10 Best Cookie Press in 2022 – Reviews & Buying Guide
Who doesn’t love indulging their sweet tooth now and again? But there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into some freshly baked cookies. Moreover, eating homemade cookies has numerous health advantages such as reduced levels of refined sugar, fewer artificial ingredients, and lower risk of triggering food allergies.
But given the sheer number of cookie presses available in the market today, choosing one that’s right for you can be a terribly daunting task. The ten following cookie presses are the top rated products sure to make your baking experience much easier, and a lot less time-consuming.
Top 10 Cookie Presses – Reviews
1. Darice Cookie Press
“So easy, a child could do it”, is the expression that comes to mind when describing the Darice Cookie Wizard. The company began in 1954 with a single store, and one man’s vision to provide quality craft-related products at affordable prices. In a little over 60 years in the industry, Darice may have evolved and expanded its product line, but its commitment to quality has remained unwavering
The Cookie Wizard’s compact design boasts an set up that’s easy to use. The cookie press can be loaded without much fuss, with dimensions of 9 x 9 x 5 inches, and coming in at only about 2 pounds, the press can be easily handled by even children. Instead of a “trigger” type press, the Cookie Wizard is operated using your thumb to push down the button to initiate the plunger mechanism inside.
Overview
- Easy-to-use design
- Flexible, may be used in making other things such as appetizers such as deviled eggs as well as
- Push button operation helps facilitate professional results
Product Highlights
In addition to being relatively simple to use, the Cookie Wizard also comes with a wide array of tips and cookie press discs to give you a variety of options when it comes to cookie design. The canister where you load the cookie dough is “shatter-proof” which makes for a reasonably durable container. The contents are pushed through the nozzle with a steel rod, further ensuring smooth operation.
Positives
Considering you are getting more than just a cookie press, but also 5 decorator nozzles, and 23 decorator disks which includes 10 numbers, and designs such as trees, stars, flowers, etc.? These make for a great bargain for anyone looking to start baking cookies at home. The design is straightforward, and simple enough to use, that you’re bound to make baking projects that look reasonably “professional”.
Negatives
Despite everything it has going for it. The Darice Cookie Wizard is still mostly made of plastic, so it is not as sturdy as cookie presses made of mostly metal. Wear and tear can still eventually necessitate replacement. Moreover, the available product information does not explicitly state whether or not it is “dishwasher safe”
2. Somubi Cookie Press Set
This next one will definitely interest anyone who’s a Hershey’s Chocolate Company aficionado. The name “Hershey’s” has become synonymous with chocolate kisses since they were first introduced in 1907. Now boasting an impressive line of chocolate-based products, the Hershey Chocolate Company is easily one of the most recognizable brands in the consumer chocolate space since the late 19th Century.
Naturally, if you’re the sort to want to make cookies with Hershey’s kisses design, getting this cookie press is probably an easy choice to make. Beyond the novelty of the Hershey’s kisses decorator disc, the cookie press is designed for easy use, and can be easily cleaned after.
Overview
- Comes with 21 decorator discs (one of which is the Hershey’s Kisses shape), and 6 decorator tips
- May be used for decorating cakes and other appetizers aside from cookie-making
- Four-finger grip operation
- Easy to clean
Product Highlights
The Hershey’s Kisses cookie press comes with a little over twenty decorator discs, and six decorator tips. The press can be operated with a grip that can be pressed by four fingers, facilitating ease of use. The whole thing has dimensions of 15 x 3 x 3.5 inches, making it a bit long compared to the previous cookie press. But weighing in at only about a pound, makes it a lot lighter.
Positives
In addition to the respectable number of decorator tips, and decorator discs that come with the Hershey’s Kisses cookie press, you are also getting one disc in the Hershey’s Kisses design. That alone should be more than enough reason to get this one for any Hershey’s fan. But in addition to all that, the cookie press is designed to be easy to use and easy to clean.
