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The Best Panini Press Wirecutter Reviews, Tips and Buying Guides
In this fast-paced world, the best panini presses offer a quick way of creating that warm, crispy bread with flavorful veggies and meat to satisfy your rumbling stomach. This appliance is a must-have not only for fixing up breakfast or dinner pretty quickly but enjoying more cooking functions such as grilling and toasting.
Sadly, there are hundreds of options out there and lots of factors to consider when shopping for a panini press. This makes the decision process trickier and overwhelming, especially for first-timers.
Luckily, we’ve outlined the top 7 best panini press Wirecutter, including the pros and cons of each product.
Reviews of The Best Panini Press Wirecutter in 2022
Here are top rated wirecutter panini press reviews to buy
Top 1 – Breville BGR820XL Electric Countertop Grill
If you need a panini press to bring outdoor grilling to your kitchen countertop, then you can’t go wrong with the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill. This best panini press wirecutter offers impressive heat controls and delivers Incredible heat levels with its 1800-watt heating element.
This Smart grill features removable nonstick plates to allow you to cook with little or no oil for healthy meals. Not just that, the nonstick plates offer easy food release and a snappy cleaning experience.
Furthermore, the plates can be tilted to drain the excess grease or fat for perfectly flat pancakes, eggs, toasted sandwiches, etc. plus, it comes with a drip tray to catch the excesses for a mess-free cooking experience.
That’s not all: the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill has six adjustable height settings and a wide temperature range from 310 – 450 degrees offering three modes – Panini, Low, and Sear.
Besides, you can open the lid flat to optimize your grilling space for BBQing and do more on this beast. Best of all, it’s backed by a 1-year limited warranty to protect buyers from manufacturer defects.
Pros:
- 1800 watt embedded heating design
- 6 adjustable height settings
- Wide temperature range from 310 – 450 degrees F
- Removable, dishwasher safe plates
Cons:
- Questionable durability
Top 2 – Cuisinart Electric Steel Griddler
Next is the Cuisinart Electric Griddler with intuitive digital controls, LCD display, and a sear function to place it ahead of its competitors. This griddler offers up to 5 cooking functions – contact grill, half grill/half griddle, panini press, full griddle, and full grill.
This appliance comes in a sleek and modern design that adds interesting visuals to any kitchen countertop. This model features stainless steel construction with a stainless steel finish for durability and a timeless appearance.
In addition, the plates are reversible and removable, including the floating cover to convert this indispensable partner into a griddle or a grill. Plus, it makes cleaning this unit a breeze. Talking about the cinch cleaning experience, these plates are nonstick, offering a couple of benefits such as effortless food release, healthy cooking with less oil, and hassle-free cleaning.
Furthermore, it offers a temperature range from 175 – 450 degrees F, which is broad enough to support any cooking functions, including searing. Sadly, the handlebar is made of die-cast aluminum that isn’t safe to touch while cooking with this appliance.
Pros:
- 5-in-1 cooking options
- User-friendly digital controls and LCD display for no-brainer operations
- Easy to clean
- Contemporary styling that matches kitchen decor
- It comes with a sear function
Cons:
- The nonstick coating tends to flake off
Top 3 – Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5 in 1 Griddler
Another spot, another Wirecutter best panini press; this model is similar to the previous unit with its 5-in-1 cooking options. This press is suitable for everything from sausage to pancakes to steaks to grilled cheese, panini’s, and hamburgers.
The Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler is hassle-free to use, and cleanup is a breeze, thanks to its dishwasher-safe plate with a nonstick property.
Even better, this unit has a floating cover to allow you to cook food of any thickness. Plus, its brushed stainless steel housing guarantees this Griddler will last a long time looking brand new always.
Also, it sports a selector knob permit users to pick between the griddle or grill function. And, each function is equipped with an adjustable thermostat to set the preferred cooking temperature.
