Tofu is a delicious food – and a must-have in many vegan recipes – but it takes some real effort to use it. Because it’s wet, you usually can’t just toss it into any recipe as-is.
Instead, you have to press it. Most homes might do this using paper towels and weights, but that’s such a struggle.
Your best bet is to invest in a quality tofu press. As the name implies, a tofu press will apply pressure to your tofu for you, forcing excess moisture out.
If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ll be showing you some of the best wooden tofu presses. We’ll also tell you what to look out for when you choose your press, as well as which one our favorite is. If you’re not a fan of wooden kitchen equipment, you can check out another list we have for the best tofu press options.
Quick Summary
| Product Name | Grade |
| Yarkor Bamboo Tofu Press | A |
| Grow Your Pantry Tofu Press | A |
| Country Trading Co Tofu Press | A |
| Bamboo Simple Tofu Drip Tofu Press | A |
Best Wooden Tofu Presses
Yarkor Bamboo Tofu Press
When you choose a bamboo press like the Yarkor Bamboo Tofu Press, you’re choosing something that’s eco-friendly. Because it’s not made from any plastic components, you won’t need to worry about this press breaking down anytime soon.
Instead, it’s crafted from high-quality tofu with tough stainless steel bolts. Not only does this mean that the press is long-lasting, but it means that it looks natural too. You may even want to leave it out on your counter to admire the natural grains on its smooth wooden surface.
Pros
- The bamboo gives this press an organic, natural look.
- It is made from sturdy wood and stainless steel bolts that will last a long time.
- Simple to operate – turn the screws to increase pressure.
- It only takes 5-15 minutes to press the water out of the tofu.
- It has a drip tray in the bottom to keep the liquid from making a mess on your counter.
Cons
- There are some reports of owners not receiving all the parts to the press after ordering it.
Read Also: Top Tofu Press Reviews
Grow Your Pantry Tofu Press
This robust Grow Your Pantry Tofu Press will help you get perfect tofu time after time. Simply slip the tofu between the boards, turn the screws to press it, and wait around 15 minutes for perfectly dry tofu.
It also has slits cut into the bottom to capture any drippings. You can safely press your tofu without needing to worry about any mess resulting from it.
When you’re finished pressing, just slide the tray out to clean it. And when you’re done cleaning, you can slip the whole press into a convenient storage bag that comes along with it.
Pros
- The steel screws are resistant to rusting.
- It has a drip tray to catch any liquid.
- You can remove the drip tray for easy cleaning.
- Quickly presses your tofu.
- Includes an adorable cotton storage bag.
Cons
- Some have reported that the small, round screws can be hard to turn.
Related Article: Best Air Fryer for Tofu
Country Trading Co Tofu Press
With the Country Trading Co Tofu Press, you’ll get a greater capacity, which means you can press more tofu at once. However, it works differently from the other presses on this list.
Instead of turning screws, you’ll have a box with a lid to which you’ll need to add weight. Set your tofu in the box, place the lid on top, and weigh it down with up to ten pounds.
No need to struggle to turn any screws, and you’ll be able to press up to three pounds of tofu at once.
Pros
- Simple to use.
- Allows you to press larger batches of tofu.
- You don’t need to adjust screws.
- It is made from sustainable and beautiful bamboo.
Cons
- Does not have a drip tray.
You Might Also Like: Best Tofu Press Reviews
Bamboo Simple Tofu Drip Tofu Press
You won’t need to worry about any mess when you use the Bamboo Simple Drip Tofu Press. The bottom is lined with precision holes, and it includes an attachable drip tray you can slip underneath it. Water escapes through the holes and into the tray as you use the press.
Once you’re finished, just pull off the drip tray and give it a rinse to clean it. You’ll notice that there won’t be any water on your countertops.
Applying the necessary pressure is simplified, too. The screws come with large dark handles, so you won’t have to struggle to get a good grip when you turn them.
Pros
- The screws have handles on them so you can turn them comfortably.
- Cleaning is easy with the removable drip tray.
- Screws are made from rust-resistant stainless steel.
- You can fit any size of tofu block inside the press.
Cons
- There are some reports that it’s a little smaller than expected.
What to Consider when Buying a Wooden Tofu Press
Drip Tray
A drip tray isn’t an absolute necessity for your tofu press. Many come with an open-bottomed design that you just rest on top of a block of tofu.
However, we think a drip tray is useful. If you’re concerned about making a mess and don’t want to deal with the hassle of laying something underneath your tofu every time you press it, a drip tray makes all the difference.
Durability
No one wants to buy anything that they think is just going to break down after the first couple of uses. When you make a purchase, you usually expect quality from it.
Part of that is the durability, or how long a product will last. Tofu presses are not all equal in this regard.
As you look at different options, please pay attention to the material it’s made from and the thickness of the boards. Stainless steel is naturally long-lived, and thick boards won’t bend from the pressure.
Cost
Finally, the cost is always worth your consideration. Kitchen gadgets can get expensive, as any home cook knows.
Determining your budget is essential. Keep in mind, though, that quality materials generally cost more. Don’t become too focused on the price, to the point where you settle on a product that’s not up to your standards simply because it was cheaper.
Wrap Up
While all the tofu presses on this list will help you press a block in no time, our personal favorite wooden tofu press in this instance is the Yarkor Bamboo Tofu Press.
Aside from being made from high-quality materials, we love that it has a removable drip tray built right into the bottom. We also love that the screws have handles that make it easy to turn them.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
