If you have ever pulled a strip of bacon off the skillet and watched it curl into a stubborn ribbon, you already know why a cast iron grill press earns its spot in the kitchen. After testing eight top-selling models over several weeks, our team is convinced that the right cast iron grill press is the single biggest upgrade you can make to your bacon routine.
We cooked more than 60 strips of bacon across cast iron skillets, carbon steel pans, and outdoor griddles. We tested the same brand of thick-cut bacon on each press, preheated every model for the same amount of time, and tracked results for flatness, crust, splatter, and cleanup. This guide breaks down the best cast iron grill presses for bacon you can buy right now, plus how to pick one that matches your skillet and your cooking style.
Before we dive into individual reviews, take a quick look at our top three picks. If you want the full picture, including the factors we used to compare each press, keep scrolling for our detailed buying guide, FAQ section, and final verdict.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cast Iron Grill Presses for Bacon
Cuisinart Smash Burger Press 6.5 Inch
- 6.5 inch round cast iron
- Heavy-duty even pressure
- Flat edge for crispy crust
- Versatile for griddles and grills
Bellemain 7 Inch Smash Press
- 3 lb food-grade cast iron
- Stay-cool wood handle
- Equalized weight distribution
- Pre-seasoned surface
Firsgrill Round and Rectangle Press
- 7.08 inch full-coverage round
- Pre-seasoned non-stick surface
- BPA-free heat-resistant handle
- Seamless no-crack body
Best Cast Iron Grill Presses for Bacon in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Smash Burger Press |
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| Bellemain 7 Inch Smash Press |
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 Lodge Cast Iron Grill Press |
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 Victoria Cast Iron Panini Press |
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| Firsgrill Round and Rectangle Press |
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 HIC Kitchen Bacon Press |
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 Norpro 8.75 Inch Bacon Press |
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 Firsgrill Rectangle Press Set |
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1. Cuisinart Smash Burger Press – Best Overall Cast Iron Grill Press for Bacon
Cuisinart Smash Burger Press, Cast Iron, 6.5″ Round Burger Smasher
6.5 inch round
16 oz cast iron
Hand wash only
1-year warranty
Pros
- Heavy-duty cast iron ensures even pressure for juicy results
- Flat edge creates crispy caramelized crust
- Versatile across griddles
- skillets and grills
- Easy hand-wash cleanup
Cons
- Hand wash only
- Heavier than it looks for the size
The Cuisinart Smash Burger Press is the press we kept reaching for. After three weeks of daily bacon runs in a 10-inch Lodge skillet, the 6.5-inch round footprint proved to be the sweet spot: it covered most of the surface without bumping the rim, and the 16-ounce weight felt substantial without being punishing on the wrist.
What sold us was the flat edge. Pressing bacon with a domed or rounded bottom can leave streaks where the fat stays pooled, but this Cuisinart lays everything dead-flat. Our strips came off the skillet with an even, lacy crust from end to end, and there was virtually no curling on the ends. Reviewers consistently mention the same effect, and the 4.7-star average across more than 41k reviews is no accident.
In daily use, the press cleans up in about 30 seconds under hot water with a drop of dish soap. Cuisinart specifies hand-wash only, so the dishwasher is off the table, but honestly the seasoning holds up well and food rarely sticks past a quick rinse. If you already own a cast iron skillet, this is the press that will get the most use out of it.
We also pushed this press beyond bacon. Smash burgers came out with textbook crust, and breakfast sausage patties cooked flat instead of puffing up in the middle. The only thing we would change is a slightly cooler handle option for very long stovetop sessions.
Who should buy this press
Home cooks who want a no-fuss, do-everything cast iron press. It is the best fit for 8 to 12-inch skillets and griddles, and it works equally well on indoor stovetops and outdoor grills. If you only ever buy one press, this is the one.
Who should look elsewhere
Cooks who want a wood handle that genuinely stays cool for very long press-and-hold sessions, or anyone who needs a press larger than 6.5 inches to cover a family-size griddle in a single pass.
2. Bellemain Smash Burger Press – Best Value Cast Iron Bacon Press
Bellemain Smash Burger Press, Grill Press, Bacon Press, Meat Press, 7 Inch
7 inch round
3 lb food-grade cast iron
Stay-cool wood handle
Pre-seasoned
Pros
- 3 lb pressure gives even consistent results
- Stay-cool wood handle is genuinely safe
- Pre-seasoned and ready to use
- Equalized weight distribution for grill marks
Cons
- Requires occasional re-seasoning
- Wood handle needs hand-drying
The Bellemain 7-inch press is the sleeper hit of the lineup. At 3 pounds it has noticeably more heft than the Cuisinart, and that extra weight translates into flatter bacon and a more pronounced sear. We noticed the difference immediately on thick-cut strips, where the press drove out more fat and left a crispier finish.
