The Wilton and OXO cookie presses are both popular choices, but they are built for different bakers. The Wilton Cookie Press is a budget-friendly option with a wider variety of discs, making it great for occasional holiday baking. The OXO Good Grips Cookie Press is a more premium tool focused on ergonomic comfort, durable construction, and consistent performance for frequent bakers.
Here’s what you need to know to decide which cookie press is the right fit for your kitchen.
Wilton Preferred Press Cookie Press
The Wilton cookie press is a classic baking tool for a reason, offering an approachable and affordable way to make large batches of decorative spritz cookies. It's a popular choice for families and beginner bakers, especially around the holidays, due to its straightforward design and large variety of included shapes.
- What it is: A user-friendly, manually operated press designed for spritz cookie dough.
- Key features: Clear plastic barrel to see dough level, a simple trigger mechanism, and typically includes 12+ decorative discs.
- Price: Around $15 - $25, depending on the retailer and model.
- Style: Functional and traditional, often with bright brand colors. The clear barrel is practical for monitoring dough.
- Materials/Construction: Mostly made of durable plastic with some metal components in the pressing mechanism. The discs are typically metal or plastic.
- Pros: Very affordable and offers great value. Widely available in major retailers and craft stores. Comes with a large variety of creative disc shapes. Simple to assemble and use for beginners.
- Cons: The plastic construction may not hold up to heavy, frequent use. The trigger can be tiring for very large batches. Some users find stiff doughs difficult to press.
This press is ideal for casual bakers or families who want to have fun making festive cookies without making a big investment.
Shop this product: amazon.com/Wilton-Preferred-Press-Cookie-13-Piece/
OXO Good Grips Cookie Press
OXO is known for its thoughtfully engineered kitchen tools, and its cookie press is no exception. It's built for comfort and consistency, with an ergonomic design that makes pressing dozens of cookies feel significantly easier. This model appeals to serious home bakers who value superior build quality and user-friendly features.
- What it is: A premium ergonomic cookie press designed for comfort and consistent, repetitive use.
- Key features: Large, non-slip lever that's easy to squeeze, clear barrel with measurement markings, non-slip base that keeps the press steady. Discs often come in a convenient storage case.
- Price: Typically between $20 - $30.
- Style: Sleek and modern with a focus on form and function. Utilizes OXO's signature black and grey color scheme.
- Materials/Construction: Made with high-quality, BPA-free plastic and stainless steel components. The non-slip grip and lever are made of comfortable, soft silicone or rubber.
- Pros: Extremely comfortable and easy on the hands, even with firm dough. Robust construction feels durable and built to last. Produces uniform, consistent cookies. Clear barrel and easy-to-use mechanics make it very intuitive.
- Cons: Priced slightly higher than basic models. May include slightly fewer discs than some Wilton kits. The premium features might be unnecessary for someone who only bakes once a year.
The OXO press is perfect for frequent bakers or anyone who experiences hand fatigue and wants a comfortable, reliable, and long-lasting kitchen tool.
Shop this product: amazon.com/OXO-Grips-14-Piece-Cookie-Storage/
Wilton vs. OXO Cookie Press Comparison
Materials & Construction
The most noticeable difference lies in the build quality. The Wilton cookie press is primarily constructed from a sturdy plastic that is perfectly adequate for occasional use. However, with very stiff dough or after years of use, plastic components can risk wearing out or cracking. It’s a solid tool, but it doesn't feel like a lifetime purchase.
The OXO press feels more substantial from the moment you pick it up. It uses higher-grade, BPA-free plastics and incorporates stainless steel for critical parts of the plunger mechanism. This robust construction means it can handle firmer cookie doughs with less strain on the tool itself, leading to better long-term durability. It is designed to be a workhorse, not just a holiday novelty.
Design & Ergonomics
Ergonomics are where OXO truly shines. The Good Grips press features a large, soft, non-slip lever that you press downward, which is far more comfortable for repetitive motion than the smaller, harder trigger on the Wilton model. This design significantly reduces hand strain, making it the superior choice for bakers with arthritis or anyone planning to make hundreds of cookies in one session.
