Best Panini Presses of 2022

You may consider a panini press as having a singular objective—making paninis—however that’s removed from the reality. These with grooved plates can act as an indoor grill, however with out smoking up the joint, whilepanini presses with flat plates double as skillets that may cook dinner pancakes, scrambled eggs, and extra. At its greatest, although, a panini press upgrades a daily, plain-Jane sandwich to an indulgent, luxurious meal. Each sandwich is improved by toasting the bread and melting the cheese, and pressed sandwiches have a sure attract that’s completely different than these cooked in a pan or broiled within the oven—extra urgent equals extra alternative for all of the melty, juicy insides to meld collectively, whereas the skin crisps So, it doesn’t matter what your most popular operate is, you’ll positively discover that your panini press is extra of a multipurpose software (and can obtain extra use) than you’ll have imagined. To buy the very best mannequin on your wants, store our favourite panini presses under.

Our High Picks

Greatest General: Breville ® Panini Duo ™ Sandwich Press

Nonstick: Sure | Value: $79.95 | Sandwich capability: Two

Why we selected it: Breville’s panini press grills two sandwiches without delay, with adjustable thickness ranges for toasting and urgent melts.

Breville’s panini press made crisp sandwiches with gooey cheese in just some minutes. We cherished the adjustable heights, that are meant for toasting conventional sandwiches or making open-faced sandwiches and dishes like tuna melts. Plus, the machine is compact sufficient to slot in a cupboard however massive sufficient to press two sandwiches without delay. Customers have talked about utilizing their panini press for omelets, French toast, and pancakes, although we caught to sandwiches for testing functions. The inside plate is non-stick and doesn’t require any butter or oil earlier than use, which is a bonus for stopping overly greasy bread. , However, it’s flat on one aspect and ridged on the opposite, so For those who want on your total sandwich to have grill marks,this is probably not the mannequin for you. In any other case, we now have no complaints about Breville’s sturdy sandwich press.

Greatest Price range: Yabano Panini Press

Nonstick: Sure | Value: $44.49 | Sandwich capability: Two

Why we selected it: An reasonably priced however fundamental panini press that yields crispy sandwiches with gooey cheese.

Although it might not have the bells and whistles of different home equipment, the Yabano panini press actually delivers on scorching, crispy sandwiches with melted cheese inside. We discovered that the press cooked either side evenly, and had been glad with its nonstick coating and quick heating. Nonetheless, the panini press doesn’t include temperature settings, and the outer lid will get very popular, so use warning when opening and shutting the equipment. Moreover, the press emitted a powerful burning odor when first turned on, although that did fade away as soon as it was absolutely heated. General, it’s a strong panini press at a profitable value level.

Greatest Splurge: Revolution Cooking Panini Press

Nonstick: Sure | Value: $70.67 | Sandwich capability: One

Why we selected it: An insertable panini press that pairs with the Revolution InstaGlo Toaster.

Not each panini press is its personal machine. This useful little accent permits you to construct a sandwich and insert it into the Revolution InstaGlo Toaster, a digital toaster that customizes its settings for the kind of bread you’re utilizing and the way toasted you need it to be. The panini press itself could be very simple to make use of, however it’s a bit small and can solely match sandwich-style bread. We discovered that our paninis had been well-toasted, however the cheese wasn’t as melted because it was with different panini presses. Nonetheless, we like it for the way customizable it’s, the digital display screen on the toaster, and since the panini press is dishwasher secure. Although it’s dear, the panini press is a must have accent for a Revolution toaster.

Greatest Multipurpose: Cuisinart Griddler Grill, Griddle & Panini Press

Nonstick: Sure | Value: $99.95 | Sandwich capability: Two

Why we selected it: A real workhorse within the kitchen, the Cuisinart Griddler can function a grill, griddle, and panini press.

A panini press might seem to be a one-trick pony, however this Cuisinart mannequin can really do all of it. With interchangeable plates for a griddle, grill, and panini press, this useful machine can cook dinner every little thing from pancakes to kebabs, and opens huge sufficient to simply flip no matter’s cooking inside. Although not included, you should purchase separate plates to show it right into a waffle iron, too. When testing paninis on this mannequin, we discovered that it didn’t warmth as shortly because the Breville and that the bread toasted a bit extra on the underside than it did on the highest, however the distinction was minor and never sufficient to discourage us from utilizing or recommending it. As a bonus, when you’re finished cooking the plates can go proper within the dishwasher, so it’s simple to wash up, too. In order for you an merchandise that you simply’ll really get use out of, you may’t go improper with the Cuisinart Griddler.

Greatest Basic: George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press

Nonstick: Sure | Value: $38.58 | Sandwich capability: Two

Why we selected it: A tried-and-true favourite, the George Foreman grill heats evenly and doesn’t break the financial institution.

