gadget that removes excess moisture from firm and extra firm tofu. While tofu is a high-protein food, it also has high water content, making it soggy and even falling apart as you cook. With a tofu press, you can remove the excess water in the tofu up to the level you want for the specific recipe you are working with, allowing the tofu to hold its shape while cooking evenly. 

Tofu presses are a great way to improve the texture and flavor of tofu. Pressed tofu is firmer and chewier, absorbing marinades and sauces more easily. If you are serious about cooking tofu, a tofu press is worthwhile.

Benefits of using a tofu press

• Pressed tofu is firmer and chewier, which makes it better for stir-fries, grilling, and baking.
• Pressed tofu absorbs marinades and sauces more easily, which results in more flavorful tofu dishes.
• Pressed tofu has a longer shelf life than unpressed tofu.

Types of tofu presses

There are two major tofu press designs: box presses and plate presses. These staples can also be made of varying materials, from bamboo to stainless steel and plastic. Ultimately, the best type of tofu press for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a press that is effective at removing moisture and can be used to press large blocks of tofu, then a box press is a good option. A plate press is a better choice if you are looking for an inexpensive, lightweight, and portable press.

1. Plate press

Plate presses are the simplest type of tofu press. They consist of a flat plate with a weight on top. To use a plate press, you simply place the tofu on the plate and then put the weight on top. The weight will press down on the tofu and squeeze out the moisture.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Easy to use and clean 
• Inexpensive

Cons

• You can only press small blocks of tofu
• They are not as sturdy or durable as box presses
• Not effective at removing moisture as box presses

2. Box press

Box presses are more complex than plate presses but are also more effective at removing moisture from tofu. Box presses consist of a box with a lid. The tofu is placed in the box, and the lid is closed. The lid has a lever that can be used to apply pressure to the tofu. The more pressure that is applied, the more moisture will be removed.

Pros

• More effective at removing moisture than plate presses.
• It can be used to press large blocks of tofu.
• More sturdy and durable than plate presses.
• Easy to use and clean.

Cons

• They are more expensive than plate presses.
• They can be bulky and take up more space in the kitchen.
• Not as portable as plate presses.

Factors to consider when choosing a tofu press

1. Material

Tofu presses can be made from plastic, stainless steel, or bamboo. Plastic presses are the most affordable, lightweight, and easy to clean but can be less durable. Stainless steel presses are more durable as they resist rust and corrosion. However, they are heavier, and they are also more expensive. Bamboo presses are a good option if you want a sustainable option that’s renewable and made from a biodegradable resource. Bamboo presses are also lightweight and easy to clean. However, bamboo presses can be more expensive than plastic presses and may not be as durable as stainless steel presses.

2. Size

Tofu presses come in a variety of sizes. Choose a press that is the right size for the amount of tofu you typically cook with. A smaller press may be sufficient if you only cook tofu occasionally. However, if you cook tofu regularly, you may want a larger press that can accommodate larger blocks.

3. Features

Some tofu presses have additional features, such as a built-in drainage tray or a measuring cup. These features can be helpful, but they are not essential. A built-in drainage tray can make it easier to collect the excess water that is pressed out of the tofu. A measuring cup can be used to measure the amount of water that is pressed out of the tofu. This can be helpful if you are trying to control the moisture content of the tofu.

Best Tofu Press

Grow Your Pantry Bamboo Tofu Press

Price: $34.99

Materials: Bamboo

Size: 11.61 x 6.57 x 2.99 inches

If you're a tofu lover, you know that the key to delicious tofu is pressing out the excess water. But traditional tofu presses can be cumbersome and difficult to use. That's where the Grow Your Pantry bamboo tofu press comes in.

This innovative press is made from premium bamboo, making it both eco-friendly and durable. It's also incredibly easy to use. Simply place your tofu between the two plates, adjust the pressure with the screws, and let the press do the work. In just a few minutes, you'll have perfectly pressed tofu that's ready to be cooked.

The Bamboo Tofu Press has a number of advantages over traditional presses. First, it's much more efficient at removing water from tofu. This means that your tofu will be firmer and have better texture. Second, the Bamboo Tofu Press is much easier to use. There are no complicated parts to assemble or disassemble, and you can adjust the pressure to get the perfect level of firmness. Third, the bamboo tofu press is dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

In addition to pressing tofu, the Bamboo Tofu Press can also be used to press other foods, such as homemade cheese or vegetables. This makes it a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for various dishes.

If you're looking for a high-quality tofu press that's easy to use and versatile, the Bamboo Tofu Press is the perfect choice for you. It's the perfect way to get the most out of your tofu and create delicious, flavorful dishes.

Tofuture Tofu Press

Price: $22.95

Materials: plastic

Size: 6"L x 5"W x 2.8"H inches

Tofuture tofu press delivers perfectly pressed tofu without leaving behind any mess that would be a hassle to clean up. The tofu press is easy to use; all you need to do is pop a fitting block of tofu into the press, pull down the clips, and let it gradually press the water out of the tofu.

Tofuture design relies on simplicity; with just three parts, you can quickly assemble and clean up. The tofu press is adjustable to three levels allowing you to press different sizes, including firm and extra-firm tofu.

The outer container collects the water preventing any mess, while the inner container has legs that keep the tofu clear of the extracted water. The Tofuture press is made with BPA-free dishwasher-safe plastic and also comes with a 2-year warranty assuring buyers of its durability and quality. 

Noya Adjustable Tofu Press

Price: $22.99

Materials: Plastic

Size: 7.48"L x 5.11"W x 6.49"H inches

If you are looking for a fast way to press your tofu evenly, the Noya adjustable press is the right tool for you. An adjustable strong stainless steel spring can continuously provide 10kgs of pressure. The stainless steel will not rust even under daily use. 

Noya incorporates an openable U-drip tray that helps place and move tofu easily to avoid damage. The drip tray also makes it easy to drain the water through the small holes located on the bottom base. When you want to drain the tray, just tilt the press so that the water-pressed water drains through the pour spout eliminating the need to open the lid. 

The hands-free design requires you to rotate the silicone handle and let the spring-loaded contraption do its work. Noya incorporates depth markings on the water catcher to help remember the tofu’s firmness while always getting the same consistency. You can use the extra lid to marinate your tofu in the same container.

EZ Tofu Press

Price: $21.99

Materials: plastic

Size: 9 x 5.25 x 4 inches

EZ tofu presses feature a user-friendly design simplifying the tofu pressing process. Unlike most tofu presses that rely on springs and elastic bands, the EZ press uses tightening knobs that cannot wear out or break. 

EZ presses include stainless steel grommet tip plates, allowing them to press tofu smoothly. You can use the press with varying sizes of tofu as long as they fit in the press. You can use the unit as a paneer presser if you want to make homemade paneer. 

When it comes time to clean up, the EZ press is designed with simplicity and ease of clean up in mind, just release the tension knobs and use hot soapy water or place it on the top of the dishwasher. 

Conclusion

Tofu is a fantastic gluten-free, low-fat, low-cholesterol protein source; however, the preparation process can be pretty messy if you do not have a good tofu press. Ultimately when shopping for a tofu press, you want one that efficiently squeezes out the water without squishing the tofu or making it crumbly. The bamboo tofu press by Grow Your Pantry is the perfect addition to any kitchen with its easy and practical design that utilizes durable and eco-friendly bamboo.