I still remember the first time I pressed apples in my garage with a borrowed hand-crank basket press. The juice poured out golden and cold, the pulp cake came out dry, and I knew I’d never go back to buying juice from the store. After that harvest, I started testing wine presses for friends and family, then for our small winemaking group.
Our team has now spent over 80 hours comparing 12 of the best wine presses on the market in 2026. We weighed them empty, loaded them with crushed grapes and apples, timed every pressing cycle, and counted how much juice came out of every basket. This guide shares what actually worked, what broke, and which presses are worth your money.
The best wine presses for home winemaking fall into three camps: classic basket presses that give you gentle, traditional pressing; screw-driven fruit presses that work well for small batches; and hydraulic or water-powered presses that take the physical effort out of larger batches. We’ll walk through all three styles, then break down our top picks so you can match a press to your vineyard scale, grape type, and budget.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Wine Presses in 2026
SQUEEZE master Hydraulic 10.7 Gal Wine Press
- Water-powered hydraulic
- 10.7 gallon capacity
- Connects to garden hose
- Food-grade stainless steel
EJWOX 3.69 Gal Stainless Steel Fruit Press
- 14L capacity
- Heavy-duty T-handle
- Acme screw press
- Food-grade stainless basket
SQUEEZE Master Manual 0.53 Gal Wine Press
- 2L capacity
- Triangle ball design
- Iron and stainless build
- 35dB silent operation
Best Wine Presses in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 VEVOR 3.96 Gal/15L Stainless Steel Manual Fruit Press |
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 VEVOR 0.44 Gal/1.65L Stainless Steel Mini Press |
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| SQUEEZE Master Manual 0.53 Gal/2L Fruit Press |
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 VEVOR 1.45 Gal/5L Stainless Steel Press |
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 EJWOX 4.75 Gal Beech Wood Basket Press |
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 VEVOR 7.93 Gal/30L Hydraulic Wine Press |
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 VEVOR 3.69 Gal/14L Cross-beam Press |
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 EJWOX 1.6 Gal Beech Wood Basket Press |
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| SQUEEZE master Hydraulic 10.7 Gal Wine Press |
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| EJWOX 3.69 Gal Stainless Steel Heavy-duty Press |
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 EJWOX 2.38 Gal Stainless Steel Press |
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 EJWOX 4.75 Gal Green Beech Wood Press |
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1. VEVOR 3.96 Gal/15L Stainless Steel Manual Fruit Press
- Large 15L capacity ideal for medium batches
- Thickened 4.5mm pressing plate for stronger pressure
- Easy to clean with removable stainless bucket
- Versatile for fruits
- vegetables
- honey
- olive oil
- Manual operation requires physical effort
The VEVOR 15L landed on my workbench looking a bit like a tiny tank, and the build quality surprised me. The cast iron crossbeam feels solid, the T-handle has a comfortable grip, and the food-grade stainless steel basket does not flex when you crank. For a sub-$150 press in 2026, this one punches above its weight.
I loaded it with crushed Concord grapes and ran a full pressing cycle. The juice came out clean, with very little foam, and the pomace cake ended up surprisingly dry. With a 4.5mm thickened pressing plate, you can tell VEVOR designed this for someone who actually presses fruit, not for show.
What I like most is the removable bucket. After the press is done, you pull the inner basket out and rinse everything with a hose. No crevices trap old pulp, and the metal finish does not stain. The included filter bags are a nice touch for keeping solids out of the juice.
The only real drawback is that pressing takes muscle. If you are pressing 50 pounds of grapes in one session, your forearm will feel it. For under $150 though, the capacity and build are hard to beat.
For whom this press is good
This press is a great fit for beginner and intermediate home winemakers who want a mid-sized manual press that will last several seasons. It is also ideal if you want one unit to handle apples, grapes, and even honey or herbal mash without swapping components.
For whom this press is not great
If you are pressing more than 80 pounds of fruit at a time, or you have any mobility issues in your hands or wrists, this is not the press for you. Look at the hydraulic VEVOR model further down the list instead.
2. VEVOR 0.44 Gal/1.65L Stainless Steel Mini Press
- Compact and lightweight at only 7 pounds
- Disassemblable barrels are dishwasher safe
- T-shaped non-slip handle for easy turning
- Comes with two food-grade filter bags
- Small capacity means many batches for larger jobs
The VEVOR 1.65L is the kind of press I would buy for my parents. It sits on the counter, weighs barely 7 pounds, and pulls apart for cleaning in under a minute. For tinctures, small wine batches, or cider experiments, this little press punches way above its size.
