Top 15 Best Panini Presses
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Sick and tired of ready-made paninis? You can kiss those cold, unappetizing sandwiches goodbye by getting a decent panini press for yourself. Honestly, who doesn’t love a glorious, toasty, crunchy sandwich? If you’re a sandwich lover yourself, then why not have a look at this review for the best panini press for?
What Can You Use a Panini Press For?
If you’re thinking that a panini press can only be used exclusively for sandwiches, then you couldn’t be more wrong. You will be surprised to find out how many things panini presses can cook. Here are a few dishes that you might not know are suitable for cooking on a panini press.
Omelet
Need a quick bite for breakfast? Do you happen to be an egg enthusiast? Well, then a panini press can help you prepare the tastiest omelet for breakfasts. Simply whisk up the eggs like you typically would, add any spices you want, pour the mixture over the grate, close the lid and wait for your eggs to be cooked.
If you want to eat your eggs with veggie add-ins, then you should grill them first before adding the omelet in.
Burgers
Even though it may not seem like it, burgers and panini press can be a match made in heaven. The panini press helps you apply pressure to the burger as evenly as possible, and as a result, distributes heat evenly through the burger. What’s more, the pressure applied to the burgers means that fatty stuff will be rid of, resulting in a healthier burger. What a bargain, right?
Hash Browns
Making hash browns can never get easier than this with a panini press. Simply place the potato mixture on the press and press the lid down. The pressure from the lid, combined with the intensified heat, will turn the potato mix into mouth-watering hash browns in no time.
Quesadillas
Craving some quesadillas? No worries, because with a panini press, you can prepare one in less than 10 minutes. You only need to get the ingredients ready, stick them between slices of tortillas, and throw the quesadillas in the panini press. The pressure and the intensified heat that a panini press can provide will melt the cheese in the quesadillas evenly.
Chicken and Fish
Whenever you feel like eating chicken or fish but don’t want to go through too much hassle cooking them, you know you can rely on your panini press. All you have to do is season them like you usually would, stick them in the panini press, and then close the lid.
Fritters
If you want to eat some crispy fritters so badly, but don’t want to ruin your diet or risk putting on a few pounds, then maybe you can try making your fritters in a panini press. Trust me, fritters made in panini presses can come out just as crispy, tasty, savory as those made by deep-frying. The only notable difference is that they don’t contain an absurd amount of greasy oil.
Bacon
Making toasty slices of bacon can never be easier with panini presses. Say goodbyes to hovering around the stovetops to wait for the bacon to cook as you switch to this far superior appliance. All you need to do is arrange the bacon strips in the press, close the lid, go elsewhere to take care of other chores, and come back 10 minutes later for crispy, tastebud-indulging bacon.
Brownies
Okay, this might be bewildering to some of you. I’d know, I was in disbelief when I first heard that panini presses can make brownies too.
So how does one make brownies in a panini press, you ask. As in turn out, you simply need to prepare the batter, then transfer it to a round cake pan that can go into your press, close the lid and wait 30 minutes for a fresh batch of brownies to enjoy. Convenient, huh?
Vegetable
Yes, you’re not hearing me wrong, vegetables cooked in panini press will turn out wonderful. Who needs chunky grillers when you can create impressive grills marks and that savory, smoky flavors with your panini press too.
Be it zucchini, mushroom, bell peppers,etc., you can cut them in thin slices and then put them in one single layer in the panini press, slap the lid down, and wait for those tasty, savory veggies to be cooked.
Panini Press Comparison Chart
To help you have a general overview of what options are available and some of their features, I’ve compiled a table below. You can check it out before going into the detailed reviews for the best panini press.
What is The Best Panini Press to Buy?
If you need to make a quick decision, then here are the best panini presses for each different category and their respective descriptions. However, a few words may not be enough to fully inform you of the products, so you should take a quick glance at the full review down below.
