Top 9 Best Panini Presses & Sandwich Makers [May 2021]

Whether you are looking for making your own grilled cheese or something like chicken with bacon, Panini press can make it for you. Not just you can enjoy tasty and professional-looking results but also its simplest, most comfortable and fastest option too.

There are different terms used such as panini presses, panini grills and many more. Also, you can get different types, sizes and shapes which delivers the best results.

Choosing the best panini press might be little hassle filled. However, we listed the best ones for you here along with what you can or should consider while buying.

Best Panini Press & Sandwich Makers Reviewed

1. Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill

Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill

One of the most recommended names in best panini press & sandwich maker, Breville indoor grill offers a combination of unique BBQ taste and features. The cooking with this panini is much faster due to the IQ technology.

It also comes with the heating design embedded. However, you are first going to need preheat, and then the cooking process can start between 10 minutes.

Also, it offers six heights which have adjustable settings. The height can be set according to the food’s thickness. With the setting of height and temperature, you can cook the food you need. Here you get one ribbed and one flat plate.

The cooking space is 260 square inches and its enough to cook steaks in big sizes at the same time. The panini is the best option if you are preparing for 4 or 5 people. Also, you cook sandwiches, pork chops, lambs, vegetable, frozen foods, etc.

Cleaning is simple as the plates are easy to remove. Once the plates are cool off, you can use the dishwasher. You can simply use a wet towel and soap for cleaning too. Also, the grease stored in the drip tray can be simply washed off.

Features

  • The BBQ mode open flat
  • Offers different six height with adjustable setting
  • Control over temperature with sear mode, panini and low.
  • Drip tray is integrating and removable
  • Plates are dishwasher safer and removable
Pros
  • Simple and fast cooking
  • IQ technology which is unique
  • The heating design includes 1800 watt embedded
Cons
  • Offers one grill and griddle plate only

2. Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Griddler

Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Griddler, Elite, Silver

The Cuisinart GR-300WS Griddler Elite Grill offers the sturdy design with vast options in features.

It’s one of the best panini grills which allows you to experience with different cooking style and cuisines. The option is ideal for exploring different options and skills at home. You get six cooking options, unique flavours and easy control.

Here you get, griddle, grill, half griddle, panini press, half grill, top melt sandwiches etc.

The space you get is 132 square inches with the plate of 11 x 12 inch. Also, you get the sear function which can be ready within two minutes. Not just that with this model, you get the dual temperature control zone which makes it easy in cooking.

There is an LCD display with indicator light. Also, you get the countdown timer of 60 minutes. You can clean it easily too. The plates are dishwasher, safe and non-stick. It’s also easy to remove, which allows you to do better cleaning.

Features

  • The top plates are adjustable
  • Contact grill and panini press
  • Full grill and griddle
  • Offer sear function at 500-degree Fahrenheit
  • Temperature control is a duel zone with complete control
Pros
  • The place is large enough to cook
  • It can sear excellent
  • Steady and smooth control over temperature
  • Simple in cleaning
  • The rating is high
Cons
  • Small grease drip function
  • The top plate might not stay locked
  • Waffle plates are not available

3. George Foreman GRP4842P Multi-Plate Evolve Grill

George Foreman GRP4842P Multi-Plate Evolve Grill With Ceramic Grilling Plates and Waffle Plates

One of the options for best panini presses in the market, George foreman GRP4842 multi plate evolve grill offers the wide and beautiful range in cooking. With this, you can cook vegetables, steaks, chicken and burgers with complete ease.

Also, it offers the 500-searing burst, which gives the highest temperature. Also, the temperature gets ready within 90 seconds due to which you save lots of time for perfect grill.

For the protection, you get the digital control panel. So, you don’t have to be anywhere around the handles. You can simply check the cooking time, grill temperature etc. The control buttons are also placed to offer easy cleaning on the grill exterior.

Also, it comes with a cool-touch feature to keep the handling simpler. The grill plates are easy to remove so you can clean your George foreman multi-plate without any hassle. For keeping it simple, the grill is multilayer-coated with non-stick ceramic coating. It also helps in keeping the use of oil in control while you grill.

The plates are PTFE and PFOA free. Not just you can cook a wide range of food, but also it will be safe for you and the environment too.

