Cuisinart 6.5" Cast Iron Smash Burger Press
Best for: Best for making restaurant-quality smash burgers at home — a 2lb cast iron press that creates crispy, caramelised edges on griddles, skillets, and grills. Under $15.
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Our review
The smash burger trend isn't a trend — it's the objectively best way to cook a burger. And this Cuisinart cast iron press is the tool that makes it effortless. At 2 pounds of solid cast iron with a comfortable wooden handle, it delivers the heavy, even pressure needed to flatten a ball of ground beef into a thin patty with those signature crispy, caramelised lacy edges.
The mechanism is simple but physics-driven: heavy cast iron transfers heat while applying even downward force. The flat edge ensures the meat spreads out evenly across the cooking surface, maximising contact for that Maillard reaction crust. Ball of meat → one firm press → flip once → cheese → done.
At 6.5 inches, it's the perfect size for standard burger buns. It works equally well on a flat-top griddle, a cast iron skillet, or a grill. Pro tip from reviewers: use parchment paper between the press and the meat to prevent sticking, and pre-heat the press slightly for even better results.
The only real downside is that it's cast iron, so it needs proper care — hand-wash only, dry immediately, and oil lightly to prevent rust. The wooden handle means you can't season it in the oven like a skillet. But treated right, this will outlast every other tool in your kitchen. At under $15, it's one of the best kitchen purchases you can make.
👍 Pros
- 2lb cast iron — perfect weight for even smashing
- Creates crispy, caramelised edges every time
- Works on griddles, skillets, and grills
- Under $15 — exceptional value
- #1 Best Seller with 20,000+ reviews at 4.7 stars
- Built to last generations with proper care
👎 Cons
- Cast iron can rust if not dried and oiled after washing
- Wooden handle means it can't go in the oven for seasoning
- Hand-wash only — not dishwasher safe
- A bit small for pressing bacon flat (6.5" diameter)
Specifications
| Type | Cast iron smash burger press |
|---|---|
| Material | Cast iron with wooden handle |
| Diameter | 6.5 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Works On | Griddles, skillets, grills |
| Care | Hand-wash only, dry immediately, oil to prevent rust |
| Brand | Cuisinart |
FAQ
Do I need to season it?
It comes ready to use but benefits from a light coat of oil after each wash. The wooden handle prevents oven seasoning, but stovetop seasoning works fine — heat it on the grill, apply a thin layer of oil, let it cool.
Does the meat stick to it?
It can. Pro tip: place a square of parchment paper between the press and the meat ball before smashing. This prevents sticking completely and makes cleanup easier.
How thin should I smash the burger?
As thin as you can get it while keeping the meat in one piece — aim for about 1/4 inch. The thinner you go, the more surface area contacts the hot cooking surface, creating crispier edges.
Will it rust?
Cast iron will rust if left wet or stored without a light oil coating. Hand-wash immediately after use, dry thoroughly with a towel, and apply a thin layer of oil before storing.
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