Take a look around any kitchenware store and you’ll see gadgets for just about every kitchen task. While some don’t make a big difference in the prep-cook-clean-up cycle (I'm looking at you, banana slicer), others can totally change your cooking experience.
Okay, so what about a garlic press? Do you really need this single-use tool in your kitchen or is it just taking up precious space?
What is a garlic press?
This metal hand-held tool kind of looks like a nutcracker. To use it, place a peeled garlic clove in the device, swing the arm around, and squeeze. Voila! Fresh and finely grated garlic emerges from a grid of small holes, ready to use in your cooking.
“The gentle pressure crushes the clove into small, soft pieces, releasing the delicious flavor and aroma of this beloved ingredient,” says Emily Kyle, RDN.
Should you get one?
Let me be real for a second: prepping garlic can be a pain, not to mention sticky and stinky. If you wince at the mention of “mince” in a recipe, or you aren’t super-confident in your knife skills, a garlic press may be a good tool for you.
“A garlic press can make enjoying fresh garlic quick and easy, enhancing the overall flavor of your meal,” says Kyle. If a recipe calls for a large quantity of garlic, the gadget can also make it easier to prep your ingredients faster.
And if using a garlic press means you’re incorporating more of the aromatic ingredient into your cooking, that can be a good thing. “Garlic is a heart-healthy superfood with many beneficial anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties,” says Kyle. “Research demonstrate that garlic has the potential to decrease risk of cardiovascular disease by increasing blood vessel flexibility. The sulfur-containing compounds in garlic also may be beneficial to the upper digestive tract and the stomach.”
Where can you buy a garlic press?
If you're all set on buying a garlic press, but don't know where to begin, check out some of the best garlic presses on the market:
Orblue Garlic Press
This professional grade tool sports an ergonomic design that makes it super easy to press your garlic. Plus, it’s dishwasher safe.
This garlic press has an extra large chamber, to press even the biggest cloves. The best part? You can leave your cloves unpeeled.
Crate and Barrel Garlic Press & Slice
This versatile garlic press has two separate chambers so you can press or slice your garlic cloves. Genius!
Not only does this slim and sleek press make quick work of your garlic, it comes with a tool to make clean up a breeze.
Sunkuka Garlic Press Set
You’ll look forward to cooking with garlic with this easy-to-use (and comfortable!) press.
MiTBA Garlic Press
This press makes it easy to crush even the biggest garlic cloves, thanks to the ergonomic design and non-slip handles.
Kebley Professional Heavy-Duty Garlic Press
While this basic garlic press looks unassuming, it gets the job done easily.
OXO Soft-Handled Garlic Press
This ergonomically designed garlic press includes a built-in cleaner for easy use.
Before you commit, consider how you prefer to use garlic in your cooking. Do you prefer finely grated garlic? Look for a garlic press with smaller holes. If smaller cubes of garlic are more your jam, opt for a press with larger holes. Whichever one you pick, get ready for your cooking prep to get a whole lot easier.
Christine Yu is an award-winning journalist and author of the book Up to Speed: The Groundbreaking Science of Women Athletes. Her work focuses on the intersection of sports science and women athletes. She's a lifelong athlete who loves running, yoga, surfing, and skiing.
