We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. What to Buy Appliances Small Appliances We Tested the Best Panini Presses for Sandwiches, Grilling, and More Our top performers offer functional design, versatility, and convenience. By Greg Baker Greg Baker Greg Baker is a chef, restaurant consultant, and writer with almost 40 years of experience in the industry. As an expert in outdoor cooking, Greg has written more than 30 articles on grilling and barbecuing for Food & Wine across categories including kamado grills, pizza ovens, and meat thermometers. Food & Wine's Editorial Guidelines Updated on November 21, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Our Favorite The Tests Factors to Consider FAQ Others We Tested Our Expertise Photo: Food and Wine / Steven Schrimpf I grew up in Tampa, Florida, eating Cuban sandwiches: ham, Genoa salami, puerco asado, pickles, mustard, and Swiss cheese on a crusty baguette-like loaf baked with a palmetto frond, all pressed until crunchy and slightly warmed through. I was 30 when I made my first trip to study cooking in Tuscany and realized how much these sandwiches had in common with the Italian panini. Perhaps I’m slow on the uptake, but I also didn’t make the connection that the electric grills touted on late-night TV were remarkably similar to the sandwich presses I’d seen in Tampa and Siena. The best panini presses are great for making fancy grilled cheese, breakfast sandwiches, and more — doubling as a countertop grill or electric griddle, eliminating the need for multiple pans and overheating the kitchen. We tested 20 panini presses before selecting seven winners. Here's our list and what to look for. Our Top Picks Best Panini Press Overall: Cuisinart Elite Griddler at Amazon $200 Jump to Review Best Smokeless: Cuisinart Contact Griddler with Smoke-less Mode at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Most Versatile: SALE Cuisinart Electric Griddler Five at Amazon $120 $100 Jump to Review Best Floating Hinge: Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill at Amazon $35 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Breville Sear and Press Countertop Electric Grill at Amazon $200 Jump to Review Best Compact: George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill And Panini Press at Amazon $29 Jump to Review Best Value: Elite Gourmet 2-in-1 Nonstick Panini Press at Amazon $31 Jump to Review Best Panini Press Overall Cuisinart Elite Griddler PHOTO: Amazon $200 $171 at Amazon $200 at Target View on Wayfair Pros It’s highly versatile, heats quickly, and has a large cooking area. Cons The instructions may be a bit too technical, and it’s heavy and bulky, meaning it will either require a bit of effort to move to and from storage or take up a lot of space on your counter. The Cuisinart Elite Griddler scored top marks in our tests, from ease of use to easy cleanup. It’s a highly versatile unit; to look at it as simply a panini press would be a disservice. First, the bottom cooking surfaces have optional configurations such as a grill, a griddle, or half and half. Dual temperature control zones allow you to set each bottom half of the grill at an independent temperature, with a sear setting that enables you to sear at 500°F for up to two minutes at a time. The sear function provides good grill marks with very little smoke to fog up your kitchen. The top, with its independent temperature control, also has thickness settings that help you adjust the pressure on your panino or other food items. The 240-square-inch plates provide a large enough cooking area for up to four sandwiches, chicken breasts, or steaks with no struggle for equal cooking surfaces. A recipe book comes included with the grill and has guidelines and recipes for commonly cooked foods, like eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, and the like. It also gives a recipe for baking pizza with the griddle, which we were impressed by during our tests. Cleanup is easy, with all its removable components being dishwasher-safe. The only real downsides we found during our tests were the size and weight of the unit, which can provide some challenges for under-counter storage unless you sacrifice a large amount of countertop space to keep it out for regular use. Dimensions: 15 x 16 x 8 inches | Weight: 21 pounds | Temperature Range: Warm, up to 500°F | Cooking Area: 240 square inches PHOTO: Food & Wine / Meredith Butcher PHOTO: Food & Wine / Meredith Butcher PHOTO: Food & Wine / Meredith Butcher Best Smokeless Cuisinart Contact Griddler with Smoke-less Mode PHOTO: Macy's $130 at Amazon $130 at Wayfair $100 at Wayfair Pros It’s very versatile and easy to clean. Cons It’s a little bulky, and the lid could be heavier to press sandwiches fully. This model has