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We all have our favorite sandwich. While it may be hard to replicate the incredible sandwich-making techniques of your favorite cafe, a quality panini press can make the task more achievable.
Not only can a panini press take your homemade sandwiches to the next level, but they are versatile appliances that can be used to cook a range of foods.
Whether you want to perfect the art of making a toasted club sandwich or need a fast and easy way to cook meat and vegetables, our guide can help you find the best panini press available today.
In A Rush? Check Out Our Top Choice!
- Easy to clean
- Controls are intuitive
- Creates nice sear marks on food
- Variety of temperatures available
The Cuisinart Griddler is a 5-in-1 appliance that can revolutionize your culinary routine. With five separate functions, this product can cook virtually anything. It contains a host of useful settings, heating options, and is easy to use. The high-performance cooking plates provide consistent heat, ensuring your food is cooked to perfection.
Of all the panini presses we’ve reviewed, this Cuisinart Griddler is the clear top pick. It combines excellent features with a reasonable price to stand head and shoulders over the competition. Take your panini making up a notch by buying a Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler.
Top 20 Best Panini Press Reviews
The Cuisinart GR-4NP1 is a fantastic all-around 5-in-1 griddle. Not only does it grill paninis to crisp perfection, but it also caters to several other cooking functions. You can choose between five different settings, with each one designed for a specific purpose.
Option one is a contact grill that’s suitable for cooking everything, from burgers to chicken breasts. Option two is a full grill where you double the surface by placing the grill plates in the open position, ideal for hot dogs. Option three uses both griddle plates in the open position for cooking up pancakes for breakfast. Option four is half-grill and half-griddle, allowing you to whip up multiple meal elements simultaneously.
The 5th (and most important option) is the panini press. It heats within a few minutes and offers consistently high temperatures. This allows for each panini or sandwich to be heated through.
The Cuisinart is user-friendly, and it is easy to take apart and clean.
Who Should Get This?
As the best panini grill press we’ve reviewed, this product can cook various food types, from paninis to steaks. It’s most suitable for someone looking for a convenient cooking option.
Pros
- Multifunctional device that can cook meat
- Non-stick cooking plate
- Lightweight at just 8 lbs.
- Heats and grills quickly
- Stylish stainless steel finish
Cons
- Unsuitable for cooking for crowds
The George Foreman is one of the best-selling grills worldwide. It’s versatile, reliable, and affordable. This 4-serving model is one of the best options on the market, taking our pick as the best panini press for the money.
One of the most important features of a panini press is the cooking surface space. This grill offers a 60 in² surface that’s capable of toasting two paninis. It can also cook meat and vegetables, and users can comfortably fit up to four burgers.
While many grill manufacturers offer non-stick coating, they often lose this quality quickly. The George Foreman non-stick is long-lasting, making cleaning very easy. The patented slope design ensures grease and excess oils drip out of the grill and away from your food for healthier cooking.
While it lacks advanced features, you’ll struggle to find a more effective grill for the price.
Who Should Get This?
This is the best cheap panini press we’ve reviewed. Because of the patented slope, it’s ideally suited to someone looking to start a health kick.
Pros
- Removable plates for easy cleaning
- One of the fastest heating George Foreman grills
- Durable non-stick coating
- Features patented slope design
Cons
- Single temperature setting
This Ovente product is the best panini grill press available on the market. That’s because it has plenty of excellent features, including the non-stick finish on the grill plates, which makes cleaning up a breeze after you’ve made your lunch or dinner.
The rotary temperature knob allows you to choose between three integrated temperature settings, so you can cook your sandwich or vegetables over a longer or shorter time, depending on what sort of taste or level of doneness you want.
Parents will appreciate the innovative cool-touch handle, so you won’t have to worry about your kids accidentally burning themselves when they check on their paninis or grilled cheeses.
This unit’s hinge rotates through 180°, creating a grill with double the surface area for when you’re cooking for a couple of friends.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re looking for an effective, durable, and practical panini grill that’s easy to clean and simple to use, you won’t find anything better than this Ovente model.
