The 5 Best Panini Press for Making a Perfect Sandwich!

best panini press
best panini press

Panini press sandwiches are a great way to make your own delicious, gourmet-style sandwiches at home.

You don't need to be a fancy chef or have a lot of money to do it—just a panini press, some fresh ingredients, and you're good to go! But what's the best panini press? Well, that's where we come in. We've done the research for you, and we're here with our top 5 picks for best panini presses.

Each one has its own pros and cons (and all of them will make amazing sandwiches), so check them out and find the one that works best for your kitchen!

How we choose the best panini press?

Panini presses are a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason! They make it easy to cook up delicious paninis in a snap—and they're an easy way to add some flair to your kitchen.

The great thing about panini presses is that they're super versatile. You can use them for more than just making paninis: you can also press sandwiches, quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled veggies, flatbreads…the possibilities are endless!

If you're thinking about buying the best panini press, there are a few things to keep in mind before making your decision.

Grill Plates

If you're in the market for the best panini press, one of the most important factors to consider is the grill plate. This is because the grill plate affects panini press performance. Two popular materials for grill plates are non-stick and cast iron.

Cast iron is more durable and scratch-resistant than non-stick plates, which are lighter and cheaper. So, if you plan on making a lot of sandwiches with your panini press, a cast iron plate would be a good option. However, if you only plan on making occasional sandwiches, a non-stick plate would suffice.

Another factor to keep in mind is that some panini presses have fixed grill plates while others have detachable ones. Detachable grill plates are usually easier to clean than fixed ones. Therefore, if easy maintenance is a priority for you, look for a panini press with a removable grill plate.

Floating hinge

When you're looking for an electric panini grill, one of the things you'll want to consider is the type of hinge it has. Specifically, you'll want to make sure it has a floating hinge.

Floating hinge is a type of hinge that allows you to adjust the press lid, so that you can make sandwiches of different heights. This is important because it means you won't be restricted in what kinds of sandwiches you can make.

So, when you're shopping for an electric panini grill, be sure to look for one with a floating hinge. It'll give you more versatility and allow you to make all sorts of delicious sandwiches.

Temperature control

If you're looking to make more than just sandwiches with your panini press, then temperature control is definitely something you need to consider. Different cuisines require different cooking temperatures, so it's important to choose a panini press that can accommodate whatever you're looking to make.

Pizzas, for example, need to be cooked at a higher temperature than sandwiches in order to get that perfect crispy crust. If your panini press doesn't have temperature control, then you might end up with a undercooked or burnt pizza. The same goes for burgers and meat meals - if you don't have temperature control on your panini press, you run the risk of ruining your meal.

So, if you want the versatility to be able to make more than just sandwiches with your panini press, make sure to choose one with temperature control. It'll save you a lot of headache in the long run!

Capacity and power

Capacity and power are two of the most important factors to consider when purchasing the best panini press.

The capacity of a panini press is determined by the number of sandwiches it can accommodate at one time, while the power is determined by the wattage. A higher wattage means that the panini press will heat up faster, allowing you to make more sandwiches in a shorter amount of time.

Ease of cleaning

When it comes to buying a panini press, one of the most important things to consider is how easy it is to clean. Cleaning the press after cooking can be stressful, but if you choose a press that is easy to clean, you can forget about the worry and save time for family and friends.

Non-stick paninis are a great option because food doesn't stick to them. Some paninis also have built-in trays and unique angling modes for messy foods. Grill brushes are also provided to make cleaning easier. So, when choosing a panini press, be sure to consider how easy it is to clean.

George Foreman Electric Grill and Panini Press
George Foreman Electric Grill and Panini Press

Best Overall

George Foreman Electric Grill and Panini Press

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Quick Specifications

It has non-stick coating and is free of PFOA

It has a low profile and vertical storage design that makes it easy to store

The sloping grilling surface removes extra fat for healthful meals

Why we love it?

This little grill is big on features, though – it’s perfect for small flats and couples who want to prepare their favorite foods quickly and easily.

The durable grill plates on the Panini Press deliver fast, even cooking, so whether you’re making grilled cheese sandwiches or hot paninis, you can expect perfectly cooked food every time. And cleanup is a breeze thanks to the removable plates which are dishwasher-safe.

Plus, the George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Panini Press has a low profile and vertical storage design that makes it easy to store on countertops or in cabinets when not in use.

What should you know?

The George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Panini Press is a great appliance to have in your kitchen. It’s 3x more durable than other electric panini presses, has a non-stick coating, and is free of PFOA. This makes it very easy to clean and removes the need for butter and oil.

The hinged grill legs are also simple to adjust so you can grill at an angle if you want to remove excess fat during grilling. Additionally, the sloping grilling surface removes extra fat for healthful meals!

Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill
Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill

Best Value

Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill

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Quick Specifications

It comes equipped with a lock top lid

The built-in ready light will turn green when the press is ready to cook your sandwich

It easily fits in your storage or countertops

Why we love it?

Looking for an easy and delicious way to make savory sandwiches, quesadillas, and sweet fruit turnovers? Look no further than the Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill! This versatile appliance comes equipped with a lock top lid to warm personal pizzas or open-face sandwiches.

Additionally, the floating cover pushes any size sandwich evenly across the nonstick top and bottom panini press grids – ensuring perfectly heated and browned results every time.

So, whether you’re in the mood for a classic turkey and cheese panini or something a little more creative, this handy gadget has you covered.

What should you know?

This sleek and compact appliance is perfect for small kitchens or countertops, and can even be stored away in a cabinet when not in use. The Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill comes with a number of features that make it the perfect choice for your cooking needs.

