Whether you are making a mix of pesto and turkey, bacon chicken, or any other delicious snack, the impressive panini press turns traditional cooking into a professional result. A panini press is more than an electric grill that makes hot sandwiches with ease. It is a kind of panini or sandwich maker that can be used for various cooking needs like grilling chicken or beef, roasting burgers, sauteing veggies, and much more.
Panini presses are available in different models and sizes. Also, the shape of their plate may differ, from being grooved to plain. In addition, the material of the panini press plate may also vary. They can be aluminum, cast iron, non-stick, etc. Each material and shape has a unique advantage.
So, if you are wondering, what is the best panini press for your particular need? To help you out we are presenting this 8 best panini maker 2021 comparative guide that will help you purchase your favorite panini press or sandwich maker. This article presents a detailed review of the best panini presses so you won’t have a hard time choosing one.
Without wasting any more time let’s find out what are the best panini makers in 2021 and buy your favorite one.
Best Panini Press To Buy In 2022
Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler
Best Versatile Panini Press
- Weight: 8.00 lb
- Dimensions: 7.10 x 13.50 x 11.50 in
Cuisinart is in the small kitchen appliance business for over 50 years and they are highly popular for their innovative kitchen appliances. And the Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler is one of their most popular product among their electric grill and panini presses.
This large size griddle comes at an affordable price, yet offers lots of cool features like an adjustable temperature setting and LCD display to give you the best panini pressing experience possible.
It’s quick-cooking for a variety of recipes, not just the panini and the open mode function solves the extra space of the indoor grill, ensuring even cooking of all dishes at the same time. In addition, it features a floating cover so you can adjust to the thickness of the food.
That’s not all, unlike some models, it has 2 different removable and reversible cooking plates, which can function as a grill plate and at the same time as a griddle.
Besides, the non-stick plates save you a lot of time and effort and ensure your appliance stays as efficient as the day you bought it. The plates are also dishwasher safe so it makes cleaning as easy as possible. And for bonus feature cooking plates drain grease for healthy cooking into the integrated drip tray.
Altogether, Cuisinart GR-4NP1 5-in-1 Griddler is one of the best panini presses that you can buy on the market.
Why we love it
- Works as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle
- Brushed stainless-steel sturdy housing
- sturdy panini-style handle
- floating cover to adjust to thickness of food
- dishwasher-safe nonstick cooking plates
- integrated drip tray.
- Adjustable temperature controls
- recipes and scraping tools included
Things to consider
- Nothing to mention
Yedi Panini Press
Best Easy to Use Panini Press
- Weight: 17.00 lb
- Dimensions: 16.70 x 16.90 x 9.00 in
If you love multipurpose kitchen appliances Yedi Panini Press is here to dazzle you. Thanks to its impressive versatility it can work as a panini press, waffle maker, contact grill, full grill, and also a griddle. Even with all these amazing functions, it is really affordable.
Indeed it is an efficient kitchen appliance. Yedi comes with an adjustable temperature control system where you can set a different temperature for the top and bottom plates separately. This feature is really unique among today’s panini presses.
And it’s not all, the Yedi panini press heats up really quickly with its 1600 watts power so that you can make fast meals for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Besides that, the Yedi panini press also lets you cook healthy foods by offering a drip tray that collects all the excess fats as well as food residue. Also, the waffle plates, grill plates, and griddles are all nonstick so you need less oil or butter to cook meals on them.
For bonus accessories, you get two silicone egg rings that are perfect for making sunny-side-up eggs or mini pancakes. And spatula/tongs that are perfect for lifting and flipping delicate foods.
As for cleaning, all the nonstick plates are dishwasher safe so cleaning is a breeze.
To sum it up, Yedi panini press is one of the best panini press out there, and purchasing this appliance would end your quest for a great panini maker.
Why we love it
- Affordable panini press
- Offers 1600 watts power
- Yedi total package’ 6-in-1 grill
- Easy-to-use digital controls
- Heats up extra fast
- Has a built-in drip tray
- Offers 2 egg rings & spatula/tongs
- Grill, griddle, & waffle plates options
- Offer 2-year money-back warranty
Things to consider
According to users, the power cord is quite short
Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe
Here we are back with another Cuisinart panini press just because they are simply amazing. You will immediately fall in love with the Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe because of its efficient performance, innovative features, and affordable price point.
Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe is slightly different from the other Cuisinart panini press that we added to this list. Unlike the other panini maker Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe offers dual-zone temperature control. It means you can set a different temperature for the top and bottom grill separately with two different adjustable temp setting dials. This way you can not only grill paninis but also grill pizza on it too.
Apart from this amazing feature, this panini maker can work as a contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, half grill, half griddle, and top melt with its removable, and reversible grill plates.
For added convenience, the floating lid lets you cook thick paninis and steaks at ease. Plus the included accessories like the grill plates are removable, reversible as well as nonstick, so cleaning means no hassle.
And it can also drain any liquid and grease residue during cooking into the drip tray so that you can always enjoy delicious and healthy food at the same time!
Furthermore, the appliance comes with 1800 watts of power so you can make breakfast, lunch, and dinner with minimal time. All in all, The Cuisinart GR-150P1 GR-150 Griddler Deluxe is definitely the rightful owner of the Best panini press because it will improve your cooking versatility.
Why we love it
- Affordable price
- Durable structure
- Large cooking area
- Six cooking options in one
- Removable, reversible, and nonstick grill/griddle plates
- Dual-zone temperature control
- Adjustable top cover with 6 presets
- Integrated drip tray
- dishwasher-safe accessories
- 1800 watts of power
Things to consider
- Nothing to mention
iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill
For our next pick, we are back with another gorgeous panini press, the iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill. This impressive panini press comes with an even more affordable price yet offers all the necessary features that you expect from a quality panini maker.
Easy to use and clean, the iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill offers a multitude of cooking and dining options in one compact and sturdy machine. And with 1200 W high-power it can evenly grill meat, fish, veggies, and paninis with minimal time. Also, the floating hinge ensures you can cook heavily stuffed paninis and grill thick steaks easily.
Besides, its grill plate offers a non-stick coating that won’t chip or chip, so you don’t have any nasty surprises when you take that sweet (or salty) first bite.
Also, the fat drip special outlet feature of this panini press is a nice addition that you don’t always get with affordable grills. It allows all the grease and food residue to drain into a plastic cup so you can eat healthy with less oil and clean the grill plate easily.
And the adjustable temperature control gives you more control over your cooking than other products in a similar price range. The temperature control prevents overheating and ensures the heating temperature won’t exceed the preset value. This way you can get evenly cooked food without burning it.
Why we love it
- Affordable price
- Versatile panini press
- 1200 W high-power output ensures fast and even cooking
- Offers 2 nonstick grilling plates
- Temperature control prevents overheating
- Offers floating hinge
- Offers special oil outlet
Things to consider
- Grill plates are not removable
Chefman Panini Press
As the latest panini press, the Chefman panini maker is an option that would suit any modern kitchen across the country. Convenient and simple, just press a single button for a panini that’s always delicious or any other recipe you want.
You can use it either with the floating hinge system or flat for larger grilling recipes like delicious paninis, burgers, steaks, veggies, or anything else, and afterward, the non-stick plates are easy to clean despite the ridge design.
Besides, it comes complete with a drip tray to help you eat only a little butter or oil, and has enough space for 4 slices of sandwich or 2 large paninis, depending on how big you want to go.
Thanks to its 1000 watts of power it can cook food faster than any other low-powered machine. Its quick operation lets you cook delicious foods even if you are always on the go.
Apart from all these perks, Chefman Panini Press is durable enough to last for a long time. Besides, although it is an affordable model, it offers its users a 1-year warranty.
Why we love it
- Affordable price
- Compact design
- 1000-watts power provides fast and even cooking
- Nonstick grill plates
- Easy to use and clean
- Offers drip tray
- Offers adjustable floating hinge
Things to consider
- Offers no adjustable temperature settings
- Grill plates are not removable
OSTBA Panini Press
The OSTBA Panini Press is another impressive panini maker that offers a large cooking area to cook 4 slices of paninis at a time. But that is only one feature to like this panini maker.
You can notice the hinged floating lid which allows you to put thick paninis with lots of different stuffings. It cooks on both sides equally, so you’re sure to get an even toast.
In addition, it has different temperature selections, to give each of your foods the temperature they deserve. Also, the smart temp settings will stop heating when the temperature has up to the preset value so that you get an optimal heat input for all the foods you want to prepare.