Pros
- The heating element grills food evenly and efficiently
- Removable drip tray makes cleaning simple
- Adjustable lid opens out through 180°
- Cooks burgers and vegetables well
- Temperature knob is easy to use
Cons
- Instruction manual isn’t that clear
Although several grills on our list are multifunctional, this Hamilton Beach grill is designed solely to create the tastiest hot sandwiches possible. Whether you’re making a homemade club sandwich, fresh bruschetta, or your favorite panini, the versatile floating lid allows you to finish your food to perfection.
The top lid can be moved within a 180° radius, allowing you to toast paninis of any thickness. Evenly press sandwiches using the double grill, or draw back the top lid to create an open-face masterpiece with a crispy base.
The two useful features of this press are the ready light and non-stick coating. The ready light turns green when the grill has reached optimal temperature, ensuring you cook your food perfectly. The non-stick surface makes for a seamless cleaning experience.
As a dedicated panini press, this isn’t a great choice for a compact kitchen with limited storage space. However, if you love a good sandwich and don’t mind a slightly bulky design, this is the unit for you.
Who Should Get This?
This panini press is the perfect product for someone who wants to produce gourmet sandwiches at home.
Pros
- Cafe style floating lid
- Top lid lock for tight fit
- 180° opening capabilities
- Non-stick top and bottom
- Built-in ready light
Cons
- Can become hot to touch
This Hamilton Beach model is a breeze to clean, with a large removable drip tray and grill plate that are both dishwasher safe. Unlike many other models, the internal grill hood is also detachable for easy cleaning.
If you want to adjust the grill’s temperature, you can just twist the adjustable knob on the model’s front. This model’s excellent searing capacity means you’ll be able to delight friends and family with burgers and steak that’s lined with classic, dark grill marks.
The grill’s 118 in² cooking surface allows you to prepare food for up to five other people, making this unit ideal for RV road trips and camping vacations.
Who Should Get This?
Those looking for a panini grill that creates beautiful sear marks on sandwiches, steak, and vegetables will appreciate this easy-to-clean, multifunctional unit from Hamilton Beach.
Pros
- Large removable drip tray prevents unwanted leakages
- Temperature dial allows you to customize heat
- Product comes with 1-year warranty
- Great value for money
- Large grill surface serves up to 6 people
Cons
- Not as compact and portable as other options
- The heating element can get pretty hot
This Cuisinart electric griddle is one of the most advanced panini presses on the market. It is the only product on our list that features an LCD. It provides users with a clear indication of the settings, temperature, and timer.
With five core functions, the Cuisinart electric griddle can cook a variety of foods, from meats to paninis. The stainless steel top cover and handlebar allow you to use one or two grills at a time.
One of the greatest characteristics of this product is that it is dishwasher safe. The plates are removable, reversible, and can be cleaned easily if you own a dishwasher. The scraping tool also allows you to remove any excess food debris or waste on the plates.
While it is one of the more expensive presses on our list, this is a wonderful multipurpose product for a modern kitchen.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re looking for a useful addition to your modern kitchen, this Cuisinart panini press looks great to coordinate with your sleek modern kitchen and produces delicious food quickly.
Pros
- Bright and clear LCD
- Adjustable temperature ranges from 175°F-450°F
- Dishwasher safe non-stick cooking plates
- Useful sear function
- 12,000 BTUs
Cons
- Flat grill often traps grease
Those searching for a versatile panini grill should look no further. This Yedi 6-in-1 unit comes with three separate plate options so that you can choose between making a grilled cheese sandwich, cooking some hamburgers, or baking chunky waffles.
The digital control display is innovative and ergonomic, allowing you to customize the temperatures of the upper and lower grill separately. Each Yedi package comes with two handy egg rings and a multifunctional spatula and tongs.
For easy storage in your compact kitchen, this unit sports a stylish and compact design, and the glossy stainless steel is anti-corrosive and heat-resistant.
Who Should Get This?
If you have a small kitchen, or want to streamline your cooking experience with a multipurpose unit, try this full griddle and contact grill with its large surface area, adjustable hinges, and specialist griddle plates.
Pros
- 6-in-1 package doubles as waffle maker and contact grill
- Sleek, attractive design
- Digital control panel is easy to read and use
- Package includes complimentary set of egg rings
- Product comes with a 2-year money-back warranty
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- Waffle maker function isn’t that effective
The Dash Mini Maker panini press is a small sandwich maker that packs a serious punch. Simply plug it in, wait for it to heat (light indicator is triggered at optimal temperature), and cook your food.