Negatives
The cookie press is made of plastic, so is probably not as durable as cookie presses made of metal. Available product information also does not specify whether or not the canister containing the dough is “shatter-proof”, nor has the cookie press been designated “dishwasher safe”.
3. Cookie Press Set,Stainless Steel Cookie Maker Biscuit
Although not as “old” as companies like Hershey’s, Wilton has been in the business of helping chefs and bakers since 1929. The company was the brainchild of Dewey McKinley Wilton, who started teaching his method of “confectionary art” from his home, and eventually built his enterprise into the company it is today. The company’s dedication to helping both professionals and home-based chefs continues.
The Ergonomic Comfort Grip Cookie Press is specifically designed to make “perfectly-shaped spritz cookies”. The cookie press is flute-bottomed which raises it off the cookie sheet which prevents cookies from becoming misshapen as you push the dough out of the cookie press.
Overview
- Ergonomic grip design makes it very comfortable when operating
- Clear canister makes it simple to see when it needs to be reloaded
- Flute bottom raises the cookie press off the cookie sheet, preventing misshapen cookies
- Includes 12 plastic decorator discs and spritz cookie recipe
Product Highlights
This Wilton cookie press comes with only 12 decorator discs, which is a little over half of those that come with the previous two cookie presses discussed so far. However, the ergonomic grip design, and flute bottom do compensate for the lower disc count somewhat. Its dimensions are 2.3 x 5.9 x 10 inches, and the cookie press weighs about 1.5 pounds, making it relatively light, but also boasting a reasonable canister dough capacity.
Positives
Between the ergonomic grip design, and the flute bottom, the cookie press already has two distinct features going for it. In addition, the clear canister, reasonable dough capacity further facilitates a smooth, “hassle-free” user experience. The spritz cookie recipe that comes with the cookie press makes it great for beginners looking to start making homemade cookies. Provided you are comfortable with the price point.
Negatives
That said, the Wilton cookie press doesn’t come with as many decorator discs as others. The cookie press is also mostly plastic, and lacking any specific product information designating material durability, it is probably best to assume the press is not designed for “heavy-duty” use. Moreover, the available product information does not explicitly state whether or not the Wilton Ergonomic Cookie Press is “dishwasher safe”. Also, the price point is a bit higher than the previous two cookie presses.
4. Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press
The Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press is a proud product of Swiss design and ingenuity. The company that would become Kuhn Rikon traces its roots all the way back to the early 1800s. Although the company initially began manufacturing cauldrons and sheet metal, by the second decade of the 20th Century, it would venture into the cookware industry, producing some of the finest products at the caliber that made the Swiss famous the worldover.
As if being Swiss made weren’t enough, this cookie press has been named “Best Cookie Press” by Real Simple magazine. With its clear dough-loading canister, easy-to-use and clean design, as well as the 14 metal decorator discs, and 6 metal decorator tips, it is easy to see why this cookie press would be highly-prized in any kitchen.
Overview
- Comes with 14 decorator discs, and 6 decorator tips
- Clear dough canister to easily gauge when it’s time to reload
- Designed to come apart when cleaning
- Also includes cookie recipes
- Top rack dishwasher safe
Product Highlights
The Kuhn Rikon Clear Cookie Press is Swiss made (and everything that distinction implies), so naturally that entails a practicality and efficiency of design that is also durable. This sets the cookie press apart from the previously mentioned three. The grip is partially metal, and designed to be pulled during operation. Moreover, with dimensions of 9 x 5.75 x 2.25 inches, this cookie press has a dough capacity comparable to the Wilton Ergonomic Comfort Grip Cookie Press. However, weighing only half a pound makes it one of the lightest ones so far.
Positives
This cookie press has been designed to not only be efficient, but also to be cleaned easily. Product information on the Kuhn Rikon cookie press states that it is “top rack” dishwasher safe for the most part. However, it should be pointed out that handwashing is still recommended. The decorator discs, in particular, are not dishwasher safe, and should be washed by hand. Aside from that, the cookie press comes with 14 decorator discs and 6 decor tips, making for a decent variety of cookie designs. The inclusion of cookie recipes is a definite “plus” for beginners, but may be negligible to more experienced users.
