Zippy, zingy garlic – it’s a beloved aromatic staple in so many kitchens!
Fresh garlic is commonly sold as whole bulbs, which you can buy individually or in multipacks. Each bulb consists of singular cloves enclosed in a white, paper-like skin that must be removed before consumption.
When raw, the taste of garlic is robust, the texture is crunchy, and the antioxidant health benefits are aplenty!
After it is cooked, even for a few seconds sauteed in a skillet, the harsher flavors mellow, inviting its signature taste and scent to subtly mingle with any ingredients cooked with it.
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And when cooked for longer periods of time, the cloves can be creamy enough to be spread on top of a piece of crusty bread, like butter!
To infuse the strongest, most pronounced taste and aroma into your dishes, you need to finely mince the cloves or crush them in order to release as many volatile compounds as possible.
Without a mechanical tool, the most efficient option to prep this perfectly pungent ingredient is with a knife. Even though that method works well, there’s are a few annoyances:
First, your prep time slows down with the motion of crushing, dicing, mincing, or chopping individual cloves entirely by hand.
And, perhaps even worse than increased time spent in the kitchen, your fingers are coated in the garlic’s released excretions, covering you with its strong scent that can’t easily be removed!
And pre-minced garlic, like what you find in jars, often includes additives and stabilizers to maintain a longer shelf life – ingredients that lower the taste and aroma qualities of the fresh product.
A garlic press has the ability to crush whole, fresh cloves through small perforations into a soft paste quickly, cleanly, and efficiently. This definitely speeds up your prep time without settling for a pre-minced food product.
In this guide, we’ll review all of our favorite models, and break down the differences of materials this tool is commonly made out of, so you can get make the most informed purchasing decision.
Grab the mints, and let’s go shopping!
The Best Garlic Presses
Foodal’s Top 7 Choices
1. Alpha Grillers
The Alpha Grillers Stainless Steel Garlic Press is made from durable 304 stainless steel.
With its powerful compression bar and multi-clove chamber, you can crush several whole cloves at the same time without much effort.
Alpha Grillers Garlic Press and Peeler Set
The chamber has a total of 59 perforations, and you are able to use this tool with unpeeled cloves.
If you’d rather peel it first, your wish is granted – a silicone peeler comes included with your purchase of this set. Insert the clove in the peeler and simply roll it back and forth until it is completely peeled.
Now, you can simply transfer the peeled cloves into the basket in the opened press. After placing the peeled cloves into basket, close the press and firmly squeeze the top handle down to extract the cloves through the perforations.
A small cleaning brush is also included with your purchase to help remove any small bits and pieces that may get stuck in the holes.
All of the items are safe to clean in the dishwasher. You can also wash them by hand.
The press weighs 9.6 ounces, and is 7.48 inches in length and 2.36 inches in width.
Alpha Griller offers a lifetime guarantee.
Check prices and customer reviews on Amazon now.
2. Joseph Joseph CleanForce 20179
The Joseph Joseph CleanForce Garlic Press is one lean and green machine that has honed in on an effective cleaning strategy.
Joseph Joseph CleanForce Garlic Press 20179
The model features the brand’s special CleanForce technology – after crushing the clove or cloves, you then pull a trigger located on the side to activate a plastic blade that gently sweeps everything away on the outside of the basket.
In order to remove any remaining pieces on the outside of the basket, or any skin or pieces inside the basket that could not get crushed, use the small plastic cleaning accessory which is stored on the inside of one of the handles.
The accessory has a serrated edge on one side for cleaning the perforated holes of the basket, and a curved tip for scraping anything remaining inside the basket. When finished, and after cleaning it, just clip the tool back inside the handle for storage.
This model is 6.5 inches in length, 1.75 inches in width, and 2.5 inches in height.
The perforated basket is made of stainless steel, while the handles and cleaning tools are made of BPA-free plastic. All of the parts are dishwasher safe.
There is a 2-year guarantee covering faulty workmanship and/or materials.
For more information on the Joseph Joseph CleanForce 20179, and to read reviews and check prices, head to Amazon now.
3. Mannkitchen
Mannkitchen’s Double Lever Assisted Stainless Steel Garlic Press is made from 304 stainless steel that is rust and corrosion resistant.
