Best Panini Press: Discover Top 6 Models for Delectable Sandwiches at Home

Nothing can elevate your home-cooked meals quite like the best panini press. These handy kitchen appliances bring the gourmet sandwich experience right into your kitchen, perfect for quick lunches or casual dinners. With numerous models on the market, choosing the right panini press can seem overwhelming. Our in-depth guide helps you navigate through the top models, ensuring you invest wisely in a tool that delivers crispy, evenly grilled sandwiches every time.

Our Top Picks

1. Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill

Photo: Amazon

The Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill is more than a panini press; it's a versatile cooking appliance. Boasting a robust 1800-watt heating system, this press heats up rapidly and maintains a consistent temperature thanks to its embedded heating design. Additionally, the intelligent IQ technology adjusts the power of each plate, ensuring optimal heat distribution.

Unique to this model is the adjustable plate tilt. It allows you to angle the plates, efficiently draining excess fats during cooking. Plus, the plates are easily removable and dishwasher safe, making clean-up a breeze.

Finally, with the capacity to open flat, this press can double as a BBQ grill. From sandwiches to steaks, the Breville BGR820XL is truly versatile.

Pros:

1. Offers a versatile cooking experience with a BBQ mode.
2. IQ technology ensures even heat distribution.
3. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates ensure easy cleaning.

Cons:

1. Higher price point than some alternatives.
2. Its large size may not suit smaller kitchens.
3. Some users may find it more complex to use due to its numerous features. 

2. Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler

The Cuisinart GR-4NP1 is not just a panini press but a 5-in-1 countertop unit that also grills, griddles, and makes full breakfasts. Its versatility is furthered by the reversible plates, with flat and ridged sides.

Designed with a sturdy stainless-steel body, this press is as durable as it is functional. The floating cover adjusts to the thickness of the food, ensuring even grilling for all sandwich sizes.

The GR-4NP1 also features dual temperature controls, allowing you to tailor the heat for different foods. Moreover, its plates are non-stick, removable, and dishwasher-safe, providing an easy clean-up experience.

Both the Breville BGR820XL and Cuisinart GR-4NP1 are top-tier options when shopping for the best panini press. Each brings unique features and versatility to the table, promising to revolutionize your at-home sandwich-making.

Pros:

1. The five-in-one design offers excellent versatility.
2. Adjustable temperature controls accommodate a variety of foods.
3. Durable stainless-steel construction ensures longevity.

Cons:

1. It may take up more counter space due to its size.
2. Some users reported difficulty in cleaning the crevices.
3. The lack of digital controls could be a downside for some. 

3. Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill

Next on our list is the Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill, a reliable and compact choice for smaller kitchens or for those who prioritize simplicity. With a 1400-watt heating system, it preheats quickly and provides steady, even heat for perfect paninis every time.

Its distinct feature is the cafe-style floating lid that evenly presses sandwiches of any size without squashing them. Plus, it's designed with power and preheat lights that indicate when the press is on and ready for cooking, making your sandwich-making process foolproof.

Despite its simpler design, this press still offers non-stick plates for easy cleaning and a convenient upright storage option, making it an excellent choice for those with limited kitchen space.

Pros:

1. Compact design perfect for smaller kitchens.
2. Simple to use with power and preheat lights.
3. Offers upright storage to save space.

Cons:

1. Lacks temperature control, limiting its versatility.
2. Not suitable for large families due to its compact size.
3. Non-removable plates may make cleaning more challenging. 

4. De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press

The De'Longhi CGH800 stands out with its unique contact cooking system. This feature allows you to cook double-sided, offering faster and more even cooking results. Plus, it's designed with an adjustable hinge to accommodate any size of sandwich or meat.

With a user-friendly temperature dial and a handy light indicator, operating this panini press is straightforward. Also, it has a large cooking surface, making it suitable for larger families or those who often host gatherings.

One remarkable feature of the De'Longhi CGH800 is the oil and grease drain cup. It catches excess drippings, reducing the fat content of your food and making cleaning easier.

Both the Hamilton Beach and De'Longhi models offer efficient, easy-to-use designs that make sandwich-making an effortless task. They may not have as many functions as our first two picks, but they deliver perfectly toasted paninis every time.

Pros:

1. The contact cooking system allows double-sided cooking.
2. Adjustable hinge accommodates any sandwich size.
3. Oil and grease drain cup reduces fat content and aids cleaning.

Cons:

1. It does not have removable plates, which could complicate cleaning.
2. Some users might find the exterior getting too hot.
3. Lack of precise temperature control may not suit all users. 

5. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press

George Foreman's kitchen appliances need no introduction, and their 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press live up to the reputation. It features a compact design that can serve up to four at once, making it ideal for small families.

At the heart of this model is a powerful heating element that guarantees quick preheating and consistent grilling temperatures. The patented slope design helps remove up to 42% of fat, leading to healthier meals.

The standout feature of this model is the Advanced George Tough Nonstick Coating. It's two times more durable than previous models, removing the need for butter or oil and making the cleaning process effortless. Plus, the removable plates are dishwasher safe, adding to the convenience.

Pros:

1. Healthier meals with its patented slope design.
2. A durable non-stick coating removes the need for butter or oil.
3. Compact design suitable for small families.

Cons:

1. Limited cooking space may not cater to larger families.
2. Lacks temperature control, limiting its versatility.
3. Some users reported that the plates are challenging to remove. 

6. Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and GourmetSandwich Maker

Our final top pick, the Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill, combines practicality and performance in a compact design. This press stands out with a 'floating' hinge, adjusting to accommodate any sandwich thickness for even grilling.

Its 1800 watts of power ensure quick heating and consistent temperature throughout. With a 9 x 5.5-inch cooking surface, you can effortlessly grill multiple sandwiches at once.

Furthermore, it features a non-stick-coated plate for easy cleaning and a tilt-up design for efficient grease drainage. The Chefman model also offers a locking mechanism for safe storage, ensuring the appliance takes minimal space when not in use.

Pros:

1. The 'Floating' hinge adjusts to any sandwich thickness.
2. Compact design with a locking mechanism for safe storage.
3. Non-stick coated plate ensures easy cleaning.

Cons:

1. Some users reported that the press doesn't heat up evenly.
2. The hinge design might not withstand heavy-duty use.
3. Lack of temperature control may limit versatility.