Pros:
- 5 different cooking options
- Adjustable temperature controls
- Selector knob for easy operation
- Stainless steel construction
Cons:
- Terrible warranty services
Top 4 – Hamilton Beach Steel Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & Electric Indoor Grill
Hamilton Beach Panini Press is your best bet when it comes to making hot-pressed sandwiches of any thickness. This machine is also perfect for Reubens, grilled cheese, Mexican tortas, paninis, etc.
With its cafe-style floating hinged lid, the cooking possibilities are endless. The Hamilton Beach Panini Press comes in handy for grilling fruits, vegetables, chicken, steaks, buyers, and more. No wonder it’s one of Wirecutter’s best panini presses.
Wait, there’s more; it offers a whopping 95 sq inches of grilling space when both grill plates are laid flat. Both plates feature a nonstick surface for a snappy cleaning experience. Additionally, it has a drip tray that slides out effortlessly to empty out the trapped excess fat from your food easily.
This electric grill rocks a compact design to allow you to stash away easily or leave your counter without taking more space.
Pros:
- Offers restaurant-quality results
- Sturdy construction
- Easy to use and clean
- Nonstick ceramic plates
- Better heating performance
Cons:
- Poor quality control
Top 5 – Yedi Total Package 6in1 Digital Grill, Panini Press
The Yedi Total Package 6-in-1 Digital Grill offers unbeatable cooking versatility, as this model can work as a full grill, half grill/half griddle, full grill, full griddle, waffle maker, panini press, and contact grill. This electric grill will cook anything thrown on it with a wide temperature range of 175 – 450 degrees F, except soup, obviously.
Moving on, this digital grill sets itself apart from the competition with its separate adjustable thermostat for the top and bottom plate. This way, you can cook your food to perfection and enjoy endless cooking possibilities.
Like most wirecutter panini press recommendations, this machine is integrated with a drip tray to catch and collect the excess grease and oil for a mess-free cooking experience. Another thing about the Yedi Total Package 6-in-1 Digital Grill is it comes with extra accessories to ensure its buyers get more value for money.
You don’t have to take our word for it; the manufacturer stands by this premium panini press with a 2-year money-back warranty, which shows a high level of confidence in this appliance.
Pros:
- 6-in-1 cooking options
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- It comes with deluxe essential accessory kit
- Dishwasher safe plates
- Wide temperature range – 175-450 degrees Fahrenheit
Cons:
- Heat could be more evenly dispersed
Top 6 – Hamilton Beach 4in1 Indoor Grill & Electric Griddle Combo
Hamilton Beach has been known for durable and premium kitchen appliances, and this panini press is no different. This model is versatile with four options: bacon cooker, full griddle, grill/griddles, and indoor BBQ grill.
With its multiple cooking options, this beast is suitable for making burgers, paninis, fish, steak, chicken, etc. the Hamilton Beach 4-in-1 Indoor Grill & Electric Griddle Combo delivers sumptuous and crispy results with no messy splatters; thanks to its improved grease drainage system.
Another exciting thing about this best panini press Wirecutter is its adjustable thermostat with a max temperature of 400 degrees F, letting users cook at low or high settings. The plates are removable and feature a nonstick property for better food release performance.
Pros:
- 100 square inch grilling space
- Removable and dishwasher safe cooking plates
- Four cooking functions
- Adjustable temperature control for cooking precision
Cons:
- The drip tray is made out of plastic and tends to leak with time
Top 7 – iSiLER 4-Slice Panini Press Grill
This is arguably the best panini maker for folks with limited countertop space. The iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill is equipped with a 1200W high-power heating element touted to deliver even heat dispersal for mouth-watering results.
It comes with two cooking plates that flatten out completely for more cooking options. This panini maker is equally versatile to handle all indoor grilling needs with ease. The iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill’s cooking plates are constructed from high-grade aluminum and coated with a nonstick material for healthy meals.