Also, the grill plate of the appliance collects fatty juices in an integrated oil pan so that, you and your family can eat healthy meals with the OSTBA Panini Press.
Furthermore, the panini press is easy to clean with its nonstick grill plates and its durable stainless steel body can be easily cleaned just with a damp cloth.
Lastly, whether it’s for toast or grilling meat, vegetables, or fish, OSTBA Panini Press got you covered.
Why we love it
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
- 4 Slice Large Panini Press
- Offers temperature control
- Non-stick plates are easy to clean
Things to consider
- Grill plates are not removable
Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press
Best Affordable Panini Press
- Weight: 5.80 lb
- Dimensions: 12.60 x 4.50 x 12.30 in
Hamilton Beach is a popular brand that offers quality kitchen appliances at a very affordable price range. And if you’re looking for a reliable and fully dedicated panini press, the Hamilton Beach Panini Press is a perfect affordable option.
It’s a quality product that ensures you are eating paninis like the ones you’ve seen in your favorite cafe, but all from the comfort of your own home.
The floating lid ensures perfect and even cooking and is able to work with a variety of panini thicknesses while the power and preheat lights help you master how to grill paninis on the panini press.
It’s also super easy to use because when you just want a sandwich the confusing instructions are the last thing you need. The grill plates aren’t removable, however, as long as you keep an eye out for any rogue or grease processed cheese to take a break for it, you shouldn’t have any problem keeping it clean.
In addition, this compact panini press looks great in any type of kitchen decoration as you can choose one from 3 different colors (red, chrome finish, and stainless steel).
Altogether Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press is a cool and compact kitchen gadget that you should definitely own.
Why we love it
- Highly popular panini press
- Super affordable price
- Compact size
- Easy to use and clean
- Available in 3 different color
- Offers floating lid
- Offers top lid lock to make bruschetta or open-face sandwiches
Things to consider
- Grill plates are not removable
George Foreman 4-Serving Panini Press
Most Affordable Panini Press
- Weight: 6.30 lb
- Dimensions: 12.50 x 6.10 x 12.00 in
George Foreman 4-Serving Panini Press is one of the best panini makers in terms of value for money. This George Foreman 4-Serving Classic Panini Press may not have the same features as a high-end model but it comes at an affordable price.
This George Foreman panini press with removable plates is a compact and lightweight appliance, yet large enough to let you whip up a full meal in one go for 4 servings, with everything you need to succeed in your cooking mission.
The improved heating element allows it to heat up 35% faster than its previous models and cook 3 frozen hamburger patties to their perfection in under 15 minutes. Besides, the non-stick coating helps to clean it easily, and the grill itself is easy to use with the simple On and Readylight system.
Altogether, this compact kitchen appliance is great for singles or couples who live in smaller apartments or houses, but it also works great as a grill supplement for the nights you entertain.
Why we love it
- Highly affordable price
- Dishwasher Safe
- Offers Drip Tray
- Offers Removable nonstick grill plates
- Offers Adjustable Cooking Hinge
- 3-Year Limited Warranty (Conditions apply)
Things to consider
- Temperature not adjustable
What is a Panini Press?
Panini is an Italian word for bun or rolled bread. In simpler terms, we call it a sandwich. However, bread cut and filled with toppings should be heated evenly on a grill. This allows the filling to cook well at a moderate temperature, and the bread to be crisp. The grill or press used for this task is known as the panini press.
The panini press is usually an electric grill with heated upper and lower plates that surround the food, coming into direct contact with it. Due to its characteristics, the panini press is useful for a variety of foods in addition to sandwiches. From bacon slices and omelets to vegetables, the panini press lets you get creative.
How to Choose the Best Masticating Juicer?
In case you’ve already chosen a panini press, congratulations, you won’t regret investing in a panini maker, especially if you have a good one.
However, if you want to know what makes it a good panini press and really worth your money check out some of the criteria that you should look out for while buying your very best panini press.
Grill Plates
It’s better if you choose a model that comes with removable grill plates. Because the removable grill plates will make cleaning up after meals a lot easier, you can soak them in water or even put them in the dishwasher.
