A quality panini press lets you create perfectly crispy, café-style sandwiches at home. Whether you want a compact model for quick meals or a high-end press with adjustable temperature settings, the best panini presses offer even heat distribution, non-stick plates, and easy cleanup. Some models even double as grills for added versatility.
| Top Picks | BUYING LINK |
|---|---|
| 1. Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler | Check Today’s Price on Amazon |
| 2. Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler | Check Today’s Price on Amazon |
| 3. GreenPan 6-in-1 Contact Grill & Griddle | Check Today’s Price on Amazon |
| 4. Breville Sear & Press Grill BGR700BSS | Check Today’s Price on Amazon |
| 5. Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler | Check Today’s Price on Amazon |
1. Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode
The Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler with Smoke-Less Mode offers a versatile and smokeless cooking experience. Perfect for grilling, panini pressing, and more, it features advanced controls for precise cooking. Whether you’re cooking beef, poultry, or fish, this griddler ensures even heat distribution with added grease management for a cleaner cooking experience.
Key Features:
- Smoke-less Mode for indoor grilling with preset options for beef, poultry, fish, and pork
- Adjustable temperatures (175-425°F) and Sear Function for added versatility
- DuoControl Heating for independent temperature control of top and bottom plates
- LCD display and digital controls for easy operation
- Multi-functional design: smokeless grill, contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle
- Fold-out front foot extension for improved grease drainage
Pros:
- Smoke-less mode reduces indoor smoke, perfect for grilling in any setting
- Versatile cooking options with adjustable heat settings and multiple cooking modes
- Easy to clean with improved grease management
- Digital controls make operation intuitive and precise
Cons:
- Larger footprint may not be ideal for small kitchens
- Plates may require hand washing, depending on the model
2. Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE, Enjoy 5-in-1 Functions
The Cuisinart GR-5BP1 Electric Griddler FIVE combines style and functionality, offering five cooking options in one compact appliance. With adjustable temperatures, a sear function, and user-friendly digital controls, it’s perfect for grilling, griddling, and pressing your favorite foods with ease. Enjoy versatile cooking while saving space in your kitchen!
Key Features:
- 5-in-1 functionality: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
- LCD display with digital controls for easy operation
- Adjustable temperatures from 175°F to 450°F with a sear function
- Removable, reversible, nonstick cooking plates that are dishwasher-safe
- Includes a scraping tool for easy cleanup and a recipe guide
- BPA-free with a 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
- Versatile cooking options for various foods and meal types
- Easy-to-read LCD display with intuitive controls
- Dishwasher-safe plates and tools for hassle-free cleanup
- Compact design with multiple functions saves counter space
- Sear function offers high heat for optimal grilling results
Cons:
- Larger footprint may take up extra space in small kitchens
- Plates, although removable, may require manual cleaning for thorough maintenance
3. GreenPan 6-in-1 Multifunction Contact Grill & Griddle
The GreenPan Electric Indoor 6-in-1 Contact Grill and Griddle offers versatile cooking in a compact, toxin-free design. Featuring a healthy ceramic nonstick coating, reversible plates, and dual temperature control, it’s perfect for grilling, griddling, or making paninis. The easy-to-clean plates and flat-lay design make it a must-have for healthy, convenient indoor cooking.
Key Features:
- 6-in-1 functionality: contact grill, contact griddle, panini press, mixed grill/griddle, open grill, and open griddle
- Thermolon Volt ceramic nonstick coating for healthier cooking and easy cleanup
- Toxin-free: PFAS, PFOA, lead, and cadmium-free
- Reversible grill and griddle plates
- Lay-flat design for extra surface area and multi-surface grilling
- Dual temperature control for top and bottom plates
- LED temperature display with adjustable time and temperature control knob
- Removable drip tray for grease collection
Pros:
- Multi-functional design offers versatility in one appliance
- Healthy, nonstick, and toxin-free cooking surface
- Easy cleanup with dishwasher-safe, nonstick plates
- Adjustable heat controls allow for precision cooking
- Lay-flat design provides extra cooking space
Cons:
- Larger footprint may be less suitable for small kitchens
- Requires careful maintenance of nonstick surface to preserve longevity
4. Breville Sear & Press Grill BGR700BSS, Brushed Stainless Steel
The Breville Sear & Press Grill BGR700BSS brings outdoor grilling inside with its innovative design and versatile cooking options. Featuring one-touch presets for paninis, burgers, and searing, as well as independent temperature controls for each plate, it’s perfect for creating meals from breakfast to dinner. With its reversible ceramic plates and easy-to-clean design, this brushed stainless steel grill makes cooking a breeze.
Key Features:
- One-touch presets for Panini, Burger, and Sear for convenient cooking
- Open flat BBQ mode with 240 square inches of grilling and griddling surface
- Independent electronic temperature control for each plate
- Reversible ceramic grill and griddle plates, PFOA and PTFE-free
- Compatible with waffle plates (sold separately)
- Dishwasher-safe, non-stick plates for easy cleanup
- Removable drip tray collects grease during cooking
Pros:
- Versatile cooking options for grilling, griddling, paninis, and more
- Independent temperature control for optimal cooking of various foods
- Open flat BBQ mode provides ample cooking surface
- Reversible ceramic plates for dual-sided cooking
- Easy to clean with removable, dishwasher-safe plates
- One-touch presets simplify cooking for busy users
Cons:
- Additional waffle plates sold separately
- Larger size may take up valuable counter space in smaller kitchens
5. Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler, Stainless Steel
The Cuisinart GR-300WSP1 Elite Griddler combines six versatile cooking options in one sleek, stainless steel appliance. With features like dual-zone temperature control, a 240-square-inch grilling surface, and a powerful 500°F sear function, it ensures a professional-quality cooking experience. Its user-friendly design and easy cleanup make it a must-have for any kitchen.
Key Features:
- 6-in-1 functionality: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, and top melt
- LCD display with blue LED indicator lights for easy operation
- Dual-zone temperature control with a 60-minute countdown timer
- 240-square-inch grilling surface and a 500°F sear function for perfect results
- Removable, reversible, nonstick cooking plates and dishwasher-safe accessories
- Integrated drip tray to collect excess grease
- BPA-free with a 3-year limited warranty
Pros:
- Versatile cooking options for a wide range of meals
- Dual-zone control allows independent temperature settings for top and bottom plates
- Large cooking surface is great for family meals
- Easy to clean with removable, dishwasher-safe plates
- Sear function provides high heat for enhanced grilling results
Cons:
- Larger size may be cumbersome in smaller kitchens
- Can be heavy, making it less portable
- Requires some countertop space for storage
Conclusion
In conclusion, the best panini presses offer a perfect combination of versatility, convenience, and performance. Whether you’re craving a classic grilled cheese, a savory panini, or even a burger, these appliances make it easy to create delicious, café-style sandwiches and more at home. With features like adjustable temperature controls, nonstick plates, and easy cleanup, investing in a quality panini press can elevate your cooking experience while saving time and effort. With so many options available, there’s a panini press out there to suit every kitchen and cooking style.