The double lever assisted construction generates more force with less effort on your part, allowing the user to press with ease and little energy.
MannKitchen Double Lever Assisted Stainless Steel Garlic Press
The wide handles provide stability and comfort while pressing.
A defining feature of Mannkitchen’s design is that the handles are able to swing widely open to completely expose the reservoir holding the cloves for easy removal and cleaning.
The open design is convenient for cleaning by hand, but you are able to safely wash this tool in the dishwasher.
The tool weighs 10.3 ounces, and is 7 inches in length, 1.25 inches in width, and 2.25 inches in height.
There is a 5-year warranty against defects in materials and craftsmanship.
Purchase the press directly from Mannkitchen, or check reviews and pricings on Amazon.
4. Orblue Premium AK005
The Orblue Premium Garlic Press AK005 crushes very well, even if the peels are left intact. It is made of stainless steel.
The ergonomic handles are comfortable and easy to maneuver. Featuring a large hopper, this tool is able to accommodate multiple cloves at a time.
Orblue Premium Garlic Press, Silver
This heavy-duty press has an inner perforated basket that can flip out, which makes it easy to clean. Simply wash and rinse under the sink, and you are all set. For a more thorough clean, rest assured that this tool is also dishwasher safe!
A silicone peeler and a small bristled brush is included with your purchase.
The model weighs 9.3 ounces, and is 7.5 inches in length, 2.3 inches in width, and 1.4 inches in height.
Orblue Premium Garlic Press, Red
It is available to purchase with the handles painted in different colors, such as black, red, or rainbow.
There is a lifetime warranty that covers any manufacturing defects.
Check prices, reviews, and current colors now via Amazon.
5. OXO Good Grips 11327300
Featuring soft and comfortable handles, the OXO Good Grips Garlic Press 11327300 is a handy tool to use for the most pleasant prep experience.
OXO Good Grips Garlic Press 11327300
The handles are made of ABS plastic, with a soft TPE covering that absorbs pressure from squeezing. The large chamber is made of a die-cast zinc material, and can fit multiple cloves at one time.
The interior perforated basket can swing upwards from the main frame, helping you empty its contents out and clean it easily.
The tool is dishwasher safe.
It weighs .66 pounds, and is 10.5 inches in length, 1.5 inches in width, and 4.5 inches in height.
There is a limited lifetime warranty that covers defects in material and workmanship.
Check prices and reviews now directly from OXO, or via Amazon, or Sur La Table.
6. Rösle 12895
A true beauty to behold, the Rösle Garlic Press 12895 is made of hygienic and durable 18/10 stainless steel, and crushes unpeeled pieces with swift ease.
With 48 offset conical perforations, the tool yields optimal results with each pressing.
Every time you release the handles after pressing, an attached scraper bar automatically slides over the perforated basket, cleanly scraping off the crushed pieces.
The basket swings up, making it easy to clean by hand under running water to remove any remaining bits and pieces. It is also completely safe to clean in the dishwasher.
A hanging loop on the end of one handle offers you the option to store your tool on a hanger, freeing up your cupboard space for other appliances.
It weighs .77 pounds, and is 7.87 inches in length, 1.38 inches in width, and 2.17 inches in height.
Rösle offers a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects.
Purchase Rösle’s Garlic Press 12895 via Amazon, Wayfair, and Sur La Table.
7. Zyliss Susi 3
The sturdy Zyliss Susi 3 Garlic Press is made of a cast aluminum with a nonstick coating.
The attractive ergonomic handles make this press easy to maneuver. This tool saves time by mincing easily, without needing to remove the peel. The large basket can accommodate multiple small cloves at a time.
The tool features a tamper with angled teeth that pierces the clove to ensure full and effective extraction as it’s being pressed through the perforations.
An integrated small plastic cleaning tool is located on the inside of one of the handles, and can clip back into place for storage purposes. The curved end can scrape anything remaining in the basket, while the bristles on the other end clears out the perforated holes.
The press and cleaning tool both are dishwasher safe. However, for best results and longer wear, hand washing is recommended by the company.
It weighs .32 pounds, and is 9.65 inches in length, 2.24 inches in width, and 4.72 inches in height.
