10Best.Guide

Panini Press

Top Picks

Last Updated: April, 2023
Pros
  • Well-made and heavy
  • Helps to make amazing bacon, smash burgers, and panini
  • Big and sturdy
  • Solves the problem of bacon curling
  • Makes browning even all over
Cons
  • Maintenance required for cast iron
  • Handle can get hot and cause burns
Bottom Line
The Bellemain Bacon Press is a well-made and heavy press that solves the problem of bacon curling and helps to make amazing bacon, smash burgers, and panini. However, it requires maintenance for cast iron and has some issues with the handle and screws.
Pros
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Multiple settings for thickness
  • Heats up quickly and evenly
  • Gives grill marks on sandwich
Cons
  • Bottom plate may not get as hot as desired
  • No shutoff timer or temperature control
Bottom Line
The Breville Panini Press is a high-quality and durable appliance that heats up quickly and evenly, making delicious sandwiches with grill marks. However, it lacks some features like a shutoff timer or temperature control and can be expensive.
Pros
  • Heavy duty and durable
  • Can be used for various cooking purposes
  • Helps to cook bacon and burgers perfectly
  • Attractive finish and matches other Lodge cast iron products
Cons
  • Handle gets hot
  • Rough bottom surface makes cleaning difficult
Bottom Line
The Lodge cast iron grill press is a heavy-duty and durable product that can be used for various cooking purposes. It helps to cook bacon and burgers perfectly and has an attractive finish that matches other Lodge cast iron products. However, the handle gets hot, the rough bottom surface makes cleaning difficult, and the handle design makes it hard to use a potholder.
Pros
  • Heats up fast and cooks evenly
  • Great for making sandwiches and burgers
  • Easy to store
  • No need for added fats to get crispy texture
  • Affordable price
Cons
  • Small size, not suitable for cooking larger portions
  • Grease tray doesn't catch all the grease
Bottom Line
The George Foreman 2-serving grill is an affordable option for those looking to cook small portions quickly and evenly. However, it has some flaws such as a small size, difficult cleaning process, and lack of an on/off switch.
Pros
  • Makes Paninis well
  • Quick way to cook bacon
  • Easy to clean
  • Good for making hamburgers
  • Great for healthy grilled sandwiches
Cons
  • No temperature control
  • No off switch
Bottom Line
The Hamilton Beach Panini Press is a simple kitchen accessory that is good for making Paninis, hamburgers, and healthy grilled sandwiches. It heats up quickly and is easy to clean, but lacks temperature control, an off switch, and removable plates for easy cleaning. It is a good option for those who want a budget-friendly and space-saving appliance for occasional use.

The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Panini Press: Top-Rated Electric Grilled Sandwich Makers

Overview

A panini press is a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used to make delicious grilled sandwiches in minutes. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your needs. In this buying guide, we will cover the different types of panini presses, key considerations to keep in mind, important features to look for, pricing, tips for using your panini press, and frequently asked questions.

Types

1. Basic Panini Press: These are the most common type of panini press and are designed to make simple grilled sandwiches. They usually have a non-stick surface and adjustable temperature control.

2. Floating Hinge Panini Press: This type of panini press has a floating hinge that allows you to cook sandwiches of different thicknesses. This is a great option if you want to make sandwiches with a variety of fillings.

3. Removable Plate Panini Press: These panini presses have removable plates that make them easier to clean. They are also versatile and can be used to cook a variety of foods, such as burgers and vegetables.

Key Considerations

1. Size: Consider the size of the panini press and whether it will fit in your kitchen. If you have limited counter space, a compact panini press may be a better option.

2. Cooking Surface: Look for a panini press with a non-stick surface that is easy to clean. A ridged surface will give your sandwiches those classic grill marks.

3. Temperature Control: Make sure the panini press has adjustable temperature control so you can cook your sandwiches to perfection.

Features

1. Floating Hinge: A floating hinge allows you to cook sandwiches of different thicknesses.

2. Removable Plates: Removable plates make the panini press easier to clean and more versatile.

3. Temperature Control: Adjustable temperature control allows you to cook your sandwiches to perfection.

Prices

Panini presses can range in price from around $20 to over $200. Basic models are usually less expensive, while more advanced models with additional features will be more expensive.

Tips

1. Don't overfill your sandwich. This can cause the filling to spill out and make a mess.

2. Use a good quality bread. A sturdy bread will hold up better in the panini press and prevent the sandwich from falling apart.

3. Experiment with different fillings. The possibilities are endless when it comes to panini fillings, so don't be afraid to get creative.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a panini press to cook other foods besides sandwiches?

A: Yes, many panini presses can be used to cook a variety of foods, such as burgers and vegetables.

Q: Is it easy to clean a panini press?

A: It depends on the model, but many panini presses have removable plates that make them easy to clean.

Q: Can I use a panini press to make cold sandwiches?

A: No, a panini press is designed to cook sandwiches and should not be used to make cold sandwiches.

Conclusion:

A panini press is a great addition to any kitchen and can be used to make delicious grilled sandwiches in minutes. When choosing a panini press, consider the size, cooking surface, and temperature control. Look for additional features like a floating hinge or removable plates to make your panini press even more versatile. With the right panini press and a little creativity, you can make a wide variety of delicious sandwiches.

Runner-Ups

Pros
  • Fast heating
  • Easy to clean
  • Makes nice panini
  • Good price
  • Cooks hamburgers perfectly
Cons
  • Does not stand by itself
  • No temperature control
Bottom Line
The Hamilton Beach 25460A Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker is a good option for those who want a fast and easy way to make panini and warm, pressed sandwiches. However, it lacks some features like temperature control and an on/off switch, and it may not be suitable for cooking other types of food.
Pros
  • Affordable price
  • Easy to use
  • Versatile cooking options
  • Good for grilling sandwiches and pancakes
  • Easy to clean
Cons
  • Non-adjustable height control
  • Durability issues
Bottom Line
The Cuisinart Griddler is an affordable and versatile cooking appliance that is easy to use and clean. However, it has some durability issues and lacks adjustable height control, limiting its usefulness for some cooking tasks.
Pros
  • Perfect size for cooking and cleaning.
  • Easy to clean, nothing sticks.
  • Great for making grilled sandwiches, burgers, and chicken.
  • Fast to heat up.
  • Decent burger patties.
Cons
  • Smaller than advertised, only fits 2 burgers or steaks.
  • No temperature control.
Bottom Line
The George Foreman 4 Serving Grill is a good option for those who want a compact and easy-to-clean grill for making burgers, sandwiches, and other small meals. However, it has some limitations, such as a small grilling area and no temperature control.
Pros
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Heats up quickly
  • Can cook a variety of foods
  • Makes crispy sandwiches
  • Simple and cute design
Cons
  • No temperature control
  • Uneven cooking towards the edges
Bottom Line
The Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker is a good option for those looking for a simple and affordable sandwich maker that can cook a variety of foods. However, it lacks temperature control and may have some durability issues with the hinge.
Pros
  • Sturdy and good material quality
  • Cooks evenly on both sides
  • Opens up all the way and lays flat
  • Great for making paninis, quesadillas, and sandwiches
  • Easy to use and clean
Cons
  • Cheese runs everywhere and cleanup is difficult
  • Knob is difficult to turn
Bottom Line
This sandwich maker is a good option for making paninis, quesadillas, and sandwiches. It is easy to use and clean, and has good customer service. However, it has some issues with cheese running everywhere, difficulty with the knob, and uneven cooking.
Please add more products to compare
You can compare up to four products at once
{{compareData.brand}}