much of the versatility of Cuisinart’s Griddler line, with some limited features, by comparison. It has the same split-plate arrangement as the Griddler, allowing for varying configurations of grill and griddle but without the same side-by-side temperature capacity. However, it does provide a smokeless option not included in other models. The control panel is not entirely intuitive, so please do refer to the owner’s manual for the best results. We like that there are presets for specific proteins, but you can also create your own. This particular model can function as a grill press, or you can flip the top for an open griddle configuration. This flip-open capability also allows you to press sandwiches of significant height, although it lacks the weight for a full press, sometimes requiring you to hold the handle down to achieve your desired goal. Cleanup is easy with dishwasher-safe parts and a removable drip tray. Dimensions: 12 x 11x7 Inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Temperature Range: 175 to 425°F | Cooking Area: 100 square inches Food & Wine / Elizabeth Theriot Most Versatile Cuisinart Electric Griddler Five PHOTO: Amazon $120 $100 at Amazon $120 at Target $120 at Williams Sonoma Pros The simple, intuitive controls make it easy to operate, and it is so easy to set up that you can use it within minutes of receiving it. Cons There aren’t any presets on this model, and you may need to add extra pressure to the lid for a fully pressed sandwich. The FIVE is another flip-open press and griddle that allows you to do side-by-side cooking via reversible grill plates. The controls are not as detailed or complex as other models, simply a selection wheel and an on/off switch. But we like how simple it is to navigate the limited control panel, which makes it much easier to operate overall. This model has no presets, so you’ll have to experiment with the settings. However, it does come with a sear feature, allowing short bursts of cooking at 450°F, which can add char to a steak or carrot, for instance, with no other special considerations. We wish the lid were a bit heavier to achieve a full press and toast, but you can apply extra pressure on the handle to get where you want to go if that’s the case. By the same token, the lighter lid means a more lightweight unit, allowing more effortless movement for storage or cleaning. Dimensions: 11 x 12 x 7 inches | Weight: 13 pounds | Temperature Range: 175 to 450°F | Cooking Area: 100 square inches Food & Wine / John Somerall Best Floating Hinge Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill PHOTO: Amazon $35 $30 at Amazon $33 $30 at Walmart $30 at Home Depot Pros It’s a simple, easy-to-use grill at a very reasonable price. Cons The lack of temperature control leaves the user relying on time alone as a cooking control, and this two-sandwich model is smaller than you may think. This compact griddle and grill is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get option. That said, it performs well for what it is. As the category name implies, its hinge floats for a 180-degree opening, allowing you to use it as a griddle or grill, side by side. The controls are pretty simple, a power switch and a red indicator light to show it’s heating, and a green light to indicate it’s at temperature. It has no thermostat and no presets – just a simple design that delivers reasonably consistent results. On top of facilitating side-by-side cooking, the floating hinge allows you to place sandwiches of varying heights in the press and apply the lid's weight directly. Its size and weight allow for easy storage, and the removable parts and drip tray are dishwasher safe. Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 4 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Temperature Range: On/off button (not specified) | Cooking Area: 48 square inches PHOTO: Food & Wine / Annie Probst PHOTO: Food & Wine / Annie Probst Best Splurge Breville Sear and Press Countertop Electric Grill PHOTO: Amazon $200 at Amazon $200 at Williams Sonoma $200 at Sur La Table Pros It has a large cooking surface with intuitive controls. Cons It’s a big piece of equipment with a relatively high price tag. Breville's The Sear and Press brings user-friendly features to the party. It has an intuitive control panel with a simple on/off switch; three presets for panini, burger, or sear; and dual-temperature knobs for top and bottom heat control. The hinge design offers a 180-degree opening for side-by-side grilling or griddling on the reversible plates and allows for height adjustment to accommodate different heights of sandwiches. Plus, its 240 square inches of cooking space allow plenty of room for multiple sandwiches or grilled or griddled items. It’s a good-looking piece of equipment