Negatives
While having metal parts makes this potentially more durable than plastic cookie presses, being made of metal means the decorator discs are not “dishwasher safe”. The available product information on the Kuhn Rikon cookie press in fact has stated the discs may corrode if cleaned via dishwasher, which may be a potential “deal-breaker” for some people. Moreover, with a price tag that is almost $40, this cookie press may be a bit hefty for some people’s budget.
5. Marcato 8300 Atlas Classic Biscuit Maker Cookie Press
If anyone knows how to eat (not counting the French of course), it’s the Italians! As such, it should come as no surprise that the Italian company, Marcato, has been making quality machines for making pasta, pizza, bread, and cookies since 1930. You might say owning a Marcato cookie press is kinda like owning the “Maserati” of cookie presses.
With a combination of simple functionality, with a pleasing, “classic” aesthetic appeal that is intrinsic to Italian design, the Marcato 8300 comes in a variety of colors such as fiery red, to classic blue, sleek silver, and even pink.
Overview
- Adjustable knob to switch from large to small cookie sizes with an easy turn
- Comes with 20 classic metal cookie discs
- Ergonomic design makes it easy to use
- Designed to come apart for easy cleaning
- Made of food grade anodised aluminum, steel, and ABS
- Comes with a 10 year warranty
Product Highlights
Unlike the previous cookie presses, the Marcato 8300 made almost completely from metal. As such, it is typically a lot sturdier than plastic, and can handle more “heavy-duty” use. In fact, with dimensions of 6 x 2 x 8.5 inches, and weighing a little over a pound, the Marcato’s canister can make about 35 to 40 small cookies, or 20 to 25 large cookies per load.
Positives
Everything from the ergonomic design, the metallic construction, to the cookie size-adjusting knob, and even the 6 available colors almost screams “Buy me!”. T But the Marcato is more than just a “pretty face”, it is designed in such a way to yield consistent results. So each press of the grip extrudes the same amount of cookie dough as the previous one. Now, if those weren’t already blaringly obvious reasons to purchase the Marcato, the cookie press also comes with a whopping 10 year manufacturer’s warranty. Moreover, the whole thing is designed to be easily disassembled for quick, and easy cleaning.
Negatives
Of course, like all things, the Marcato 8300 is not without some “cons”. For one thing, cookie presses of this caliber do not come cheap. The Marcato, in particular, will set you back anywhere from $44 to just shy of $75, possibly a bit more depending on your preferred color. Moreover, the available product information does not explicitly state whether or not the cookie press is dishwasher safe. (which could be a deal-breaker for some.) Instead, the Marcato seems to be designed to be cleaned by hand using warm, soapy water.
6. Spritz Cookie Press Gun Kit
Now if you want a cookie press that has elements of Italian design and function, but don’t quite have the budget to get a high-end one, you might consider Fante’s 12007 Easy Cookie Press. Fante’s has been specializing in kitchen utensils and cookware since 1906. This family-owned business has become nationally known in the United States as the providers of some of the finest array of housewares, enjoying such a reputation for quality that everyone from humble home cooks to famous celebrity chefs have made it a point to stop by the Italian Market store whenever they are in Philadelphia.
Fante’s 12007 cookie press eschews the use of cookie discs in favor of having cookie designs extrude out of a ruler-like implement that attaches at the tip, and shapes may be changed by sliding the desired shaped hole into place when in use. The design also makes use of a rotary handle rather than a pulling grip, or push button.