For example, you can pre-heat the sandwich maker 6 minutes before use, so that your sandwiches are hot and ready to go when you are. Additionally, the built-in ready light will turn green when the press is ready to cook your sandwich, so there is no guesswork involved.

Plus, the Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill easily fits in your kitchen cabinet or discreetly on your countertop, making it very versatile and convenient. So, we can surely say that this is one of the best panini press to buy in 2022!

Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill
Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill

Best Versatile

Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill

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Quick Specifications

It can fit two sandwiches at once

It features a floating hinge to accommodate any size of sandwich

The non-stick grill plates and removable drip tray save time and make cleanup a breeze

Why we love it?

This Grill-Panini Press Combo can be used to grill burgers, steaks, and veggies. With its closed cooking surface of 5.5" x 8.75", it can fit two sandwiches; or lay flat for a grilling surface of 10" x 8.75". Perfect for a quick meal or summer party!

The electric panini press also has a floating hinge that adjusts to accommodate any size sandwich – thick or thin; making perfectly crisped bread every time. This appliance is not just for sandwiches!

Use the Chefman Electric Panini Press to make quesadillas, open-faced melts, chicken Parmesan, breakfast burritos–the list goes on and on. Get creative in the kitchen and explore all the possibilities!

What should you know?

The Chefman Electric Panini Press is the perfect appliance for small kitchen spaces, dorm rooms, offices, and even road trips!

Its small size makes it easy to store, and the skid-resistant, tilt-up feet remove oil from the panini maker. The non-stick grill plates and removable drip tray save time and make cleanup a breeze.

Plus, the dishwasher-safe nonstick surfaces and drip tray make this unit even easier to care for.

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Panini Press
Cuisinart Stainless Steel Panini Press

Best Easy to Use

Cuisinart Stainless Steel Panini Press

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Quick Specifications

The non-stick cooking plates are dishwasher safe

The reversible griddle plates lets you cook multiple items at once

It comes with a red/green indicator light to let you know when it is ready for cooking

Why we love it?

This handy appliance is versatile and easy to use, making it a great addition to any kitchen. The Cuisinart Panini Press has removable griddler plates (11-inch x 9-inch), making it easy to clean. The nonstick cooking plates are also dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze.

Plus, the integrated drip tray collects grease and is easy to store. The reversible grill/griddle plates are perfect for cooking multiple items at once. Need to cook some burgers and hot dogs for the kids? No problem! Just attach the grill plate to one side and the griddle plate to the other and you're good to go.

And since the plates drain grease for healthier cooking, you can feel good about what you're serving your family. So, go ahead and give the Cuisinart Panini Press a try – your taste buds will thank you!

What should you know?

If you love grilled sandwiches, then you need a panini press in your life! The Cuisinart Panini Press is the perfect tool for making delicious paninis at home.

This press comes with a red/green indicator light to let you know when it’s time to start cooking, and it also has a dishwasher-safe scraping tool to make cleanup a breeze. Additionally, the sturdy panini-style handle with hinged floating cover adjusts to the thickness of your food, while the selector knob regulates grill or griddle operation and temperature.

Plus, dual temperature controls provide even cooking. And finally, this press is BPA free so you can feel good about using it in your kitchen.

Brentwood Panini Press and Sandwich Maker
Brentwood Panini Press and Sandwich Maker

Best for Large Families

Brentwood Panini Press and Sandwich Maker

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Quick Specifications

It can prepare 1-2 sandwiches in minutes

The non-stick grill plates make it easy to release your sandwiches

It has non-skid feet to keep it secure in place

Why we love it?

When it comes to quick and easy sandwiches, the Brentwood Panini Press is the way to go!

This handy appliance can prepare 1-2 sandwiches in minutes, thanks to its even heating design that ensures fast grill lines.

Plus, the non-stick grill plates make it easy to release your sandwiches once they're done. And for added convenience, the Panini Press has power and preheat indicator lights.

What should you know?

A panini press is a great way to make delicious sandwiches at home, and the Brentwood Panini Press is one of the best panini press for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and compact unit.

This panini press has non-skid feet to keep it secure in place, cool-touch handles and housing for added safety, and an integrated handle that locks for easy transport.

Plus, the panini press stands upright with cord wrap for easy storage. When the unit is on and the plates are hot, power and preheat indicator lights will activate, letting you know that your sandwich is almost ready!

FAQs about the best panini press

Paninis are delicious, and they're also super easy to make. And if you have a panini press, then it's even easier! But before you dive into making paninis, you might have some questions.

We've got all that and more answered for you below in our FAQs about the best panini press!

Do you butter bread for panini press?

Whether or not you butter bread for panini press is up to personal preference. 

Some people find that it adds an extra level of flavor and helps the bread to brown more evenly, while others prefer the simpler taste of unbuttered bread. If you do decide to butter your bread, be sure to use a very thin layer so that it doesn't become greasy.

Can you use any bread in a panini press?

You can use almost any kind of bread you want to make a panini. You always have the choice of what kind of bread to put on your sandwich. 

But a panini press wouldn't work very well with regular white bread that has already been made and sliced. Because it is so light and airy, it won't get very crisp when you press it.

Do you spray oil on panini press?

After putting your sandwich together, use a brush or spray bottle to spread butter, canola oil, or olive oil on each side. Put the sandwich on the press, and then put the press on top of the sandwich. 

At least three to four minutes, or up to five minutes, should be spent cooking each side of the panini until it turns a color between golden brown and dark brown.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope that this article has helped you to find the best panini press for your needs.

We know that there are many products out there and it can be hard to pick one, but the 5 products that we have chosen are all great options if you're looking for something that will help you make delicious paninis at home.

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