- Best Overall – Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler Panini Press
“High versatility, capable of cooking various types of food, adjustable temperature control, reversible and dishwasher-safe cooking plates, comes with a drip tray, completely BPA-free.” - Best With Waffle Plates – George Foreman GRP4842P Panini Press
“Implemented with a 500 Searing Burst feature for restaurant-quality results, comes with a digital control panel and adjustable thermostat, ceramic coating that is 100% PTFE- and PFOA-free.” - Best for Budget – Hamilton Beach 25462Z Panini Press
“Economical, built with a floating hinge to accommodate food of varying thickness, non-stick cooking surface, takes up little storage space, premium lock feature.” - Best for Home Use – Breville Duo 1500-Watt Non-Stick Panini Press
“Designed with a non-stick flat bottom plate and a ridged top plate, safety features included non-slip feet and a slot to wind the power cord in, built with a floating hinge.” - Best Ceramic Panini Press – Oster Titanium-Infused Panini Press
“Can cook up to 30% faster than your average panini press, made of healthy and durable DuraCeramic, highly resistant against scratch, comes with 2 drip cups and cleaning tool.” - Best for Commercial Use – Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Panini Press
“Suitable for commercial use, six cooking options in one, dual-zone temperature control, digital display, removable and reversible cooking plates, implemented with SearBlast feature.” - Best for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches – Imusa USA GAU-80102 1400-Watts Electric Panini Press
“Floating hinge to adjust to food of any thickness, flat top and bottom plate configuration for even heat distribution, easy to use and clean.” - Best With Removable Plate – Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill Panini Press
“Removable, dishwasher-safe plate, Element IQ technology implemented, great heat retention, can be opened all the way for BBQ mode, adjustable height control.” - Best for Veggies – Chef Buddy Panini Press
“Large cooking surface, advanced grease channeling system, ideal for a healthy diet, non-stick surface, nice heat distribution, a perfect choice for cooking veggies.”
Top 15 Best Panini Press Reviews
Alright, here comes the juicy part of my reviews for the best panini press. To guarantee that you make the right choice, I’ve written my reviews so that they can be as thorough as possible.
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler Panini Press
(Best Overall)
Highly versatile, can cover a wide range of food and capable of producing professional-like results, Cuisinart GR-4N Panini Press is, without a doubt, an excellent choice for whoever in need of a panini press.
If there is anything that makes this multi-functional press stand out from the rest, it’s perhaps its reversible plates, which are ridged on one side and flat on the other. Depending on how you choose to arrange the plates, you can go for many options such as contact grill, full grill, full griddle, half grill half griddle or panini press.
Not only is this panini press makes cooking easy, but it also ensures that the cleaning process is equally effortless.
First, it has a grease drain that allows fats and oil to run down into the drip tray where the unwanted residue is collected. Unlike many presses without a drip tray, this one will make sure your kitchen counter is grease-free.
Furthermore, the products’ cooking plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, which means that you won’t have to spend an absurd amount of time and effort cleaning afterward.
Key Features
- Adjustable temperature control with indicator lights also includes a gourmet recipes and scraping tool
- Reversible and removable dishwasher-safe non-stick cooking plates that drain grease into an integrated drip tray
- Sturdy panini-style handle, brushed stainless steel housing, and floating cover, BPA free
- A 5-in-1 countertop unit that can be used as a panini press, contact grill, full griddle, full grill, and half grill/half griddle
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 13.5 x 11.5 x 7.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean and guarantee healthy cooking
- Food thickness can be adjustable
- Adjustable heat control
- Grease drain and collection are completely automatic
- BPA-free
- Non-stick surface
- Highly versatile
Cons
- There have been complaints about the product’s buttons durability
- Dials on the front of the Griddler may come off
George Foreman GRP4842P Multi-Plate Evolve Panini Press
(Best With Waffle Plates)
Aiming for restaurant-quality results within the comforts of your own home? Amaze your friends and family with this 3-in-1 panini press, which is designed to give the most professional-like dishes, be it chicken, veggies, burgers, steak, sandwiches or waffles.