Overview
- Long handle, and rotary plunger mechanism make it ideal for extruding even the firmest cookie dough
- Sliding plate has 5 traditional shapes
- Top unscrews for easy loading
- Metallic build gives it a sturdy design
- Disassembles easily for ease of cleaning after use
Product Highlights
Just like the Marcato, Fante’s cookie press is metallic, which means it handle more “heavy duty” use. With dimensions of 9.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, and weighing a little over 14 ounces, this cookie press should be easy enough to manage. But add to that how it is designed to be easily loaded and the cookie shape plate slides into place make for fairly smooth operation.
Positives
By far, what sets Fante’s cookie press apart is the elegantly simple rotary handle. This means you can use it longer, and not wear out your fingers from gripping or pushing. Moreover, the metallic build makes for a far more durable cookie press than ones made from plastic. The cookie press is also designed in such a way that each turn of the handle extrudes the same amount of cookie dough, thus helping to ensure consistent results.
The press is also designed to come apart easily when cleaning. The cookie press also comes with the Fante family’s cookie recipes as well as a 1 year warranty. Moreover, with a retail price of just under $25 (less when sold at a discount), Fante’s cookie press is well within the “affordable” price range.
Negatives
While these are all well and good features, the cookie press does have some caveats to consider before purchasing. By far the biggest elephant in the room is limited number of designs. With only five cookie shapes to choose from, the cookie press does seem somewhat limited compared to others. While designed to be disassembled easily for cleaning, the cookie press is designed to be washed by hand only.
7. FCOZM Stainless Steel Biscuit Cookie Press
If you’re looking for a cookie press that gives you the proverbial “bang for your buck”, then the FCOZM cookie press is the one for you. The cookie press is made in China, and everything that implies. The FCOZM’s trademark is owned by Shenzhen Cai Gen Tang Technology Co.. Although the company does not enjoy the same reputation, and long history of providing high quality goods like more established brands, the company remains nevertheless committed to providing its customers with quality items at fairly affordable prices.
The FCOZM cookie press is a fine example of that commitment to quality. Boasting a stainless steel build, relatively easy-to-use design, the cookie press also comes with a reasonably wide array of decorator discs, as well as a handful of decorator tips. All of which at a price just under $17 which is a lot cheaper than say a Marcato.
Overview
- Sturdy, stainless steel build
- Ergonomic design makes it easy to use
- Comes with 20 metal cookie decorator discs, and 4 plastic decorator tips
- Can be disassembled easily when cleaning
- Dough is extruded by pressing the handle in a “pumping action”
Product Highlights
The FCOZM cookie press has a stainless steel dough canister that unscrews for easy loading. Because it is made of metal, this cookie press is presumably sturdier than those made of plastic, making it ideal for “heavy duty” work. Moreover, dough is extruded by pressing a lever in a “pumping action” rather than a gripping or rotary movement.
Positives
Although not as elegantly designed as its Italian or Swiss counterparts, the FCOZM will still get the job done with relatively little fuss. It is also ergonomically designed, and the metallic cookie discs are placed at the bottom part which unscrews. The cookie press is also designed to be disassembled for easy cleaning. However, the exact dimensions of the cookie press do not seem to be available so it isn’t possible to gauge canister capacity. Nevertheless, given that the cookie press comes with 20 cookie discs and 4 decorator tips at a price tag that is reasonably affordable, makes this ideal if you are on a budget.
Negatives
According to the available product information, this cookie press does not seem to be dishwasher safe, and must be cleaned by hand. Moreover, these does not seem to be any manufacturer’s warranty to speak of. These could be potential causes for concern. But given the price point, expecting a warranty may be asking a bit much.
8. Kaiser Cookie Press
If the Germans are known for anything, it is efficiency, and meticulous attention to detail. The same can be said about Kaiser, originally a wholesale for metal goods, founded by Wilhelm Ferdinand Kaiser in 1919, the company was the first to introduce non-stick baking pans to the market in 1968.
The Kaiser cookie press embodies everything people have come to expect from German design: ergonomic, high quality, and delivers consistent results.