Although it’s been within the sport since 1994, the George Foreman grill remains to be going sturdy. This mannequin units itself other than the pack with detachable plates, that are dishwasher secure for straightforward cleansing. The grill heats evenly, with either side of our sandwich toasted and marked. Plus, it may be used for every little thing from burgers and scorching canine to grilled greens and fish. It’s on the smaller aspect, although, and positively received’t maintain greater than two sandwiches at a time. It doesn’t help you set the temperature, and the nonstick coating can flake over time, so take further warning and don’t use steel or different harsh utensils. In the end, although, you may’t beat the worth and straightforward cleansing of this basic mannequin.

Issues to Contemplate Earlier than Shopping for a Panini Press

Versatility

Mary Kastman, govt chef at Driftless Café in Viroqua, Wisconsin, says versatility is the primary issue to contemplate when buying a panini press. She recommends the Breville Panini Duo Sandwich Press due to its adjustable peak function. “An open griddle house is an added bonus if you wish to cook dinner eggs or pancakes,” she says. 

Customization

Primary panini presses will warmth to a sure stage that can not be modified. Extra superior fashions will help you modify issues like temperature or the peak between the plates, and should provide particular settings for sure dishes or substances. If you’re a extra detail-oriented cook dinner, chances are you’ll be upset with the shortage of settings on a fundamental panini press. Nonetheless, should you’re simply trying to grill or press sandwiches, they’re actually able to getting the job finished. 

Materials

Panini presses may be fabricated from stainless-steel, anodized nonstick, or forged iron, which is historically utilized in Italy. “In Italy, the Panino alla Piastra is synonymous with road meals,” says Diego Puddu, Head of Culinary at Eataly North America. “It’s normally offered from kiosks throughout road meals gala’s, and these days many outlets have opened with a give attention to panini solely — the beloved Paninoteca. So choosing the proper panini press to replicate the flavors of road meals just isn’t taken frivolously. Forged iron could be very versatile, simple to make use of, and clear, and it doesn’t occupy a lot house in your kitchen. When deciding on one predominant attribute, I’d recommend searching for a wood deal with so you have got extra grip when urgent on the pan.”

Cleansing

A nonstick floor isn’t required, however it is going to make utilizing and cleansing a panini press a lot simpler. “A nonstick floor is useful because it’s simpler to wash,” Kastman says. To scrub it, she recommends utilizing gentle cleaning soap and a delicate material, however by no means an abrasive sponge.

Ask the Specialists

What’s the distinction between a panini press and a sandwich press?

Per Kastman, a panini press “depends on weighted plates whereas a sandwich press is a little more fundamental and never as exact.” 

What are you able to cook dinner on a panini press?

Whereas panini presses are primarily used for sandwiches, you need to use them for a lot of different issues relying on the type. Mario Pesce, founding father of Panineria in New York Metropolis, additionally makes use of his panini press for garlic bread, whereas Puddu makes use of his to cook dinner meat. “Meat is unquestionably an ideal match to cook dinner with a press,” he says. “Particularly, I recommend making Bombette Pugliesi, a typical Apulian dish constructed from high-quality pork wrapped in Caciocavallo cheese, pancetta, and parsley — it’s very simple to cook dinner.” Don’t ignore the paninis, although. As Pesce says, “Eat extra sandwiches and also you’ll have a contented life.”

What’s the greatest cheese for paninis?

“You desire a cheese that is ready to soften,” Pesce says. He says mozzarella is the very best, however will use a delicate cheese like fontina, too. Kastman agrees, citing havarti, fontina, or mozzarella as her favorites. Steer away from exhausting cheese that doesn’t soften nicely, like feta or cotija.

Closing Ideas

Panini presses are helpful kitchen instruments that may improve sandwiches and function grills, skillets, or extra. In our expertise, the very best ones help you customise the expertise by completely different settings or plates. This offers you essentially the most management over your cooking. 

Methodology

To check the very best panini presses, we made dozens and dozens of sandwiches. Although the type ranged from Italian sandwiches to Cubanos, we made positive that every one had a meat, cheese, vegetable, and condiment element. Whether or not or not the sandwiches had been oiled trusted suggestions from the producers. The Breville panini press, for instance, didn’t name for fats or butter, so we didn’t use it. The George Foreman grill really helpful a light-weight brush of oil, so we adopted these tips. 

As soon as every sandwich was pressed, we evaluated every one to see how toasted the bread was and the way a lot the cheese melted. We additionally checked whether or not the sandwiches had been evenly grilled on either side, and made observe of what number of sandwiches every press may maintain. For many checks, we assembled sandwiches with panzanella, however used sandwich bread for the Revolution press, since that was the one measurement that match. We additionally evaluated the presses to see whether or not they had temperature settings, how versatile they had been, and the way simple they had been to wash and retailer.