Implemented with a 500 Searing Burst feature, this grill can raise its own temperature up to 500 within a mere 90 seconds. You can keep track of the cooking time and the press’ temperature with the digital control panel installed to the front of the grill. Along with the adjustable thermostat, you can adjust the cooking process to your liking.
Worried that the non-stick coating can come off while cooking? No sweat, as the plates are confirmed to be 100% PTFE- and PFOA-free. What’s more, these premium cooking plates mean that you won’t have to spray or apply oil to the plates prior to cooking, thus reducing unwanted fat and calories.
Additionally, the plates can be removed with little to no effort and are 100% dishwasher-safe. This means that cleaning will be much less of a hassle.
Key Features
- Removable plates, cool-touch release feature
- Digital control panel, align with the grill exterior
- Advanced ceramic coating, grill plates are cover with a multi-layer, non-stick ceramic coating
- 500 searing burst
- A 3-in-1 grill system that can be used as panini, waffle, grill
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 9 x 15.5 x 13.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 15.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer | George Foreman |
| Material | Ceramic Grill plate |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Easy to clean, dishwasher safe
- Exterior can be cleaned easily, easy to handle even when it’s still warm
- Reduce the need for excess oil and butter
- Multi-layer non-stick surface
- Drip tray included
- PTFE-free and PFOA-free
- Can raise temperature to 500 in about 90 seconds and provide the user with restaurant-quality within their kitchen
- Highly versatile
Cons
- There have been complaints about the product’s heat inconsistency
- User sometimes find the product isn’t suitable for making waffle
Hamilton Beach 25462Z Panini Press
(Best for Budget)
Arguably the most budget-friendly panini press of all, this product from Hamilton Beach has a lot more to offer than its low price.
While this might not be praiseworthy when it comes to versatility, it still can make the tastiest sandwiches, quesadillas as well as sweet fruit turnovers. If you want to make sure your food comes out as savory as possible, it’s recommended that you preheat the press 6 minutes before cooking. Just turn the grill on, the panini press’ built-in light will inform you when it’s ready for cooking.
Furthermore, the press is built with a floating hinge. This means that you can stuff your sandwiches with as much filling as you like. No matter how tall the sandwich might turn out, the floating hinge is guaranteed to be able to accommodate accordingly.
Once you’re finished with cooking and cleaning the press, you can close the lid and store it up-right. If your kitchen isn’t very spacious to begin with, then this panini press will be the ideal choice for you as it takes very little storage space.
Key Features
- Attractive red top design
- Top lid lock
- Ridged top and bottom plates
- Built-in ready light for notification, turn green when product is ready to cook your food
- Non-stick top and bottom panini press grids
- Floating lid
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 4.5 x 12.3 x 12.6 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.8 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Hamilton Beach |
| Material | Non-stick surface, plastic |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
Pros
- Goes well on any counter
- Non-stick surface
- Preheat option is available
- Economical
- Durable exterior
- Floating hinge that can adjust according to food’s thickness
- Create an easy open-face sandwiches or bruschetta
Cons
- Non-removable plates may cause difficulties when cleaning
Breville Duo BSG520XL 1500-Watt Non-Stick Panini Press
(Best for Home Use)
What’s a more fitting panini press to use within your cozy home than the Breville Duo BSG520XL? This 1500 watt panini press comes with a flat bottom plate and a ribbed top plate, both of which are non-stick and scratch-resistant. The flat bottom plate can provide even heat distribution for fast, thorough cooking while the ribbed top plate can create grill marks for extra visually pleasing final products.
Designed with a floating hinge and four different height settings, this panini press is ready to take on food of different thickness. Whether your dish is thick or thin, this press can apply even heat distribution as well as pressure.
If you’re living with kids, you’ll come to appreciate the safety features of the press.
It has safe anti-slip feet to ensure that the grill will not accidentally slip during cooking.
What’s more, it has a slot so that you can wind in the power cord for safe storage and so that the kids will not accidentally pull the wire down with the hot press.