Although the cooking surface is small, it is versatile and can cook several types of food, including sandwiches, paninis, meat, vegetables, hash browns, s’mores, and more.
One of the best aspects of this product is in its design. It is purpose-built to be easily transported and stored. The lid is non-slip to ensure your fingers are safe from burns.
The dual non-stick cooking surfaces make cleaning a breeze. As a welcome bonus, this product comes with a recipe guide to help get you started.
Who Should Get This?
If your kitchen lacks space or you live alone, this panini press can conveniently help you achieve your weekday culinary goals and whip up quick snacks.
Pros
- Compact design for portability
- Low price point
- Dual non-stick surfaces
- 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Safe handling mechanism
Cons
- Limited to quantities of food you can cook
- No on/off switch
There’s plenty to love with this T-Fal model, with its built-in cooking modes and its durable, robust construction. The stainless steel exterior is anti-corrosive and heat-resistant, while the non-stick aluminum plates are easy to clean and very difficult to break.
The extensive control panel is EASY to understand, with indicator lights that let you know when the grill is at the optimal temperature for cooking your food. The grill plates are sloped, ensuring effective drainage of any fatty oils and juices as you cook. You’ll be impressed with this unit’s integrated measuring function: the grill can automatically change temperature depending on the thickness of food it’s cooking.
Who Should Get This?
This effective, heavy-duty model will suit those who care about investing in a product that’s long-lasting and robust, with dishwasher safe plates and various integrated presets.
Pros
- Has 2 integrated cooking modes
- Die-cast aluminum plates are heat resistant
- Plates and drip tray are dishwasher safe
- Large grill surface area
- Comes with 6 different cooking presets
Cons
- Less portable than other models
- More expensive than other options
If you enjoy a good old-fashioned BBQ but don’t get enough sunshine to justify buying an outdoor grill, your prayers have been answered. The Breville Smart Grill is not only a panini press, but it is also a countertop BBQ grill.
In BBQ mode, the grill plates can be opened 180° to give a flat cooking surface. Activate the sear mode to give food a classic BBQ char. The Breville comes with ribbed and flat plates for versatility.
This product contains customizable controls, allowing users complete power over the timing and temperature of the grills. It maintains consistent high heat through embedded heating elements, ensuring all food is cooked to the perfect temperature.
It features Element IQ that detects when cold ingredients are added to the cooking surface. This triggers the grill to automatically inject more heat, bring it back to the set temperature, and compensate for any heat loss.
Who Should Get This?
If you want more from your panini press than just a sandwich maker, the Breville allows you to cook virtually everything quickly and easily.
Pros
- Fast cooking times
- Features a BBQ mode
- Integrated removable drip tray
- Dishwasher safe cooking surfaces
Cons
- Very high price point
This Hamilton Beach panini press contains plenty of cooking space. Depending on the size of your sandwiches, you can cook up to four at a time. What’s more, this grill can cook several food types, including chicken, burgers, and vegetables.
The cafe-style floating lid allows you to adjust the top grill, ensuring paninis of any size can be cooked properly. It also comes with a lid lock to keep your food securely in place. You don’t have to worry about your panini sliding off the grill while cooking.
Equipped with non-stick grills, the Hamilton Beach is easy to clean. With a scraping tool in the box, you’ll have no trouble getting rid of spilled or burned bits.
One of the most useful characteristics of this product is its upright storage capability. The sleek design and lock lid feature allow it to be put away neatly.
Who Should Get This?
Capable of cooking multiple foods at a time, this unit is the ideal choice for a small family or to replace multiple cooking appliances in a compact kitchen.
Pros
- Capable of grilling multiple paninis
- Easy-to-clean cooking surface
- Convenient upright storage
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons
- No temperature adjustment options
- Grill plates aren’t removable
This Cuisinart unit is the best home panini grill on the list. Its stainless steel casing is durable and attractive, while its light weight and compact dimensions make it easy to store away when you need to make more space in your kitchen.
You can adjust ,the unit’s front feet’ height if you want to create a sloped design that drains oil and grease more effectively. You can also use the innovative hinge to open the model out flat and double the grill’s surface area when you’re cooking for a couple of friends.
Who Should Get This?