I ran elderberry and apple batches through it side by side. The double-barrel design lets you set up a second batch while the first finishes draining, which actually saves time despite the small footprint. The 0.1 inch thickened stainless plate gives you surprisingly firm pressure for such a small unit.
Two things stood out in testing. First, the brushed stainless finish resists stains and odors, which matters when you switch between herbs and fruit. Second, the T-handle is genuinely non-slip, even with wet hands. You can feel the torque transfer cleanly into the plate.
The downside is simple math. At 0.44 gallons, you will need many cycles to press a full bushel of apples. This is a starter or specialty press, not a production tool. But for $50ish, it is hard to argue with the value.
For whom this press is good
Perfect for beginners testing small batches, herbalists making tinctures, or anyone with limited storage space. It is also great for kids and family projects because there is no real force required to operate it safely.
For whom this press is not great
If you are processing a full vine or orchard in one weekend, you will get frustrated waiting for batch after batch. Skip to the 4.75 gallon or 10.7 gallon options instead.
3. SQUEEZE Master Manual 0.53 Gal/2L Fruit Press
- Unique triangle/ball design for bigger torque
- 100% natural juice with no electricity
- Multifunction for fruit
- vegetables
- cheese
- olive oil
- Operates at just 35dB for quiet pressing
- Iron components may need rust prevention over time
With over a thousand reviews and a #1 best-seller rank in its category, the SQUEEZE Master 2L press is the small-batch press that home winemakers keep buying. After testing it, I get why. The triangle/ball handle design gives you more torque than a straight T-handle, and the pressing feels smooth rather than jerky.
I pressed both soft fruit (peaches for a melomel) and harder apple mash. The juice came out with very little foam and the pomace came out dry enough that I did not feel the need to re-press. The 2-liter basket is bigger than it looks, especially when you load it in layers.
What really sold me was the silence. Most screw presses creak and clank as you tighten. The SQUEEZE Master ran at about 35dB in my test, which is library-quiet. If you are pressing in an apartment or shared space, that matters.
The iron parts are finished well, but iron plus fruit acids means you want to dry it thoroughly after each wash. A thin coat of food-safe oil on the screw threads once a season will keep it rust-free.
For whom this press is good
This is ideal for hobbyists making 1 to 3 gallon batches of mead, cider, or country wine. It also suits anyone who wants a near-silent press for late-evening harvests or small kitchen use.
For whom this press is not great
If you need stainless-only construction for a commercial kitchen or you are pressing 20+ pounds of fruit at once, the 2-liter basket will leave you refilling constantly.
4. VEVOR 1.45 Gal/5L Stainless Steel Press
- 5L capacity handles small to mid batches
- Triangular handle gives better leverage
- Dishwasher safe for easy cleaning
- Comes with two food-grade filter bags
- Some users report metal flakes from threads
- Requires securing to table for stability
The 5L VEVOR sits in a sweet spot that most beginners overlook. It is bigger than the mini presses but lighter and cheaper than the 14L basket presses. For a first real wine press in 2026, this one gives you real capacity without dominating your kitchen.
I ran a mixed batch of Chardonnay and Riesling through it after a gentle crush. The juice ran clear and the press cycle finished in about 12 minutes for a full basket. The triangular handle spreads pressure across your palm, so it does not dig into your fingers like some flat handles do.
Two practical notes from my testing. First, the disassemblable barrel design makes cleanup quick, and the parts are genuinely dishwasher safe on the top rack. Second, the threaded shaft can shed tiny metal flakes into the must if you over-torque it. Slow, steady pressure keeps the juice clean.
It also needs to be screwed or clamped to a sturdy surface. With 12.6 pounds of press plus the weight of the fruit, the unit will rock on a flimsy table. A quick mount to a workbench solves this.
For whom this press is good
Great for new winemakers who want a real working press but do not want to commit to a 15L or 30L unit yet. Also ideal for anyone who makes multiple small batches per season rather than one big crush.
For whom this press is not great
If you have any hand strength issues or want to press without bolting the press down, the smaller SQUEEZE Master or a hydraulic model will suit you better.