Overview
- Ergonomic design, with grip mechanism for extruding dough
- Comes with 10 cookie discs, and 6 decorator tips
- Designed to come apart easily for ease of cleaning
- Dishwasher safe
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Part of a 17-piece baking set
Product Highlights
That said, with 10 cookie discs, and 6 decorator tips, and an easy to use ergonomic grip, the Kaiser cookie press is still ideally-suited to meet your cookie baking needs. It is also designed to come apart for easy cleaning. Moreover, the available product information indicates that it is dishwasher safe.
Positives
The cookie press is part of a larger, 17-piece baking set, which makes it more than a bargain with a price that’s just a little over $11 (plus shipping). It’s designed for easy use, and comes with a respectable number of cookie discs and decorator tips. However, this model is made of “high quality”, but noticeably mostly non-metallic parts. This means it is not as durable as its metallic counterparts. So it may not be as ideal for “heavy duty” use.
Negatives
The cookie press is non-metallic, so not ideally suited for “heavy duty” use.
9. 45PCS Cookies Press Gun Kit Set
KeepingcooX is a trademark owned by Yangjiang Jiangchengqu Ziyunxuanchuyezhipin,Ltd., which carries with it similar expectations as the company that owns the trademark of the previously mentioned FCOZM cookie press. That is not to say the KeepingcooX cookie press is necessarily of poor quality per se, just that it may not quite be at the same caliber as its western counterparts.
To be perfectly fair, the KeepingcooX cookie press comes with a respectable number of cookie discs, and decorator tips. Moreover, the cookie press is designed to be easily used, albeit its grip is perhaps not quite as ergonomically designed as the OXO, Marcato, or Kaiser models.
Overview
- “Easy-to-use” stainless steel lever grip
- Frosted glass canister makes it easy to see when to reload dough
- Comes with a reasonable number of cookie discs and decorator tips
- Extrudes consistent amount of dough per grip action
- Made from premium quality material
- Includes “bonus” heat-resistant silicone oven mitt
Product Highlights
The cookie press has a stainless steel lever grip, that is meant to be used easily. While the KeepingcooX is mostly made of plastic, it is supposed to be made of “premium” and “non-toxic” material. The cookie press has dimensions of 9.4 x 7.1 x 2 inches, and weighs a little over 4 ounces. Moreover, the canister is made of frosted glass to be facilitate knowing when it’s time to reload dough.
Positives
Although probably not as “ergonomically-designed” as others on this list, the KeepingcooX still does what it is designed to do. The grip extrudes a consistent amount of cookie dough with each “pull”. The clear canister allows you to more easily gauge when to reload dough. The cookie press also has a non-slip base to keep it steady when extruding dough to a cookie pan.
The cookie press comes with 16 cookie discs, and 6 decorator tips, giving a relatively varied array of possible cookie designs. It also looks like it can be disassembled to make it easier to clean. Moreover, with a price tag just south of $15, this cookie press is quite affordable.
Negatives
That said, the cookie press does have a few caveats. The available product information does not indicate whether or not it is dishwasher safe. Moreover, the use of frosted glass for the canister may necessitate more careful handling than cookie presses made from sturdier material. The KeepingcooX cookie press also does not seem to have a warranty. But given the price point, the lack of any explicit manufacturer’s warranty may not be all that important.
10. OXO Good Grips 14-Piece Cookie Press Set
The idea which would lead to the creation of OXO took shape in 1990 when Sam Farber invented a peeler ergonomically designed to be used by his wife Betsy, who suffered from arthritis. This philosophy of a “better way” lies at the heart of the company’s product design to this day.
The OXO Good Grips cookie press embodies that philosophy, blending ergonomic design with consistency of function. So while the company may not have the same history as some of the ones on this list, it has nevertheless earned its reputation and value because of its patented (and award-winning) easy-to-use grip design.