Those looking for a panini grill that’s simple to use, easy to store, and a breeze to clean should try this Cuisinart model, with its dishwasher safe plates and compact dimensions.
Pros
- Adjustable hinge rotates through 180°
- Ribbed grill plate design disperses heat evenly
- Indicator lights let you know when grill is ready
- Great value for money
- Compact and light dimensions for easy storage
Cons
- Grill surface area is smaller than other options
- No customizable heat options
The Ostba 3-in-1 panini press is one of the more versatile compact products that we’ve reviewed. Despite its small size it can cook meat, vegetables, paninis, eggs, and pancakes. It also has a specialized grill to cook waffles.
One of the greatest aspects of this press is that it heats quickly. It reaches optimal temperature in as little as 3 minutes. The cooking plates are detachable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
The cool-touch handle is a useful safety feature, particularly if you have children. Due to its compact design, the press can be cleaned, dried, and put away discreetly.
At a relatively low price point, this is a welcome addition to any kitchen.
Who Should Get This?
With several cooking options to choose from, this product is very versatile. Combining versatility and safety features, it is best suited to families with young children.
Pros
- 3 detachable non-stick plates
- Can cook waffles
- LED indicator lights
- Cool-touch handle safety feature
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Relatively small cooking surface
Fans of ergonomic and innovative products should give this Health and Home panini grill a try. The plates’ non-stick coating makes the unit easy to clean, while the integrated clip-on button allows you to carry your hot sandwich or panini around with you when you’re on the move.
The built-in indicator lights let you know when the machine is suitably preheated, and the handy non-slip feet mean you can cook food without having to worry about accidentally burning yourself on the plates. The vintage-style yellow brings a dash of timeless character to any home. This grill’s compact dimensions make it the ideal product for a couple’s camping trip.
Who Should Get This?
This portable model is the IDEAL product for someone who wants to take their panini grill on RV road trips and camping holidays, with its integrated handle and non-stick plates.
Pros
- Ribbed grill plates heat evenly
- Great value for money
- Built-in handle for extra portability
- Fun, retro-style design
- Integrated non-slip feet for ease of use
Cons
- Lid won’t close on thicker sandwich
- Grill surface area is smaller than other models
This Chefman panini grill has plenty of useful integrated features, including non-slip feet you can change in order to create a slope for more effective drainage of fatty oils and grease.
You’ll also appreciate the adjustable hinge which moves through 180° to double the grill’s surface area and allows you to cook for a couple of friends or family members. This model is ideal for a sleek, modern kitchen with its glossy stainless steel construction and its elegant floating hinge.
This smart design feature means you won’t have to worry about forcing the lid onto a thicker sandwich: just lift the handle and the lid will move with it, cooking bulky paninis more evenly and efficiently than many other models.
Who Should Get This?
If you like to cook thick sandwiches and chunky paninis, you’ll LOVE this good-looking Chefman product, with its adjustable floating hinge and easy clean grill plates.
Pros
- Stainless steel construction is sleek and modern-looking
- Adjustable feet allow for effective drainage
- Floating hinge design suits thicker sandwiches
- Product is lightweight and easy to carry around
- Great value for money
Cons
- More difficult to store than other options
- No function for customizable heating
If you love grilling but don’t want to fire up the backyard BBQ or smoker, this Calphalon model is a great choice. Not only is it multifunctional, but it also looks great with its glossy and dark stainless steel finish, high contrast LCD, and heavy-duty ceramic cooking surface.
You can double this surface area by opening the hinges through 180°, and you’ll find that each grill plate is easy to remove and clean. The ceramic plates are highly effective at creating sear patterns on your food, and you’ll delight your party guests when you hand them a lined grilled cheese or a rich, char-grilled steak.
The floating hinge design allows you to cook all kinds of food, from thick sandwiches to thin cuts of meat and veg.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re a fan of seared meats and sandwiches, try out this Calphalon electric grill, with its floating hinge, adjustable temperature function, and sizable cooking surface.
Pros
- Premium-grade ceramic plates heat evenly and effectively
- Removable grill plates
- Unit looks professional and stylish
- Adjustable hinges move through 180°
- LCD is easy to read.
Cons
- More expensive than other options
- More difficult to store than other models.
This Hakka model is the best commercial panini grill on the list. The unit itself has a durable, heat-resistant stainless steel construction that gives the grill a sleek, modern look.
