Quick Answer
Place the grill press on the food for even contact and a crispy crust. For burgers, press once at the start; for bacon, place it on top and flip halfway.
Why Use a Grill Press for Burgers and Bacon
A weighted grill press increases surface contact with the heat source, giving you a more even sear and faster cooking. For burgers, this means a deep, caramelized crust and juicier interior. For bacon, the press keeps the strips flat and prevents curling, so they cook evenly without burning at the edges.
The Caraway Grill Press is made from premium stainless steel, so it resists rust and is easy to clean. Its 6-inch size fits most pans and griddles without overcrowding.
Step-by-Step Guide: Using a Grill Press
- Preheat the Grill or Pan: Heat your grill, griddle, or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place the grill press on the cooking surface for 2–3 minutes to warm it up. This prevents the food from sticking and ensures immediate searing. A cold press will cool the surface and cause uneven cooking.
- Prepare the Food: For burgers, shape patties slightly larger than the bun — they shrink when cooked. Season generously. For bacon, separate strips and lay them flat in a single layer without overlapping. Overlapping bacon strips will steam instead of crisp.
- Place the Food on the Heat: Lay the burger patties or bacon strips on the hot surface. For burgers, place the press directly on top of each patty. For bacon, set the press over the strips to keep them flat. Press only at the start; pressing repeatedly can squeeze out juices and dry out burgers.
- Cook and Flip: Cook burgers for 3–4 minutes per side (depending on thickness) without moving them. For bacon, cook 2–3 minutes, then flip and cook another 1–2 minutes. Remove the press before flipping. Use tongs to flip bacon — a spatula can tear the strips.
- Rest and Serve: Let burgers rest for 2 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease. Skipping the rest makes burgers leak juices when bitten.
Product Spotlight
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Grill Press: The Caraway Grill Press is crafted from premium stainless steel and measures 6 inches across. The stainless steel construction heats up quickly and stays hot, helping you achieve a consistent crust on burgers and flat, crispy bacon without sticking.
Grill Press