I've yet to find a hinged garlic press that I love. The ones I've tried are inefficient, fragile (especially the hinge, which inevitably fails), and not that easy to clean. I end up having to peel the unused garlic from the inside of the press, and my fingers stink for days. Everyone has their opinion about crushing garlic – my top choice is Joseph Joseph Rocker Garlic Crusher, Press, and Mincer ($(removed)). I've had it for over two years and I use it almost daily.
It's made from a single piece of stainless steel. No moving parts, which means it won't wear out and break. To use it, first remove the skin from a clove of garlic.
Then, put your hands on the ends of the rocker and rock back and forth, putting your weight into it. The garlic will break apart and get forced through the holes. Keep going to make sure you force as much garlic through the holes as possible.
Scoop the crushed garlic out with a spoon. Then, rinse the rocker under the faucet, while rubbing the holes with your fingers to remove the stuck garlic. They come out easily. Once the rocker is clean, keep the water running and rub your finger tips against the stainless steel. It will remove the garlic odor from your fingers. I was surprised at how well it gets rid of the smell! I love using this kitchen tool.