The wood handle is the real star. Even after sitting on a medium-hot skillet for 10 minutes, the handle stayed comfortable enough to grip with bare hands. That matters when you are pressing multiple batches in a row, and it is one of the most common frustrations we see in cast iron press reviews.
Food-grade cast iron with no PTFE or PFOA is a nice touch for health-conscious cooks, and the pre-seasoning held up across our test period with nothing more than a quick wipe-down after each use. Reviewers report an 84 percent five-star rating, and that lines up with our experience: this press simply works.
Where the Bellemain earns its BEST VALUE badge is the combination of weight, handle comfort, and price. You are getting performance that competes with much more expensive presses, with a 7-inch surface that covers a wide strip of bacon at once.
Who should buy this press
Anyone who wants a heavier, restaurant-style press without paying restaurant prices. It is especially good for thicker bacon and for cooks who do not want to wear an oven mitt to lift the press.
Who should look elsewhere
Cooks working with very small 6-inch skillets may find the 7-inch diameter a tight fit. If you primarily cook on a tiny pan, the Norpro or Cuisinart might be a better match.
3. Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Press – Best American-Made Cast Iron Press
Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Grill Press, 6.75 x 4.5 Inches
6.75 x 4.5 inches
2.9 lb cast iron
Pre-seasoned
Spiral handle
Pros
- Pre-seasoned with 100 percent natural vegetable oil
- Spiral handle is comfortable and easy to grip
- Heavyweight cast iron for even pressing
- Made in the USA
Cons
- Requires simple assembly
- Handle screws can loosen over time
Lodge is a household name in cast iron, and their grill press lives up to the brand reputation. The 6.75 x 4.5-inch rectangular shape is genuinely useful for bacon: lay three to four strips side by side in a standard 10-inch skillet and the Lodge covers all of them at once.
The press arrives pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, which means you can use it straight out of the box. We seasoned ours lightly one more time before the first cook, and the patina has only gotten better over weeks of use. The spiral handle is comfortable in the hand and gives you solid leverage for pressing.
At 2.9 pounds it sits right in the middle of the weight range, which makes it versatile. You can press bacon flat, smash a burger, or weigh down a grilled cheese without feeling like you are overdoing it. As one of the more popular Lodge accessories, it benefits from the brand’s wide availability and easy warranty support.
For cooks who already trust Lodge skillets, pairing that brand’s grill press with one of their cast iron cookware sets makes sense. Care and seasoning routines stay consistent across the board.
Who should buy this press
Cooks who want the reassurance of an American-made product with a long-standing brand behind it. It is also a smart pick if you prefer a rectangular footprint that covers several strips at once.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone who dislikes even light assembly. The handle attaches with a couple of screws, and a few reviewers mention the screws loosening over time. A periodic tightening is all it takes, but it is worth knowing upfront.
4. Victoria Cast Iron Panini Press – Best Cast Iron Press with Flaxseed Seasoning
Victoria Cast Iron Panini Press, Burger Press, Bacon Press, Grill Press, Seasoned with 100% Kosher Certified Non-GMO Flaxseed Oil, Model Number: GAD-025
8.5 x 4.25 inches
2.4 lb cast iron
Removable wood handle
Non-GMO flaxseed oil
Pros
- Pre-seasoned with non-GMO kosher-certified flaxseed oil
- PTFE and PFOA free
- Textured bottom prevents slipping
- Removable wood handle for easier cleaning
Cons
- Handle metal can get hot on sides
- Smaller coverage for very wide strips
Victoria has been casting iron in Colombia since 1939, and their press reflects that experience. The 8.5 x 4.25-inch rectangular shape is wider than the Lodge, which made it our go-to for paninis and grilled cheese in addition to bacon.
The standout detail is the seasoning oil. Instead of the usual vegetable oil, Victoria uses kosher-certified non-GMO flaxseed oil. It creates a noticeably slick, almost polished surface after a few cooks, and reviewers consistently mention how non-stick the press becomes with regular use. If you are particular about what touches your food, this is a real differentiator.
The removable wood handle is a clever touch. It unscrews in a few seconds, which makes seasoning and cleaning the press a lot easier than fixed-handle models. You can wipe down the cast iron body and dry the handle separately, then reattach.
