If you love sandwiches, then you most probably know what a panini press is. Today's panini presses are equipped with features that can do more than press sandwiches. They can also grill and make waffles. The best panini press is a simple device. But there are always modifications being added to them, which makes it difficult to chose. We have compiled a list for you.
Best Panini Presses
1) Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill
- GREAT FOR PANINIS AND MORE: Use this Panini press to try savory...
- FLOATING LID: This hot sandwich maker features a cafe-style...
- NO NEED TO FLIP: Nonstick top and bottom Panini press grids heat...
- GREEN MEANS GO: For best results, preheat sandwich maker 6...
- TOP LID LOCK: Lock Panini press lid to create an easy bruschetta...
The Hamilton Beach panini press is known for its hot toasty, and delicious sandwiches. However, it can do so many snacks apart from sandwiches and paninis. Quesadillas, bruschetta, panini sandwiches, and pizza come out cheesy and toasty in this panini press. Do you want a healthier snack? Fruit turnovers are also possible.
Some of the useful features of the Hamilton Beach press include a locking hinge on the grill press, which lets the lid softly float over your toppings without actually touching your toppings. You can also use your own fresh ingredients to make a basic grilled cheese sandwich or the biggest mouth-watering sandwich you can make.
The power and preheat lights indicate when your panini sandwich is ready. The 10x8 cooking space on this gourmet sandwich maker gives you a good deal of space to make two or three sandwiches at once. To top it all, the panini grill is coated with nonstick material. The Hamilton Beach panini maker and grill adjusts to fit any sandwich thickness
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2. Proctor Silex Panini Press Sandwich Maker and Electric Indoor Grill
The Proctor Silex Panini Press and Sandwich Maker is a versatile addition to any kitchen, giving you that satisfying crunch of a panini or the perfectly grilled sandwich in minutes. Powered by 1000 watts, it heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, so your sandwiches are toasted and melty all the way through. The nonstick grids make for easy cleanup—no more fussing with stuck-on cheese or crumbs—and the floating lid design lets you fit sandwiches of any thickness without squishing your ingredients.
One of the best parts of this Panini Press is its compact design. It stores upright, saving you precious counter or cabinet space, and blends easily with other kitchen appliances. Ideal for quick meals, it’s perfect whether you’re making lunch for the family or grabbing a solo snack. The grill plates handle more than just sandwiches; you can grill small veggies or even breakfast items, making this a truly multi-purpose machine.
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3) Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler
- SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE: Cuisinart’s 5-1 griddler is a contact...
- EASY TO USE: The griddler plates (11-inch x 9-inch) are...
- ALSO INCLUDED: Red/green indicator lights for easy operation,...
- CUSTOM CONTROL: Sturdy panini-style handle with hinged floating...
- LIMITED 3-YEAR WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting...
This 5 in 1 Cuisinart sandwich maker also doubles up as a panini maker and grill as well as a countertop contact grill. The Cuisinart compact panini press has grill plates that open up flat to create a large surface and more space. You can cook your best food and up to five different grilled sandwiches. It is a fully functional electric panini press.
The Cuisinart preset temperature control function has the grilling feature preset. As a result, you do not have to worry about the panini grill overcooking or undercooking your sandwiches. This feature is only found in the best panini presses. In addition, it has removable plates, which makes it easier to clean up. It has five cooking options, from full grill to panini press.
Red and green indicator lights let you know when your Griddler has reached your desired temperature and is ready to cook. The multifunctional selector knob lets you choose the full griddle function, and each function features adjustable temperature controls. You can use your grill in a closed position to cook everything from chicken and hamburgers to juicy steaks.
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4) Breville Duo Nonstick Panini Press
- 1500 watt panini press with nonstick, scratch resistant...
- Flat bottom plate for fast, thorough cooking; ribbed top plate...
- Floating hinge; 4 height settings; on/ready lights; nonslip feet;...
- Cord wrap; brushed stainless steel housing; user manual with...
- Measures 13 by 11 3/4 by 5 1/4 inches; 1 year limited warranty
This fully electric best panini press is equipped with a top plate. The top plate can be moved into a range of positions above the bottom plate. Breville panini duo presses make the best paninis. It can also double up as an indoor grill and outdoor grill. Apart from being a sandwich maker, the Breville panini duo delivers beautiful grill marks on your artisanal bread.
The top plate is ribbed for even heat distribution and the famous grill marks we see on a sandwich. In addition, the adjustable-height control feature allows the top cooking plates to be adjusted over the bottom cooking plates. Its stainless steel construction is a sturdy tool that delivers on the Breville promise of performance and style.