Overview
- Ergonomic, soft, non-slip grip designed to be easily held and operated
- Non-slip base allows press to be kept steady when dispensing dough
- Clear canister
- Can be disassembled easily for cleaning
- Comes with 12 stainless steel cookie discs
- Also includes a storage case of the cookie discs
Product Highlights
Like its sibling products, the OXO cookie press was specifically designed to be used by people suffering from arthritis. As such, the grip used to extrude the cookie dough is both ergonomic, and made of soft, non-slip material. The cookie press’ dimensions are 5.75 x 2.75 x 10.25 inches, and weighs in at a little over a pound and a half, making it easy enough to handle for repeated use. However, it is mostly made of BPA-free plastic, which means it may not be as ideally suited for heavy-duty, as its metallic counterparts.
Positives
The ergonomically designed, non-slip grip is perhaps one of the most distinctive advantages the OXO cookie press has over the others on this list. Moreover, because the press was designed to be used by people with arthritis, this means that it is probably far easier to operate than any other cookie press. The whole thing can also be disassembled easily when cleaning. The 12 stainless steel cookie discs also come with their very own storage case.
Negatives
Despite everything it has going for it, the OXO cookie press does have some potential areas of concern. While it does come with a “warranty” of sorts called the “OXO Better Guarantee”, it does not seem to specify an exact duration. Moreover, despite coming with a handy storage case, there are only 12 cookie discs which is a bummer if you’re looking for greater variety in your cookie designs. Also, while it does come apart easily for cleaning, available product information does not explicitly specify whether or not it is dishwasher safe. Moreover, with a price just shy of $30, the OXO cookie press is a bit “pricier” than most of the other plastic cookie presses on this list.
What To Look For When Buying a Cookie Press
1. Ease of Use
One of the most important factors to consider before investing in a cookie press is how easy it is to use. Now you may be thinking, “Well, it’s not exactly a complicated piece of equipment”, and while it may not be some confusing piece of high technology, ergonomics is nevertheless vital. If you suffer from arthritis, or just prefer not to tire out your hands, you might prefer a turning style, rotary type press. Most of the quality cookie presses out there are generally designed to load dough easily, but not all of them are easily operated over a sustained period of time.
2. Quality and Durability
Another thing to consider before getting the cookie press is quality. Although price can go hand-in-hand with “quality”, this is not necessarily always the case. It is entirely possible to get a good quality cookie press without breaking the bank. When inspecting a potential cookie press pay close attention to the overall design, elements such as how easily the shaft of the press attaches to the operating mechanism can be a good indicator of the overall quality of the craftsmanship that went into the cookie press’ manufacture.
Durability typically tends to go with quality, and while you really shouldn’t expect your cookie press to last forever, you also want to avoid investing in something that will break upon its very first use. This means examining the quality of the materials used in its construction. Typically metal presses are more durable than plastic ones, but they are also potentially susceptible to rust and corrosion. So if you decide to go with a metal one, be sure it is something that can be easily disassembled when cleaning so that you can dry out any metallic parts that could collect dampness and potentially rust.
3. Capacity and Variety of Cookie Designs
Depending on your intended end-use, you should also typically consider capacity. If you plan to use it for professional baking, then you’ll definitely need to get something that has the largest dough capacity as possible in order to maximize the amount of cookies you can produce per load. Whereas, someone looking to use it for home-baking may be satisfied with something smaller.
In addition to load capacity, you should also consider the number of cookie designs you can make. This means, the number of cookie discs and decorator tips. However, this does not necessarily mean you need to get the cookie press with the most number of cookie discs and tips, even something with a respectable number can yield a surprisingly wide array of designs to a creative minded user. Again, this really depends on your intended use. If you already have a limited set of designs you want to use, then you can narrow your search to the cookie presses which have your intended designs.