That’s not all; the manufacturer included a special oil and grease outlet to prevent messy splatter and ensure snappy cleanup. Similarly, this premium unit has intelligent temperature control to help avoid overheating or burning your foods. Hence, this press supports hands-free cooking for busy folks in the kitchen.
Pros:
- Dual-plate grilling
- Equipped with 1200W high-power heating element
- It offers three versatile cooking function
- Comfortable handle with a handy switch
Cons:
- The handle is not very durable
Top 8 – Chefman Panini Press Grill and Sandwich Maker
Warping up our list is the Chefman Panini Press Grill. A decent option for any modern kitchen. This panini presses double wells as a grill to make delicious meals. The floating hinge is adjustable to let you fit sandwiches of any thickness.
This machine has a generous cooking space to accommodate two large paninis and four sandwiches. No wonder it’s a go-to for many families looking to make quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Pros:
- Nonstick coated grill plate
- Compact design with contemporary styling
- Easy to clean
- 1-year manufacturer warranty
Cons:
- Misleading product description
Factors to Consider when buying Best Panini Press Wirecutter
When looking to buy the best panini press wirecutter, there are a few factors you need to take into account.
The first consideration is dimensions. How much counter space do you have? Panini presses come in different sizes and some are larger than others. If you have a small kitchen and limited counter space, you may want to go for a smaller model.
The capacity of the panini press is another important consideration. Some models can make just one or two sandwiches at a time while others can make four or five. If you plan on using your panini press often, you’ll want one with higher capacity.
Power is another factor to consider. Not all panini presses are created equal in terms of power. Some are more powerful than others and can heat up faster. If you want a quick, easy meal, you’ll want to go for a model with more power.
The cooking plate surface is also important to consider. Some models have a non-stick coating while others do not. If you plan on using your panini press to cook other foods as well, you may want to go for a model with a non-stick surface.
Consider the special features of the panini maker. Some come with adjustable temperature controls while others have preset cooking times. If you want more flexibility in terms of how your food is cooked, look for a model with these features.
Versatility is another factor to consider when buying a panini press. Some models come with different settings, allowing you to cook more than just sandwiches. With others, you can grill meat and vegetables as well as make waffles and pancakes.
The price of the panini press is another consideration when buying one. You can find best panini press wirecutter that are very cheap or spend hundreds on one depending on your budget. If you want something that’s affordable but still works well, start by setting a certain price range and then looking at products within that range. No matter what kind of panini press you’re looking for, consider these factors when shopping around so that you get the best value for your money.
How We Tested
We consider three main factors: Wirecutter recommendations, brand history, and customers’ reviews. To ensure you make the right call, we looked into each product’s performance, durability, and reliability.
In the end, we shortlisted the top 8 best panini presses to help narrow down your almost endless options and ease the decision process.
What Is A Panini Press?
A panini press is a kitchen appliance that sandwiches ingredients between two hot plates, grilling or toasting it. This is similar to a sandwich maker but uses more pressure and heat than one. A good grill panini maker allows users to create healthy and delicious meals in just minutes at home without spending too much money.
There are different types of pannini makers that offer specific features such as non-stick coatings for easy cleaning or adjustable temperatures for flexibility when cooking. The best panini press should be made from quality materials and have a sturdy design to ensure years of use.
Today, there are many brands available on the market which make it difficult for customers to choose the right one based on product reviews alone. To make things simple, this guide will outline the key factors that should be considered when purchasing a panini maker.
FAQ’s on best panini press wirecutter
What is a Panini?
A panini is an Italian sandwich that can be made with different types of meats and cheeses. Traditionally, the ingredients were placed between two hot metal plates for cooking but now they commonly found wrapped in aluminum foil or sold as pre-made sandwiches at most stores. The name comes from the panino which is Italian for small bread roll.
How do you use a Panini Press?
Using a panini press is relatively straightforward and can help save time when making meals. First, adjust the controls to the desired cooking temperature and preheat it for five minutes before adding any sandwiches or other ingredients. Then crack open your food in small portions depending on the size of your grill press.
