Napoleon Cast Iron Chef's Press
Best heavy-duty press for achieving restaurant-quality sears at home.
Elevate your grilling and stovetop cooking with the Napoleon Cast Iron Chef's Press. This essential tool ensures superior browning and flavor, preheating with your grill for the crispiest results on fish, poultry, burgers, and grilled cheese. Its substantial cast iron construction guarantees even heat distribution, allowing simultaneous searing from both sides to speed up meal preparation. The press features a durable steel handle wrapped in wood for a safe and comfortable grip, making it ideal for use on stovetops and outdoor grills.
$21.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 180
#5 in Grill Presses
Price vs Category Average
-38%
Below average
Material
Cast Iron
/ Cast Iron
Who it's for
- Grillers seeking restaurant-quality sears and perfectly flat bacon
- Cooks wanting faster, dual-sided heat for efficient grilling
- Outdoor chefs needing rugged tools that survive intense heat
Who should skip it
- Busy cooks avoiding labor-intensive cleaning and seasoning routines
- Users preferring lightweight tools for easy grill management
- Safety-conscious cooks wanting to avoid constant glove usage
Performance breakdown
Searing Efficiency
Heavy cast iron delivers consistent, professional-grade crusts on every protein.
Heat Retention
Massive construction holds heat exceptionally well for simultaneous dual-sided searing.
Ergonomic Handling
The wooden handle stays cool and provides a secure, comfortable grip.
Surface Versatility
Seamlessly transitions from high-heat outdoor grills to indoor stovetop cooking.
Maintenance Requirements
Requires manual seasoning and hand washing to prevent rust and degradation.
Build Durability
Rugged, pre-seasoned cast iron built to withstand years of intense heat.
Key Specs
Material
Cast Iron
Finish
Pre-seasoned
Dimensions
8.5 x 4.5 inches
Weight
2.65 lbs
Handle Material
Wood
Handle Type
Fixed
Surface Texture
Flat
Dishwasher Safe
No
Features
- Achieves superior searing and browning
- Ensures even cooking for perfect results
- Ideal for crispy bacon and grilled cheese
- Speeds up meal preparation
- Comfortable and safe wooden handle
- Versatile for stovetop and grill use
- Durable cast iron construction
- Maximizes cooking area efficiency
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Napoleon Cast Iron Chef's Press for its superior build quality and cooking performance. The substantial weight and robust cast iron construction are key features, ensuring excellent heat retention and even distribution. This design is crucial for achieving professional results, whether flattening bacon or maximizing contact for a perfect sear on steaks. Users value the durability, viewing the press as a long-term investment. While initial seasoning is required, the overall consensus is that the press delivers exceptional value through its efficiency and ability to elevate the quality of grilled foods. The comfortable handle design also contributes positively to its ease of use.
Know before you buy
Yes, it arrives pre-seasoned and ready to use. However, like any cast iron cookware, you should continue to season it periodically to maintain its non-stick properties and prevent rust.
No, this press is not dishwasher safe. To keep it in top condition, hand wash it with warm water and dry it thoroughly immediately after cleaning to prevent rust.
While the cast iron base is oven-safe, the wooden handle is not designed for high-heat oven use. It is intended to stay cool while you are cooking on the stovetop or grill.
Yes, it is designed for versatility. You can use it on any standard stovetop or directly on your grill grates to help sear meats and press sandwiches.
The press weighs 2.65 lbs, which provides enough weight to ensure consistent contact for searing burgers, bacon, or grilled cheese without crushing delicate ingredients.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.