Blackstone Press and Sear Burger Kit Review (2026): Everything You Need for Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are the most-made dish on a Blackstone griddle, and the Press and Sear Burger Kit is the tool set designed specifically for making them right. Three pieces: an extra-wide 5.5”×6.5” spatula for getting under the burger cleanly, a stainless dredge with lid for seasoning, and a 7-inch flat stainless burger press for the actual smash. If you make smash burgers regularly, having the right tools makes a real difference.

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What’s in the Kit

Piece	Specs
Extra-wide spatula	5.5” × 6.5” stainless steel blade
Stainless dredge	Shaker with lid, for seasoning
Burger press	7” flat stainless steel
Best for	Smash burgers on any flat-top griddle

Pros

• 7-inch burger press creates even, thin smash burgers with maximum crust contact
• Extra-wide spatula blade makes flipping without tearing easy
• Stainless steel construction — durable, easy to clean, no rust
• Stainless dredge with lid for controlled seasoning
• Works on any flat-top griddle brand, not just Blackstone
• Competitively priced as a complete 3-piece set

Cons

• Burger press doesn’t have a built-in parchment holder (you need to cut your own parchment squares to press through)
• Dredge is smaller than some competing options — runs out quickly if you’re cooking for large groups
• Kit lacks a basting dome/cover — important for melting cheese on smash burgers
• Some users find the spatula handle could be longer for comfort at higher heat positions

Who Should Buy This

Buy it if: You make smash burgers regularly and are using a thin spatula that tears the crust when you flip, or a small press that doesn’t cover the full patty. The right tools actually change the smash burger result.

Skip it if: You already have a quality wide spatula and burger press. If you only make smash burgers occasionally, standard tools work fine. Also skip it if you need a basting dome — add one separately for proper cheese melting.

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Does the 7-Inch Burger Press Make a Difference?

Yes — and the size specifically matters. A 7-inch flat press creates maximum contact between the patty and the hot griddle surface, which is what develops the thin, lacy crust that defines a great smash burger. A smaller press or a round burger press doesn’t cover the full smashed patty, leaving edges uncrisped. The flat stainless design also transfers heat efficiently during the press and releases cleanly from a square of parchment paper.

The technique: place a 2.5–3 oz ball of 80/20 ground beef on a hot (450°F+) griddle, place a square of parchment on top, press firmly with the burger press and hold for 10–15 seconds. Remove the press, let the crust develop for 90 seconds, then flip with the wide spatula. Add cheese and cover with a dome if you have one.

Is the Extra-Wide Spatula Worth Using Over a Standard Spatula?

Yes for smash burgers specifically. The 5.5”×6.5” blade gets completely underneath the thin smashed patty without tearing the crust — a narrower blade cuts through the crust rather than releasing the whole thing. For flipping pancakes, eggs, and other tasks, a standard spatula is fine. For smash burgers, the wide blade is a genuine tool upgrade.

How It Compares

To individual tools:

• A standalone quality burger press costs $15–25; a wide griddle spatula costs $15–20; a stainless dredge costs $8–12. The kit bundles all three at a lower combined price.
• The kit doesn’t include a basting dome, which many smash burger cooks consider essential for cheese melting. Budget to add one separately.

Our Verdict

The Blackstone Press and Sear Burger Kit delivers exactly what it promises: the right tools for making great smash burgers on a flat-top. The 7-inch press and wide spatula specifically make a noticeable difference in smash burger quality compared to generic tools. The missing piece is a basting dome for cheese melting — add one separately and this kit is complete.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need parchment paper with the Blackstone burger press?

Yes — use a small square of parchment paper between the press and the beef to prevent sticking. The burger press doesn’t include a parchment holder, so cut your own squares (about 5”×5”) in advance. Without parchment, the beef sticks to the press.

What size burger patty works with the 7-inch press?

Start with a 2.5–3 oz ball of 80/20 ground beef. When smashed, it spreads to cover most of the 7-inch press diameter. Going larger (4+ oz) gives you a thicker patty that doesn’t smash as thin — which changes the texture and crust development.

Does the Press and Sear kit work on other griddle brands?

Yes — the tools work on any flat-top griddle surface, not just Blackstone. Camp Chef, Cuisinart, Razor, and other flat-tops all work with this kit.

What’s the best technique for using the burger press?

Heat your griddle to high (450°F+). Form loose 2.5-3 oz balls — don’t compact them. Place on the hot surface, add a parchment square, press firmly and hold 10–15 seconds. Let the crust develop undisturbed for 60–90 seconds before flipping. Season the top (now face-up) immediately after pressing.