Buyer’s Guide to Buying the Best Vegan Tofu Press
“What the hell is a tofu press?” I hear many of you cry. You don’t know? A vegan tofu press is designed to help you press your beloved tofu to squeeze excess water out. Why do that? Once pressed, tofu can take on more flavor, the texture improves and enhances the taste.
Ok, cool, so what’s the best vegan tofu press out there? The best tofu press available to buy right now is the EZ Tofu Press. Using solid plastic plates and stainless steel knobs, you can effortlessly squeeze your tofu to perfection.
In this article, we take a look at the best vegan tofu press products your money can buy. I want to ensure all my readers get the most out of their main source of protein. Tofu is a staple for many vegans, why not enjoy it to the maximum?
The 6 Best Vegan Tofu Presses
There are the six best vegan tofu presses that I would personally recommend to you all. Each is made from high-quality materials, and most importantly…they actually work!
1. EZ Tofu Press
Why is this one the best? Because it is EZ to use. Do you get it? It’s simple to use because it throws out the laborious springs and elastic pressing method.
Instead, the bestselling EZ Tofu Press opts for stainless steel knobs. These can be used to gently press down the tofu and produce the best results compared to the competition.
On the bottom plate, you will find a handy centering mark. Here you can place your tofu with precision to ensure you get the best press possible. This precision makes your tofu pressing consistent, which aids your cooking.
The slabs are made from plastic but are USDA approved and BPA-free.
Using the product is easy. Just turn the knobs, and the slabs will slowly come together and squeeze the tofu. Leave for 15 minutes while all the excess water disappears.
This is the fastest tofu press in the west (actually, the world!). Sometimes the best and most effective inventions are the simplest.
2. Tofuture Tofu Press
As the name implies, this tofu is the future! Not just because it’s an excellent tofu press, but it’s also portable. Tofu on the go!
This range comes in many different colors so you can pick the best style for you. Tofuture is composed of three parts: a container that catches water, a colander-type container where the tofu sits, and the lid, which presses the tofu to perfection.
One thing I don’t like about this product is the fact it’s not very durable. It’s the best tofu press by far for portability, but with that portability, you would expect it to be more durable.
Overall, it is well designed, and it does work well. The water collection container helps avoid using your own plate, which saves on washing up. It even has adjustable tension so that you can get the perfect amount of pressing just for you.
Finally, I like the fact that you can actually press and marinate your tofu all using this one product. It saves using multiple dishes and saves lots of time.
3. Tofu Presser Super Tofu Press
The Super Tofu Press is much like the EZ tofu press is designed. Again, you get the stainless steel knobs that give you precise pressing power. I like this feature a lot.
You have plastic plates that are both BPA and HDPE free, so you don’t get any nasty chemical leaching into your precious tofu.
The Super Tofu Press feels sturdy and durable too. All the components are certified by the FDA for food safety. And most importantly, it presses tofu like a dream!
It’s effortless to use the product. Just tighten the knobs for a slow and gentle press. You can also use this presser for other food items, not just tofu. Enjoy!
4. Tofuxpress Gourmet Tofu Press
Next up is the Tofuxpress Gourmet Tofu Press! Not quite the same as the first three on this list with a slightly different design and functionality.
With Tofuxpress, you place the tofu inside the box with the water collecting lid at the bottom. Next, you can gently press down on the tofu for the desired press using the handle and springs.
Again, the product is made from plastic but is BPA-free and FDA-certified. It’s also thermoplastic, so you won’t inflict any damage when there are changes in temperature.
You can throw this tofu press straight into the dishwasher for quick cleaning. This a real bonus as other tofu presses can be fiddly and annoying to get clean.
This tofu press isn’t the easiest to use. But, with a little practice and getting used to the handle, you will be fine. What I like is the two locks on the container. Once the tofu is in, you can lock it and then begin the process of pressing.
5. Raw Rutes Stainless Steel Tofu Press
Also named “The Ninja”, this tofu press is simple and is a badass! I love the simplicity of the Raw Rutes press, and its apparent durability.
I think this is an excellent beginner tofu press. The stainless steel makes it strong, and it feels like it has been well made to last. The brand is obviously confident as they give you a lifetime warranty with each one.
This press gets little things right. Such as the fact you can drain water without affecting the shape of the tofu. This is a common issue among most tofu presses.
Another sweet advantage to the Raw Rute Tofu Press is the fact you can actually fit an entire block of tofu in there!
The Ninja is simple in design. It consists of a container for the tofu and a lid, which needs to be manually pushed down. It can take quite a bit of effort to squeeze out all the water.
6. Simple Drip Tofu Press
The Simple Drip Tofu Press is much like the EZ Press and Super Press. There is one small difference though, this one comes with a built-in strainer and removable drip. Which is great because that is the one downfall of the other two products.
Again, this product is made from BPA-free plastic and food-grade stainless steel components. The only issue with this product is that it is more expensive. You’re paying more for the drip tray, but for many people, this may not be much of an issue.
The Simple Drip Tofu Press does feel like a good-quality piece of kit. It feels sturdy and durable. It’s also effortless to use. You can effortlessly press your tofu using the two knobs on top and get your desired amount of pressed tofu.
What is Tofu?
What is tofu!? Tofu is a miracle plant-based source of protein. The Chinese and other southeast Asian countries have been eating tofu for millennia.
Tofu is a soft white cheese-like textured food made from soybeans. It is pressed into soft white blocks.
Tofu is incredibly versatile and can be used in thousands of exciting ways. Vegans love tofu because it is an excellent substitute for meat and an excellent source of protein.
