Cuisinart 6.5″ Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press Review: Best for Juicy BBQs?

Making smashed burgers at home isn’t always easy if you don’t have the right tool. We tried the Cuisinart cast iron burger press, and it really helped us get those crispy, caramelized edges we wanted.

We used it on both a skillet and a grill. The press applied even pressure and made the burgers juicy without sticking.

The weight and flat edge made smashing easy. But you’ll need to clean it by hand—no tossing it in the dishwasher.

It needs a little seasoning to keep the non-stick effect working. Still, it’s sturdy and works well for quick smash burgers or even pressing other foods.

Click here to buy the Cuisinart Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press now.

Overview of the Cuisinart 6.5″ Cast Iron Smashed Burger Press

We found this cast iron press easy to use and solidly built. It applies firm, even pressure to flatten burger patties nicely.

The weight feels just right—not too heavy, but enough to create a good sear. Cleaning takes a bit of extra care since it’s not dishwasher safe, but seasoning helps reduce sticking.

The single-piece design is simple. The handle could be a bit more comfortable during longer cooking sessions.

It works well on skillets, griddles, and grills. We liked that it fits nicely into both indoor and outdoor cooking.

Pros:

• Heavy-duty for consistent smashing
• Creates crispy crusts
• Versatile across cooking surfaces

Cons:

• Needs hand washing
• Handle comfort could improve

Key Features

When we used this burger press, a few things stood out. It balances heaviness with easy handling, which helps make smashed burgers just right.

Some parts of its design work better than others, depending on your setup and cleaning habits.

Heavy-Duty Cast Iron Construction

The press is made entirely of thick cast iron. It feels solid and built to last.

It applies even pressure across the patty and gives us consistent results. The weight is enough to smash the burger effectively without extra force.

However, the heaviness can make it tricky if you want quick, single-handed pressing. Still, it’s definitely not a flimsy tool.

Perfect Smash Burger Crust

The flat edge creates a crispy crust, just like a classic smashed burger should have. It presses the patties thin and even, letting the edges caramelize.

This improves the texture and flavor in a way a spatula just can’t match. The crust turns out crispy and browned, but you’ll want to keep an eye on cooking time.

Versatile Smasher for Multiple Cooking Surfaces

This burger press works well on griddles, skillets, and outdoor grills. We used it indoors on a cast iron skillet and outside on a barbecue grill, and it performed reliably in both cases.

Its round shape fits most cooking surfaces without slipping. Since it’s cast iron, it’s better for flat, sturdy pans or grills, not uneven ones.

Easy to Clean Design

Cleaning is straightforward but you’ll need to wash it by hand. With no nonstick coating, some burger residue can stick, so a quick soak helps.

Soap and warm water are enough to remove grease and bits of food. The smooth top and lack of crevices make scrubbing less of a hassle.

Don’t put it in the dishwasher or let it soak too long, or you’ll risk rust.

Pros and Cons

After using the burger press for a while, we noticed a few clear advantages and some drawbacks.

Pros

• Heavy and sturdy build: The cast iron feels solid, giving us good control and even pressure on the burgers.
• Great crust formation: The flat edges help create a crispy, caramelized crust that really improves the burger texture.
• Works on various surfaces: We tried it on griddles, pans, and grills—it performed well on all of them.
• Non-stick when used right: If you twist it off instead of lifting straight up, the smashed patties stay neat.
• Simple to clean: A quick hand wash with warm water and mild soap is enough.
• Multi-use: We flattened bacon and pressed mushrooms with good results.

Cons

• Small size: At 6.5 inches, it might not fit larger patties or big cooking surfaces.
• Sticky surface at times: Without parchment paper, food can stick to the cast iron, making cleanup harder.
• Handle design: The handle can be awkward if you’re cooking with a pan lid on.
• Heavier than some expect: Its weight is helpful but might tire you out during longer cooking sessions.

We found it useful for making smash burgers, though a few small issues might bother some folks.

Customer Reviews

Most people like how evenly the press smashes burgers and creates a crispy crust. Folks say it’s sturdy and heavy enough to do the job right.

Cleanup is easier if you use parchment paper to prevent sticking. Some users said the plastic handle isn’t great if you need to cover a pan with a lid.

Others got creative and used it for pressing bacon or mushrooms, which is pretty cool. Overall, it seems like a solid choice for making classic smashed burgers at home.

Creative Uses Beyond Burgers

We found the smash press works for more than just burgers. Pressing down on thin chicken patties or veggie mixes helps make evenly shaped, crispy edges.

It’s also handy for smashing sandwiches or paninis, giving them a compact texture. The heavy cast iron holds heat well, so it can help sear other proteins like fish fillets.

Even though the press is a bit heavy, it gives good control when pressing different foods. Cleaning is simple, so you can try different recipes without much mess.

Honestly, it’s a flexible tool that goes beyond burgers for anyone who likes crispy, pressed foods.

After using the burger press, I think it adds value if you like smash-style burgers. It’s also handy when you need a quick way to flatten foods like bacon.

The cast iron material heats evenly, which helps create a good sear. It’s heavy enough to press down well, but you have to watch out for sticking—parchment paper goes a long way here.

Cleaning feels pretty straightforward. The design seems solid, though honestly, the handle could use some work for a safer grip when it’s hot.

The small size fits well on most griddles. If you cook burgers or similar foods often and want consistent results, it’s a practical choice for both casual cooks and grill masters.