A panini press heats a sandwich from above and below so the bread turns crisp and the cheese melts. Many presses also open flat to work as a small grill, and some add reversible plates for griddle use. Plate size, hinge and wattage decide how much they can handle.
The six presses below range from a 1000 watt compact model to 1500 watt multi-mode Cuisinart units. Sizes, wattage and modes come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these presses ourselves. Nonstick and heating claims are the makers’ own.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Plate size | Sets how many sandwiches fit at once |
| Floating hinge | Lets the lid rise over thick sandwiches |
| Opens 180 degrees | Doubles as a flat grill |
| Removable plates | Easier cleaning and griddle options |
| Storage | Upright latches save counter space |
Specs at a Glance
| Press | Size and power | Plates | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chefman 4 Slice | 12 x 13.5 x 5.25 in; 1000 W | Nonstick coated | Opens 180 degrees; floating hinge; drip tray |
| Hamilton Beach | 11.4 x 11.3 x 4.8 in; 1400 W | 10 x 8 in nonstick | Floating top plate; locks open; upright storage |
| OVENTE GP0620R | 9.25 x 10.5 x 4 in; 1000 W | 9 x 6 in closed | 18 x 12 in open; thermostat; 2.6 lb |
| Cuisinart GR-4NNAS | 13.5 x 11.5 x 7.12 in; 1500 W | Reversible ceramic nonstick | 5 modes; two dials; 3-year warranty |
| Cuisinart GR-11NAS | 12.8 x 10.9 x 6 in | Removable ceramic nonstick | One preset temperature; floating hinge; 5.5 lb |
| Cuisinart Griddler Compact | 10.58 x 10.58 x 7 in; 1200 W | Reversible nonstick | 5 ways to cook; 3 settings; 8 lb |
The 6 Best Panini Presses
1. Chefman Panini Press Grill, 4 Slice
A 1000 watt press with nonstick coated plates, a stainless steel surface and a floating hinge. It opens 180 degrees for grilling, comes with a removable drip tray, and the maker says the closed surface fits four sandwiches or two large paninis. It weighs 3.4 pounds.
Suits: pressing several sandwiches at once. Strengths: opens flat and has a drip tray. Weaknesses: 1000 watts only. Skip it if you want removable plates.
2. Hamilton Beach Panini Press and Sandwich Maker
A 1400 watt press with 10 by 8 inch ribbed nonstick plates that the maker says fit two quesadillas or one large sandwich. It has a floating top plate, the lid can lock open for reheating pizza, and it stores upright. The finish is chrome.
Suits: thick sandwiches and quesadillas. Strengths: a floating plate and upright storage. Weaknesses: fixed plates. Skip it if you want a griddle option.
View Hamilton Beach Panini Press, Sandwich Maker and Electric Indoor Grill on Amazon
3. OVENTE Electric Indoor Panini Press GP0620R
A 1000 watt press with a 9 by 6 inch closed surface for two sandwiches and an 18 by 12 inch surface when opened flat. It has a thermostat, indicator lights, a cool-touch handle and a floating hinge, and weighs 2.6 pounds.
Suits: small kitchens and flat grilling. Strengths: light weight and a large open surface. Weaknesses: the closed surface is small. Skip it if you press for a crowd.
View OVENTE Electric Indoor Panini Press Grill + Sandwich Maker, Red GP0620R on Amazon
4. Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 GR-4NNAS
A 1500 watt unit with reversible ceramic nonstick plates and five modes: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle and half-and-half. Two dials set temperature, with griddle mode from 200 to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, and the maker adds a limited 3-year warranty.
Suits: one appliance for grill and griddle. Strengths: reversible plates and two dials. Weaknesses: 11.5 pounds. Skip it if you only want a sandwich press.
View Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press, GR-4NNAS on Amazon
5. Cuisinart Griddler GR-11NAS
A press with one preset temperature, a floating hinge and three positions: closed as a contact grill, pressing a panini, or open flat. Removable ceramic nonstick plates and a drip tray lift out for cleaning, and the listing says the plates are dishwasher friendly. It weighs 5.5 pounds. No wattage is listed.
Suits: a simple press with no dials. Strengths: a floating hinge and removable plates. Weaknesses: one temperature and no wattage shown. Skip it if you want temperature control.
View Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill and Panini Press, Contact Grill, GR-11NAS on Amazon
6. Cuisinart Griddler Compact
A 1200 watt model measuring about 10.6 by 10.6 by 7 inches with reversible nonstick plates. It offers five ways to cook: grill, griddle, panini press, contact grill and half grill, half griddle. Parts are removable and the listing says they are dishwasher safe.
Suits: small counters. Strengths: five modes in a compact body. Weaknesses: 8 pounds for its size. Skip it if you need big plates.
View Cuisinart Griddler Compact on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Let the plates cool before cleaning.
- Use wooden or silicone tools on nonstick plates.
- Empty the drip tray after each use.
- Store upright where the design allows.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling a sandwich so it cannot close.
- Using metal tools on the plates.
- Skipping the preheat.
- Choosing a large press for a small cabinet.
Panini Press FAQ
Does a panini press need oil?
Makers of nonstick plates say little or none is needed. Check each manual.
Can it cook more than sandwiches?
Models that open flat can cook burgers, vegetables and quesadillas.
The Short Version
For four slices, the Chefman. For thick sandwiches, the Hamilton Beach. For a big open surface, the OVENTE. For grill and griddle modes, the Cuisinart GR-4NNAS. For a no-dial press, the GR-11NAS. For small counters, the Griddler Compact.
