OXO Good Grips Garlic Press — A Complete Review & Why It’s Worth Buying
Introduction
If you cook with fresh garlic regularly, you know the hassle: peeling cloves, finely chopping them, slicing, or using bulky gadgets — all just to crush garlic. The OXO Good Grips Garlic Press promises to simplify this chore with a sturdy, ergonomic design that aims to deliver perfectly crushed garlic in seconds. In this review, we’ll examine every angle — from build quality to real‑world performance — so you can decide if it’s the right tool for your kitchen.
What’s Inside: Design & Build Quality
The press arrives as a solid one‑piece tool, made from die‑cast zinc, with heavy-duty construction and a comfortable, non-slip handle thanks to OXO’s signature soft-grip material. The crushing chamber is large enough to accommodate multiple garlic cloves at once — a welcome feature if you cook larger meals. The hinge feels robust, and the lever action feels smooth yet powerful. Overall, the build feels premium and built to last, not like a cheap plastic gadget that might bend or break.
How It Performs — Garlic Crushing Experience
Using the press is straightforward: you peel the cloves (or leave the skin on if you prefer) and place them in the chamber. A firm squeeze delivers evenly crushed garlic quickly, without leaving large chunks. The results are consistent whether you crush one clove or several at once. Cleanup is equally smooth: the press has a built‑in cleaner (a small hinge‑mounted cleaner that pokes out the garlic pieces), so you can dislodge the minced garlic easily, rinse under water, and it’s good to go. For many users, this is a major time‑saver compared to manual chopping or cleaning a knife board.
Suggested Uses — Who Should Consider This Press
- If you cook dishes frequently that call for fresh garlic — sauces, marinades, stir‑fries, roasting, salad dressings — this press speeds up prep dramatically.
- For people who dislike chopping garlic by hand or dealing with lingering odor on cutting boards or knives — this press reduces contact and makes cleanup easier.
- Home cooks, small families, or even busy professionals who want to save time while cooking without sacrificing flavor.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable die‑cast zinc build — feels sturdy and long‑lasting | Heavier than cheap plastic presses — might feel bulky for some users |
| Large garlic chamber — crushes multiple cloves at once | Requires peeling cloves first for best results |
| Soft-grip handles — comfortable even under pressure | Not ideal for very hard cloves unless pressed firmly |
| Built-in cleaner — simplifies cleanup | Cleaning small crevices may require a brush for garlic bits |
Real‑World Impressions & Performance
Over a week of cooking — sauces, garlic bread, stir-fries, and salad dressings — the press proved reliable. Garlic was consistently minced evenly, releasing strong aroma and flavor without leftover chunks. The handle never felt slippery even with wet hands, and the built-in cleaner made washing quick. I also noticed that because the chamber is generous, I could crush multiple cloves in one squeeze — a big plus for dishes needing a lot of garlic. The press handled daily use without showing signs of wear or loosening. For anyone cooking frequently with fresh garlic, this tool genuinely cuts down prep time and effort.
Who Might Want to Skip It
If you rarely cook with garlic or prefer powdered garlic for convenience, this press might be overkill. Also, for people who dislike peeling cloves first — manual peeling takes extra time. And if you prefer minimal cleanup, even the quick rinse might feel like an extra step. But for garlic lovers and frequent home cooks, the advantages far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
Final Verdict
The OXO Good Grips Garlic Press stands out as a high‑quality, durable, and efficient kitchen tool. It combines sturdy construction, ergonomic design, and real-world performance — delivering fresh, evenly crushed garlic with minimal effort and cleanup. If you appreciate fresh garlic flavor and cook regularly, this press is a worthwhile investment that will likely become one of your go-to kitchen tools. It makes garlic prep fast, clean, and consistent. Overall, it’s hard to find a better garlic press under its price range when you consider build quality, ease of use, and long-term reliability.