Is a garlic press worth buying? A baker’s perspective

Is a garlic press worth buying? A baker’s perspective

If you love baking—whether it’s artisan breads, savory pastries, or herbed focaccia—you may be wondering: Do I really need a garlic press? As a baker running a solo kitchen, efficiency and flavor are crucial. Let’s break down why this humble tool deserves a spot in your baking arsenal.

Why bakers love garlic presses

1. Time-saving magic

Baking is a labor of love, but time is at a premium. Pressing garlic by hand can interrupt your train of thought, especially when preparing garlic herb butter fillings, focaccia fillings, or savory scones. A garlic press crushes garlic cloves in seconds, allowing you to focus on making the perfect dough and batter.

2. Rich, consistent flavor

A garlic press releases more oil and evenly distributes flavor, without clumping. For recipes like garlic olive oil (perfect for spreading crusts) or garlic parmesan shortbread, this consistency elevates results.

3. Less Mess, More Hygiene

Slimy garlic sticks? Not a good idea when handling delicate pastry dough. A garlic press keeps your hands clean and avoids cross contamination (key in a commercial kitchen).

But wait—consider these drawbacks

- A disposable tool?

If space is limited, a garlic press might seem redundant. However, versatile models can also handle ginger, anchovies, and even soft nuts as ingredients.

- Quality Matters

Cheap garlic presses tend to break or get stuck. Invest in a stainless steel press for durability—think of it as your favorite rolling pin, and consider it your long-term ally.

Garlic Press vs. Baking Creations

For bakers, garlic is not just for savory dishes. Imagine:

- Garlic rosemary sourdough bread with a perfect blend of flavors.

- Black garlic brownies (yes, that’s black garlic!), where the pressed garlic blends perfectly into the batter.

- Quick garlic butter for croissants or puff pastry.

Conclusion

If you often use garlic in your recipes, a garlic press is definitely worth having. It is more than just a tool, it is a great helper to enhance the flavor and save time. Use it with your baking tools and you will be amazed at how you can mince garlic cloves by hand