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Who isn’t a fan of those amazing crispy sandwiches filled with sweet and savory goodness? You probably woke up this morning, craving some of that toasted bread with its amazing filling, sending all sorts of pleasuring signals to your brain, making you wish you had that best panini press right now.
Alas, you do not have one, and you do not even have panini bread, so what can you do now?
Luckily, this article is what you need to lift your spirits and plan for the next day that you would want that panini goodness with all its amazing feels. Whether you prefer sweet, or savory, how the bread is toasted plays an important role in how your panini turns out. Nobody wants a soggy crust.
The word panini comes from Italy, meaning small or little bread. This bread is cut into a square and then filled with all sorts of savory goodness- cheese, meats, sausages, you name it! No wonder you are craving!
Here are some of the best panini presses money can buy in 2023. In fact, this panini press review lines up the top ten panini presses you could agree are the best, for your perusal. Take a look, then decide which you would go for!
Top 8 Best Panini Presses: Comparison Chart
Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe
George Foreman Grill And Panini Press
Hamilton Beach Gourmet Sandwich Maker
George foreman 2-serving Indoor Grill Panini Press
Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe
George Foreman Grill And Panini Press
Hamilton Beach Gourmet Sandwich Maker
George foreman 2-serving Indoor Grill Panini Press
Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill And Panini Press
Chefman electric Panini Press Grill And Gourmet Sandwich Maker With Non-Stick Coated Plates
iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill
Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill And Panini Press
Chefman electric Panini Press Grill And Gourmet Sandwich Maker With Non-Stick Coated Plates
iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill
Best Overall Panini Press: Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe Review
Your perfect, easy-to-use panini maker with excellent features, great for use at home and outside.
- Works as a grill, a panini maker, and a panini press waffle maker.
- It has a floating cover so you can adjust how thick you want the food.
- Removable dishwasher safe plates.
- Has temperature controls to adjust the temperature.
This modern-looking grill and stainless steel panini press has all the best features in order to make your entire grilling process a breeze. It is easy to use, easy to clean with its professional non-stick plates. You could take those out and wash them in a dishwasher without any issues. It even has a thermo-indicator which regulates the temperature, depending on the food you are cooking.
The Cuisinart Griddler not only makes panini but can also make some of the gourmet meals that require a grill set like steaks, grilled cheese, burgers, you name it. Just like a gift that keeps on giving. The Griddler, like its name, has five cooking modes, based on what you need to cook. Meaning you could cook with it closed, for waffles, or full-on grill for steaks. You could also cook eggs with the griddle mode, then one griddle, one full grill mode, and the last mode are what we love! The Panini press! Suffice it say, this is nearly all in one machine!
This is no doubt your number 1 choice for all your panini loving escapades, and you definitely get to enjoy grilling while at it!
Why We Like It?
- It has 6 modes.
- You can regulate how thick you want it to be.
- Self Thermo-regulator.
- Makes the best paninis.
Best Panini Maker On a budget: George Foreman 4 Serving Removable Plate Grill And Panini Press Review
Great value for your budget! You really could not go wrong with this fast heating, space-saving, easy to clean best tabletop grill.
- Easy to remove plates to facilitate clean up.
- Makes 4 servings.
- Heats up pretty fast.
- Durable.
What’s not to love about this 4- serving durable grill? George Foreman has it all! From a non-stick coating to a panini press with removable plates that are dishwasher safe, to cooking healthier food, as no oils are needed to grease the plates before you grill. The heating elements are also improved, making the grill machine preheat 35% faster than the average.
How it makes your favorite panini sandwich? With ease, and faster, due to the faster heating engineering. You can also expect to have crispbread crusts because there was no need to grease the pot before eating. You can even cook veggies and meats on it, making it your best choice, and for a great price too!
If you want to save money and space, you might as well pick up this beauty, which is guaranteed to give you the best and quickest panini-making experience, with no extra oil.
Why We Like It?
- Non-stick- no greasing necessary.
- Makes healthier food.
- Perfect for all kinds of meals.
- Indicator lights.
Best For Beginners Starting Out: Hamilton Beach 25462Z Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker with Lock
This grill is great for paninis, and the Lock is excellent for those who may not be able to hold down the grill long enough to get the perfect thickness.
- Looks great.
- Lock lid.
- It can be stored upright.
- Makes great paninis.