Finally, shut the lid firmly but gently and wait until you hear an audible beep before opening up. Check if your meal has been properly cooked by looking at its appearance. Then remove your food from the press, cut into even pieces and enjoy a delicious snack whenever you want.
What are some tips for using a Panini Press?
Before adding any ingredients to your panini press, make sure that it is pre-heated to the desired temperature to ensure optimal cooking results. Also, test out different variations of sandwiches to see what works best with your panini maker’s design. For example, thinner sandwiches may cook faster so always check on them regularly after starting.
Thicker cuts should have grill lines seared into them to use as indicator of cooking times. Some models may also have a specific seal indicator that lets you know when the cooking process is finished, so always consult your user manual for further details.
Do I need any special tools to use my Panini Press?
No special tools are required to use a panini press but they can help improve the overall experience. For example, some grill presses come with an included brush or cleaning cloth to aid in cleaning after each meal.
Other accessories such as tongs or skewers can also help cook food evenly without getting too close and dirtying up the appliance. They should only be used on foil wrapped sandwiches though since open sandwiches could fall apart while trying to remove them from their slots.
What are the different types of Panini Presses?
Depending on what you plan to cook, there are several different grill press models available. Smaller sized presses can only fit a few slices of bread or a small snack inside, while larger ones can fit a full meal with room for a side dish.
Grill style presses also come in three different varieties: flat-top, ridged and sandwich which each have their own benefits depending on your needs. Do note that most well-known brands will focus on either one or two types so try out as many as you can to see which type best suits your lifestyle.
Make sure that they also have adjustable temperature controls so you can always experiment with new flavors home.
How do I clean my Panini press?
Cleaning a panini press is relatively simple and most models only take a couple of minutes. First, wipe down the plates with a damp cloth to remove excess crumbs or grease. If there are any particularly tough bits of food stuck on, you can also use a bottle brush or toothbrush if your model comes with one included.
After that, simply spray the grill plates with cooking oil and wipe them once again to prepare for the next meal. Remember not to put too much oil as this may cause smoke and lead to accidents when using your appliance. You can also clean up around any ridges or grooves in the grill plates before finally buffing it down with a dry cloth so all excess oils are removed.
What other features should I look for in my Panini Press?
Accessories can help improve your cooking experience, so keep that in mind when looking into various models on the market. For example, non-stick grill plates are great if you prefer to use less oil and also don’t require any extra tools to clean them.
Other accessories may include drip trays to collect excess grease while grilling or even built-in timers so you know exactly how long it takes for your food to cook completely. Be sure to check whether or not it is dishwasher safe too since this will save extra time when cleaning after meals.
Do Wirecutter’s panini press reviews cover all kinds of products available on the market?
No, Wirecutter only reviews a select few best panini press wirecutter that they believe are the best on the market. However, their website is constantly being updated with new and improved products so be sure to check in every once in a while for the latest reviews. You can also find comparisons of different brands and models as well as other home appliances on their website.
What is the price range for a quality Panini Press?
Prices for quality panini presses can vary anywhere from $30 to $200 depending on the brand, size, and features of the appliance. It is important to do your research beforehand and compare prices between retailers before making your purchase.
Conclusion
Conclusion paragraph: We recommend the Best Panini Press Wirecutter as our top pick. It’s a very popular item on Amazon with many rave reviews, and is one of the best rated products in this category for its price range.
The ease of use and high quality make it an excellent choice for any level cook or chef looking to upgrade their kitchen appliances without breaking the bank!
This panini press also has enough space between its plates so that you can fit larger sandwiches than most other models we tested, making it perfect if you’re cooking for more people at once. If you want to learn more about how choosing a panini machine will affect your life, check out some tips from professionals who know what they’re doing here!
Hopefully, our best panini press wirecutter review has been helpful. Suppose you are still not sure which of these appliances to splurge on. In that case, we recommend the Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill for incredible cooking performance.