The plate on the bottom of this Breville panini press delivers quicker heat on the flat surface for faster cooking. The grill surfaces are made with nonstick, scratch-proof cooking plates and surfaces for easy maintenance. While the best panini can be made on cast iron, it can also be made on steel.
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5. BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Iron, WM2000SD
The BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Waffle Iron WM2000SD comes with functionality of both a waffle and sandwich maker, griller, which make it a perfect appliance for kitchens with poor square footage. It features dishwasher safe, PTFE-coated plates for ease of use in preparing food and cleaning the unit. If you’re in the mood for waffles, grilled sandwiches, or a panini – it’s all possible without taking up space with several appliances.
It is small in size hence can be stored very easily even if there is little space in the kitchen. Housing a compact body, the WM2000SD provides effective heating to cook foods to the right color and brownness. The portability and multiple uses qualify it for anyone who wishes to have both style and efficiency when dining.
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How Do You Choose The Best Panini Press?
For the longest time, there has been a wide range of panini presses available everywhere. However, with the current innovation, there are different panini presses with different specifications. Moreover, each specification is tailored to a different model. We have independently selected a few presses, but in this article, we share some tips on choosing the best overall press for yourself.
a) Size
Before you make a purchase, you should consider the size of the panini press you want to buy. Most panini presses range in size. The size of your family matters as well. A small press will not serve all your meal needs. A bigger panini press will be ideal if you have the counter space and know your family's needs.
On the other hand, a smaller panini press would be terrific if you want the occasional cheese sandwich. The best panini presses are always suited for your needs.
b) Range Of Function
Okay, we understand that most of the newer panini press models have a wide range of functions. You can practically prepare any food on them. Even waffles. How great is that? So keeping this in mind is important. Not only can you make paninis for the whole family, but you can also make a fruit turnover salad.
c) Removable Cooking Plates
Because this is a high-end attribute, only specific panini presses have it. Basically, it is easier to clean removable plates. You can either hand-wash them or throw them in a dishwasher. Removable cooking plates can also be stored well in dry conditions. However, some models come with their own washing equipment.
However, the way you choose to clean your panini press, as long as it gets clean and causes no accidents, then it is a big deal.
d) Grill Or Griddle?
A newer model panini press will have ribbed lines on the upper plate. You probably love when the bread on your sandwich has golden lines across it. There are presses with both grill and griddle, and there are panini presses with either. It might not be a big deal to some people, but to others, the grill marks are the missing ingredient to a perfect panini.
e) Floating Hinge
Typically, a floating hinge allows for more room to fit whatever sandwich thickness you prefer. Floating hinges do not come into contact with your sandwich, yet you can still fully cook the meats and vegetables in your sandwich.
What Can I Cook On a Panini Press?
Our editorial team compiled a list in this article that will give you an idea of what to cook on your new model panini press. Of course, the first dish you can cook on a press is a panini. However, there are also other options. So, if you have no idea what else to cook on your press, here are a few things we could think of.
- Grilled chicken sandwich
- Roast beef
- Spinach
- Vegetarian panini
- Prosciutto
- Bruschetta
Other Considerations
Before you buy your panini press, ensure you have the best overall purchase. It should have all the qualities, and it should make sense financially. It is important we let you know that if you are not sure of which press to buy, chose the press with an extended warranty. This will cushion you. That being said, here are a few other considerations:
i) Budget
The best panini presses don't have to be unreasonably pricey. You can get a pretty decent and durable panini press for a decent amount. As long as all its basic functions are working properly, you should not have much of a problem with functionality.
ii) Customer Reviews
Customer reviews can make or break a product. If you are unsure of the type of panini press to get, you can always look at the customer reviews. Do they have good customer service? Is their product solid? Is their product reliable? Then you can purchase.
iii) Cooking Surface Area
A compact cooking area is only suitable if you are a small family or alone. If you have a big family, it might not be wise to get a compact panini press. You will need at least a 4 in 1 type of panini press.
Bottom Line
You might be searching for a panini press because your friends and family finally agreed to attend your outdoor backyard barbeque. Or, you might be looking for another kitchen appliance to add to your small collection of appliances. Either way, you should pick the best panini press with all the bells and whistles of your favorite features.
Maybe, you might want to carry a happy lunch to work; a panini press might just work for you. Not only does a press save you time on cooking, but it is also a cheap but worth it investment.