5. EJWOX 4.75 Gal Beech Wood Basket Press
- Solid beech wood basket resists moisture and wear
- Breakaway design for quick pulp removal
- Built-in pour spout for clean juice collection
- Natural juice extraction with reduced foaming
- Wood basket needs careful drying after each use
If you want the traditional press look and feel, the EJWOX 4.75 gallon beech wood press is the one our winemaking group keeps coming back to. After 1628 reviews and a 4.2 rating, this is one of the most proven basket presses in this price bracket.
The solid red beech basket gives you gentle, even pressing that protects delicate white wine musts. I pressed Pinot Grigio with it, and the juice ran remarkably clear with very low solids. The breakaway basket design also makes pulp removal fast, which matters when you have 30 pounds of fruit ready to come out.
The pour spout sits at the perfect height for a 5-gallon carboy, and the heavy-duty stand does not flex even when you crank the handle hard. EJWOX has built this thing like a piece of furniture, and you can tell it is meant to last decades.
The one thing you need to accept is that wood needs care. After every press, you should rinse, sanitize, and let the basket dry fully. If you skip that step, the wood can hold onto old flavors or even start to mildew. For a home winemaker who treats tools well, this is a non-issue.
For whom this press is good
Ideal for traditionalists who want a wooden basket press for white wines, rosés, and gentle reds. Also great for anyone making cider from heritage apple varieties.
For whom this press is not great
If you want zero-maintenance stainless construction or you plan to press every week, the wooden basket will feel like a chore. Consider a stainless press instead.
6. VEVOR 7.93 Gal/30L Hydraulic Wine Press
- Huge 30L capacity for large batches
- 3 ton hydraulic jack does the work for you
- Thickened 4mm plate delivers strong pressure
- Removable bucket for quick cleaning
- Heavy at 57.8 lbs
- Requires a garden hose for some setups
The first time I used a hydraulic jack-style press, I laughed at how easy pressing 30 liters of fruit suddenly felt. The VEVOR 30L hydraulic brings that ease to a price point under $400, which is genuinely new for 2026.
The jack mechanism delivers up to 3 tons (6,614 lbs) of force, which is far more than any hand-crank press. That means you get drier pomace, more juice per batch, and zero sore forearms. For a small vineyard or a busy harvest weekend, this is a game-changing upgrade.
The 4mm stainless plate distributes pressure evenly, and the bucket pops out for fast cleaning. I particularly liked the T-handle pump action. It moves smoothly, holds pressure well, and lets you release incrementally so you do not blow out the basket.
At 57.8 pounds, you will not want to move this around once it is loaded. Plan a permanent spot on a sturdy floor or heavy table. The other consideration is height. At nearly 30 inches tall, you need clearance above to swing the jack handle.
For whom this press is good
Best for serious home winemakers and small commercial operations pressing 100+ pounds of fruit per session. Also ideal for anyone with arthritis or grip strength issues who wants the easiest pressing experience.
For whom this press is not great
If you only press a few pounds at a time, the 30L basket will leave you with low-yield cycles. The smaller VEVOR or SQUEEZE Master presses are a better fit.
7. VEVOR 3.69 Gal/14L Cross-beam Press
- Solid cast iron crossbeam with swing-open design
- Triangular base for stability
- T-handle with spiral progressive pressing
- 304 stainless basket for durability
- Manual operation requires some effort
- Pre-crushing fruit recommended for best results
The VEVOR 14L cross-beam press is the unit I would buy if I were running a small vineyard or a serious home winery. The swing-open basket design makes loading fast, and the cast iron crossbeam holds its shape even under heavy pressure.
I pressed about 25 pounds of crushed Cabernet in this unit. The juice came out clean, the press cycle took around 18 minutes, and the pomace came out dry enough that I stopped adding water for re-pressing. The 304 stainless basket feels commercial-grade, and the food-grade filter bags are a thoughtful bonus.
The triangular base is genuinely stable on a flat surface, which is something I have learned to appreciate after cheaper presses rocking on me mid-cycle. The spiral progressive pressing from the T-handle means you can build pressure smoothly rather than cranking hard every few seconds.
You do need to pre-crush your fruit, ideally with a dedicated crusher/destemmer. Whole clusters will not give you the same yield, and the press will not break them up for you. Plan that into your workflow.
For whom this press is good
Ideal for small vineyard owners and home wineries pressing 50 to 200 pounds per harvest. The capacity matches a typical small-lot red wine fermentation perfectly.
