There are a lot of benefits to owning a panini press as these devices can be incredibly convenient and easy to use. If you want to mix things up in the kitchen and start preparing gourmet lunches, then you could seriously benefit from owning a panini maker. There are lots of different devices to choose from which can make your decision quite difficult to make.
This review is designed to help you narrow down your options of panini makers so you can find the best one for your kitchen. These appliances can help mix up every lunchtime by transforming a standard sandwich meal into something much more delicious and exciting. There are a few things you will need to consider when looking for the best panini press for your home and we’re going to guide you through the process.
George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press
This appliance is ideal for small kitchen counters as it can be used as both panini and sandwich press as well as an indoor grill that is easy to clean.
Best Pick
George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press
This appliance is ideal for small kitchen counters as it can be used as both panini and sandwich press as well as an indoor grill that is easy to clean.
Budget Pick
The Best Panini Press
1. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler
The Cuisinart gr-4n 5-in-1 griddler is one of the best appliances on this list as it has five different operations in one device. This appliance is ideal for large family homes that may have a smaller kitchen as it is built for the countertop and can be used as a panini press as well as a grill and griddle in various different forms.
This panini maker is durable as it is made from stainless steel and it is easy to clean as is has removable grill plates that are dishwasher safe. These grill plates also have a non-stick coating making them suitable for a range of different food, including meat and sandwiches. It is easy to adjust the temperature of this panini press through the external controls and the integrated drip tray will capture any excess grease or fat from food, making every meal
Pros:
- Five in one device
- Durable
- Removable cooking surface for easy clean
- Versatile
- Compact size
Why we liked it:
This panini press is ideal for your family kitchen as it has five different operations, is made from durable materials and is easy to clean after use.
2. Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill With Locking Lid
This panini press can be used for a variety of different sandwiches including paninis, quesadillas, and even sweet fruit turnovers. This device is very easy to use and has a cafe-style floating lid that can be used to press any kind of sandwich. The lid can also be left open at 180-degrees for bigger foods. This hot sandwich maker has colored lights to indicate when it can be used and green means go.
The top lid of this panini press can be locked to be used on open-faced sandwiches, bruschetta or even just to create nice grill marks on the bread. This device will turn the light to red so you know when your sandwich is ready to be taken out and eaten making this an incredibly simple process. This panini press has a stylish red finish that you are certain to love.
Pros:
- Versatile sandwich maker
- Easy to use
- Stylish red appearance
- Cafe-style lid
- Compact for storage
Why we liked it:
This panini press is one of the best as it can be used to make a range of hot sandwiches and will leave stylish grill marks on them all for a gourmet finish.
3. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press
This panini press has a nonstick coating so it can be used as both as one of the best sandwich makers as well as a great grill. This panini press has removable grills that can be cleaned separately after use making this easy to use and highly convenient. It can be used for four servings at a time while still being compact enough to be left on your countertops making this perfect for family homes with a small kitchen space.
This panini press is designed to have a 35% faster heating up time so you can get cooking quicker. It is very durable and is certain to last a long time making this a great investment for your family. This grill and panini press would be a perfect gift for someone who has just moved out as it makes mealtimes easier.
Pros:
- Nonstick coating
- Easy to clean
- Fast heating-up time
- Versatile
- Four servings at once
Why we liked it:
This panini press is highly versatile and has a nonstick coating so it can be used as a panini maker as well as a grill for meat.
4. Breville Duo 1500-Watt Nonstick Panini Press
This panini due 1500-watt nonstick device is made to a professional standard so you can have gourmet sandwiches and lunches every day from the comfort of your own home. It has a nonstick and scratch-resistant cooking surface that will be easy to clean after use as well as eliminating the need for any oils during cooking. This press gourmet sandwich maker has a flat bottom to provide faster and even cooking times.
This panini press gourmet sandwich maker has a floating hinge and four height settings so it can be used for a range of different sandwiches. It is versatile and durable making it a brilliant investment for your family home and everyone is certain to love it. This is very easy to use and comes with several recipes so you can get started on your gourmet sandwich-making immediately.
Pros:
- Professional standard
- Nonstick cooking surface
- Versatile
- Gourmet style sandwiches
- Four height settings
Why we liked it:
This panini press gourmet sandwich maker is highly versatile and durable as it is made to a professional standard so you can have gourmet lunches at home every day.
5. Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler
This panini press is one of the best as it has six cooking options in one compact device. It can be used as several sandwich presses as well as a grill for various types of meat. The Cuisinart gr-1 griddler panini press has removable, adjustable and nonstick cooking plates making them easy to clean after use. These are durable and high quality to provide an even cook every time.
This Cuisinart gr-1 griddler panini press has an adjustable top cover that has six presents as well as being able to be locked during use. There is a dual-zone temperature control that is easy to use and is fine for a range of different sandwiches and foods. This appliance is compact so it can be easily stored after use.
Pros:
- Six cooking options
- Nonstick coating
- Removable cooking surface
- Easy to use
- Compact size
Why we liked it:
This panini press is one of the best as it has six cooking options and a removable, nonstick cooking surface that is easy to clean after use.
6. George Foreman 2-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press
This 1500-watt nonstick panini press is highly versatile as it is one of the best sandwich makers available as well as being a brilliant indoor grill. This appliance can be used to make a range of hot sandwiches, including paninis, as well as grilling food in a healthy way. The nonstick coating not only makes this panini press easy to clean but will also eliminate the need for oils when cooking.
This panini press comes with a drip tray that will capture all grease and fat from meats when they are being grilled so you can make healthier meals for your family. It can be used to make two servings at once and it is a great compact size for your kitchen counter. This panini maker has the iconic sloping cooking surface to drain away excess fat and grease.
Pros:
- Highly versatile
- Drip tray and slope to remove fat
- Nonstick coating
- Compact size
- Easy to use
Why we liked it:
This panini press is highly versatile as it can be used to make sandwiches and grill meats, while also removing excess fat and grease so all meals will be healthier.
7. IMUSA USA GAU-80103 Electric Stainless Steel Panini Maker
This electric panini press has a polished stainless steel exterior that not only looks good but ensures that the device is durable so it will last a long time. It has nonstick cooking plates that can provide both easy cooking and easy cleaning after use making this suitable for busy family homes and repeated use. This is a versatile panini press that can be used to make sandwiches as well as other food for the family.
This panini duo 1500-watt nonstick maker is easy to use as it has a light that will indicate when it is hot enough and when your food has been cooked thoroughly. The handles are made to stay cool making this safe to use and have in the kitchen at all times. This panini press is stylish, durable and compact for easy storage.
Pros:
- Polished stainless steel
- Durable
- Nonstick cooking surface
- Easy to clean
- Versatile
Why we liked it:
This panini press is highly durable and stylish as it is made from polished stainless steel and the cooking surface is nonstick for an easy clean.
8. Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker
This panini press appliance can make a bistro out of your own kitchen as it is made to a professional standard. This is one of the best sandwich makers available as it can be used for a range of different food as well as gourmet paninis. It has a nonstick grill that makes it easy to clean and eliminates the need for oils, so every lunch will be healthier when you use this panini press.
This panini press is adjustable so it can be used for any occasion and will create a range of different sandwiches whether that is thick or thin. It has a compact size that is ideal for small kitchens and can even be brought on your travels such as a road trip for gourmet lunches on the go. This panini press is made to be very durable and safe so you are fine to leave it out in your kitchen after use.
Pros:
- Professional standard
- Compact size
- Durable device
- Nonstick grill
- Adjustable for all food types
Why we liked it:
This panini press is one of the best as it is made to a professional standard while still being compact enough for your kitchen counters or even to take traveling.
9. IMUSA USA GAU-80102 Large Electric Panini Press 1400-Watts
This panini press allows you to make restaurant standard sandwiches, paninis, and other food from the comfort of your own home. It is made from polished stainless steel which not only looks attractive but is highly durable and is certain to last a long time. As it is durable, this device is fine to be used repeatedly and you will not see any damage or decrease in quality. It has a large nonstick cooking surface that is easy to clean after use.
This panini press has a floating hinge that allows for adjustable cooking heights so it can be used for a range of different food and sandwiches. The handles are made to be cool touch so this panini press is safe to use at all times. This panini press is one of the best as it is easy to use and has indicator lights so you can keep track of the cooking progress.