There is a 5-year guarantee, warranting the product to be free of manufacturer damages or defects.
Check prices and customer reviews on Amazon, Wayfair, or Sur La Table now.
Materials to Consider
Before deciding on which model to purchase, you should first assess how often you plan to use it, and what materials you typically prefer for your handheld appliances.
Aluminum
Metals, such as aluminum, may be used in the manufacturing of these time-saving devices.
An aluminum option will be more cost-efficient for those cooks who only employ this tool occasionally, compared to stainless steel.
To keep your aluminum tool in the best shape possible, we advise washing by hand instead of using the dishwasher.
Be sure to dry thoroughly before returning to storage. The coating on these models may peel or darken with extended use.
Plastic
Plastic models are made to be durable, but they will not have as long of a lifespan as their metal counterparts.
These less expensive devices feature colorful and innovative designs with modern touches, an aesthetic update from the more classic, utilitarian appearances of metal models.
Often combined with other materials, plastic is typically used for the handles and the body’s shell. Usually, the mechanics and perforated basket will be made out of a metal material, like stainless steel.
For the price difference, plastic presses work quickly and efficiently. They are best suited for occasional use, or for use as a secondary press.
Stainless Steel
If this will be a tool you are going to utilize on a daily basis, you should seriously consider purchasing a stainless steel model, one that is durable and resistant to corrosion and rust with repeat use and cleanings.
These models are on the higher-quality end of the materials spectrum, often coming with a pricier cost.
Since quality stainless steel is rust resistant, you can be assured that these gadgets will stand the test of time.
After washing, either by hand or in the dishwasher, develop the good practice of drying by hand to ensure all residue is removed.
Swift Prep with a Cool Tool
The ultimate goal of a press is to prep fresh cloves in order to extract perfectly pungent compounds, and to create a fine paste that can easily be mixed into whatever you’re cooking…
Without leaving a strongly aromatic residue on your fingers!
The device’s ability to cleanly mince more than one whole clove with the skin still on is an impressive kitchen task, as this helps speed along the process of food preparation.
Take your cooking style and needs into consideration when selecting the press that is best suited for your needs! A stainless steel model is more appropriate for frequent use, whereas a less expensive plastic version will achieve similar results when utilized only occasionally.
Do you have a model in mind for your household? Let’s chat in the comment section below!
If you want to upgrade your tools and appliances for prepping and cooking, check out more kitchen gadget reviews now to find something nifty and practical:
© Ask the Experts, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See our TOS for more details. Uncredited photos via Shutterstock. Product photos provided by Amazon, OXO, and Sur La Table. With additional writing and editing by Nikki Cervone. Originally published November 1, 2015. Last updated on December 28, 2023.
About Jennifer Swartvagher
Jennifer is an experienced journalist and author. Her work has been featured on TODAY Parents, The New York Times Blog, BlogHer, Scary Mommy, and scores of other parenting and cooking publications.
I’m glad it’s not just me who hates cleaning a garlic press, so much so it puts me off using one. Hopefully these up to date versions will make it easier and I would look for that as a selling point more than anything. Also the version that makes it easy to empty looks useful, as the last time I used one, I had to use a knife to coax the garlic out.
These presses are so cute, and they make cooking with garlic not seem like a nightmare. LOL I like cooking with fresh, not the kind that comes in a jar already pureed, but I totally hate having to deal with the skins. I also bought a press in the past, but it’s weight was too light. Maybe that’s why it didn’t really work out for me. After using it twice, I quickly gave it a toss, but these presses look promising. My favorite model was the AYL, which was yours?
I do like presses with the rocker design, like Joseph Joseph, but each of these models are very easy to use.
My Joseph Joseph garlic press failed and no receipt no support policy was their response .. even though it’s obvious that the metal they are using is defective
Here is an image of the faulty product.
https://imgur.com/a/CkgWbB8
Ugh, not only do I hate cleaning out the garlic press, the chef in me HATES that those bits that inevitably gets wasted. I love garlic. It makes me want to cry. I generally just use my trusty chef’s knife for the job.
However, if I’m cooking at a friend’s house, one that perhaps doesn’t have a great chef’s knife, then I go looking for the press.