Key Features
- Adjustable height control, the top plate can be move in a variety of positions above the bottom plate
- Non-slip feet
- Flat bottom plate, ribbed top plate
- Floating hinges
- Non-stick, scratch-resistant Quantanium cooking surface
- Integrated “on/off,” power, and ready lights
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 13 x 11.8 x 5.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 8.38 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
| Material | Non-stick, scratch-resistant Quantanium, stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | N/A |
Pros
- Suitable for thick artisan bread or toasting open style melts
- Keep even pressure on both thin or thick items
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for home use
- Short heat up time
- Slip-free feet
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- There have been complaints about the product’s small cooking surface
- Plates cannot be removed
Oster Titanium-Infused DuraCeramic 2-in-1 Panini Press
(Best Ceramic Panini Press)
Oster Titanium Panini Press makes an ideal choice for those who need to cook for a large number of people with its large size and its design, which is advertised to cook up to 30% faster than ordinary grills.
Unlike typical panini press’ cooking surfaces, which are usually made of aluminum, non-stick coating or cast iron, this panini press from Oster is made from DuraCeramic.
So what is DuraCeramic and what makes it an ideal grill material?
It’s natural ceramic with non-stick coating that is proven to be 4 times more durable than standard non-stick coating. Additionally, it can heat up relatively fast, resulting in shorter cooking time.
That’s not all, DuraCeramic is certified to be PTFE & PFOA free, which means it will not pose a health risk to its users.
During the cooking process, you might come to realize that there’s too much fat on the press. With many panini presses, there’s little you can do to rectify the matter.
However, this is not the case with this product as it is designed with adjustable feet. This means that you can adjust the press’ feet to tilt it to one side so that the excess fats and liquid can be removed from your food.
Key Features
- Titanium-Infused DuraCeramic non-stick coating
- Scratch-resistant cooking surface
- PTFE & PFOA free
- Cook 30% faster
- More durable
- 2 plastic drip cups and cleaning tool included
- Floating hinge
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 4 x 12 x 10 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.3 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Oster |
| Material | Titanium-infused ceramic |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Cook healthy food
- Large cooking surface
- PTFE & PFOA free
- Chemical-free
- Save your time
- Scratch-resistant surface
- Drip ray included
- Even heat distribution
- Can be used for sandwiches of different thickness
Cons
- User may find the non-removable grill plates hard to clean
- There have been complaints about the slippery surface
Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Griddler, Elite Panini Press
(Best for Commercial Use)
Are you looking for the best panini press for your restaurant? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. This top-of-the-line panini press makes excellent sandwiches that will satisfy even the most demanding customers.
To begin with, this model from Cuisinart offers six cooking options: contact grill, Panini press, full griddle, full grill, half griddle/half grill and top melt. Similar to its GR-4N brethren, its non-stick plate is designed to be reversible and removable for easy cleaning.
Additionally, the press comes with a digital display that allows you to set the timer as well as dual-zone temperature control. This means that you can griddle one dish on one side and grill something else on the other.
What’s more, this panini press has a SearBlast feature, which can raise the temperature of the grill up to 500˚F, leaving a savory taste in your food.
Key Features
- Dual-zone temperature control
- Brushed and stainless steel housing
- Removable, reversible non-stick plates
- Integrated cleaning/scraping tool
- Adjustable top cover with 6 preset to lock for storage and top melt
- 6-in-1 cooking options which include panini press, contact grill, full grill, full griddle, half/grill half/griddle, top melt
- Implemented with SearBlast feature
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 14.7 x 16.2 x 8.1 inches |
| Item Weight | 16.84 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Material | N/A |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Highly versatile
- Easy to clean
- Electronic display for easy supervising and temperature control
- Dual-zone temperature control
- Suitable for commercial use
- Cooking is precise and customizable
- SearBlast feature for savory steaks
Cons
- There have been complaints about the product’s button durability
Chefman Electric Panini Press
A multi-functional appliance that can be used as a contact grill, a panini press, and a 180-degree grill, Chefman Electric Panini Press is suitable for any occasion. Furthermore, with its floating hinge, it can adjust to accommodate sandwiches of varying thickness.
