Panini presses are a great way to make delicious and easy meals. They can be used to cook everything from classic panini sandwiches to grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, and even pancakes. But with so many different panini presses on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you.
| PRODUCT NAME | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 2. CHEF-BUILT (CPG-80) 9.5” X 9.5” Commercial Panini Grill | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 3. Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 4. Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode | BUY ON AMAZON |
| 5. Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker | BUY ON AMAZON |
1. Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE, Enjoy 5-in-1 Functions
The Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE is a versatile and easy-to-use appliance that can be used to cook a variety of foods. It has a wide temperature range and comes with a variety of features, such as a sear function and dishwasher-safe cooking plates.
Key Features:
- 5-in-1 functions: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
- LCD display with user-friendly digital controls
- Adjustable temperatures from 175 – 450 degrees with a sear function
- Removable and reversible dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking plates
- Dishwasher-safe scraping tool
- Instruction manual and gourmet recipes
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Wide temperature range
- Easy to clean
- Comes with a warranty
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the nonstick coating can wear off over time
- The power cord is relatively short
2. CHEF-BUILT (CPG-80) 9.5” X 9.5” Commercial Panini Grill
The CHEF-BUILT (CPG-80) 9.5” X 9.5” Commercial Panini Grill is a durable and high-performance grill that is perfect for commercial use. It heats up quickly and evenly, and the nonstick coating makes it easy to clean.
Key Features:
- 9.5″ square cooking surface triple coated with durable, nonstick coating
- Heats up to 500F in as little as 5 minutes
- Commercial grade stainless steel build
- Removable dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking plates
- Hinged auto leveling top plate with cool touch assist handles
- Designed for commercial kitchens
Pros:
- Durable construction
- Easy to clean
- Heats up quickly
- Can grill foods up to 3″ thick
- Designed for commercial use
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the grill can be difficult to close on thick sandwiches
- The grill is relatively heavy and bulky
3. Breville BGR700BSS the Sear and Press countertop electric grill
The Breville BGR700BSS the Sear and Press countertop electric grill is a versatile and easy-to-use grill that is perfect for home use. It heats up quickly and evenly, and the nonstick coating makes it easy to clean. With its one-touch presets and open flat BBQ mode, this grill is perfect for cooking a variety of foods, from panini sandwiches to burgers to steaks to waffles.
Key Features:
- One-touch presets for panini, burgers, and searing
- Open flat BBQ mode with a 240 square inch grilling and griddle surface
- Independent plate temperature control
- Reversible ceramic grill and griddle plates
- Waffle plates compatible (sold separately)
- Easy to clean
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly and evenly
- Easy to clean
- Durable construction
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the grill can be difficult to close on thick sandwiches
- The grill is relatively heavy and bulky
- The waffle plates are sold separately
4. Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode
The Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode is a versatile and easy-to-use grill that is perfect for home use. It heats up quickly and evenly, and the nonstick coating makes it easy to clean. With its six cooking modes and Smoke-less Mode, this grill is perfect for cooking a variety of foods without producing a lot of smoke.
Key Features:
- Smoke-less Mode
- LCD Display and Digital Controls
- Adjustable temperatures from 175-425°F plus a Sear Function
- DuoControl Heating Advantage
- 6 cooking modes: smokeless grill, contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly and evenly
- Easy to clean
- Durable construction
- Smoke-less Mode reduces smoke while cooking
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the Smoke-less Mode does not completely eliminate smoke
- The grill is relatively heavy and bulky
5. Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker
The Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker is a versatile and easy-to-use appliance that can be used to make panini sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and more. It has a compact size and is easy to clean. While the nonstick coating can wear off over time, the grill is relatively affordable and is a good option for home use.
Key Features:
- 2-in-1 panini press and grill
- Adjustable floating hinge to accommodate any size sandwich
- Closed cooking surface of 5.5” x 8.75” (ideal for two sandwiches)
- Lay-flat surface of 10” x 8.75”
- Non-stick coated grill plates
- Removable drip tray
- Compact size
- Easy to clean
Pros:
- Versatile
- Easy to use
- Heats up quickly and evenly
- Easy to clean
- Compact size
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Some users have reported that the nonstick coating can wear off over time
- The grill is relatively lightweight and can move around on the counter when closing
Final Verdict
Based on the information you have provided, I would recommend the Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode as the best overall panini press. It is a versatile and easy-to-use grill that is perfect for home use. It heats up quickly and evenly, and the nonstick coating makes it easy to clean. With its six cooking modes and Smoke-less Mode, this grill is perfect for cooking a variety of foods without producing a lot of smoke.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, the Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker is a good choice. It is a versatile and easy-to-use appliance that can be used to make panini sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, steaks, and more. It has a compact size and is easy to clean.
Ultimately, the best panini press for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. I recommend considering the following factors when making your decision:
- Versatility: Do you want a panini press that can cook a variety of foods, or are you primarily interested in making panini sandwiches?
- Ease of use: How easy is the panini press to use and clean?
- Price: How much are you willing to spend on a panini press?
Once you have considered these factors, you can start to narrow down your choices and find the best panini press for you.