Definitely looking up AYL…looks economical, why, it can work on limes, lemons,ginger and my new found love GARLIC…I detested eating it raw {whispering; the after-breath is oh-so repulsive}…but my health comes first 🙂 . Am extremely grateful to have bumped on this article.. Amazon here I come 😉
Does anyone know if polypropylene retains the odour of garlic after many uses? It would seem to be a viable choice, but I definitely want to see if anyone has had any bad experiences with polypropylene garlic pressers. In any case, I definitely would like to buy the AYL one. Ergonomics is definitely something that should be considered when working over a kitchen. Your arms get so tired!
Over the years I’ve tried all sorts of garllc presses and this is a useful review of what’s new on the market. To be honest though, I still think squashing the cloves with the thick bit of the knife blade is as good a method as I’ve come across – and you don;t have to clean the bits out of anything. I just lay the knife flat on the clove and press the top of the blade with the heel of my hand.
I’ve tried so many garlic presses (at my parent and relatives house) and I feel like they all were so difficult to clean . I went to Sur La Table the other day and the women recommend I try the OXO brand. I have to say I am a fan of it. It is stainless steel but also comes with a black plastic pad to help remove all the extra garlic. Also the best part it is dishwasher safe! That was a big bonus for me.
I love garlic, but hate when my fingers smell like it! I remember when I used to make a lot of garlic bread and enough said that I sure didn’t have to worry about any vampire snatching or attacking me, lol! For some reason I wasn’t aware that presses are a thing. I need to buy one ASAP! After reading your article, I think I’m gonna get the I’m Impressed one – it looks awesome! I love when stuff isn’t just helpful, but also makes my kitchen look prettier. I wish it was available in other colors, though.
I’d love to hear what you think of it.
There is a saying that goes,’old is gold.’ I prefer to use a pestle and mortar to deal with my garlic since it is what my parents used during their time. I also do not trust the new machines introduced. I have a feeling that they do not softly crush the garlic as compared to when the pestle and mortar are used.
I’m ashamed to say that I have been using jarred chopped garlic. The reason? Because I absolutely hated my garlic press so much and cleaning it was an absolute nightmare. I really appreciate this post because jarred garlic just does not compare to fresh cloves. Thank you for the amazon links and thorough research. I will be making a garlic press purchase. No more processed garlic for me.
I’m a bit of a garlic fiend so this article is perfect for me. I am wondering about the nonstick coating on the aluminum models, is it safe? I’ve heard that nonstick coating is not something you want in your food if it flakes off. The steel presses are very pretty, and I didn’t know that they could naturally get the garlic smell off your hands.
The juice that comes out from mashing garlic seems pretty corrosive, so it’s definitely important to invest in a robust rust-proof garlic press. I think most of the models that you reviewed are pretty good, being made of aluminium.
I usually don’t use garlic presses..they seem like a lot of unnecessary work. But I understand they are used for more dishes that call for a garlic paste type substance. I really love chopping my garlic the old fashioned way using a knife and the palm of my hands to help.
I used garlic presses for a while, I know that it is also good for your fingers, so they dont smell like garlic for forever.
But my grandmother taught me how to cut garlic nicely and the ways she makes t always remind me of my childhood and all the hours spent with her in the kitchen.
So I often find myself leaving the press in the drawer and just cutting it like my grandmother used to did.
So which, if any, of these are not made in China? You should have country of manufacturing information on all product reviews.
The Joseph Joseph model mentioned here is called the Easy-Press. I mention this only because the text talks about “rocker motion” and JJ does in fact make a model called Rocker. Beware–it’s rubbish. It’s sleek, slim, stylish, cool and utterly worthless as a garlic press. So ask for the Easy-Press by name–if you insist on spending $30 plus shipping on a garlic press, that is.
Alpha Grillers, Propresser, AYL, UberChef, are all the same press with different branding. This review is basically worthless.
Just got my garlic press yesterday. I use lots of garlic in most all my food, my press will be well used. I didn’t know garlic presses were so popular. Is there a wed site?
Hope you enjoy your new garlic press, Eloise! Sorry but I’m not sure what you mean – is there a website for what exactly? (I assume “wed” was a typo).