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Best Panini Press-
Pressin’ It: Your Guide to the Best Panini Presses
Are you interested in making high-quality meals at home? Do you have the right equipment to make anything you want with the same level of quality that you would get at a restaurant? What about if you wanted a grilled sandwich? Would you be able to make one yourself?
One of the best pieces of kitchen equipment you can buy is a panini press, and today I’ll be educating you all about why this versatile machine should be sitting on your kitchen counter. Also, we’ll take a look at some of the best panini presses on the market to help you find the right model for you.
10 Best Panini Press Comparison
Product Name | Preview | Editor's Rating | Specifications | More Information's |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 |  | |||
Hamilton Beach Panini Maker |  | |||
Oster Titanium-Infused Panini Maker |  | |||
George Foreman GRP4842P Panini Maker |  | |||
KRUPS FDE312 Universal Panini Maker |  | |||
Cuisinart Electric Griddler |  | |||
VillaWare NDVLPAPFS1-SHP Panini Maker |  | |||
Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler |  | |||
IMUSA USA GAU-80102 Panini Maker |  | |||
George Foreman 5 Serving GRP4800R |  |
What is a Panini Press?
If you’ve never had a panini, then you’re missing out on life. Simply put, a panini is a grilled sandwich, meaning that you can put whatever you want on the inside (meat, cheese, and veggies) and grill it to perfection. Although these devices are built to make paninis, that’s far from the only thing you can use a panini press for.
After all, why buy a whole new machine for just one purpose? In addition to sandwiches, you can grill anything you like on the best panini press, from chicken breasts to steaks and anything else you want to cook on both sides simultaneously. The possibilities are endless.
How to Choose the Best Panini Press?
When looking at panini presses, there are some important factors that you need to consider when making your purchase. Overall, however, you want a machine that can cook a variety of options, not just sandwiches. Here are the top four options to look at for the best panini press
Floating Hinge
To maximize the level of versatility that you can get with a panini press, you will ideally choose a model that has a floating hinge. While this feature sounds a bit exotic, all it means is that you can adjust the height of the grill plates to accommodate food items of varying size. Some panini presses only have one height or setting, which can be limiting with regards to what all you can cook. The best panini presses will have a floating hinge.
Thermostat
Another key factor you should look at is the thermostat. You want to be able to adjust the overall temperature of the grill so that you can cook your sandwich (or whatever else) to perfection. Maybe you just want to sear the outside and leave the middle relatively warm (not hot), or perhaps you want to cook everything all the way through. An adjustable thermostat will enable you to cook your way every time.
Surface Area and Size
As I said earlier, you don’t want to buy a whole machine for just one purpose. That being said, since a panini press will sit on your countertop, you want to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate it.
Some models are compact and can fit almost anywhere, but that also means that you are limited with regards to what you can cook on it.
A larger press will give you more range, but it takes up more space. Keep in mind how often you will use the press and that should help dictate the overall size you should get.
Removable Plates
As with any cooking materials, your panini press will get dirty. However, you don’t want to have to spend time tirelessly scrubbing the inside of your press if you don’t have to. Some models will come with removable plates that you can take out and put in the dishwasher for maximum convenience.
Recommended Best Panini Presses
01. Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150
First on our list is the Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Panini Maker and Indoor Grill. Name aside, Cuisinart is one of the top brands making kitchen equipment today, and the GP-150P1 Model is a perfect testament to the brand’s overall performance and quality.
What makes this one of the best panini presses is the level of versatility that you get. Not only does this grill have a floating hinge to allow you to cook multiple size items, but you can also open it up and use it as a flat grill for cooking meats and veggies if you want. In fact, this model can cook up to 20% faster than other panini presses.
What also sets this grill apart from the rest is the fact that it uses a ceramic coating to provide non-stick performance every time.
Teflon pans work well, but the coating will wear off much sooner than ceramic, and you also run the risk of being exposed to harmful chemicals. The non-stick surface makes cleaning a breeze, as does the removable drip tray. To help reduce the amount of grease, you can also adjust the feet at an angle, so everything falls into the tray for less fat and better cleanup.
Pros
- Floating hinge.
- Use open-face if necessary.
- Holds up to six slices at a time.
- Adjustable thermostat.
- Perfect for families.
- Cooks up to 20% faster than other models.
- Non-stick ceramic coating for easier cleaning.
- No peeling or flaking.
- Free of harmful chemicals.
- Removable drip tray.
- Adjustable feet.
- Use open-face if necessary.
Cons
02. Hamilton Beach 25460A Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker
Next, we have the 25460A Panini Press from Hamilton Beach. When it comes to panini presses, you usually have two options: the first is to have an adjustable thermostat to allow you to cook different items, and the second is to get a unit that has one preset temperature that’s optimized for grilling sandwiches and other such items.
The 25460A is one of the latter options, meaning that you can only really use it for paninis and quesadillas.
Despite the lack of customizable cooking options, this panini press is still quite good at making a high-quality grilled sandwich.