that won’t detract from the aesthetics of a kitchen, which is good, but it will claim some countertop acreage. The top is fairly low-profile in its closed position and has enough weight to press most sandwiches, but you may want to apply extra pressure for thicker-crusted bread like a baguette or a Cuban loaf. We found that the lid positioning provides one of the most significant drawbacks, as it also serves as a lock when closed. The locking position is not what one would call intuitive, and you should take care when attempting to lock the unit to move it for storage. Dimensions: 14 x 15 x 9 inches | Weight: 15 pounds | Temperature Range: 210 to 450°F | Cooking Area: 240 square inches PHOTO: Food & Wine / Steven Schrimpf PHOTO: Food & Wine / Steven Schrimpf PHOTO: Food & Wine / Steven Schrimpf Best Compact George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill And Panini Press PHOTO: Walmart $29 at Amazon $30 at Wayfair $35 at Walmart Pros It’s compact, easy to use, and easy to store. Cons Its cooking surface is very small, and there is no temperature control. Compact is an apt description, as this grill design keeps space-saving in mind. You’re not going to feed a group with it, but it’s a good choice for small kitchens or limited storage situations thanks to its slim design that minimizes its footprint in your cabinet space by storing it vertically. Temperature control isn’t to be found, with a simple on/off design and indicator lights to show when it’s heating and when it’s ready to cook. But it delivers fairly consistent results when toasting or pressing, although it requires some human intervention for good results with non-flat food surfaces. It touts itself as easy to clean, but none of the parts are removable, save the grease tray, so a wipe down of its non-stick surfaces will have to do. Dimensions: 11 x 3 x 8 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Temperature Range: Off/on (not specified) | Cooking Area: 2 servings Food & Wine / Katherine Polcari Best Value Elite Gourmet 2-in-1 Nonstick Panini Press Elite Gourmet 2-in-1 Nonstick Panini Press & Indoor Grill. PHOTO: Amazon $31 at Amazon $31 at Walmart Pros It’s small, lightweight, versatile within some constraints, and a very agreeable price. Cons It’s only really useful for cooking for one to two people, and some kind of temperature control would improve its ease of use score. This two-in-one grill provides a good balance of cost to performance. It lacks reversible plates but opens to 180 degrees for side-by-side indoor grilling. As with many panini presses in this price range, it lacks controls besides on and off, leaving time and pressure from the lid's weight as the means of cooking control. And the lid is lightweight, so it may require extra pressure to achieve your desired ends in toasting sandwiches. As a grill, it functions well, but limited control of temperature adds some cooking time to the process. The grates are not removable, but cleanup is easy as the nonstick coating facilitates cleaning with a simple wipe-down. The longer cook time is the only category where this model didn’t get top marks, and for the price, we can’t see that as a serious mark against it. Dimensions: 11 x 9 x 6 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Temperature Range: On/off (not specified) | Cooking Area: 95 square inches Our Favorite Panini Press Considering its features, performance, ease of use, and ease of cleaning (plus the included recipe book to inspire you to create your own dishes), the Cuisinart Elite Griddler scored 5/5 in every category, making it our overall favorite. How We Tested Panini Presses To find the best panini presses, we tested 20 models, incorporating them into our regular cooking routines in our home kitchens. We used each model in different cooking scenarios and rated them on a scale of 1-5 in the following categories: Versatility: We tested the versatility of each press by using them to make at least three different kinds of sandwiches. For the models that offered additional functions, like grilling or griddling, we tested those features by cooking everything from burgers and shrimp to pizza.Cleanup: We also cleaned each model according to the manufacturer's instructions, noting whether any components were dishwasher-safe or if they had any design features that made cleaning easier.Value: Based on our observations, we also noted whether we would recommend the appliance to someone else. We averaged the scores from each category to arrive at final ratings, from which we selected the seven best panini presses to recommend. Factors to Consider Press Size Unless you’re cooking for a larger group or family regularly, look for a press that easily accommodates two sandwiches simultaneously, according to