Panini Press/Grill

[Flatrate]

Hey everyone I kinda feel like I am in the market for a panini press. Anyone got any recommendations? I want something that will do the job and last awhile. I guess I will impose a budget of say $300, if someone has knowledge of something cheaper I am cool with that, if someone has knowledge of something good at a tad higher price point I am cool with that too. Thanks in advance!

Dave

 

[Brokenhandle]

I can't help you out but I commend you for self enabling! I do it quit often

Ryan

 

[JLinza]

I don't think I'll be any help. We use this style

I'll be curious to see what you find though.

 

[Flatrate]

I can't help you out but I commend you for self enabling! I do it quit often

Ryan

Thank you Ryan for that great compliment! Yes I am a self enabler all the way, I get an idea in my mind and I got to run with it, if not I don't sleep.

Dave

 

[chopsaw]

I kinda feel like I am in the market for a panini press.

They come in handy . I have this one .

https://www.amazon.com/Hamilton-Beach-25460A-Sandwich-Stainless/dp/B00IWOJRSM/ref=asc_df_B00IWOJRSM/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693383044070&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5775367881296122807&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1020519&hvtargid=pla-326467339191&mcid=a0c1c636588837448bf22e3362577d65&gad_source=1&th=1

Not high end by any means , but it works . Lid pivots and can be locked down .
I also have an older George Forman grill that also does Panini's . Has a double acting hinge in the back , not the pivot like a dedicated panini press . It works too , but won't get the taller sandwiches in it .
I like it because the plates are removable for hand washing or dishwasher .

I use it the most for " flatbread " pizza dough .

But it also does a good job on sandwiches .
This was piled pretty high .



You should be able to get something nice with some features for $300 or less .
I bet $150 gets you a nice press .

 

[sandyut]

We were gifted a DeLonghi and it’s been great for well over a decade. This is the one they still make it. Highly recommend. Used it for panini, quesadilla, burger you name it.

Indoor Grill & Panini Press

DeLonghi panini maker and indoor grill helps you enjoy contact grilling all year long. Ensure consistent and thoroughly grilled foods every time. Shop now.

www.delonghi.com

 

[gmc2003]

We've had this one for a few years, and it does a pretty good job. We just don't use it that often to make any claims about it's longevity.

Chris

 

[timray]

We've owned this Breville panini press for almost 20 years and have been very happy with it. We use it off and on throughout the year. $139.95, which is about what I paid for it when I bought it for my wife (maybe $20 less back then). It only has a 3.8-star rating, but I'd definitely buy it again. Love the adjustable height for cooking and the locking lid when you're putting it away. Non-stick surface is as good as new.

https://www.breville.com/us/en/products/grills-sandwich-makers/bgr200.html

 

[Flatrate]

A huge thanks for all the recommendations, I regard them highly as they came from forum members with experience with the unit they are suggesting. If anyone else wants to chime in, please do.

So far in my limited research, one thing that I keep thinking about is the size of the cook area. I discovered one that I kind of dig. Its got the size I am looking for but with some that I looked at have plates that are two sided flat/grooved. I don't really see myself using the flats but in a way would like to keep my options open for future use. Plus I can't find many reviews about it.

Kratos 29Y-020

I got time to look around, plus Amazon will have Prime Days soon, might be able to score a deal on something.

Thanks again!
Dave

 

[chef k-dude]

I also have an older George Forman grill that also does Panini's . Has a double acting hinge in the back , not the pivot like a dedicated panini press . It works too , but won't get the taller sandwiches in it .

I have an old Hamilton Beach clamshell style press, its more of the rectangular or long version I dont even see made anymore. I hardly even break it out anymore.

I turned it in to a panini press with more even pressure on the surface of a thick sandwich by popping out the tiny little camel-back pins that keep the hinges from sliding off. The top slides right off the hinges can can be placed on the top of the sandwich and sort of "floats" on top of the sandwich. It has a reinforced electrical cable between the top and bottom with enough slack to do it. Pot holders are a must though when handling it!

A huge thanks for all the recommendations, I regard them highly as they came from forum members with experience with the unit they are suggesting. If anyone else wants to chime in, please do.

So far in my limited research, one thing that I keep thinking about is the size of the cook area. I discovered one that I kind of dig. Its got the size I am looking for but with some that I looked at have plates that are two sided flat/grooved. I don't really see myself using the flats but in a way would like to keep my options open for future use. Plus I can't find many reviews about it.