On the other hand, if you choose a model without removable plates, be sure to clean it regularly and carefully otherwise, your panini press will accumulate grease and food residue which could cause damage.
Temperature Control
A panini press with temperature control allows you more control over your recipe. This is of course if you need it to work with different recipes like grilling or sizzling. However, if you want to use your panini maker only for sandwiches and paninis then it is ok to stick with fixed temperature models.
Drip Tray
Drip trays are great for reducing grease in your food as well as avoiding a messy countertop. Some of the presses come with a removable drip tray, and some with an attached model. Both are efficient, but removable ones let you clean the mess easily.
Also, if you’re concerned about consuming your fat intake, a drip tray is essential.
Hinge Height
The height of the press hinge allows you to cook different types of recipes. The higher the hinge, the more options you have. If you want to stuff your sandwiches with toppings as much as possible, the high hinges are ideal for ensuring proper cooking.
Heating Zones
The flat grill plates provide an even cooking surface on your sandwich or food, but the ridged grill plates give it a nice grilled look just like restaurant-bought paninis.
Also, flat grilled plates let you cook other stuff like pancakes or fried eggs. So it is wise to go for a model that comes with both types of plates. Again, if you want to use it for only making sandwiches then it is totally ok to go for only grill plates.
Is buying a panini maker worth it?
Make visually appealing delicious paninis
If you are a sole lover of paninis you definitely need a panini press. The only thing that keeps a cold, unappealing sandwich from turning into a grilled delight with melted cheese is a panini press. This simple device can increase the delicacy of your food with little effort. Because they can make perfect paninis with a professional external look such as melted cheese, crisp finish, and grill marks.
Versatile
The truth is a good quality panini press can be a versatile kitchen appliance. You can not only cook paninis on it but also grill meat, fish, chicken, or even veggies.
That’s not all, if your panini press comes with a flat grill plate, you can also make sweet pancakes, french toast, fry bacon, and eggs as well as try so many other yummy recipes.
What can be done in a panini press?
A versatile panini press can work as a panini press, indoor grill, or even a griddle. So depending on the type of press, you can do just about anything. You can grill meats, fish, or veggies, make pancakes or french toast, fry eggs, or press paninis. So we have to say the option is huge with a versatile panini press.
What's the best bread for paninis?
According to panini and sandwich experts, ciabatta is best for paninis. However, focaccia and baguette are great too. Usually, the bread that can take the heat is ideal for paninis. Also, try to avoid light or airy bread because they don’t toast perfectly the way you want them to.
How to clean a panini press thoroughly?
Even if your panini press comes with nonstick material you need to clean it thoroughly. If your panini press comes with removable grilling plates and is dishwasher safe you can remove them and put them in the dishwasher. And if not then you need to follow a few steps.
First of all, you need to unplug the grill and let it cool down before trying anything. Second, remove the burnt or excess foods (like melted cheese) with damp paper towels.
Next, take a sponge and a small amount of soapy water to scrub the cooking surface. If the grill pan is flat, it will be very simple. However, if your grill has ridges, be sure to place yourself between the spaces to make sure you remove everything.
Do this as often to make sure your panini press maintains its efficiency.
How to season a panini press?
Before grilling anything on your panini press, be sure to season it with oil. The process will clean the panini press of any issues or bacteria that could be affecting the success of your panini.
To do this you will need to pour a small amount of oil into the center and spread it with a soft, dry cloth. Then heat the press to its highest temperature and allow the press to heat the oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until all the oil has evaporated. For better results repeat the process again. Note that, you may see some discoloration on the grill pan which is completely ok. After prolonged use, you may have to re-season the panini press.
Bottom Line
In years gone by, panini was a delicacy that you could just enjoy in restaurants. However, with the arrival of modern technology, the best panini presses have appeared in the market. With this nifty appliance, you can create this delicacy in the comfort of your own kitchen. In addition, it panini press is a cost-effective alternative. In the long run, you can save money by making paninis yourself, instead of buying them at expensive restaurants.
We are at the end of this best panini maker of 2021 article and we hope you have found the very best panini maker to purchase right away. If this article helped you even a bit, it was not our wasted effort. However, if you are still looking for something amazing to enjoy with your family and friends then check out these wonderful electric grills at a very reasonable price.
However, if you are still looking, you can also read our best indoor electric grills of 2022.