It still has a floating hinge, however, which means that you can make sandwiches of different sizes without any problems.
It's compact size means that it takes up less counter space and is much easier to store, although you can only cook two or three sandwiches at a time. I would recommend this model for anyone living in an apartment or by themselves.
Cleaning this press is relatively easy, as deep ribs help drain fat and excess food particles, and the plates themselves are non-stick.
Pros
- Compact size
- Floating hinge
- Non-stick grill plates
- Easy storage
- Plug in and go
- Power and preheat indicator lights
- Easy to clean
Cons
03. Oster DuraCeramic Panini Maker and Grill
Our next panini press is another model from Oster, the better named DuraCeramic Panini Maker and Grill. This model is relatively similar to the other Oster press above, but it does have some key differences concerning how well it cooks and how easy it is to clean.
One big difference between this and the other Oster Panini Press is the size. This model is more compact, which makes storage much simpler, but it also limits how much food you can make at one time.
Also, this model does not have a floating hinge, so you can potentially make a sandwich that is too large and will get squeezed out as you press it.
What is nice, however, is that you can still use it as an open face grill for meats and veggies. It also has an adjustable thermostat, so you have better control over your cooking.
To help with cleanup, you can adjust the feet to drain all excess fat, which is then caught by two separate and removable drip cups. There is also a cleaning tool included to assist in getting any stuck on food. Thankfully, that shouldn’t be much of a problem thanks to the grill’s ceramic nonstick surface.
Pros
- Compact size
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- Open up all the way for extra grill space (open face)
- Heats up remarkably fast
- Adjustable feet for draining
- Two drip cups catch grease and other food
- Cooks up to 20% faster than other models
- No harmful chemicals
- Adjustable thermostat
- Power and preheat indicator lights
- Cleaning tool comes included
Cons
04. George Foreman GRP4842P 3-in-1 Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
If you ever watched television in the late 90’s, then you heard about the George Foreman Grill. Every commercial break it seemed that the ex-boxer was telling you about how awesome his product was. Thankfully for us, though, he was right. The GRP4842P 3-in-1 Evolve Grill is one of the best models offered by Foreman and for good reason.
As the title would suggest, what makes this one of the best panini presses on the market is that you can use it for multiple purposes (three of them, in fact). In addition to paninis, you can use this machine as a regular George Foreman Grill or as a waffle maker.
To achieve this effect, there are three sets of removable plates, each designed for a different function. Also, this machine has a floating hinge so that you can cook a wide range of different sized foods.
What I like about this grill is the digital control panel on the front. Adjusting the temperature and switching between cooking methods is super easy and simple, and there’s even a searing option so you can get the best paninis and steaks possible.
Cleaning is a snap with this grill since the plates are removable, dishwasher safe, and completely non-stick. Also, as with all George Foreman Grills, all grease and fat drain out while you cook to make your meals healthier and cleanup that much easier.
Finally, this model comes with a three-year limited warranty
Pros
- Durable construction
- Three cooking options
- Waffles, grill, and paninis
- Removable plates
- Digital control panel
- Adjustable heat (325-450 degrees)
- High heat searing option (500 degrees for up to 90 seconds)
- Floating hinge
- Non-stick ceramic coating
- Free of any harmful chemicals
- Large surface area
- Adjustable feet to drip grease
- Drip tray included
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
05. KRUPS FDE312 Universal Grill and Panini Maker
Our next model is another straight up panini press. Unlike the George Foreman Grill or either Oster model, the KRUPS FDE312 (why are all these names so complex?) Universal Grill is designed for one thing: to make paninis. While you can still use it for other items like quesadillas or meats, this grill is not exactly “Universal”.
Nonetheless, this model does have some interesting features that make it one of the best panini presses you can buy. A wide surface area means that you can grill up to five sandwiches at once, and a floating hinge means you are not limited by size and shape, either. What makes this
grill different than other panini presses, however, is that the plates are completely flat, not ribbed. If you like your paninis with grill marks, then I’m afraid you won’t get them with this model.
Other features of this press include indicator lights to know when to start cooking, a slim profile for easy storage, and non-stick surfaces for easier cleaning afterward.
Pros
- Wide surface area for cooking
- Floating hinge
- Non-stick surface
- Power and preheat indicator lights
- Easy to clean
- Simple design and execution
- Thin profile stores upright to take up less space
Cons
06. Cuisinart Electric Griddler, Stainless Steel
Panini Press
Another top brand in the kitchen appliance industry is Cuisinart. While most people think of Cuisinart with regards to food processors or mixers, the fact is that the company makes a mean panini press as well.
The GR-5B Cuisinart Electric Griddlr is a durable panini press and is made of high-quality stainless steel and metal.
This model features a wide surface area so you can make multiple sandwiches at once, and a floating hinge also means you can make your sandwiches as big as you want them.