The truth is, this stylish beach grill is perfect for a day out in the sun. With its amazing lid lock technology that allows you to store the grill upright, you have no problems wanting for space. The lid not only comes with a lock, but also features thus amazing café style float that lows you to press on it in order to regulate the thickness of your sandwich. You can the. Lock it up, making the entire process a stress free one. You definitely do not need to stand near the heat.
Also, this Hamilton has nonstick only plates inside, meaning you have no need to flip your food so that it cooks evenly. Just prop it in, and voila! Perfect for open-top sandwiches, pizza, and all those fancy bread meals that you have been thinking of making.
Why We Like It?
- It consumes little electricity.
- Easy to use.
- No flipping necessary.
- It does not take up much kitchen storage space.
Sale
Best Home Panini Press: George foreman 2-serving Indoor Grill and Panini Press Review
Your ultimate savings on countertop space while delivering two servings of your healthy, well made Panini without any excess fat.
- Mini panini press.
- Non-stick plates.
- The slope which drains out fat.
- Drip tray to collect extra fats.
This is one of the most original panini makers you could have come across in the history of panini makers. This 2 serving grill is a classic one that is excellent for young couples and people with little space. It, however, works just as well and is able to grill your food in time.
This stovetop panini press is a durable, non-stick grill, meaning you have no need to grease the pan before you cook on it. Also, the fight against fat retention is indeed real, as this panini press not only has a slope but also a drip tray, that is dishwasher friendly, to take out all excess fat. Suffice to say, this is an extremely healthy option, as opposed to several of the other options available which thrive on fat to keep the plates clean.
Also, this best home panini press comes with the original stronger George foreman Grill Plate which undoubtedly adds to the durability of the grill. Meaning, not just paninis can get made. But several other grills can be done with absolutely no problems.
You should get this if you want the best for less if less includes cheap panini press, with less space used up, fewer oils and of course, less unhealthy foods.
Pros
- It focuses on making healthier foods.
- It comes with the classic grill.
- Non-stick coating – facilitating easier cleaning.
- Best indoor electric grill.
Cons
- Not ideal for a large size gathering, but perfect for a small one.
Best BBQ Style Panini Maker: Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill Review
This excellent a Grill enhances your grilling experience because it can open out flat, like a barbecue grill.
- Can mimic a barbecue grill.
- Has Element IQ to maintain heat.
- Has a drip tray.
- Got its own temperature settings.
This is a more modern panini press that can be altered into a grill if you want to explore your barbecuing tendencies. First off, the plates are made with Element IQ which helps with the retention of heat, and even distribution of the heat, so that once the heat goes off, there is no heat loss for your paninis. You will end up with perfectly hot sandwiches, well cooked in every area.
The removable plates are excellent for dishwashers, the grill has a drip tray to drain out any excess fats, and you get to regulate the temperature settings by choosing any one of three of them, low, panini and sear. The panini maker comes with 6 different height settings, just to ensure that you end up with only the best.
This is your best bet for a barbecue-style panini maker, which can do several other jobs as well. You could never go wrong with it.
Pros
- 6 adjustable height settings.
- Three options for temperature settings.
- Maintains heat.
- Has a timer.
Cons
- The grill could get very hot due to the presence of element IQ. This, though is perfect to keep food warm even if it is being grilled in the open.
Best Multifunctional Panini Maker: Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill And Panini Press Review
Looking for a multi-functional iron panini press which is sure to do all that you need in addition to making paninis? Well, this is a panini maker, grill and griddle all in one.
- Multifunctional.
- Small panini press.
- Has a well-polished look.
- Lid lock if not in use.
You could never go wrong with a kitchen utensil that is able to do everything you need it to do, without trouble. This grill, cum griddle, cum panini maker is excellent because it is able to perform many functions in your kitchen, thus saving space because you do not need to buy another grill to do those other things.
This compact panini press beauty has a drip tray, is dishwasher friendly, and can open all the way as well. It has indicator lights that show when it is in use and has a pre-set heating temperature, which works well for everything you might want to cook on it. It also has a floating cover, so no matter the thickness of the food, you can expect that it will be made flat.
For all your multi-faceted needs, this is an excellent panini maker to choose, as you can cook virtually anything on it.
Pros
- Grill, griddle and sandwich maker all in one.
- Floating lid.
- Can open flat.
- It has non-stick in both the top and bottom.
Cons
- It has a preset, non-adjustable temperature, which may just be great to prevent your food from burning.
