Burger press, yes or no?

chrisfreelander54

I'm looking at having a go at making my own burgers and would like know if anyone who makes their own burgers uses a press, if so which one and do you rate it?

I had a look on both eBay and amazon an there are quite a few budget ones but not sure to go for a metal or plastic one?

Also can anyone point me in the direction of a good burger recipe.

Any help greatly appreciated.
Chris.

thetope

I had a plastic press, but it was a pain to wash and the burgers didn't really squish all that well. I have lost it now and just use a circular scone cutter and press the meat down firmly with my hand into it then lift the ring off. They come out fine! I like this recipe http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2249657/homemade-burgers-with-sweet-potato-wedges

ragz_2

Thanks for this, have had one on my amazon wish list for ages, but my sister got me crumpet rings for christmas so I think I will just use those!

meg72

ragz wrote: »

Thanks for this, have had one on my amazon wish list for ages, but my sister got me crumpet rings for christmas so I think I will just use those!

They will work fine used them for ages but then I was given a set of individual quiche tins with loose bottoms they work even better.

peachyprice

I just flour my hands and shape the pattys, I didn't even know burger presses existed until now!

I don't often use beef but I do make a mean pork burger. The best tip I was ever given is to grate the onion instead of chopping.

Magpye

We used to do marinaded burgers at work (major supermarket butcher counter) and always shaped them by hand. Burger press would be one of those 'gadgets' to gather dust in a cupboard, imo.

angela110660

Have had my burger maker set (tupperware) for years and find it invaluable not just for making burgers but also for fish cakes. Easy to use, to store and to clean. I would see if you can find one that someone is selling, giving away or car booting. Good luck.
My burgers usually consist of minced beef mixed with grated onion - not chopped; a pinch of chilli powder and a sprinkle of sugar. Always cook well after freezing and never any complaints from family.

k3lvc

I second the Tupperware recommendation - nice mince, chopped onion, seasoning, breadcrumbs & an egg to bind it all together.

Size them depending on how you like them cooked and appetite - kids around 100g, Mrs K @ 120g and me at 150g

I've started using cheap freezer bags as the separator rather than paper discs - keeps the press cleaner and makes them easier to separate when frozen

dandy-candy

I always shape mine by hand and chill for an hour or more before cooking, you don't need a press tbh.

mandi

A burger press is just the same as you hands, only with more washing up and clutter to store .

lostinrates

I dislike overly pressed burgers. When I've been organised I make them in advance, rolling in cling wrap, chilling then 'slicing' like biscuits. Of course, this makes a less sturdy burger( especially if its pure meat) and needs to be cooked with deference to that. But it works for me.


I make various burgers, never followed a recipe. Just plain meat tend to go down rather well tbh. But I can rarely resist adding other flavours IMO egg is a bad move for taste and texture. But tastes vary.