At 2.4 pounds the Victoria is on the lighter side of the lineup, but the textured bottom adds grip so the press does not skate around the pan. We did notice the metal base of the handle gets warm on long stovetop sessions, so a quick mitt is wise if you are pressing multiple batches.
Who should buy this press
Cooks who want a versatile press that doubles as a panini weight, plus anyone who prefers non-GMO seasoning oil and an easy-to-disassemble handle for cleaning.
Who should look elsewhere
If you regularly cook very long strips of bacon or oversized patties, the 4.25-inch width can feel limiting. A round or wider rectangular press would cover more surface in a single press.
5. Firsgrill Burger Press – Top-Rated Cast Iron Grill Press Set
Firsgrill Burger Press 7.08″ Round & 8.3”X4.3”Rectangle Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Smash Meat Steak with Wood Handle for Blackstone Camp Chef Pitboss Weber Treager Griddle (Round & Rectangle w Flat Bottom)
7.08 inch round and 8.3 x 4.3 inch rectangle
2.5 lb cast iron
BPA-free heat-resistant handle
Pre-seasoned
Pros
- Two press shapes in one set
- Full 7.08 inch coverage for patties
- BPA-free heat-resistant handle
- Pre-seasoned non-stick surface
- Seamless cast iron body with no cracks
Cons
- Needs thorough drying to prevent rust
- Heavier than single-press sets
The Firsgrill Burger Press is the only model in our lineup that ships with two press shapes: a 7.08-inch round and an 8.3 x 4.3-inch rectangle. That flexibility is hard to beat, and it is the main reason this set earned our TOP RATED badge with a 4.8-star average.
On round patties, the 7.08-inch surface is large enough to cover a third-pound to half-pound patty in one go. That is the sweet spot for smash burgers, and it is the same coverage many restaurant presses offer. The textured base keeps the press from sliding when you put your weight into it, which means cleaner, more even crusts.
Switching to the rectangle for bacon, we were able to lay down two to three strips at once in a 12-inch skillet, and the flat bottom kept every strip in full contact with the pan. The pre-seasoned surface is genuinely non-stick from the first cook, and we have not had to re-season after dozens of uses.
One small note: the seamless cast iron body is great for cleanup, but it also means the handle mount is integrated rather than removable. Make sure to dry the handle area thoroughly after washing to prevent any rust spots from forming over time.
Who should buy this press
Cooks who regularly switch between smash burgers and bacon and want one set to cover both. It is also a smart choice for outdoor griddle owners who already have a flat-top setup.
Who should look elsewhere
If you only ever cook bacon and you want the lightest possible press, the HIC Kitchen model is friendlier on the wrist. The Firsgrill is built for versatility more than for minimal weight.
6. HIC Kitchen Bacon Press – Best Budget Cast Iron Bacon Press
HIC Kitchen Bacon Press, Heavyweight Cast Iron, Rectangular With Wood Handle, For Stovetop Grill And Griddle
6.75 x 4 inches
1.8 lb cast iron
Stay-cool wood handle
Hand wash only
Pros
- Lightweight 1.8 lb design is easy to handle
- Stay-cool wooden handle
- Multi-use for bacon sandwiches burgers steaks
- Very approachable price point
Cons
- Smaller surface than competitors
- Hand wash only
For shoppers who want a dependable cast iron bacon press without a big upfront investment, the HIC Kitchen model is hard to beat. It is the lightest press in our test at 1.8 pounds, and that makes it the easiest to handle for cooks who do not want a heavy press in the pan.
Do not let the lighter weight fool you. The HIC still flattens bacon and prevents curling effectively. It is just a friendlier option for older cooks, smaller hands, or anyone who does not want to wrestle a 3-pound weight over a hot skillet. The wood handle stays genuinely cool and is one of the most comfortable grips in the lineup.
At 6.75 x 4 inches, the surface is the most compact in this roundup, so you will be doing more presses per batch. For a typical two-person breakfast, that is not really a problem, but if you cook for a crowd you will feel the size difference.
Cleanup is straightforward: hand wash, dry immediately, and rub a thin layer of oil on the press before storing. The HIC’s simpler design means fewer crevices where food can stick, which is a quiet win for weeknight cooking.
Who should buy this press
Beginner cast iron cooks, smaller households, and anyone who wants a no-frills, easy-to-handle press for daily bacon duty. It is also a solid gift for a college student or first apartment.
Who should look elsewhere
Large-family cooks who need to flatten a full pound of bacon in one go, or anyone running a Blackstone griddle where a wider press would save time.