Levon Wallace, owner of Fat Belly Pretzel Bakery and Deli in Nashville. When considering the countertop surface area, storage space, and how easy to move the press might be, all factors come back to a two-sandwich-sized press. Your needs, counter space, and storage space may vary, but a two-sandwich press is a good baseline. Cooking Plates A lightweight top plate allows you to apply more pressure if needed, whereas reducing the weight for a more delicate sandwich presents challenges, according to Wallace. You don’t want to use the same pressure on a delicate brioche-based sandwich that you would a crusty baguette, for example. Removable, reversible plates can prove handy should you wish to use the grill plate versus the smooth plate, whereas non-reversible grill or griddle plates (assuming there are both) can provide a storage complication. Wallace recommends opting for smooth plates over grill plates if you plan to use the press primarily for sandwiches, as there is a more uniform toasting surface. Controls and Features We've found the best panini presses actually have fewer features and controls. An on/off switch, temperature control, and ready-indicator lights are about as as many as you need, according to Wallace. The reason is that operation becomes far less intuitive with a wide-ranging set of controls, bringing in other-than-desirable results. These features can also go bad, requiring expensive replacement of the part for the entire unit to be operable again. Frequently Asked Questions How do you clean a panini press? Treat the cooking plates of your press like you would a cast iron pan, according to Wallace. Avoid harsh cleaners and scraping them with a rigid tool. A gentle prod from a silicone spatula or other such soft implement should be sufficient to remove any accumulated or stuck-on food. A quick wipe-down with a towel should do the trick for any remaining oil or grease on the interior or exterior, and most drip trays are easily removed, emptied, and dishwasher safe. What is the difference between a panini press and a sandwich press? The primary difference between the two is how they toast. Many sandwich presses come with triangle-shaped plates that cut and seal the sandwich as it toasts, creating a Hot Pockets-like experience. A panini press applies weight and toasts the top and bottom of the sandwich without cutting, shaping, or forming the sandwich in any way other than to compress it a bit. Can you use a panini press as a grill? Yes, with some caveats. Panini presses are sometimes known as indoor or contact grills. You can cook with them open, and the hot grates will leave grill marks on burgers, kebabs, and vegetables. But they don't get as hot as an outdoor grill, so you'll get less of a sear, and they won't give you smoke. Other Panini Presses We Tested Strong Contenders Brentwood Compact Dual Sandwich Maker ($29 at Amazon) We liked this model for its small size, affordable price tag, and easy-to-use features. However, we found its latch to be a bit finicky, and we wish it were more versatile. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler ($100 at Amazon) We thought that the 5-in-1 Griddler was a nice size, making it good for cooking one or two sandwiches while still being easy to store. We also loved its convenient drip tray and dishwasher-safe removable grill plates, but we struggled with the hard-to-read knobs on its control panel. Breville The Perfect Press ($150 at Amazon) This is a high-quality panini press, and we were impressed by its even, consistent heating. We also liked its open-faced sandwich setting. However, we were surprised by how hot its handle and exterior got while in use, and we wish it had a few more features at this price point. T-fal GC7 Opti-Grill ($194 at Amazon) This press is a substantially sized option with an intuitive control panel and several easy-to-use presets, and we loved its sturdy construction and versatility. It also has a manual mode, but the settings can get a bit complicated as there isn't a simple push-to-start option. What Didn't Make the List Of the 20 panini presses we tested, there were several models that didn't make our list, whether due to issues with performance or lack of desirable features. Some presses, like the Hamilton Beach Panini Press & Indoor Grill, were difficult to clean and lacked additional features that would make them more versatile. Others scored low across the board during our tests, which kept us from recommending them. Our Expertise Greg Baker is an award-winning chef, restaurateur, and food writer with four decades of experience in the food industry. His written work appears in Food & Wine, Food Republic, and other publications. Was this page helpful? 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