But tofu is packing much more than just protein. Per 100g of tofu you get:
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Fat: 4 grams
- Manganese: 31% of the RDI
- Calcium: 20% of the RDI
- Selenium: 14% of the RDI
- Phosphorus: 12% of the RDI
- Copper: 11% of the RDI
- Magnesium: 9% of the RDI
- Iron: 9% of the RDI
- Zinc: 6% of the RDI
That’s a solid nutritional profile for vegans who can struggle to get adequate protein, calcium, and iron levels.
You also get a healthy dose of isoflavones, which have been shown to increase bone density, help prevent breast cancer, reduce the risk of prostate cancer, amongst many other things.
How is Tofu Made?
Tofu is made from soybeans that have been ground in water, heated, and thickened. For coagulation, the soybeans are mixed with minerals like calcium and magnesium salt.
The curds are then formed into solid white blocks, which are then chopped up and sold as tofu. There are many types of tofu you can buy, including:
- Firm tofu – great for stir-fries and chicken alternative recipes
- Silken tofu – great for making vegan scrambled egg and chocolate mousse
- Regular tofu – most commonly found in Asia and used in most tofu dishes
- Extra-firm and super-firm
- Seasoned tofu – find this in supermarkets, great for grilling and BBQ
- Smoked tofu – great for salads and sandwiches
Can I Make Tofu at Home?
Of course! But you will need some special tools to do it, including a cheesecloth, tofu mold tray, tray for the liquid, and a skimmer spoon.
You will need soybeans, lots of water, calcium sulfate, and lemons. You will find various methods online for making your own tofu. Personally, I think this one from Alpha Foodie is the best.
Making tofu is no easy feat when first starting. As you practice, it will become easier. This is a great skill to learn for anyone living in areas where you can’t find tofu.
Is Good or Bad for You?
You may hear people say tofu isn’t good for you. They’ll tell you that it’s full of estrogen, which gives men “man boobs” and it irreversibly damages your gut.
Ignore the naysayers and listen to the science. While tofu does contain estrogen, it is a plant-based form of estrogen. It can not give a man “man boobs,” and it will not interfere with a woman’s hormones.
Tofu will not mess with your stomach or gut unless you have an intolerance to soy. Many people have an intolerance to certain foods. Dairy is the most common intolerance on the planet, for example.
For most people, eating soy will be nothing but delicious. Not only is it delicious, but it is also packed full of protein and all nine essential amino acids.
It’s also a valuable source of calcium and iron. Tofu is an excellent addition to anyone’s diet!
Basic Tofu Press Models
There are several types of tofu press models you can choose from. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Box Style Tofu Press
With these models, you place your block of tofu inside the box. You then have a spring-loaded plate or heavy plate that presses down on the tofu to squeeze excess water.
Box presses are very convenient and easy to use. You can set them up quickly, and once set up correctly, it will press the tofu with minimal effort from yourself.
The only issue with box presses is that you can’t fit a full size of tofu in them. You then have to do multiple presses if making lots of tofu. Some box presses can be poorly made and don’t last long either. The springs can become easily damaged.
Plate Style Tofu Press
This is my favorite type of tofu press because they’re simple to use and give you full control over the quality of your pressing.
Using the stainless steel knobs on top, you can gently press the tofu between the two plastic plates. Some of the bigger models allow you to fit in big blocks of tofu too.
Plate-style tofu presses are often more expensive but are better made. The one issue with these models is the fact there is no tray to collect the water. However, newer models do now include a drip tray (number 6 on our list above).
Plate-style tofu presses take a little longer to operate but are well worth it, in my opinion.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Tofu Press
Before jumping straight in and buying any old tofu press, here are some things to consider.
Material
The most common material used for tofu presses is plastic. Most brands create their tofu press with food-grade safe BPA-free plastic. This is important because you don’t want any nasty chemicals leaching into your tofu.
When buying plate-style tofu presses, make sure that all the metal is stainless steel, and that is also certified food-grade safe.
Design
I find the best design for tofu presses is the plate style. They’re better made, last longer, and do a better job of pressing your tofu.
Plastic box styles are also good, but the parts tend to break more. Box styles often come with elastic bands, which are too difficult to use and break easily.
If you’re looking for a quality box-style tofu press, check my list at the start of this article.
Size
Many of the tofu presses available are relatively small and unable to press a full block of tofu. However, some new models can now take on an entire block, but they aren’t as effective.
Check out the Raw Rutes tofu press if you’re looking for a full-size tofu press that is high-quality and effective.
Pressure
The type of pressure varies depending on the style of the tofu press. Plate-style tofu presses have the best pressure, in my opinion. Because they have adjustable knobs, you can control the pressure and set it to your preference.
Box style pressure comes from a spring-loaded plate or heavy plate. These styles are also useful, but sometimes they can be more challenging to use or add too much pressure.
Price
You get what you pay for. If you buy a cheap plastic tofu press from Amazon, it likely won’t be much good. I would suggest that you invest in quality.
For me, the plat style tofu presses are the best quality. They’re a little more expensive, but they work much better and will last you longer. Plastic styles tend to get damaged easily.
Conclusion
A tofu press is an ingenious way to help you with your tofu preparation. By successfully squeezing out excess water from the tofu, you make it denser. The denser the tofu, the better it will cook and retain any marinade.
The best tofu presses available are box style and plate style. I found that the EZ Tofu Press is the best you can buy right now. It’s simple to use, effective and is built to last.
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