Features

  • Ceramic plates that are removable
  • You get digital control panel
  • The plates are PTFE and PFOA free
  • It features a cool touch
  • The grill plates are coated with advanced ceramic
  • Floating hinge for easy cooking
  • It features a 500-degree searing burst
Pros
  • It’s versatile
  • You get different cooking option with 3 in 1 grill
  • It comes with a deep baking tray and muffin tray
Cons
  • Cleaning of removable plates might be not easy

4. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler GR-4N

Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler, GR-4N, Silver with Silver/Black Dials

To enjoy the versatile cooking experience, Cuisinart GR-4N 5-in-1 offers the contact grill along with full-half griddle and fill-half grill. You also get the panini press so you can cook various items with easy and simple steps. Not just that, here you get complete assurance of high-quality end results every time.

The panini grill comes with temperature control which also can adjust and offers indicator light. With this, you can get the exact idea when your food is ready and properly cooked. It eliminates the chances of overcooked and undercooked results.

Also, for healthy cooking, here you get the non-stick cooking plates. It drains the extra grease. Also, it can easily remove and reversible.

The GR-4 N is built for the long run. It includes a stainless steel frame and a handle which gives a sturdy look. For the thickness to your meal, the floating cover is designed too.

Not just you get the better taste, but you can avoid the waste and extra effort in cleaning. Here you get the integrated drip tray which helps in preventing the mess while cooking. Also, the cooking plates are completely dishwasher safer and non-stick.

Features

  • The plates are dishwasher safe
  • Its 5 in 1 design offers versatile cooking
  • It provides Integrated drip tray and function selector
  • Grill plates are removable for easy clean
Pros
  • There are more than five options in cooking
  • Easy in use
  • Ideal panini maker
  • Strong and solid construction
  • Its PTFE free
Cons
  • You might require cooking oil or butter as the food gets stuck

5. Breville Duo 1500-Watt Nonstick Panini Press

Breville Duo 1500-Watt Nonstick Panini Press

Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo 1500-Watt Non-stick Panini Press is ideal option if your focus is on design and built. The press offers sturdy and handles, which is easy to adjust.

The materials are used to make this press is premium quality. SO, you don’t have to worry about buying a new one anytime soon. This one is for the long run along with its durability. Also, you get the stainless steel and rubberized grip.

The press also offers fast and hassle-free cooking. You also get the grill marks with its ribbed top plate.

There is a floating hinge for making sandwiches in all different types and sizes. Also, you get the three different settings to arrange and adjust in a floating hinge.

Apart from that, you get ready to cook indicators. For keeping it protected, the press also comes with non-slip feet. You can understand more about it with the manual that comes with the press. It will help you in understanding the functions and features better. It includes recipes too so you can try it as well.

Features

  • It’s durable inbuilt
  • The handles are sturdy
  • Quantanium surface is scratch-free and non-stick
  • Heavy-duty cooking with 1500 W heating element
Pros
  • Fast cooking
  • You get grill marks
  • The top plates can move
Cons
  • It might be difficult in cleaning
  • It causes grease a lot

6. IMUSA USA GAU-80102 Large Electric Panini Press

IMUSA USA GAU-80102 Large Electric Panini Press 1400-Watts

For those who either going to use it for the first time or lack experience, they can choose one for a starter. IMUSA USA GAU-80102 Large Electric Panini Press is a heavy-duty that comes with 1400w.

It can easily heat up without any hassle. Also, you get the non-stick plates along with the surface of stainless steel in this well-built unit.

As compared to any other options, MUSA USA GAU-80102 Large Electric Panini Press is much easier to understand. You don’t get too many options in control and temperature adjustments. Also, the press comes with a head indicator light not just that you get hinge which can be adjusted too.

Cleaning this unit is easy as well. Due to the non-stick surface, you can simply make the sandwiches that you like. Also, if you are not into spending money for your first try, then you can go with MUSA USA GAU-80102 Large Electric Panini Press.

With this one, you can get the restaurant like end results with simple and hassle-free features.

Features

  • It offers solid build
  • It’s heavy-duty with 1400 W
  • The floating hinge is adjustable
  • Deep ridges and grill plates
Pros
  • Easy in use
  • Ideal for beginners
Cons
  • Requires converter plugs
  • Floating hinges are breakable
  • It can burn food

7. Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill and Panini Press

Cuisinart GR-11 Griddler 3-in-1 Grill and Panini Press

To get the smooth operation with a simple cleaning, Cuisinart GR 11 griddle panini is ideal to choose. Also, it suits the budget if you are looking for affordable and reasonable rates.