Not a fan of cleaning after each meal? This panini press’ non-stick plates and removable drip tray make cleaning up as easy as 123.
What’s more, the grill has a tilt-up, skid-resistant feet that let grease and excess fat to be removed from the plate into the trip drain. No more greasy food and fat-stained kitchen counter with Chefman Electric Panini Press.
Key Features
- Floating hinge adjusts to accommodate any size sandwich
- Compact size
- The lid can be opened at 180 degree
- Tilt-up, slip-free feet
- cETL – approved advanced safety technology
- Non-stick coated grill plates, removable drip tray
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 13 x 10 x 4 inches |
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Chefman |
| Material | Non-stick coated grill plate |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Can accommodate a variety of food
- Ideal for a small kitchen or dorm room
- Easy to clean
- cETL – approved advanced safety technology
- Long-lasting durability
Cons
- There have been complaints about the product’s heat being uneven
Brentwood TS-246 Non-Stick Sandwich Maker and Panini Press
If you’re looking for a cheap, economical panini press without durability or versatility in mind, then the Brentwood TS-246 can be the one you need.
Even though the Brentwood TS-246 only has one temperature available, it can heat up in a surprisingly short time and, thus, capable of cooking sandwiches in mere minutes. Its fast heating and ridged top and bottom plates will ensure that your sandwiches have perfect, aesthetically pleasing grill lines.
Additionally, despite its agreeable price, the grill has premium quality non-stick plates and preheat indicator light to inform you when the press is ready to cook.
Afraid that you might get burned from the grill’s heat? No worries, that’s an unfounded fear as its handles and housing are heat-resistant, meaning that they are cool to the touch and pose little to no safety hazards.
Once you’re done with cooking and cleaning, you can close the lid and store the panini press in an upright position. In case you need to move it anywhere, the grill’s lightweight construction will make sure that you’ll encounter little difficulties doing so.
Key Features
- Non-stick plates that sandwiches can slide right off
- Even and fast heating
- Panini press has an indicator light
- Powerful 750W panini press
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 10.1 x 9.6 x 4.3 inches |
| Item Weight | 2 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Brentwood |
| Material | Stainless Steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
Pros
- Ensures perfect grill lines
- Economical
- Convenient while preheating
- Fast cooking time
- Has preheat indicator light
- Easy to carry with a locking handle
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Only have one temperature
Imusa USA GAU-80102 1400-Watts Electric Panini Press
(Best for Grilled Cheese Sandwiches)
Do you love a nice, toasty grilled cheese sandwich? If that is the case, then perhaps this Imusa Panini Press will be a match made in heaven as this product is best for grilled cheese sandwiches.
Built with a floating hinge to adjust to food of any thickness, this panini press can make many dishes more than simple grilled cheese sandwiches, be it meat, veggies or burgers.
The grill’s non-stick plates are configured to be flat, which is ideal for even heat distribution and griddle use. While some of you may scoff at the lack of the visually pleasing searing marks that only a ridged grill can provide, the flat plate design makes cleaning a lot easier as there’s no need to scrape in between each grill line to clean food residues.
However, the only complaint that I have for this product is that there’s no adjustable thermostat, and therefore, I can’t control the temperature to my liking. Nevertheless, for those who dislike adjusting temperature every time they cook, they might prefer this preset temperature option.
Key Features
- Floating hinge
- Heat and power indicator light
- Non-stick surface
- Polished stainless steel exterior
- Cool-touch handle
- Well-suited for sandwiches, vegetables, meats, and even more
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 4.9 x 16.6 x 14.8 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.7 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Imusa |
| Material | Non-stick surface |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
Pros
- Suitable for adjusting the cooking height
- Large cooking surface
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Non-stick cooking plates
- Power up as well as heat indicator light
- Even heat distribution
Cons
- There have been some complaints about the product’s durability.