Best For All Your Gourmet meals: Chefman electric Panini Press Grill And Gourmet Sandwich Maker With Non-Stick Coated Plates review
Whatever meal you might want, this compact-sized, Chefman Electric Panini Press has definitely got you.
- Great size.
- Can open up to 180 degrees.
- Easy to use.
- Titled skid resistance to get rid of oil.
Your Chefman Electric panini press is great news because, not only does it prepare a great variety of meals, it can be done in almost no time. Within 5 minutes, your food cravings can be answered. It’s floating hinge makes making a sandwich of any height easy. It has a large surface area for you to be able to cook 2 to 3 sandwiches at a time.
The electric panini press can open all the way, making it perfect to double as a barbecue machine if you should host a barbecue party. The skid resistance allows your excess oil to drain out, and also allows no oil particles to stick so that cleaning is not a chore. The press also has a non-stick interior can be removed in order to wash it in the dishwasher.
Pros
- Portable size.
- Can cook three sandwiches at a time.
- It can be opened all the way.
- Has a floating handle.
Cons
- It could be much too small for those who host bigger parties. It is perfect for small gatherings, though.
- You surely should not sleep on this amazing grill!
Sale
Best Dual Large Plate Panini Press: iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill Review
This quick and even heating system with 1200 watt power is perfect for your grilling needs.
- Dual plate grilling.
- Non-stick.
- 3-in-1 use.
- Has specific oil outlets.
This nonstick grill and panini maker does well to cater for all of your grilling needs. First off, it uses 1200 watt power for quick grilling. Also, you can expect that whatever you grill is healthy. There are special oil collecting containers that are at the side of the grill. These ensure that no excess oil is kept in the food you are grilling. The non-stick coating makes for easy cooking and cleaning.
You can use this grill in one of three ways, 180 degrees for large space and more grilling, 90 degrees if you only have little to grill, and closed for contact grilling. It is easy to operate and you get to choose your own cooking temperature.
This 3-in-1 Extra large panini press plate grill is perfect to host your small gatherings and to cook just about anything grillable, especially since you can regulate the temperature.
Pros
- You could choose your own cooking temperature.
- It does not take up too much space.
- It can work in three ways.
- It is easy to clean.
Cons
- It is not dishwasher safe. However, with it being nonstick and actively draining oil, you have nothing to fear by way of cleaning.
Your Buyer’s Guide: All You Need To Know About The Best Panini Press
You have probably been running around wondering where to find a good panini press to take care of your sandwich-making needs. You were then bombarded with a large group of options which made it even more difficult for you to tell which ones were the best panini press and which ones you shouldn’t pay attention to. Do not fear, the calvary is here. Here are a few tips with which you can choose your best panini press with absolutely no issues.
What is a Panini Press?
This is an electric tabletop or countertop grill that is used to make an Italian sandwich called a panini. The sandwich is usually square-shaped, filled with vegetables and is usually grilled. The panini press can be called a panini maker, a grill press, or a panini grill. They usually have hot plates both above and beneath to give equal heating and grilling to both crusts of the sandwich. It can sometimes double as a full-on grill.
What can be made in a Panini Press?
Panini sandwiches! Yes, you can make panini sandwiches in a panini press. For those that double as grills, you can make a grill stir fry, burger, grilled steak, grilled chicken and anything else you probably would want to grill.
How Is A Panini Press Cleaned?
A few have removable plates that are dishwasher friendly, so you can pop those plates in them. Many are nonstick, so using a simple washcloth with a cleaning agent does the trick, much like how you would clean your pots and pans. However, since it is an electric device, you might want to cut down on the water used.
Some come with drip trays which drains the oils. Many of these drip trays are dishwasher safe, otherwise, they can be washed like regular plates. Cleaning the outside of the panini press is pretty simple as all you need is a washcloth and minimal water.
How To Choose Your Best Panini Press
Whenever you are making a choice to buy a panini press, you have to make the right decision and choose the one that is best suited for you. There are various features to help guide your choice.
The Dimensions
The dimensions you choose are completely up to you, depending on the number of sandwiches you will be making, your countertop space and your storage space. The larger the device, the quicker your panini making. If you have a family, or the likely hood of having friends over is high, opt for a larger size. If you live alone, in a small apartment, a compact-sized panini press will do for you. Again, it is up to your needs.