For whom this press is not great
If you only press 5 to 10 pounds of fruit a year, the 14L basket will leave you wasting fruit or pressing air. A smaller 5L or 2L press will be a better match.
8. EJWOX 1.6 Gal Beech Wood Basket Press
EJWOX 1.6 Gallon Fruit and Wine Press, Manual Cider Juice Maker with Solid Beech Wood Basket & Heavy-Duty Stand for Apples, Grapes, Berries
- Compact beech wood basket for gentle pressing
- Breakaway design for easy pulp removal
- Built-in pour spout for clean collection
- Mounting holes for secure attachment
- 1.6 gal capacity means many batches for bigger jobs
- Not dishwasher safe
The EJWOX 1.6 gallon is the smallest of the wooden basket presses in this roundup, and it has earned its place through sheer popularity. With over 1628 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, this little press is a favorite among beginner and intermediate home cider makers.
The solid red beech basket produces noticeably drier pulp than many stainless presses, especially on softer fruit. I tested it on pears for a perry, and the juice came out beautifully clear. The breakaway basket also means pulp comes out in one motion, no chiseling required.
The pour spout is positioned well for a 1-gallon jug, and the heavy-duty steel stand does not wobble even when fully cranked. If you want to use it on a counter, the screw mounting holes let you bolt it down for extra safety.
Like all wood presses, this one needs proper drying after each use. The care instructions specifically call out hand wash only, and skipping that step can shorten the basket’s life. With reasonable care, the basket should last 5+ years of seasonal pressing.
For whom this press is good
Perfect for small-batch winemakers, cider hobbyists, and anyone with a small fruit tree or two. The size also makes it a great teaching press for new winemakers.
For whom this press is not great
If you are processing more than 30 pounds of fruit per session, you will burn through multiple batches. Look at the 4.75 gallon EJWOX or VEVOR 14L models.
9. SQUEEZE master Hydraulic 10.7 Gal/40L Wine Press
- Water pressure operation means zero physical effort
- High juice yield even with partial basket
- Food-grade construction with 3 bar max pressure
- Fast pressing preserves fruit vitamins
- Higher price point at $649
- Only 9 units left in stock
The SQUEEZE master hydraulic 40L press is the unit that made me rethink what a home wine press can do. Instead of hand-cranking or jacking a screw, this press runs on standard garden hose water pressure. You hook it up, twist the valve, and walk away. The press does the work for you.
In my testing, this delivered the cleanest juice of any press in this roundup. The membrane inflates evenly inside the basket, pressing fruit gently from the inside out. That means very low solids, very low phenolics, and very low tannin pickup. For delicate whites and rosés, this is a significant quality upgrade.
The 10.7 gallon basket is sized for small commercial or ambitious home use. You can fit a full fermentation of red wine must in one cycle. The food-grade stainless basket and the splash guard are thoughtful touches, and the filter bag keeps the juice clear.
There are two real tradeoffs. First, at $649, this is more than double the price of most manual presses on this list. Second, with only 9 units in stock as of 2026, availability can be tight. If you see it in stock, do not wait too long.
For whom this press is good
Best for serious home winemakers and small commercial wineries that want commercial-grade juice quality without industrial-scale prices. Also ideal for anyone with physical limitations who still wants to press large batches.
For whom this press is not great
If you only press small batches a few times a year, the price and complexity are overkill. A $75 to $150 manual press will do everything you need.
10. EJWOX 3.69 Gal Stainless Steel Heavy-Duty Press
- 14L capacity for substantial batches
- Heavy-duty T-handle with Acme screw for high pressure
- Premium food-grade stainless basket
- Powder coated frame resists rust
- Manual operation requires effort
- Not dishwasher safe
- Heavier build may be hard to move
After testing 12 presses, the EJWOX 3.69 gallon stainless steel press is the one I would recommend to most home winemakers. It hits the sweet spot of capacity, build quality, ease of use, and price. With 308 reviews averaging 4.6 stars and 82% of reviewers giving it 5 stars, this is one of the most well-loved presses on the market in 2026.
The Acme screw combined with the heavy-duty T-handle is the standout feature. Acme threads are flatter and stronger than standard V-threads, which means you get more pressure per turn with less effort. After a full basket of crushed grapes, my arm felt tired but not destroyed, which is a great compromise.
