Burger press, yes or no?

TravellingAbuela

I bought a Bettaware burger press years ago, used it once, then it was relegated to the back of the cupboard. Much better, and easier, to just use your hands!

joedenise

I always used to use my hands but now use a press as I get a much firmer burger which is less likely to fall apart when trying to turn in the frying pan.

I find the press particularly useful when making beanburgers as they don't seem to "stick" together as well as meat ones.

Denise

andrewsmum

I bought one and it was so fiddly to wash that it got relegated to the cupboard almost straight away and has been there ever since. Much easier to make them in your hands

huston_kw

I just use my metal round biscuit / pastry cutter, put mixture in and lightly press, I use this also for fishcakes.

DigForVictory

+1 for I have two hands & a sink. (And a rowdy, hungry, passel o' lads.)
Simpler, cleaner & less fuss.

However, I do recognise there are those who cannot abide the "touch" of raw meat & would recommend disposable gloves rather than another thng to wash. Or alternatively teaching child/spouse...

Okydoky25

I use Pastry cutters. Big ones for adults smaller ones for the kids.

PenguinOfDeath

Never used a burger press, just get mince with a decent fat content, add any seasoning if required, roll into a ball the press down and shape with hands. Putting them in the fridge for an hour or so can help to their shape but then takes longer to cook!

JennyBNissan

You really don't need a press unless your hands aren't up to it. Mix minced meat, finely chopped onions with a little salt/pepper if you want them, take a handful and mould it into approx 3 inch diameter and 1 inch high patty. Stick it in a frying pan or on a grill until it is browned nicely. Check it has cooked all the way through (are the fork prongs piping hot when withdrawn?). You can get really fancy by adding cheese into the middle of the meat before shaping it.

Mrs-hoppy_2

I have a press but it got squirelled away in a box when we moved and has never returned - I just do them by hand now.

If you cooking in a frying pan / griddle, I read an amazing tip online to leave them in a ball flattened ever so slightly, add to oiled pan and fry them for a minute or two like that and then flatten them to desired thickness - stops them shrinking ans shrivelling like that do then, I likes me a thin burger!

L x

Cannyquine

I also have a tupperware burger press & can recommend it.