The Wilton press uses a more traditional pistol-grip trigger. While functional, it requires more physical effort and can become tiring after a few dozen cookies. It gets the job done but lacks the thoughtful comfort OXO builds into its products.
Price & Value
There's a clear price distinction. The Wilton press typically costs a little less, around $15 to $25, making it an excellent entry-level choice. It provides great value by including a wide assortment of decorative discs, letting you create a lot of variety for a small investment.
The OXO press is priced slightly higher, usually between $20 and $30. While you pay a little extra, the value comes from its superior durability, ergonomic comfort, and consistent performance. If you bake regularly, the higher upfront cost is easily justified by a better, more comfortable experience and a tool that will likely last far longer.
Who Each One Works Best For
The Wilton cookie press is ideal for beginners, a family on a budget, or an occasional baker who breaks out the cookie press once a year for the holidays. It is fun, effective, and provides a huge range of shapes without a significant financial commitment. This is the perfect tool for creating festive memories in the kitchen with kids.
The OXO cookie press is better suited for the serious home baker. If you make spritz cookies multiple times a year, sell baked goods, or simply demand high-quality, comfortable tools in your kitchen, the OXO is the hands-down winner. Its durability and ergonomic design make baking large batches a pleasure rather than a chore.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both cookie presses make delicious decorative cookies, but they are built for different bakers with different priorities.
Choose the Wilton if:
- You're on a tight budget and want the best price.
- You only plan to make spritz cookies once or twice a year for special occasions.
- You're more interested in a wide variety of fun shapes than in ergonomic comfort.
- You want a simple tool to introduce your kids to baking.
Choose the OXO if:
- Comfort is your top priority and you want to reduce hand strain.
- You are a frequent baker and need a durable tool that will last for years.
- You're willing to invest a little more for a superior, more consistent baking experience.
- You prefer sleek, modern designs and high-quality construction in all your kitchen gadgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Wilton and OXO cookie presses?
The biggest differences are comfort and construction. The OXO press is designed with a very comfortable non-slip lever and is made from higher-quality materials for durability. The Wilton press is a more budget-friendly plastic model with a traditional trigger but often comes with more decorative discs.
Which cookie press is easier to use?
Both are relatively easy to use, but the OXO is often considered easier for large batches due to its comfortable lever, which requires less force to press. Its intuitive loading and consistent action also make the process smoother for beginners and experts alike.
Is the OXO Good Grips cookie press worth the extra money?
If you bake multiple times a year or experience hand fatigue with kitchen tools, yes. The superior ergonomics and durable build make it a worthwhile investment for frequent use. For someone who bakes once every few years, the less expensive Wilton model is perfectly sufficient.
Can you use Wilton discs in an OXO press, or vice versa?
Generally, no. Cookie press discs are designed to a specific diameter and thickness to fit that brand's barrel and ring securely. It is best to use only the discs manufactured for your specific model to ensure they fit correctly and press dough properly.
How many cookies can each press make in one batch?
Both presses have similarly sized barrels and can typically hold enough dough to make one to two dozen small cookies per fill, depending on the exact size and thickness of your chosen cookie shape.
Are these cookie presses dishwasher safe?
Many components of both presses are often top-rack dishwasher safe, but it's always best to check the manufacturer's specific instructions. The OXO barrel comes apart for easy cleaning. Hand washing is often recommended to extend the life of the tool, especially for the main body and pressing mechanism.
Which press is better for someone with arthritis?
The OXO Good Grips Cookie Press is without a doubt the better choice for anyone with arthritis or limited hand strength. Its large, soft lever is significantly easier and more comfortable to use than the standard trigger on the Wilton model.
What kind of cookie dough works best in these presses?
A classic butter-based spritz cookie dough is what these presses are designed for. The dough should be soft enough to be pressed but firm enough to hold its shape. Avoid doughs with large mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips, as they can clog the discs.
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