4. Cleaning and Maintenance
Of course, in addition to overall quality and ease of use, you should also consider how easily the cookie press is to clean and generally kept in good working order. While this does not necessarily mean you invest in a model that is explicitly “dishwasher safe” (though that really comes down to personal preference), it does mean the press should be easy enough to disassemble when cleaning. This means you should be able to take it apart and put it back together easily, and dry any component properly to prevent dampness from building up. Rust may not be an issue if you decide to go with a press made mostly of plastic. But dampness can be a breeding ground for mold, and nasty little pathogens that you really wouldn’t want getting mixed into your batch cookies. Manual cookie presses are typically easier to clean and maintain than electric ones. So that might be something to consider as well.
5. Price
Finally, we come to the matter of price. As previously mentioned, price can often (and generally) be the deciding factor in purchases. After all, as much as you’d like to get the best, most expensive piece of equipment out there, it simply may not fit your current budget. Personally, I highly recommend determining your budget beforehand, but also give yourself some wiggle room in case you come across a model that is a little bit outside your set “upper limit”.
Once you’ve set your budget, you should also identify the key features that absolutely necessary for your intended use. So again, if you intend to bake cookies professionally, you’ll wanna get a cookie press with the biggest dough loading capacity, and easy to use over a sustained period of time. Determining your budget, however, can amazingly be instrumental in stripping away any “niceties” that may distract you when canvassing.
FAQs
Is warranty important?
There’s nothing quite as reassuring as having a manufacturer’s warranty. If you decide to purchase your cookie press online, having some kind of a “guarantee” is always good to have just in case the item you get has factory defects, or does not quite perform as advertised. However, not every cookie press, especially those below a certain price point has a warranty, whether it be manufacturer’s, or one from the store you got it from. Moreover, expectations need to be set at reasonable, and realistic levels.
If you’re getting a cookie press on the cheap, then you probably aren’t necessarily going to get a proper warranty. On the flipside, if you’re getting a top-of-the-line, pricier model, then some kind of warranty should not only be expected, but the terms of which should be carefully understood before the sale is finalized. Warranties can be peskily tricky things, so it never hurts to read through, and understand it prior to making any final decisions. Caveat emptor, right?
Metal vs Plastic, which is better?
Throughout this list, you have come across some cookie presses that are made of metal, and some made of plastic. Naturally, this begs the question: “Which is better?”. Well, “better” can be surprisingly subjective. The answer really boils down to what you are looking for. Typically, metal cookie presses are sturdier than plastic ones, and thus are probably much better suited to “heavy duty” use. However, they are also at risk of potential rust and corrosion. Moreover, (albeit not always the case), metallic cookie presses tend to be pricier than plastic ones. Before deciding between them, consider first your end use.
Are manual cookie presses better than electric ones?
By far, the main advantage of getting an electric cookie press is consistency. Even the best designed manual cookie presses cannot guarantee perfectly consistent pressings every single time (no matter how much the manufacturer’s would us to believe it).
However, manual presses are typically cheaper than electric ones, and are far easier to clean and maintain. Moreover, you should not assume that electric cookie presses can press heavier cookie dough. A well-designed, sturdy manual cookie press can might potentially be able to press heavier dough depending on the specifications of the electric cookie press’ design. Once again, it really boils down to your intended application. An electric cookie press may give you the advantage of consistency and even precision, but these may not be necessary depending on your intended use.
Final Verdict
Yes, finding the right cookie press that best suits your needs can be challenging, and possibly even a bit intimidating given the sheer volume of products available. However, if you strip away to fluff, zero in on the essential features, as well as the price point that you are comfortable with, then you are bound to whittle down your choices to a much more manageable number. At which point, selection will invariably be determined by subtle nuances and preferences.
Moreover, always start with the end in mind. Do you intend to use the cookie press to do some baking for family and friends? Or do you intend to use it in a more professional or business sort of endeavor? Naturally, if your intended use is the latter, then you might be better off selecting a cookie press with a larger capacity. Heck, you may even consider getting an electric cookie press to ensure consistency.
At the end of the day, determining your needs, intended use, and budget can help save you a lot of time, and narrow down your options until you settle the cookie press that is perfect for you.