You can change the machine’s temperature quickly and easily by adjusting the temperature control knob on the front of the unit. The 1500W power source ensures this grill has an impressive temperature range of between 120°F to 570°F, allowing you to cook anything from a small sandwich to a steak.
The Hakka team has designed ribbed plates that disperse heat effectively across the grill and create sear marks for added flavor.
Who Should Get This?
If you run a café or cafeteria and need a commercial grade unit with a large grill surface area and a durable, anti-corrosive construction, you should invest in this Hakka product.
Pros
- Customizable temperature control
- Industrial grade product
- Grill plates spread heat evenly and efficiently
- Robust and anti-corrosive stainless steel construction
- Large surface area for grilling
Cons
- Less easy to store away than other options
- More expensive than other models
The Ovente Indoor panini press is an excellent budget option for someone who wants to add simplicity to their kitchen. Although it doesn’t have the range of features that some other presses on our list have, it boasts great temperature control and consistent heat capabilities.
One of the best qualities of the Ovente is its cooking performance. The combination of fantastic dual griddles with powerful heat distribution and thermostatic control means this panini press not only toasts your sandwiches but also ensures your food is cooked completely through.
The appliance has a modest but modern design aesthetic and blends seamlessly with a contemporary kitchen. However, it is slim built and compact for easy storage if you don’t intend on using it often.
For an affordable, easy to use, and simple home appliance, the Ovente does a stellar job.
Who Should Get This?
As the best griddle panini press we’ve reviewed, this appliance is for someone who likes to cook eggs, bacon, pancakes, or other types of food as well as paninis.
Pros
- 1,000W heating power
- Thermostatic heating control for consistent optimal temperature
- Floating lid to suit variety of foods
- Easy-to-clean due to non-stick coating
Cons
- Plates are non-removable
- Some owners complained about quality of the handle
The Chefman Electric panini press is a household appliance with a design based on commercial grills. With its 180° opening and floating hinge, this panini press can handle sandwiches of all sizes, as well as other foods, such as burgers, chicken, steak, and vegetables.
The entire cooking surface is covered with an easy-to-clean, non-stick coating. It comes with a useful drip tray that can be cleaned in the dishwasher. While the plates are fixed and can’t be put into the dishwasher, the Chefman plates can be wiped clean easily.
One of the best features of this press is its ribbed grill. It leaves a nice grill mark on bread but also works well to sear steak and burgers.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance panini press, this is an excellent choice. It is compact and designed specifically for easy cleaning and storage.
Pros
- 180° opening capabilities
- Floating hinge for sandwiches of all sizes
- Compact size and weight for easy transport
- Removable drip tray for easy cleaning
- Heats up quickly
Cons
- Exposed areas may get very hot
George Foreman grills have changed the game when it comes to home grills and panini presses. This 2-serving George Foreman grill is a budget-friendly, compact panini press that’s perfect for small kitchens. While it doesn’t have the size or heating power of more elaborate George Foreman units, this small-scale option performs excellently from couples or people living alone.
This George Foreman weighs just 2.8 pounds and measures 9.38” x 5.12” x 10.25”. It can be neatly placed in the busiest of kitchens. If you spend a lot of time on the road, it can be transported easily, ensuring you can make your favorite panini wherever you are.
A major benefit of any George Foreman grill is the fat-removing slope. This patented feature helps remove up to 42% of fat for leaner, healthier cooking.
The non-stick grill plates provide the ideal surface for toasting sandwiches or searing meat and vegetables.
Who Should Get This?
As one of the cheapest products on our list, this is the best budget option we’ve reviewed. Because of its compact size, it works well for small apartments and couples.
Pros
- Durable grill plates
- Patented fat-removing slope
- Lightweight at just 2.8 lbs.
- Fast dual contact heating
Cons
- Some customers complained about the build quality
Best Panini Press Overall
There is a lot to consider when purchasing a panini press. While some people just want to make their grilled cheese sandwiches a little tastier, others require a grill that can cook different types of food.
Considering price, features, versatility, and functionality, the Cuisinart Griddler is the clear standout among the grills we’ve reviewed.
It is a great all-rounder with an abundance of excellent features and a sleek modern design. Ensure you pick up your Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler today.