Cleaning the GR-5B is simple since the surfaces are non-stick, and it even comes with a cleaning tool to help you remove food from the ribs of the grill itself. Also, this unit comes with a three years limited warranty.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Wide surface area
- Floating hinge
- Power and preheat indicator lights
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Cleaning tool included
- Removable and reversible dishwasher-safe
- Sleek and contemporary design
Cons
07. VillaWare NDVLPAPFS1-SHP Panini Grilal
Next, we have the VillaWare Panini Grill. Why all kitchen appliance brands choose to give their products long, complicated names with random numbers and letters is beyond me, but nonetheless, this is one of the best panini presses out there.
Like the Oster models, the VillaWare Panini Grill is designed for multiple uses and cooking styles.
You can use it as a straight sandwich press (although there is no floating hinge on this model), or you can open it up and use it as an indoor grill for meats, veggies, and anything else you can imagine.
Cleaning this model is super easy since the plates are removable and non-stick. Also, storing this machine is a breeze since the top locks in place, and you can store it vertically. Overall, this is a great addition to any home that wants a better cooking option than just the stove or microwave.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Wide surface area
- Lays flat for extra grill space (open face)
- Non-stick surface
- Adjustable temperature control
- Removable plates for easy cleaning
- Easy to use
- Vertical storage
Cons
08. Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 Griddler.
Our next model is again from Cuisinart, but this panini press is a huge advance from the simple design and execution of the GR-1. This model is technically a 5-in-1 grill, although realistically
speaking you can only use it one of two ways. The other three cooking methods refer to the fact that you can use this grill as a press or open-faced.
The most notable feature of the GR-4N is the fact that you can use it as a griddle or a grill. There are three knobs on the front: one for griddling, one for grilling, and the center knob switches between the two. To get the effect of a griddle, you simply turn the plate over for a flat surface or leave the ribbed side up for grilling. As I mentioned above, you can also lay this machine out flat for more surface area while cooking.
Cleaning the GR-4N is a snap since you can remove the plates and they are non-stick. The profile of this machine is a bit wider than most other panini presses, but that’s because there is a drip tray underneath.
This feature does work, but you have to push the grease into the drip slot unless you want to be splattered by hot oil. Overall, this is one of the best panini presses you can buy.If you’re planning to make some grilled sandwiches for your next camping ,Rome’s 1305 Panini Press will really come in handy, and Adventure Gears Lab is one site that explains its features in such a detailed way.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Dual cooking modes
- Lays flat or works as a grill press
- Plates are removable for washing and changing
- One side is ribbed for grilling; other side is flat
- Adjustable temperature controls for each mode
- Non-stick surface
- Cleaning tool included
- Floating hinge adjusts automatically
- Drip tray included
Cons
09. IMUSA GAU-80102 Electric Panini and Sandwich Maker
Our next best panini press is another “plug and go” model from IMUSA. The GAU-80102 Model is made specifically for paninis, although you can use it for other sandwich-style items such as quesadillas or even burritos if you were so inclined.
The GAU is elegantly made and extra durable due to its stainless steel construction. Cooking on this device is super easy, as it will rapidly heat up to the preset temperature for grilling. A floating hinge allows you to prepare any size sandwich you want, and a large surface area means you can cook multiple items at a time.
Cleaning this product is easy with its non-stick surfaces that wipe down after each use without any trouble. Storing the GAU is also simple since you can lock the top portion in place and store it vertically wherever you want.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel construction
- Floating hinge
- Large surface area
- Power and preheat indicator lights
- Non-stick surface wipes off easily
- Non-stick surface wipes off easily
Cons
10. George Foreman GRP4800R
Our final panini press is the George Foreman GRP4800R 4-in-1 Grill. Much like the other George Forman model on this list, the 4800R is a multi-plate grill, meaning that you can use it for a wide variety of purposes, not just cooking paninis and such.
In addition to making some of the best grilled sandwiches, the 4800 comes with a grill plate for cooking meats and veggies, a muffin plate for cooking muffins and cupcakes, and a waffle plate for making exceptional waffles.
Overall, you can use this versatile machine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all without ever having to go to the stove or oven.
Other notable features of this grill are the adjustable feet so you can drain the grease and fat while cooking, the floating hinge so you can accommodate any size sandwich or cut of meat, and the easy to use control panel that allows you to cook exactly to your specifications. Overall, this grill has everything you need to get the job done.
Pros
- Floating hinge
- Removable plates
- Four cooking options
- Muffin baking
- Waffle making
- Panini grilling
- Meat and veggie cooking
- Adjustable feet for draining fat
- Durable construction
- Sleek design
Cons
Final Verdict
When picking out the best panini press, I would highly advise choosing a model that gives you multiple options for cooking. If all you want is a panini, the best models on this list are the Cuisinart GR-1 Panini Press or the Krups Model. However, if you want versatility and performance, I would highly recommend either the George Foreman 3-in-1 or the Cuisinart 5-in1.
I love that the George Foreman model has different cooking plates to use and a digital control panel. For the Cuisinart, however, I like that it can open up to a full grill, and you can use it as a griddle, grill, or press. Overall, these are the best panini presses in my mind, but all of the models on this list are highly rated and will satisfy your cooking needs.