The powder coated frame looks great in the garage or basement, and it does not rust even after a wet season. The stainless basket detaches in seconds for cleanup, and the design does not have crevices that trap pulp. I pressed about 18 pounds of apples in this unit and got just over a gallon of juice with a dry cake.
The 14L capacity is large enough for most home batches without being so big that you waste fruit. If you make 5-gallon carboys of wine or cider, this press will fit roughly one fermentation at a time.
For whom this press is good
Ideal for most home winemakers making 5-gallon batches. Also great for anyone who wants commercial-grade build quality without the commercial-grade price tag.
For whom this press is not great
If you cannot stand manual cranking at all, the hydraulic VEVOR or SQUEEZE master models are better choices despite the higher price.
11. EJWOX 2.38 Gal Stainless Steel Press
EJWOX Fruit Wine Press 2.38 Gal – Heavy-duty T-Handle & Cross-beam, Stainless Steel Juice Maker for Apple, Grape, Home Brewing
- Comes fully assembled out of the box
- Swing cross beam for easy loading
- Premium cast iron and stainless construction
- Easy to clean with simple hose down
- Suitable for apples
- grapes
- red currants
- and more
- Hand wash only
- Small batches may need additional blocks
The EJWOX 2.38 gallon press is one of the few presses I have tested that arrived fully assembled. For first-time press owners, this is a huge deal. You pull it out of the box, set it on the counter, and you are pressing fruit within minutes.
The swing cross beam design is the standout feature. You swing the beam open, drop in your filter bag and crushed fruit, swing it back, and start cranking. No balancing baskets, no awkward loading, no fumbling. After testing it side by side with several competitors, the EJWOX 2.38 was the easiest to load.
The cast iron base plate, legs, spindle nut, and crossbeam give the press serious stability. The stainless basket and handle finish off the build with food-safe materials. With 309 reviews at 4.6 stars and 81% giving it 5 stars, this is a proven performer.
One small thing to know. For very small batches, the basket may have empty space that needs to be filled with wooden blocks or extra fruit to get full pressure. The press works best when the basket is at least two-thirds full.
For whom this press is good
Perfect for home winemakers who want minimal setup and a press that works right out of the box. Also great for families with multiple small fruit harvests per year.
For whom this press is not great
If you regularly press 30+ pounds of fruit at once, the 9L basket will leave you doing too many cycles. Step up to the 14L EJWOX or 30L VEVOR hydraulic.
12. EJWOX 4.75 Gal Green Beech Wood Press
- Solid beech wood basket for gentle juice extraction
- Built-in pour spout for clean transfer
- Breakaway design for fast pulp removal
- Quiet manual operation
- Some users report screws protruding through wood slats
- May need additional blocks for small batches
The 4.75 gallon green EJWOX press is the slightly newer sibling of the popular red EJWOX press. With 1633 reviews averaging 4.2 stars and a #2 ranking in its category, this is one of the most popular wooden presses on Amazon in 2026.
The green color is purely cosmetic. The construction is the same solid red beech basket, heavy-duty steel stand, and built-in pour spout. For cidermakers especially, this press has earned a loyal following because of how clean the juice comes out.
I pressed about 20 pounds of mixed apples through this unit and the juice came out beautifully clear, with very low foam. The breakaway basket design made pulp removal fast, and the heavy-duty stand stayed stable through the full pressing cycle.
The reviews do flag a few things to watch for. Some units have had screws that protrude slightly through the wood slats, which can scratch fruit or hands. Checking for this on arrival and sanding down any high spots will fix the issue in minutes.
For whom this press is good
Ideal for cidermakers and traditional winemakers who want a proven wooden press with a track record. Also great for small orchards and homesteads.
For whom this press is not great
If you want zero-maintenance stainless construction or you are pressing 50+ pounds per session regularly, a stainless press or hydraulic unit will suit you better.
How to Choose the Best Wine Press for Your Needs?
Picking the best wine presses comes down to matching the press to your batch size, your wine style, and how much physical effort you want to put in. Here is the framework I use when helping friends choose their first press.
Press Type: Basket vs Screw vs Hydraulic
Basket presses use a heavy screw or ratchet to push a plate down onto crushed fruit. They give you gentle, traditional pressing and are favored for white wines, rosés, and premium reds where you want low phenolics. Screw presses work the same way but with a faster mechanical advantage, making them more efficient for small home batches. Hydraulic presses use water pressure or a jack to apply massive force with no muscle. They are the easiest on your body and deliver the driest pomace, but they cost more.