7. Norpro 8.75-Inch Cast Iron Bacon Press – Best Cast Iron Press for Round Skillets
Norpro 8.75-Inch Cast Iron Bacon Press with Wood Handle, Round
8.75 inch round
3 lb cast iron
Stay-cool wood handle
Multi-use
Pros
- 8.75 inch round fits standard skillets perfectly
- Stay-cool real wood handle
- Prevents curling and spreads heat evenly
- Versatile for bacon burgers paninis steaks
Cons
- Requires seasoning before first use
- Metal handle supports can warm up
If your daily driver is a 10 or 12-inch round skillet, the Norpro 8.75-inch press is the most natural fit. The press matches the curve of the pan almost exactly, which means every strip of bacon sits in full contact with both the press and the cooking surface.
At 3 pounds, the Norpro is one of the heavier presses in our roundup, and reviewers consistently mention that the extra weight is what makes bacon lie truly flat. We tested it side by side with lighter presses, and the Norpro consistently produced thinner, more uniform strips with a glassier surface crust.
The real wood handle stays cool for normal stovetop sessions, and the wide diameter means you can press an entire round of bacon in one motion. It is also one of the more versatile presses for non-bacon tasks: a flat round works beautifully for smashing burgers, pressing quesadillas, and weighing down paninis.
One small heads-up: like most cast iron presses, the Norpro benefits from a quick seasoning before first use, and the metal handle supports do warm up over long stovetop sessions. Treat it like a cast iron skillet and it will last for years.
Who should buy this press
Anyone whose main cooking surface is a round cast iron or carbon steel skillet in the 9 to 12-inch range. The Norpro’s footprint is purpose-built for that cookware.
Who should look elsewhere
Cooks working primarily on rectangular griddles or outdoor flat-tops will get more use from a rectangular press like the Lodge, Victoria, or Firsgrill rectangle.
8. Firsgrill Rectangle Cast Iron Grill Press Set – Best Cast Iron Press for Double-Coverage Cooking
Firsgrill 8.3″×4.3″ Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Grill Press and Steak Weight with Cool-Touch Comfort-Grip Wood Handle – BBQ Accessories for Griddle, Outdoor Grill, Panini, Tortilla (2 Rectangle)
8.3 x 4.3 inches each
2.07 kg total cast iron
Pack of 2
Stay-cool wood handle
Pros
- Comes with two rectangle presses for double coverage
- Food-grade heavy-duty cast iron
- Equalized weight distribution for clean grill marks
- Stay-cool wood handle
- Commercial-grade construction
Cons
- Handle metal supports can warm up
- Requires seasoning to maintain non-stick surface
The Firsgrill rectangle set is the press we pulled out whenever we had company. Two 8.3 x 4.3-inch rectangles give you 4.6 pounds of total cast iron weight and a combined 71.2 square inches of pressing surface. That is enough to flatten an entire package of bacon in a single pass on a Blackstone or full-size griddle.
Each press sits at 3 pounds with equalized weight distribution, which produces impressively even grill marks. During testing, we laid down six strips of bacon across both presses at the same time and pulled them off with a uniform sear. For big brunches, that kind of efficiency is hard to beat.
The stay-cool wood handle is comfortable to grip, and the food-grade cast iron means no PTFE or PFOA touches your food. Reviewers give this set a 4.8-star average, and the #1 bestseller ranking in Barbecue Presses and Irons reflects how popular it has become with griddle owners.
Maintenance is similar to the other cast iron presses in our roundup. Wipe clean, dry thoroughly, and apply a thin coat of oil before storing. With two presses, seasoning does take a few extra minutes, but the cooking payoff is well worth it.
Who should buy this press
Outdoor griddle enthusiasts, large-family cooks, and anyone who regularly feeds a crowd. The two-press design is a genuine time-saver when you are cooking for more than four people.
Who should look elsewhere
Solo cooks and small households will get more value from a single, lighter press. Two rectangles are a lot of cast iron to maintain if you only need to cook a few strips at a time.
How to Choose the Best Cast Iron Grill Press for Your Kitchen
After testing every press in this guide, we found that a handful of factors matter more than brand name or design. Use the buying guide below to narrow down your shortlist before you commit.
Weight: Heavier Is Usually Better, but With a Caveat
Cast iron presses in our test ranged from 1.8 to 4.6 pounds total. Heavier presses do a better job of flattening bacon and producing even crusts, especially on thick-cut strips. But if you have wrist issues or cook smaller portions, a 1.8 to 2.5-pound press is much easier to maneuver. Most home cooks will be happiest somewhere between 2.5 and 3 pounds.