- Has only one heat setting
Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill Panini Press
(Best With Removable Plate)
Need a panini press that can also be used as a BBQ? Are you trying to find a versatile panini press with a removable plate for easy cleaning? Then have a look at the Breville BGR820XL Panini Press.
Advertised to be able to “cook as well as a barbecue, but cleans fast like a frying pan”, the grill lets you make crunchy, toasty sandwiches as well as sear meat indoors with its consistent high heat. This smart grill implements Element IQ technology to maintain high heat for as long as you’re cooking.
What’s Element IQ technology? It’s an innovative system used to electronically detect any loss in heat and provide rapid heat recovery in return.
A lot of other countertop panini press tend to experience a sharp drop in temperature, resulting in inefficient cooking and tougher, chewy meat. However, this does not happen with Breville Smart Grill, which takes little time to preheat and can recover heat quickly.
Furthermore, the press comes with six different height settings, providing great versatility. For easier cleaning, the plates are designed to be removable and dishwasher-safe.
Key Features
- Integrated removable drip tray
- Dishwasher-safe plates
- Removable grill plates
- Digital temperature display
- 6 adjustable height settings
- Variable temperature control with Sear Mode, Panini, and Low
- Variety of uses including toasted sandwich, flat-eggs, pancakes, and more
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 16 x 14 x 5 inches |
| Item Weight | 18.96 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Breville |
| Material | Premium quality PFOA-free non-stick coating, stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Removable plates
- Great heat retention
- Dishwasher-safe
- Element IQ Technology implemented
- Flexible temperature control
- Highly versatile
- Removable drip tray included
Cons
- There have been complaints about the product being too heavy
Cuisinart GR-1 Griddler Sandwich and Panini Press
Whip up food of professional-like quality within the comforts of your home with this panini press.
Highly versatile, this grill can cook anything, from paninis to grilled sandwiches, pork chops, veggies, burgers and beyond.
With its sturdy construction, sleek design as well as its floating hinge, the grill can accommodate food of any thickness and help you make authentic paninis for years to come. Its preset temperature will save you from the hassle of struggling to adjust the grill to the right temperature every time you use it. This means that you’ll have that crispy, golden brown and tasty sandwich every single time.
Cleaning is made easier with this panini press’ non-stick, removable plate. Even though the plates are not dishwasher-safe, their non-stick surface will make sure you’ll have the easiest time cleaning them.
Key Features
- Floating hinges adjust that help accommodate many sandwich sizes
- When opened flat can be used as a grill as well
- Convenient light indicator. Recipes, instructions and other cleaning tools are included
- Brushed stainless-steel housing
- Non-stick, non-removable grill plates
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 13 x 5 x 10.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.17 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Material | Brushed stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Drip spout |
Pros
- Can accommodate many sandwich sizes
- Convenient for preheating
- When opened flat can be used as a grill as well
- Preset temperature for consistent result every time
- Cooking plates are removable and non-stick
- Highly versatile
Cons
- The product is not dishwasher-safe
Proctor Silex 25435A Panini Press
Why waste your time and money going to a café when you can make a café-style sandwich right within your own home? Simply get two slices of bread, stuff them with your favorite fillings and stick them in this panini press, you’ll get a mouth-watering sandwich in no time.
Do you like loading your bread with every ingredient imaginable? Do you despise panini presses with fixed lids, which won’t let you toast sandwiches of considerable thickness? Worry not, the Proctor Silex 25435A comes with an adjustable lid so that you can have the freedom to decide how thick you want your sandwich to be.
If you’re a neat freak, you’ll probably appreciate that the press can be stored upright, thus saving considerable storage space. Compared to storing the press horizontally, an upright storage definitely makes your kitchen look tidier.