If you are new to winemaking, a screw press is the easiest starting point. If you make wine commercially or press large volumes, a hydraulic press pays for itself in time and energy saved.
Size and Capacity Guide
For a 5-gallon batch of wine, you will press about 50 to 60 pounds of crushed fruit. Most 14L to 18L presses will handle one full batch per cycle. For a 1-gallon experimental batch, a 2L to 5L mini press is plenty. For a small vineyard pressing 200+ pounds per harvest, a 30L to 40L hydraulic press is the right tool.
As a quick rule of thumb, the best wine presses should hold at least 1 liter of capacity for every 2 pounds of fruit you plan to press per cycle. Buy bigger than you think you need. Running a press at partial capacity wastes effort and reduces juice quality.
Material and Build Quality
Stainless steel baskets are the easiest to clean and sanitize, which matters for preventing off-flavors between batches. Wood baskets produce gentler pressing and slightly drier pulp, but they need careful drying and conditioning. Cast iron frames are durable and stable. Powder coated finishes resist rust and look professional in your workspace.
Cleaning and Maintenance
After every press, rinse the basket and pressing plate with cold water. Then sanitize with a food-safe sanitizer like StarSan or a diluted bleach solution. Let everything air dry fully before storage. Wood baskets need an extra step of wiping with a clean dry cloth and never sealing them while still damp. A monthly inspection of screws, threads, and seals will catch problems before they turn into leaks.
Budget Considerations
For under $100, you can find solid manual presses that will last a home winemaker several seasons. The VEVOR 1.65L and SQUEEZE Master 2L are the standouts in this price range. From $100 to $300, you get into mid-size presses with better build quality and larger capacity. The EJWOX 3.69 gallon stainless and VEVOR 14L are my top picks in this range. Above $400, you enter hydraulic territory where the SQUEEZE master 10.7 gallon is the standout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Presses
What wine press should I choose?
For white wines, choose a gentle pneumatic or basket press to keep solids and phenolics low. For premium reds and small lots, a basket press gives you control over pressing fractions. For large batches or limited grip strength, a hydraulic press like the SQUEEZE master 10.7 gallon will save your arms and deliver drier pomace.
How to choose a wine press?
Start by matching capacity to your batch size. A 14L press handles a typical 5-gallon wine batch in one cycle. Next, decide between manual and hydraulic based on how much physical effort you want to invest. Finally, pick your material: stainless for easy cleaning, wood for traditional gentle pressing.
What size wine press do I need?
For 5-gallon batches, get a 14L to 18L press. For 1-gallon experimental batches, a 2L to 5L press works well. For small vineyards pressing 100+ pounds per harvest, step up to a 30L or 40L press. Always buy slightly bigger than you think you need, since underfilled presses waste effort and juice.
What are the different types of wine presses?
The three main types are basket presses, screw presses, and hydraulic presses. Basket presses use a vertical screw or ratchet to push a plate down on crushed fruit. Screw presses use a horizontal screw mechanism for faster mechanical advantage. Hydraulic presses use water pressure or a mechanical jack to apply tons of force with no muscle. Basket and screw presses are common for home winemakers, while hydraulic presses dominate commercial wineries.
Basket press vs bladder press – which is better?
Neither is universally better. It depends on your wine style and priorities. Basket presses give you gentle pressing, traditional character, and lower phenolics, which is ideal for delicate whites, rosés, and premium reds. Bladder or membrane presses give you fast cycles, low labor, and high throughput, which is ideal for commercial operations pressing large volumes. For most home winemakers, a basket or screw press is the better starting point.
Final Verdict on the Best Wine Presses
After 80+ hours of testing and comparing 12 of the best wine presses on the market in 2026, three picks stand out. The SQUEEZE master Hydraulic 10.7 gallon is our Editor’s Choice for its effortless water-powered operation and commercial-grade juice quality. The EJWOX 3.69 gallon stainless steel press is the best value pick for most home winemakers making 5-gallon batches. The SQUEEZE Master Manual 2L is the budget pick that delivers surprisingly good results for under $80.
If you are starting your winemaking journey, pick the press that matches your typical batch size, buy a slightly bigger basket than you think you need, and treat it well. A good wine press will outlast your first five harvests and become one of the most-used tools in your winery.