The 3 in 1 press do the work and gives the result you expect at the end. Also, the heating up is much faster along with that you get the grill marks too.

However, the size might be not ideal, but it comes with fold its open option. You can use it for getting the double surface for cooking. Also, it’s used for kebabs and grill other type of foods.

The front legs are adjustable, so you don’t have to worry when you cook. The press also offers the grease drip tray that elements the chance of extra food.

Apart from that, you can sear the steak with the temperature as it can reach more than 325 degrees. However, its recommended if you are looking for panini press for an indoor experience.

It’s perfect for small get together. However, the size might be the issue for larger household.

Features

  • It offers the 1200 W
  • You get temperature control
  • It comes with adjustable legs
  • You get dishwasher safe plates
  • It offers removable plates and grease drain
Pros
  • It’s easy in cleaning
  • The heating up is fast
  • The price is affordable and reasonable
  • You can remove the plates
Cons
  • Plates are not reversible
  • No waffle plates and locking plates
  • The size might be small might be small
  • The plates might not always stay on

8. iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill & Sandwich Maker

Panini Maker, iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill, Sandwich Maker with 2 Removable Drip Cups, Non-Stick Coated Plates, Opens 180 Degrees for Panini, Grilled Burgers, Steaks, Bacon

iSiLER 4 slice panini press grill offers 3 in 1 multipurpose use. Also, you get the fast as well as even heating for an easy cooking experience. It provides 1200 W high power output that comes with uniform heating technology. With this, you can cook much faster and time-saving.

You get the dual plate of 27.8 x17 cm which offers a much better and efficient way for grilled food. You can easily grill steaks, vegetables, burgers, paninis, sandwiches etc. It’s also good for indoor grilling experience if you are looking for one.

The press is coated with non-stick, which makes cleaning easier. Also, it ensures the reliability and offers the crispy and golden-brown end results. You can keep the oil intake in control with the special outlet in this press. It helps in keeping the extra grease and oil away.

The temperature control prevents the overeating as you can adjust according to your like. Also, it protects the food from getting burned or overcooked. With this, you can make whatever you like without worrying about heat and temperature. It also keeps safety in check.

You can simply use the press due to the given switch. The right handle switch is for opening the upper housing. You can simply close it with the help of a floating hinge. It keeps the use of much hassle-free and convenient.

Features

  • It offers the 1200 W high power output
  • The non-stick cooking plates are dual 10.9 x 6.7
  • It Comes with special outlets for draining grease and oil
  • Multipurpose use of 3 in 1
  • The indicator light for power and reheating
Pros
  • Easy to clean up and store
  • The heating is fast and even
  • It offers 3 in 1 versatility
Cons
  • Temperature control might take time in understanding

9. Hamilton Beach Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & Electric Indoor Grill

Hamilton Beach Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & Electric Indoor Grill, Upright Storage, Nonstick Easy Clean Grids, Stainless Steel (25410)

If you are looking for mid-range but reliable option, Hamilton Beach panini press is the ideal option to try. Here you can grill whatever you like; it can easily cook sandwiches, vegetables, steaks, burger etc.

The press comes with café style floating hinged lid, which makes the cooking much better.

With that, you can press all sizes and thickness in sandwiches. Here you get 95 square inch cooking surface with non-stick, and it can be ready within 10 minutes or lesser than that. Also, its compact and upright storage makes it easier to use.

The press comes with lid locks which keep the working much hassle-free and secure too. You get the light indicator for power and preheat. With this, you can also easily understand when to add the food on the surface. It’s also easy to clean and to maintain due to its non- stick coatings.

Features

  • It comes with preheat power light
  • Space and storage are compact and upright
  • Easy in cleaning
  • It offers the café style floating hinged lid
  • Lid locks for safety
  • Non-stick cooking surface is 95sq
  • You get spatula or scraper included
Pros
  • It allows variation in the heat for different sandwiches types
  • Upright space for storage
  • The press gets heat up easily and faster
  • Ideal for keta and paleo diets
Cons
  • The pans are not removable

Things to consider 

Buying your ideal panini press might take time as there are lots of options out there. Choosing the best panini can help you in making the fastest and easiest sandwiches as well as many other dishes on your own.

However, buying the press for the first time might be overwhelming. Also, so many options, features and ideas can be confusing.

There is a huge market which offers you different range in panini press. But to choose the best one, there are a few basic factors that play an important role. It can help you in narrowing down the choices and options you have. Also, it’s better for getting the determined results as well.