Key Features
- Power and preheat light
- Cafe style floating lid that can be pressed down evenly
- Measure 12 inches by 8 and ½ inches
- Non-stick coating
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 11.7 x 14 x 4.9 inches |
| Item Weight | 6.06 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Proctor Silex |
| Material | Non-stick surface |
| Dishwasher Safe | No |
Pros
- Convenient while preheating
- Can accommodate many sandwich sizes
- Suitable for many types of food
- Can cook many sandwiches at once
- Can be stored upright, thus saving a lot of space
Cons
- Temperature control needs improvement
George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Panini Press
A perfect choice for a family of four, this panini press can heat up to 35% faster than your average grill. With the grill’s improved heating elements, you can prepare meals in record time.
Want to cut down on fat and grease? This grill will be your perfect sidekick in doing so with its exclusive fat removing design, being able to drain up to 42% of unwanted oil with its sloped grilling surface.
An improvement compared to its predecessor, this product’s advanced non-stick coating is twice as durable as previous models. Furthermore, its non-stick surface means that you’ll have no need for buttering or spraying the panini press prior to every use. Less spraying, less fat, am I right?
When you’re done cooking, you don’t need to waste time and effort cleaning the press. Simply remove the plates and stick them in the dishwasher, it’s time you call it a day.
Key Features
- Slopped grilling surface
- Advanced non-stick coating
- Removable grill plates
- Dishwasher-safe
- 35% faster heat up
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 6.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 9.9 ounces |
| Manufacturer | George Foreman |
| Material | Non-stick coating |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Drains 42% of fat, providing healthier food
- Double in durability compared to the previous coating
- Reduce the need for using excess butter and oil in cooking
- Time-saving
- Easy to clean
Cons
- User may find the product’s size too small
- User find the product’s lack of an on/off button inconvenient
Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill and Panini Press
Shorten your cooking time with this panini press as it can be opened flat to double the cooking surface. Cook to your heart’s content with the grill’s preset temperature, which is ideal for grilling burgers, sandwiches as well as steaks.
Afraid that your food is too thick? That’s not a problem at all because the Cuisinart GR-11 is made with a floating hinge, which can accommodate food of different thicknesses.
Like most other panini presses with non-stick surfaces, this unit’s cooking plates do not require oil or spraying, thus reducing the amount of fat, grease, as well as calories.
Additionally, the unit has adjustable feet for optimized grease drainage. Any excess grease and oil will be running down into the integrated drip tray, making your meals as healthy as possible.
Key Features
- Non-stick, removable upper and lower grill plates
- Integrated drip tray
- Floating hinges
- Preset temperature
- Can be open at 180 degree for double cooking surface
- Power on/ready to cook light indicator
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 12.8 x 10.9 x 6 inches |
| Item Weight | 5.5 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Cuisinart |
| Material | Stainless steel |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Provide even cooking and toasting
- Ensure healthier cooking
- Highly versatile
- Dishwasher-safe
- Can be open at 180 degree for double cooking surface
- Can accommodate many sandwich sizes
- Remove the guesswork and ensure better results
Cons
- There have been complaints about the non-stick coating wears off quickly
- User may find the product lack of a temperature dial inconvenient
Chef Buddy Panini Press
(Best for Veggies)
Are you trying to eat more healthy? Do you want to go on a diet but are unwilling to give up on those tasty, greasy food? If so, then consider getting this panini press, which will help you eat healthier as well as more appetizing food.
To begin with, this product is designed with an advanced grease channeling system, which is a key component to cutting down on grease and fat from your food.
Highly versatile, this unit can cook anything, from steak, burgers, kebobs to toasty sandwiches. Going vegan? No worries, this panini press is the perfect choice for cooking veggies as well.
Another advantage this unit has is its large cooking surface, which can cut down a large chunk of preparation time. For the folks out there who dislike spending too much time cooking like me, this is undoubtedly a nice feature to have.
