The 13 Best Tofu Presses for Draining Watery Tofu
Let these tools do the hard work for you.
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One of the biggest criticisms of tofu is that it doesn't taste like anything, and there's a good reason for this. Tofu holds a lot of water, and if you try to slice and cook it right out of the package, its water content will dilute any flavors you add because your tofu simply cannot absorb them. However, if you drain the block of tofu first using a tofu press, you'll be surprised at how much of the marinade, spice rub, or sauce it's able to absorb. When looking for a press, think about how much tofu you usually cook for a meal. All of the ones on this list can hold a regular 10-ounce block, with many able to hold multiple blocks that size or larger. Some are simple and some double as a marinating dish, but whatever one you choose the result will be a myth-busting, delicious tofu dish.
Noya's tofu press is meant for one block at a time, with a plate that presses evenly, leaving your tofu intact with no cracks. Place your tofu in the container, snap on the lid, and as you turn the handle on top, a strong spring screws the pressing plate down. In 10 to 30 minutes, drain off the water and your tofu will be ready to cook or eat. Alternatively, you can add a marinade—this container keeps it sealed until you're ready to use it.
ToPress' three-level tofu press is easy to use and very effective. Tofu is pressed between the solid top and the middle plate which has drainage holes, and the bottom layer catches all the water. The visibility of the screws on top makes it easy to fine-tune the press so you get the perfect tofu every time. Made of solid bamboo, this one's easy to clean, too.
If you've ever tried to press soft or silken tofu, you know how delicate it can be. Tofuture's press has solved the problem of softer tofu turning to mush from over-pressing. An inner container holds the tofu, the outer container catches all the water and the top clamps into place with three pressure options. Use the lightest pressure for soft tofu, or the strongest pressure for firm or extra firm.
In 20 minutes, TofuBud's press will have a block of tofu ready for whatever you throw at it. The spring-top press offers two pressure levels, and the clear bottom lets you watch the draining progress. It's dishwasher safe, and if you ever get rid of it (although, why would you?), it's fully recyclable.
For those of you who find it relaxing to watch your tofu drain (no judgments here!), this totally clear tofu press is a solid choice. Its drainage plate has a lot of holes for fast, even draining, and because the top seals, this one is good for marinating, too. The press is BPA- and BPS-free, and the bottom is non-slip.
This versatile option from Inesky is just the tool you need for making your own tofu. If you're not ready to tackle a project like that just yet, it also functions as a great tofu press, with a familiar screw-top mechanism. For this one, you'll want to put it in a larger pan or bowl to catch the drainage, though.
This is as simple as it gets—two plates, two screws, and all of the plastic is dishwasher safe. For best results, start your tofu block on a gentle pressure level, let it drain for three minutes, turn the screws a bit more, and repeat until your tofu has the firmness you need.
With a larger press like this one from Yarkor, you can press two small blocks or one large block (up to the 16 oz. size) at the same time. The draining plate sits on a single spring, and all you have to do is place the tofu inside, put the lid on, and clip it into place. In about 20 minutes, your tofu will be ready to go.
Tofudee's compact press is really well-designed. Clamp the lid on and turn the dial, and in about 20 minutes you'll have a pressed, uncracked block of tofu. Not only that, it leaves small holes that'll soak up whatever seasoning you add while cooking it. Once drained, it sits well above the water, which is why this one's good for pressing other things like cheese or kimchi.
Two user-friendly tofu presses are a good idea when you have a lot of tofu to drain. Made of food-grade plastic, you'll have to do the pressing, but they're quite effective and work quickly. The set comes with reusable draining cloths, which help draw water out of your tofu. Use this one over your sink or a large bowl so you don't make a mess.
An extra deep case and extra large press plates make this Yarkor tofu press the one to get when you have a large block up to 20 ounces to drain. The sturdy spring below the drainage plate ensure that your tofu never sits in water. Turn the handle on the lid until your tofu is the thickness you like, and let it sit. The case holds your block of tofu in place, and in about 15 minutes it will be well-drained.
For the Tofu Is Life crowd, a heavy-duty, stainless steel tofu press is a wise investment. It's a simple and effective press-and-drain tool plus it cleans easily, won't discolor, and you'll own it for years to come.
Some people like to add a layer of cheesecloth to their tofu press to help draw out the water, although for many presses it's not required. Regardless, food-grade cheesecloth is a wonderful kitchen tool to always have on hand for its many uses. With tofu, especially if you're going to make a tofu scramble and you don't need to keep your tofu block in a firm shape, simply wrapping it in cheesecloth and squeezing by hand is a tried-and-true method.
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