Capacity
The capacity of your panini press is directly proportional to its size. A bigger size means more paninis can be made at a time, increasing the capacity and slashing the time spent making sandwiches in half. A bigger, better-capacitated press is good for larger groups, however, there is no need for a big one if you are the only person using it. This does not negate the power of the best tabletop grill though. Those ones are excellently crafted to be powerful regardless of the work.
Power of the Panini Press
You will come across a panini press that has 1500W or 1200W written on it. This shows the power. Quicker heating panini presses have a higher power, and therefore take much less time to make the sandwich than a regular panini press.
Cooking Plate Surface of the Panini Press
The surface determines what patterns will be printed on your crust. The usual models have grills on the top and griddles down. Some have grills a both the top and the bottom and can be converted into a flat panini press grill. You could also have one with only the griddle.
Smoothed surfaced panini Press
Increases the functionality of the panini press. You could have no grooves on the interior surface, like a flat plate panini press, making it easy to fry an egg or make a pancake, in addition to your panini making features. For some of the best results, you could try a cast iron panini press.
Grooved surface of a panini press
You might find a press with both interior surfaces having the grilling groove. You will get nice patterns in your panini as a result. Such presses can be used to make a full-on grill, and if that is what you like, you could go for it.
Mixed surface
You could have a smooth surface beneath, with a grooved one on top and vice versa. It increases the functionality of your panini press, allowing you to both make pancakes and grill burgers using the same press.
Panini press with Non-Stick coating
A non-stick coating means the surfaces of the panini will not stick to the interior of your panini maker.
All the best Panini press today come with non-stick coating. This helps in reducing the amount of oil needed to grill the sandwich. No need for greasing, and it makes it several times easy to clean. This is the way forward now, as opposed to the previous ones where you needed harsh cleaning agents to scrape off the food particles in the panini maker.
Special Features Of The Panini Maker
When choosing your panini maker, you would probably be interested in some of the special features which may not be in other panini presses.
Adjustable Temperature
If you want a panini press that is able to cook several different types of food, going for a panini press with an adjustable temperature knob is a great idea, as opposed to one with a fixed temperature setting. Some can be adjusted within a range, and with others, you can choose one of three temperatures. The panini presses which double as grills mostly come with adjustable temperature Knobs. You could do well to find those.
Panini Press with Display
Some panini presses which double as other cooking equipment come with a display, so you are able to switch the mode to whatever you are cooking. These panini presses may come at a higher price, but they are mostly worth it, as you might not need to buy a grill, a sandwich maker or a skillet separately. You will be able to do all that with one panini press. Some of the options with the display are the best infrared grills on the market today. It would do you a load of good if you looked them up.
Panini Press with a Timer
Most panini presses do not have a timer, but again, those which have several functions can come with a timer that helps you determine when your sandwich is cooked or not. It is perfect for someone who is just starting out and who does not know how long it takes. The average panini takes about 3-4 minutes to get done, depending on the contents of the sandwich.
Look Into Versatility
If you are looking for more value for your money, you might want to invest in a panini press that does several other things, so that you would not need to buy more equipment and clutter your countertop. The best panini press 2023 has some of these features. You will be much happier with your purchase that way.
The Price
Most panini makers that perform other functions are said to be pricier. The price can also be influenced by the size and the brand. Go for a panini press that is reasonably priced, but is guaranteed to give you the best value for your money.
Best Panini Press Types
When choosing the panini press to buy, most people will opt for the electric ones, as those ones have a better model of operation, so you won’t be out looking for difficult to find panini presses like a ceramic panini press with removable plates.
Manual panini press?
There are no longer any panini presses that work without some kind of electricity. This is why you would most probably go for an electric panini press.
Electric Panini Press
Most panini presses, if not all, require electricity. The large panini press for industrial purposes requires much more electricity than the smaller ones. It will be good to gauge the consumption level in order to choose a good panini press that will not run up your electricity bill indiscriminately.
Our Verdict and Recommendation
After our testing of some of the best panini press appliances, we settled on the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe as the best-rated panini press on the market today. Whether you are a foodie or a professional chef, this Cuisinart Griddler Panini Press works perfectly for home and away. It is great to make several meals, sports a great non-stick surface, easy to use, and easy to clean! You just have to drop the grill tray into the dishwasher and voila!
For more information on the best panini press 2023, just visit mykitchenadvisor and compare and contrast the different other panini presser options you would find! Best of luck!