Kratos 29Y-020

I got time to look around, plus Amazon will have Prime Days soon, might be able to score a deal on something.

Thanks again!
Dave

A flat side is a good consideration. Pretty much any griddled sandwich can be done in a panini press, but what I found is, using the grooves surface makes for some very crunchy spots. Delicious but sometimes the roof of my mouth and some of my gums are sore the next day! Kind of depends on the bread used.

Amazon Days! I've been thinking of what I could use.

 

[JLeonard]

Amazon Days! I've been thinking of what I could use.

Oh man! I've been thinking about a panini press ever since reading this thread. Now you remind me of Amazon days coming! Really gonna test my will power now.

Jim

 

[Flatrate]

A flat side is a good consideration. Pretty much any griddled sandwich can be done in a panini press, but what I found is, using the grooves surface makes for some very crunchy spots. Delicious but sometimes the roof of my mouth and some of my gums are sore the next day! Kind of depends on the bread used.

Thanks Ken for bring up some of the finer points that I was unaware of. Now I will be taking the ones with both options into great consideration and will probably pass on the units that only have a fixed option.

Dave

 

[Flatrate]

Oh man! I've been thinking about a panini press ever since reading this thread. Now you remind me of Amazon days coming! Really gonna test my will power now.

Jim

Sorry about that Jim!

Dave.

 

[chef k-dude]

Thanks for using my name, Dave.

Before you rule out a grooved only press, know that my experience is with and old "grill" like this. It has much sharper peaks between the grooves than these modern presses bieng sold today. Back in the day these were billed as a "healthy" way to grill meats. Cant find the manual to see if it even suggested sandwiches.

It could be why my pressed sandwiches have such sharp corners or whatever it is that makes my gums sore. Plus the type of bread. Some can toast harder than others.

I dont make a lot of grilled sandwiches, but still like grilled cheese and I make a killer Reuben with my own smoked pastrami. Both are cooked on a 12" square non-stick pan. I have done the Reuben with the press and it was great, but I dont find it so much greater to want to pull this out of the cabinet. The non-stick pan is actually easier to clean because this unit doesn't have removable grill plates.

Anyway, food for thought.

 

[Fueling Around]

I have thought about the unit (Cuisinart?) Chris posted for many years. It has reversible grill (panini) and griddle plates and opens flat to use both sides.
We stopped RV camping and the need went away

 

[mneeley490]

I've thought about it off and on over the years; I used to have a Ronco or Popell type thing like that long ago, but after the break-in period, it never saw a lot of use.
This is one of those things that Alton Brown calls a "uni-tasker", as in: Is a "one-trick pony" worth the counter space? I don't have a huge kitchen, so to me, it wasn't. But if you do, then by all means.

 

[Flatrate]

Well my search continues, with the Prime Days there were no deals on the few units I had my eye on. In away I am glad, that way I didn't end up regretting the purchase, just because I got a deal on a unit. I got one now I am seriously thinking about, but I am going to take some time to consider the purchase.

Dave

 

[chef k-dude]

Fortunately I was too busy to blow money on Prime Day. My wife...not so much...

Sometimes a second thought is a good thing!

 

[Flatrate]

Fortunately I was too busy to blow money on Prime Day. My wife...not so much...

Sometimes a second thought is a good thing!

Sounds like we are in the same boat, Ken! All I looked at was at a couple presses, I bought nothing, but my girlfriend...yeah.

I try to think about things before I pull the trigger, but there are times if I see something I just gotta have I get a little loose. Especially if I am drinking beer at the keyboard.

A couple weeks ago I was enjoying a few beverages, there has been some mixing/serving bowls and storage containers I've been thinking about. Said that was the day, got everything I wanted but had to add this for the hell of it, I have no idea why, don't know what the hell I will use it for.

But it makes me smile every time I see it.

Dave

 

[Brokenhandle]

Sounds like we are in the same boat, Ken! All I looked at was at a couple presses, I bought nothing, but my girlfriend...yeah.

I try to think about things before I pull the trigger, but there are times if I see something I just gotta have I get a little loose. Especially if I am drinking beer at the keyboard.

A couple weeks ago I was enjoying a few beverages, there has been some mixing/serving bowls and storage containers I've been thing about. Said that was the day, got everything I wanted but had to add this for the hell of it, I have no idea why, don't know what the hell I will use it for.

View attachment 700764

View attachment 700765

But it makes me smile every time I see it.

Dave

So you're the one that took my margarita bowl! I honestly forgot what I did with it... I only had one lol!

Ryan