Buying guide
Garlic Presses and Crushers: Do You Need One?
Presses, rocking crushers and fine graters compared, and how each changes the flavour of the garlic.
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A garlic press turns a clove into a fine paste in seconds, with no sticky chopping board. It is not essential, but many cooks use theirs daily.
Our shortlist
Shortlist in progress
We only list products once their specifications have been checked against the manufacturer or retailer. Until then, use the criteria in this guide to compare what's available.
Where to buy
Browse current options and prices at the retailer. These are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no cost to you (disclosure).
Options
| Tool | Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lever press | Fine paste | Look for a cleaning tool built in; some take unpeeled cloves |
| Rocking crusher | Fine paste | Rock it over the clove; easy to rinse |
| Fine rasp grater | Very fine paste | Also zests citrus and grates ginger |
| Knife and salt | Paste or chopped | No gadget needed |
Flavour
The finer garlic is crushed, the stronger and sharper it tastes, because more of the cells are broken. Pressed garlic is punchier than sliced or chopped.
What to check
- Sturdy, stainless construction, not thin cast metal that bends.
- Easy cleaning: dishwasher-safe or a built-in cleaner.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to peel garlic before pressing it?
Many presses work with unpeeled cloves, leaving the skin behind in the press. Peeled cloves give a little more paste.
Is pressed garlic stronger than chopped?
Yes. Crushing breaks more of the cells, which releases more of the compounds that give garlic its sharp flavour.
How do I clean a garlic press?
Rinse it straight away before the garlic dries, using the built-in cleaning tool or a small brush.
How we choose
BeneRecipes compares tools using manufacturer specifications and retailer listings. We have not tested these products ourselves and don't publish star ratings. We explain which type suits which cook and why.
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