Key Features
- Advanced grease channeling system
- Large cooking surface
- 1400-watt dual heating zones
- Non-stick surface, two grease catchers
Product Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 9.5 x 10.5 x 3 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.15 pounds |
| Manufacturer | Chef Buddy |
| Material | Non-stick surface |
| Dishwasher Safe | Yes |
Pros
- Large cooking surface
- Easy to use
- Great temperature control
- Lightweight
- Fast and energy-efficient cooking
- Easy to clean
Cons
- No on/off switch
Buying Guide
New to the world of panini press? Worry not, young Padawan, for I will give some tips and instructions so that you can have the high ground when it comes to panini presses.
First thing first, when buying a panini press, you should find one with at least one of these features: adjustable thermostat, removable plate, and a floating hinge.
A panini press with an adjustable thermostat is usually a high-end, more recent model. They might be slightly more expensive than those without an adjustable thermostat, but they can cover a broader range of food. If you’re looking for one with high versatility, then you should consider getting one with an adjustable thermostat. However, if you only need to make panini exclusively, then you can save some money getting one without this feature.
While a removable plate isn’t necessarily a must-have on a panini press, the cleaning process would be much more effortless for you if your grill’s plate is removable. You can save a lot of your time cleaning by getting a panini with a removable plate, which you can simply stick in a dishwasher and let it do the hard work for you. Other than that, a removable plate does not affect the cooking process or the end result in the slightest way.
A floating hinge indicates that the panini’s top plate can accommodate foods of varying thickness, be it a tall, loaded baguette or a standard grilled cheese sandwich. A common setup for panini presses with this feature is an unmarked floating hinge, which can only enable you to adjust the height according to the thickness of the sandwich. However, there are other models that include specific height settings for each different function.
Sadly, that’s not all you have to remember as there are also other aspects such as plate material, plate configuration, and types of the panini press. That’s a lot to remember, I know. Don’t worry; there will be no pop quiz later.
Plate Material
There are three major types of material when it comes to panini presses’ plate. Why are there so many choices, you ask? Well, different materials can yield different results, advantages as well as disadvantages.
| Material Type | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
| Non-stick | ➢ Easy to clean
➢ Short heat up time ➢ Does not require oil or spray | ➢ Are more prone to damage and chips than other materials | ➢ Suitable for those who want to reduce fat by not using oil, butter or spray
➢ Intermittent use |
| Aluminum | ➢ Economical
➢ Short heat up time ➢ Even heat distribution ➢ Excellent heat transference. | ➢ Need oil, butter or spray prior to cooking, not suitable for people on a diet
➢ Poor heat retention
| ➢ Intermittent use |
| Cast iron | ➢ Even heat distribution
➢ Excellent heat retention ➢ Once properly seasoned, cast-iron can be quite stick-resistant | ➢ Expensive
➢ Requires seasoning regularly ➢ Takes too long to preheat | ➢ Heavy-duty use
|
Plate Configuration
Now that we’re done with plate material, it’s time to choose what configuration you want your plate to be in. Think about what result you’re aiming for with your food to know for sure which configuration suits you best.
| Plate Configuration Type | Advantages |
| Ridged top plate, ridged bottom plate | Leaves sear marks on both sides of the food, making the final product more visually pleasing, especially for meat and sandwiches. |
| Ridged top plate, flat bottom plate | Highly versatile. The flat bottom plate can be used as either a warmer or a griddler. When grill marks are required, close the lid for the ridged top plate to come into contact with the food. |
| Flat top plate, flat bottom plate | Provides most even heat distribution. Ideal for griddle use and a perfect choice for grilled cheese sandwiches. |
| Duel type, flat plates on one side and ridged plated on the other | The most versatile of them all. Suitable for cooking various types of food and multi-tasking. Ideal for commercial use. |
FAQs
My Top Pick
If I were to buy another panini press, either for myself or for my loved ones, my choice would undoubtedly be the Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler Panini Press – my personal favorite. Its winning trait is, of course, its versatility. With the Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler Panini Press, I can make many of my favorite dishes. It’s also easy to use, easy to clean and best of all – this panini press is of a reasonable price despite its supreme quality.
