10 Best Panini Makers in 2022 (Chef-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Six functions, including a griddle and grill
• Top and bottom plates can be used separately
• Timer function
• LCD display for easy reading
• Removable dishwasher-safe plates

Cons:

• Occasional error messages on the display, according to reviewers

If you're looking for a professional style press that has a full range of options, this may be the choice for you. There are six different cooking options, including panini press, full griddle, and full grill. It also has a sear function that can sear either or both plates as required. The LCD display clearly shows the cooking mode and time left.

A few reviewers reported receiving error messages on the display or said that the quality was not what they expected. For most, though, it heated up quickly and evenly, and it pressed paninis perfectly. They praised its versatility and ease of use, as the different settings and LCD display made it easy to cook different foods. 

Pros:

• Six automatic cooking programs
• Cooks from frozen
• Adjusts depending on the thickness of food
• Angled plates ensure excess grease runs off
• Removable and dishwasher-safe plates

Cons:

• Temperature isn't always consistent, according to some reviewers

This panini press offers much more than just toasting your sandwiches as it has six automatic cooking programs that cover foods such as sandwiches and different meats. The grill will cook both fresh and frozen food and has a large drip tray to catch any juices or grease that are produced while cooking. The plates are non-stick, removable, and dishwasher safe.

There are reports from some reviewers that the plates on this grill were not always of a consistent temperature and that sometimes, it could under or overcook. However, reviewers said that the press is really easy to clean and wasn't as messy as some other products. They found that the preset programs made cooking different types of food very easy.

Pros:

• Top lid lock for open sandwiches
• Light confirms plates are preheated
• Can be stored upright
• Non-stick plates
• Available in other colors

Cons:

• Temperature can be tricky to control, according to reviewers

If you have counter space but are lacking storage space, this press may be a good compromise as it can be stored standing up. It has a floating lid that can be locked in place depending on the thickness of your sandwich or to cook open sandwiches. The center of the floating lid has two lights that confirm when it is receiving power and when it has finished preheating. 

Some reviewers didn't feel that the plates heated evenly and said this resulted in unevenly toasted sandwiches. However, most reviewers said that the plates are sturdy and easy to clean, despite not being removable. Many buyers praised how compact the maker is and that it can be stored upright, saving even more room. They also praised the lid as it didn't squash their sandwiches.

Pros:

• Indicator lights to confirm when preheating is finished
• Drip tray for less mess
• Thermostat ensures optimum temperature
• Non-stick plates
• Automatic shut-off feature

Cons:

• Reports that it gets very hot, very quickly

The press has an automatic shut-off feature and anti-skid feet to ensure it remains safe while being used. It has two lights to show when it is plugged in and has finished preheating, and there is also a drip tray to catch any extra grease. The thermostat will make sure that the plates stay at a consistent temperature.

Reviewers said that the press heated up very quickly and can get very hot. They advised keeping a close eye on the press and not toasting anything for too long. They also said that it is easy to clean and simple to use. Reviewers like that the unit is compact but is still large enough to toast two sandwiches. Several reviewers have been able to use this as a grill for other food items also, such as bacon and burgers.

Pros:

• Opens flat for additional grilling
• Removable plates and dishwasher-safe plates
• Adjustable temperature
• Drip cups to collect run-off grease
• Power and ready indicator lights

Cons:

• Grease doesn't always run off and can sit on the grill

The plates on this panini press can be opened flat so it can also be used as a grill for meats or open sandwiches. The plates are part of Starfrit's The Rock range and are designed so that even melted cheese won't stick. The plates are also removable and dishwasher-safe and an indicator light on the front will confirm when they are ready for use.

Although each grill plate has a drip cup, reviewers said that the plates were too level to allow excess grease to run off. This was especially an issue when grilling fatty meats. However, many reviewers confirmed that nothing sticks to this panini press and they were very please with how easy it was to clean. The ease of use was also complimented.

Pros:

• Plates are made from non-stick ceramic
• Sear function
  
• Also comes with waffle plates
• Dishwasher-safe plates
• Includes drip tray and spatula

Cons:

• Buttons can malfunction, according to reviewers

This grill from George Foreman has removable ceramic plates. As well as grill plates for your paninis, it also comes with waffle plates, and additional plates can be purchased for it. The plates are all dishwasher-safe. The temperature of the appliance is adjustable and can also be used to sear meats.

There are some reports from reviewers of the buttons on the appliance failing after several months, leaving buyers unable to use the press. Most reviewers were pleased with their purchase, however, and were able to cook several types of food, not just paninis. The sear function was praised and reviewers confirmed it was easy to clean.

Pros:

• Seven different cooking functions
• Removable and dishwasher-safe plates
• LED display panel
• Temperature of the plates can be separately adjusted
• Includes oil drip cup and cleaning tool

Cons:

• Top plate adjustment can be tricky to see, according to reviewers

If you like to make large paninis with the biggest slices of bread this panini press might be what you need. It has a large grilling surface so you can not only press large paninis but several at the same time. In all, the press has seven functions including waffle and oven broiler mode.

Some reviewers reported that it was difficult to adjust the floating hinge to the correct height. Overall though, most reviewers loved this grill. They praised the ability to control the temperature of the two plates and how well it cooks several different types of food. They said it was easy to clean and made great paninis.

Pros:

• Lightweight, compact, and portable
• Heats up quickly
• Plates can be wiped clean
• Available in multiple colors

Cons:

• Circular grill space is too small for larger breads

This simple and small sandwich maker is perfect for anybody that is low on kitchen space. It comes in several different colors and has an indicator light on top to confirm when the plates are preheated to the right temperature. It also comes with a recipe book to give you some ideas.

Reviewers said that this product was very small and only small slices of bread properly fit, so make sure you double-check the size before you purchase. The simplicity of this press was a big hit with many reviewers, though. They said it is perfect for one person or small spaces such as dorm rooms or RVs. They confirmed it's quick to heat up and easy to clean.

Pros:

• No power source required
• Suitable for camping
• Cast iron pan and lid
• Can be used on a stovetop or over a fire

Cons:

• Pan and lid handles are made from plastic, making them prone to breaking

If you don't want to add another electrical appliance to your kitchen or are looking for a panini press to take camping, then this pan and lid set might suit your needs. The pan and lid are made from cast iron and can be used on either a stovetop or fire to create paninis and grill other foods.

Reviewers were critical of the choice to make the pan and lid handles out of plastic as although this means they don't get hot, it makes them more prone to breaking. They liked how easy it is to use this press and praise the lid for being heavy enough to press their sandwiches. Reviewers found it the right size for making one panini and also easy to clean.

Pros:

• Contact grill, press, and griddle
• Can press and grill at the same time
• Removable grease tray
• Adjustable temperature control
• Press remains cool to the touch

Cons:

• Plastic press lid can be brittle

This press-and-grill appliance has a large bottom plate that is half flat and half ridged. The ridged side has a grill press plate that can be closed over it to press paninis. It has an on/off switch and adjustable temperatures so you fully control how it cooks. There is a removable grease tray, too.

The lid is plastic and a few reviewers found this plastic to be quite brittle. Some received broken units and some others found it broke easily if the press was roughly handled. However, reviewers said that the plates were easy to clean. They liked that they can multitask on the same unit, for example, cooking pancakes and sandwiches at the same time.