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Unitaskers, those seemingly impractical kitchen gadgets designed for singular tasks, often face criticism. However, I find their utility quite appealing. My kitchen philosophy leans towards maximizing each cooking process by utilizing the most appropriate tools for even the smallest tasks, even if it means ending up with a sink full of dishes. Essentials for me include my 1.5-cup measuring cup, lemon squeezer, and various sieves.
It’s a fact that not every single-use tool justifies the space it occupies or the materials from which it is made, not to mention the ethical considerations surrounding their production. I’m not advocating for all such gadgets—certain tools like strawberry hullers or banana slicers seem unnecessarily superfluous. Yet, there’s a strong case for the tofu press.
For those unfamiliar, a tofu press is quite a straightforward device. My own press, from a brand named Tofu Bud, features a plastic container that snugly holds a standard block of tofu, accompanied by two perforated panels and a large metal spring with a knob. The tofu is placed between these panels, and the knob-spring mechanism applies pressure through an opening in the lid. There are two levels of pressure: the softer setting for delicate tofu and the firmer one for sturdier blocks. After allowing it to compress for about 15 to 20 minutes, you can release the excess water through a spout at the top.
Draining tofu is crucial for optimal cooking. Pressed tofu absorbs marinades more readily and tends to crisp up better when cooked. Additionally, this method ensures that the tofu maintains its shape instead of falling apart while being cooked.
Before I owned a tofu press, I frequently struggled to adequately drain the tofu. My usual approach involved wrapping the block in paper towels or a tea towel, then placing it under a plate weighted down with a heavy can. I’d manually apply more pressure, often ending up with a soggy heap of towels. This improvised method felt inadequate for an ingredient that deserves a better treatment. — Emma Alpern
Top 5 Tofu Presses
The tofu press market is clearly thriving. While the Tofu Bud remains our top recommendation, we examined a variety of models to identify the five best tofu presses that truly deliver. — Noella Williams
Selection Criteria
I personally tested all five of these presses, assessing how much water remained in each block after a half-hour of pressing. After this, I utilized the pressed tofu in multiple recipes to evaluate its cooking performance. I also considered ease of use, the pressure exerted, storage convenience, and overall value.
Best Overall: Tofu Bud
The Tofu Bud excels with an efficient and consistent pressing experience in under 20 minutes. Featuring two pressure settings for customizable control, it simplifies the process. The removable drainer is especially convenient, allowing you to manage excess water without needing to re-submerge your tofu, unlike some alternatives. Its dishwasher-safe design and compact storage make it a practical addition to any kitchen.
Best for Beginners: ToFuture Tofu Press
If you’re still using heavy books or pans to press tofu, it’s time to switch to a dedicated device. The ToFuture Tofu Press, with its child-friendly design, is effective and easy to use. It offers three pressure settings, making it suitable for various types of tofu; however, it’s essential to use the first level for silken tofu to prevent crumbling. Its straightforward operation and neat storage capabilities make it particularly beginner-friendly.
Best for Quick Preparations: EZ Tofu Press
The EZ Tofu Press, the first of its kind that I tried, is still a recommendation for newcomers to tofu. It establishes itself as a quick tool, extracting moisture from tofu in less than 15 minutes through a simple system of trays and screws. Its only drawback is the absence of a dedicated container for the released liquid; I found it easier to tilt the press over a bowl to manage the runoff. Despite this, the press offers great speed and compactness.
Best for Marinating: NOYA Adjustable Tofu Press
As a fan of versatile kitchen tools, the NOYA Adjustable Tofu Press caught my attention. Not only is it spacious enough for extra-firm blocks, but it also simplifies various aspects of the cooking process.
This press includes dual measurement options for precise compression and a built-in spout that allows for easy water drainage without opening it. A marinating lid is also part of the package, ideal for those who prefer to flavor their tofu before cooking. One notable feature is the removable tray that holds the tofu, which doubles as a cutting board for convenience.
Best for Sustainability: Bamboo Tofu Press
Given that many tofu presses are made of plastic, the Bamboo Tofu Press stands out as an eco-conscious choice. Its natural antibacterial properties and appealing wooden finish allow it to stay on the counter without being an eyesore.
Much like other presses, this model features a drainage design to collect excess moisture easily. If you’re specifically looking for a spring-based option, it shares similarities with the EZ Tofu Press in its adjustment mechanism. Overall, it performs comparably in squeezing water but excels in its environmental considerations and even comes with cheesecloth to assist in the pressing process.
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