Pros:
- Restaurant-standard food
- Nonstick grill
- Durable stainless steel
- Adjustable cooking heights
- Cool-touch handles
Why we liked it:
This panini press is made to a professional standard and will cook gourmet style food easily on the large, nonstick grill surface.
10. IKICH Temperature Control Panini Press
With this panini press, you can feel like a cook in your own home as you are able to prepare gourmet meals for your family. This is a versatile appliance that can be used for more than just paninis, as you can also make grilled cheese, various meats, and other sandwich-style foods for all of the family. This panini press is ideal for families as it has a large nonstick cooking plate that can deliver several servings at once.
The bsg520xl panini duo 1500-watt maker has a high power input so it can heat up quickly and has a two-in-one shut-off switch that you can use to control the temperature. It is designed to be safe so it is suitable for family homes as well as being durable to withstand repeated use.
Pros:
- Professional-standard appliance
- High power input
- Large cooking surface
- Easy to use
- Versatile
Why we liked it:
This panini press has a large cooking surface that is nonstick and can be used for a range of different gourmet food.
Buyers Guide To Panini Presses
Panini presses are brilliant appliances that can really make a difference to meal times in your home. These kinds of devices can typically be used for more than just sandwich-making including grilling meat, as we have seen throughout this review. There are a lot of options when it comes to panini presses so it can be quite hard to find the best one for your home.
This buyers’ guide is going to address everything you will need to know about these appliances so you can narrow down your options and find the one that will fit in fine with your family.
Features To Look Out For
The best panini press that you can choose will have at least one of the following features to make them easy to use, convenient and suitable for your family home.
- Versatility
Even though a panini press seems to be a device that has a very specific purpose, you will actually benefit greatly from looking at how versatile it is. Most of the best panini presses throughout this review can be used for more than making sandwiches as they double-up as a grill that can be used for various meats and vegetables.
Choosing a device that can be used for more than just making gourmet sandwiches and paninis will ensure that you are getting your money’s worth and that you really have made the best decision for your home.
- Ease of Use/Clean
The whole purpose of purchasing kitchen appliances like panini presses and gourmet sandwiches makers is due to the fact they to make things easier for you. This means you should consider how easy the panini press you have chosen will truly be to use and how easy it is to clean afterwards, as this will determine how often you will actually use it.
Consider the kinds of controls that a panini maker has and whether they are easily accessible. Most of the panini makers in this review have some form of indicator light that will inform you when the device is ready to be used and when your food has been cooked.
When it comes to cleaning the panini press, look for devices that have a nonstick cooking surface. This will prevent any kind of food or grease becoming stuck to the grill which will make it difficult to clean and therefore will make you less likely to use it again.
- Size
Panini presses are designed to be used on your kitchen counter, so most of the devices in this review are quite compact. You will need to consider the size of your panini press against the size of your counters in order to find one that will fit while still leaving you with enough room to prepare meals.
There are some sandwich makers in this review that are quite large as they are made to serve multiple people at once. This will be something you should look into if you have a large family and want to make mealtimes easier for everyone. Other panini presses are very compact so they can be used in small apartments or some can even be taken travelling if you are going on a road trip and cannot be without your gourmet lunches.
- Material
Throughout this review we have seen two main types of panini presses – those made from plastic and those made from stainless steel. Both of these materials are great for kitchen appliances as they are durable, can absorb heat well and will be easy to clean after use. You will want to consider where you panini press will be stored and how often you want to use it to narrow down your options of the best material.
You will want to find a panini press that will last a long time and will be able to handle everything you want to do with it, otherwise it will not be worth your investment. There are benefits to both plastic and stainless steel that you will have to consider for yourself to find the best panini press for your home.
Conclusion
There are a lot of benefits to purchasing a panini press and it isn’t a decision that you should make lightly. The best panini press will be versatile, so you can cook various foods with it, durable to withstand repeated use, and will be easy to both use and clean.
You will want to find a panini press that you will be able to use on a regular basis to make mealtimes easier. The best kind of sandwich makers and indoor grills will allow you to cook gourmet meals for your family swiftly and easily. Kitchen appliances are designed to make things easier for you, so you should find something that does just that.
Did you know?
Panini presses can be used for more than just sandwich making, as you can also grill meat and vegetables with them.
Expert Tip
Consider a panini press that has nonstick coating as these will be easier to use and clean, which will ensure that it can be used repeatedly.