Garlic is a foundational ingredient in countless recipes, adding depth, aroma, and unmistakable flavor to dishes of all kinds. But let’s be honest—prepping garlic by hand can be a time-consuming mess. That’s where the right garlic press comes in. With the right tool, you can crush cloves effortlessly, minimize cleanup, and bring out the best in your cooking.
In this guide, we’ve reviewed three top-rated garlic tools that every home chef should consider. These picks offer a combination of thoughtful design, durable materials, and practical features that make garlic prep faster, cleaner, and more effective.
Top Picks
How We Selected The Best Garlic Presses
We evaluated each garlic press based on its ease of use, cleaning convenience, durability, ergonomic design, and real-world user feedback. The goal? To help you find a tool that fits seamlessly into your kitchen routine—whether you’re cooking for one or prepping a feast.
Best Overall: OXO Good Grips Heavy Duty Garlic Press
If you’re looking for a garlic press that does it all with minimal effort, the OXO Good Grips Heavy Duty Garlic Press is a top-tier choice. Built from die-cast zinc, this tool feels solid in hand and easily crushes multiple cloves at once. Its smartly designed chamber and hole pattern ensure maximum garlic extraction while leaving skins behind.
Comfort is key here—the soft, non-slip handles make it easy to press garlic without hand fatigue. It’s a reliable workhorse that performs well whether you’re cooking daily dinners or entertaining a crowd.
What People Say
Users praise its sturdy construction and low-maintenance design. The self-cleaning feature and dishwasher-safe materials are especially appreciated.
“This OXO garlic press meets all the must haves, and IS the Best Garlic Press in the World!!! Durable metal and hinge that doesn’t break when you press a big load of garlic. The pressed garlic is neat and easily scraped on the edge of a bowl or with a knife. It self-cleans easily, and it’s made with kitchen-grade metal that doesn’t tarnish in the dishwasher.” – SSB
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Effortless garlic pressing with minimal mess
- Built to last with solid materials
- Soft handles for better grip and comfort
Cons:
- Slightly heavier than some other models
Why You’ll Love It
This is the garlic press you’ll reach for again and again. It delivers consistent results, stands up to frequent use, and cleans up quickly—what more could you ask for?
Best For:
Everyday meals, batch cooking, and anyone who wants maximum garlic flavor with minimum hassle.
Best Upgrade: Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press
For those who want a premium garlic tool that blends functionality with sleek design, the Kuhn Rikon Epicurean Garlic Press is a standout. Its all-metal construction not only looks great but performs effortlessly—crushing both peeled and unpeeled cloves with ease.
Thanks to its powerful lever mechanism and ergonomic handle, it takes very little force to use, making it ideal for anyone with limited hand strength. It also opens wide for easy cleaning, and many users say it looks brand-new even after years of use.
What People Say
Reviewers love its durable design and consistent performance. The ability to press unpeeled garlic is a major time-saver.
“I bought this item for myself nine years ago and use it regularly (at least once a week). Its performance hasn’t diminished, it looks brand new, has a generous capacity for large garlic cloves, and cleans easily. I usually hand wash it as soon as I’m done with it so that nothing dries on, but on the odd occasion I don’t get to it, it unfolds such that all areas can be cleaned with a small brush. I love that it’s made entirely of steel.” – VM
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- High-end, all-stainless construction
- Presses garlic with minimal effort
- Great for both peeled and unpeeled cloves
Cons:
- Some users prefer peeling for slightly better output
Why You’ll Love It
The Epicurean brings together efficiency, durability, and elegant design. It’s the kind of tool that makes you enjoy the process just as much as the result.
When to Use It
Frequent garlic users, home chefs who want an upgrade, and those who value both form and function.
Best Value: Zulay Kitchen Premium Garlic Press Set
If you’re looking for a complete garlic solution at an affordable price, the Zulay Kitchen Premium Garlic Press Set is tough to beat. It includes a rust-resistant garlic press, a silicone peeler, and a cleaning brush—everything you need to prep garlic like a pro.
Designed with comfort in mind, its ergonomic handle reduces strain while offering solid pressing power. The included peeler makes quick work of removing skins, and the brush helps with cleanup—especially if you’re not using a dishwasher.
What People Say
Users love how well it performs at its price point. Many highlight the thoughtful extras that come with the set.
“The Zulay Kitchen Large Garlic Press is a professional-grade tool that also comes with a peeler and brush. Its quality construction makes peeling garlic cloves easy, earning a 10 out of 10. For pressing garlic, it performs flawlessly, deserving a 10 out of 10, especially when using a one clove at a time. Cleanup is straightforward; however, while the instructions recommend washing with warm, soapy water, it’s unclear how well it holds up in the dishwasher. It includes a lifetime warranty. Overall, this is the best garlic press I have ever used.” – Leigh
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable yet high-quality construction
- Includes peeler and cleaning brush
- Easy to use and dishwasher safe
Cons:
- Capacity may be small for those prepping large quantities
Why You’ll Love It
This budget-friendly set proves you don’t have to spend a lot to get great results. It’s a smart choice for new cooks or anyone building out their kitchen essentials.
Best For:
Budget-conscious home chefs, casual cooks, and anyone who appreciates handy kitchen accessories.
FAQ
What should I consider when buying a garlic press?
Look for materials like stainless steel or zinc for durability and rust resistance. Comfortable, ergonomic handles can make a big difference if you use garlic often. Also, check if the press is dishwasher safe and how easy it is to clean by hand. Reading verified reviews can also help you gauge long-term performance.
Do I need to peel garlic before using a press?
Not always. Some models—like the Kuhn Rikon—are designed to handle unpeeled cloves. However, peeling usually gives cleaner results and reduces the amount of residue left in the chamber.
Is a garlic press better than chopping garlic by hand?
If you’re short on time or want consistent, finely minced garlic, a press is absolutely worth it. It also keeps your hands cleaner and makes it easier to work with larger quantities. While knife skills are great, a press brings speed and convenience to the table.
Final Thoughts
A high-quality garlic press can transform how you cook—saving time, reducing mess, and intensifying flavor. Whether you choose the reliable OXO Good Grips, the sleek Kuhn Rikon Epicurean, or the value-packed Zulay Kitchen Set, each of these garlic tools brings something special to the kitchen.
Ready to take your garlic game to the next level? These top picks make it easy to enjoy bold, fresh flavor—without the fuss.