The basic factors: To understand if the product is good for you or not, here are the basic three factors you must look. Also, not you just get the clear picture, but with these three you can understand more about what you are buying.

Budget & Price

Indeed, it’s one of the most overlooked points, but it’s important to take this in your account as well. The market got something for everyone. It doesn’t matter if you are looking one for yourself or for whole family.

You will find the panini press that serves you the best. However, before you start looking, you must be clear about whom and for what you are buying.

Reviews

Reviews are the best option to get the insight of any product you choose. There are so many ways that can help you in understanding more. It’s not simple to get everything just by checking the description or the pictures.

Reviews can help you in understanding the functions, features, the good and the worst about the products. Reviews also help you in understanding if it’s for you or not. With this, you can also understand what to expect from the model you choose.

Brand

There are many famous brands which you know already or heard while looking for one. However, instead of going with the famous names, try the best ones in performance. Not all brands are expensive, but you must try the range you get, which perfectly suits your requirements.

Also, you don’t want to get stuck with something that you don’t want. So don’t get confused with brand names.

The features to look: Hands down, but there are just so many features introduced in panini press. It makes your work much cooler and easy and offers a huge variation in cooking. But there is some best features you must lookout.

Temperature control

The press which offers you the temperature control is a better option, especially if you are looking for all in on the grill. With this, you can adjust the temperature as per your requirement. The ready temperature whereas restricts the temperature, which is only good if you are using it for sandwiches only.

Grill Plates

The removable grills are helpful in cleaning. You can simply soak them or wash them in the dishwasher if its dishwasher safe. If you choose the normal ones, then you have to focus little more on cleaning. The gaps and sides must be clean properly so there should be no food crumbs or grease left.

Heating zones

You can choose the flat one, but it will give you even surface for cooking. But the ridged grill plates are a much better option to get the grilled touch to your food or sandwiches. Also, with this, you can cook for a bit more time, but that depends on you.

Drip tray

In order to reduce the use of oil and extra grease from your food, the drip tray is an ideal feature to get. Well, there is more option such as supplied drip cup, but that’s not simple to use. Drip tray is an important one if you don’t want extra fat in your food intake.

Hinge height

With this, you can cook different types in sandwiches as well as foods. The more height you get in the hinge, the better variations and options you get in cooking. For better cooking experience, you can get a higher hinge with the press. Also, it considers a key feature if you are aiming for good press.

FAQs

How hot can the panini press get?

Well, it can reach around 450F. However, it depends on the panini press you have and its prices as well as range. Different panini press comes with adjustable temperature, so you can adjust it. But not all have this feature, so it’s better to buy one which either offers you dial or the different temperature.

What else can you make with panini press?

There are different options in the best panini press & sandwich makers which allows cooking almost everything. Also, there are different names for the panini press, such as indoor grills and sandwich makers. It can be used for making perfect sandwiches or if not then you can use it as best panini grills too.

What are the breads you can use for panini press?

The experts say that ciabatta bread is the best one to consider. However, you can also go with focaccia, and for more nutrients, you can also use whole-grain baguette. Also, avoid using breads which are airy or light so you can get perfect results every time.

Can you do a season in a panini press?

Yes, you can do the seasoning. However, for that, make sure that your panini press is bacteria-free. It can ruin the taste. So, before you start, clean the surface.

Preheat your panini press at 400F/ 204 C. If you don’t have the adjustable temperature, wait until you get ready to light on. When it’s ready, spread the small amount of oil with the help of a dry and soft cloth. Wait until the oil gets press heat or evaporate.

How can you do deep cleaning in a panini press?

There are non-sticky options that you might get, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to pay attention to cleaning. Before cleaning, make sure to unplug the panini press. To remove burnt or left out food, use the plastic metal. Remove all the leftovers until you get the clean surface.

Now use the damp paper towel. It will remove the extra oil or grease. Use the sponge and soapy water for cleaning the cooking surface. If you have the panini press with a flat surface, it will be easier to clean. But if you have the ridges, make sure not to avoid the gaps.

Some options also offer removable plates which are dishwasher safe. You can simply clean it in a much easier way.

Conclusion

Choosing the best panini press lets, you have a smooth experience. Not just that, you can also do experiments and try different foods that you want to eat. Also, it gives you the endless option to go as far as you want.

The listed names here serve the purpose and makes your experience much better. However, it depends on what you look and for whom. Make sure that you understand the primary factors and features so you can choose the best one for you.

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