The 5 Best Tofu Presses in 2023, Tested and Reviewed

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. And 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.”

Why Trust The Spruce Eats?

Rachel Werner is an eco-conscious vegan and culinary writer who has been profiling farmers, chefs, restaurants, and food-based businesses for over seven years. Her enthusiasm for plant-based cooking is evident in the content she’s created for a variety of regional and national publications, such as TheKitchn, Fabulous Wisconsin, BRAVA, and Hobby Farms Magazine. See examples of Rachel’s work behind the camera via the vegan lifestyle Instagram account @trulyplanted.

Sources

• Lauren Montelbano, personal chef and holistic nutritionist at The Vibrant Ve