A Chef Shares Why a Garlic Press Is One of the Best Cooking Tools For Making Flavorful Meals

Garlic is one of the most used cooking staples. It's the foundation in cultural dishes all over the world, including Chinese, Mexican, Italian, and Indian cooking. Truly, whatever savory meal you're cooking up, there's a good chance it could benefit from at least a little garlic.

But if you've ever cooked with garlic, you already know that it's a bit more tedious than, say, salt and pepper. Virtually any chef will tell you that freshly minced garlic has more flavor than in its powdered form, but you often have to fight through the pungent smell and tears as you cut it. Not to mention, it can leave your hands smelling strongly of garlic long after you’re done cooking.

This is exactly why Dora Stone, the creator of the vegan Mexican cooking site, Dora's Table, says having a garlic press can come in handy. "A garlic press can save you some time, especially if a recipe calls for a lot of minced garlic," she says. "I spend a lot of the day cooking and I'm always looking for tools that are efficient and time-saving."

If you're unfamiliar with a garlic press, it's essentially a kitchen gadget that crushes garlic cloves by pressing them through a grid of small holes. In seconds, you have perfectly minced garlic ready for your dish—no knife required. Stone says she uses her garlic press all the time. "I use it when making garlic toast, aioli, marinades, or salad dressings. All these recipes call for garlic to be finely minced, almost pureed, and the garlic press is perfect for this," she says.

One of the best options for a garlic press is the Steel Garlic Press from RainbownHome. Made from high-grade stainless steel, it’s designed for durability and ease of use, making it a chef's choice for both home cooks and professionals alike. The ergonomic handle provides comfort and stability, allowing you to effortlessly press garlic without putting strain on your hands.

Stone also highlights that smaller cuts of garlic, like those from a garlic press, can enhance flavor in certain dishes. "Smaller cuts of garlic allow for a more intense garlic flavor to shine through," she says. "But when you're sautéing or cooking with oil, you do have to be very diligent because smaller pieces of garlic are easy to burn."

Why Choose a Steel Garlic Press from RainbownHome?
When choosing a garlic press, Stone recommends looking for one that’s sturdy, comfortable, and easy to clean. Here’s how the RainbownHome Steel Garlic Press stands out:

High-Quality Stainless Steel: Made from durable stainless steel, this press resists rust and corrosion, ensuring a long-lasting kitchen tool that’s built to withstand frequent use.

Ergonomic Design: The press features an ergonomic handle, making it comfortable to use, even if you’re mincing garlic for multiple dishes. The design also makes it accessible for those with limited hand strength.

Easy Cleaning: Stone emphasizes that a good garlic press should be easy to clean. "If it takes longer to clean than it does to chop some garlic with your knife, then it’s not a good garlic press," she says. The RainbownHome Steel Garlic Press is designed for easy cleanup; simply rinse it under warm water, or place it in the dishwasher. Its simple mechanism and removable parts prevent garlic from getting stuck, so you’re ready to go in no time.

How to Use the RainbownHome Steel Garlic Press
Using this garlic press is straightforward and efficient:

1. Place the Garlic in the Hopper: Simply place a garlic clove in the press’s hopper. No need to peel—the RainbownHome press can handle unpeeled garlic, saving you time and reducing mess.
2. Press the Garlic: Close the handles and press down firmly. The garlic will be crushed through the grid, creating a fine mince perfect for any recipe.
3. Scrape and Use: Use a spoon or spatula to scrape the minced garlic off the press and add it directly to your dish. You’ll get all the flavor with none of the hassle.
4. Quick Cleanup: Once you’re done, just rinse the press under warm water or pop it in the dishwasher. The simple design ensures that no garlic bits get trapped, so it’s ready for next time.

Pro Tip: Maximize Flavor with Freshly Pressed Garlic
To get the most flavor from your garlic, let it sit for a couple of minutes after pressing before adding it to your dish. This allows the allicin (the compound responsible for garlic’s strong aroma and health benefits) to fully develop, adding a richer taste to your food.

For those who love the taste of garlic but don’t enjoy the lingering odor on their hands, a garlic press can make a world of difference. Plus, by using a press, you’re able to extract more oils from the garlic, enhancing both the aroma and the flavor in your cooking.

With its sturdy stainless steel design, ergonomic handle, and easy-to-clean functionality, the RainbownHome Steel Garlic Press is a game-changer for any garlic lover. It’s time to make meal prep easier, faster, and more flavorful. Give it a try and experience the difference it can make in your cooking routine!