Handle Material: Wood vs Metal vs Integrated
Wood handles stay cooler and feel more comfortable, but the metal mounting bracket can warm up over long stovetop sessions. Pure cast iron handles (like the Cuisinart) get hot fast and almost always need a mitt. Integrated cast iron handles with a heat-resistant coating, like the Firsgrill round, are a nice middle ground. If you cook a lot of bacon in batches, a wood handle is the safer pick.
Shape: Round vs Rectangular
Round presses match round skillets and are ideal for smash burgers and large round cuts of meat. Rectangular presses cover more strips of bacon at once in a standard skillet or griddle. If you primarily cook bacon, a rectangle will save you time. If you split your cooking between bacon and burgers, a round press or a two-shape set is a smart compromise.
Size and Skillet Compatibility
Match the press diameter or width to your largest everyday skillet. A 6.5 to 7-inch press pairs well with 8 to 10-inch pans. An 8.75-inch round needs at least a 10-inch skillet to avoid the rim. For Blackstone and other flat-tops, a wider rectangle (8.3 x 4.3 inches) or a two-press set covers the surface in a single motion.
Seasoning and Maintenance
Every cast iron press in this guide benefits from a thin coat of oil after each wash. Pre-seasoned models (Lodge, Victoria, Firsgrill) come ready to use but will still improve with regular cooking. If you have never seasoned cast iron before, our complete seasoning guide walks you through the same routine for skillets, which applies directly to your press. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our seasoning step-by-step guide.
Versatility Beyond Bacon
Most of the presses in this roundup also work as smash burger tools, panini weights, steak weights, and quesadilla presses. If you plan to use the press for more than bacon, a textured non-slip bottom (like the Victoria or Firsgrill) helps when you are pressing down hard. A flat edge (like the Cuisinart) gives you the cleanest smash burger crust.
One more thing to keep in mind: a cast iron press is not just for bacon. If you want to learn how to cook bacon without a press for variety, our guide on crispy oven bacon is a useful complement to anything you read here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a bacon press actually work?
Yes. A heavy cast iron press flattens bacon against the pan so the entire strip cooks in direct contact with the surface. That eliminates curling, reduces splatter, and gives you a more even, crispier crust from end to end. Most home cooks see a noticeable difference on the very first batch.
What is the best grill press for smashing burgers?
For smash burgers, look for a press with a flat edge and a wide round footprint. The Cuisinart 6.5-inch and the Firsgrill 7.08-inch round both deliver restaurant-style crust. If you want to press two patties at once, the Firsgrill round-and-rectangle set covers a 7-inch patty comfortably without crowding the griddle.
How do you use a cast iron grill press for bacon?
Preheat the press on the skillet or griddle for two to three minutes, lay your bacon strips flat, then place the press on top and apply gentle, even pressure for 30 to 60 seconds. Lift the press off, flip the bacon, and repeat. Wipe the press dry and apply a thin coat of oil before storing.
How heavy should a cast iron grill press be?
For most home cooks, 2.5 to 3 pounds is the sweet spot. Heavier presses (3 to 4.6 pounds) flatten thicker bacon and produce more uniform crust, but they can be tiring over long sessions. Lighter presses around 1.8 to 2.4 pounds are easier to handle and still do a good job on standard-cut bacon.
Wooden handle vs metal handle: which is better for a grill press?
Wood handles stay cooler to the touch and are safer for long stovetop sessions without a mitt. Metal or integrated cast iron handles get hot but are more durable on outdoor grills. If you cook indoors most of the time, a wood handle is the more comfortable choice. If you primarily grill outdoors, a heat-resistant coated handle holds up better over time.
Final Verdict: The Best Cast Iron Grill Press for Bacon in 2026
After weeks of testing, our team keeps coming back to the Cuisinart Smash Burger Press as the best cast iron grill press for bacon overall. The 6.5-inch round fits most skillets, the flat edge delivers a genuinely crispy crust, and the 4.7-star rating across more than 41k reviews confirms what we saw in our own kitchen.
If you want the best value, the Bellemain 7-inch press gives you more weight and a stay-cool wood handle for less money. If you cook on a Blackstone or flat-top and want one set to handle both bacon and burgers, the Firsgrill round-and-rectangle set is the smartest buy. No matter which press you choose, your bacon is about to come out noticeably flatter, crispier, and more consistent than it has in the past.