Best panini press 2023: top for easy and tasty sandwiches

A panini press is a versatile gadget that you can use to grill up sandwiches – it has two heated plates that clamp together to evenly cook. In our small kitchen appliance guide, we’ve picked out some of the best panini press machines.

Below, you’ll learn about popular panini press machines and find tips on how to choose the right model for you. Our team has spotted high-scoring presses from known brands including Breville, Salter and Daewoo.

At a glance: our top panini press models

If you don’t have the time to read our full article, see 5 great panini press machines below:

See also: all panini press machines on Amazon

Best panini press 2023

Breville VST025 Panini Press

This panini press from Breville is a versatile appliance that lets you cook up delicious toasted sandwiches and snacks. It fits a variety of bread types including panini, ciabatta and tortillas, thanks to its floating top plate. With non-stick aluminium plates, cleaning is a breeze.

Its hinged lid allows for toasting a wide range of sandwiches, from melts to croissants, and it’s equipped with a cool-touch handle for your safety. The press’ power-on and ready indicators make it easy to use, alongside built-in cord storage and a locking mechanism. This Breville panini press empowers you to explore your culinary creativity, making it a must-have appliance for any kitchen.

Salter EK2009 Panini Press

The Salter panini press features marble-effect grill plates for oil-free cooking. It serves as a versatile electric grill, ideal for making paninis or preparing lower-fat meals. The floating hinge ensures even cooking for different food sizes, and it includes an oil channel for removing excess fats.

With adjustable temperature controls, this compact grill makes cooking toasted sandwiches, meats and other dishes hassle-free while offering easy cleaning with its non-stick surfaces. We recommend you take a closer look.

Daewoo Panini Press

The mini panini press offers a safe cooking experience with its cool-touch plastic handle, allowing you to open and close it even during cooking. It can operate at 90 or 180 degrees, functioning as a grill or traditional panini press.

We really like the marble-coated, non-stick plate – it simplifies cooking and the post-meal clean-up. Plus, the skid-resistant feet keep this small kitchen appliance nice and stable while you’re using it. Daewoo’s panini press includes helpful indicator lights that signal power status and temperature.

NETTA Panini Maker

The NETTA panini maker is a versatile kitchen appliance designed for toasting paninis, ciabatta, tea cakes, crumpets, pitta bread, tortillas and naan bread. Its modern black and silver design complements your kitchen decor, while the ridged surface naturally removes fats for healthier cooking. The hinged lid accommodates various sandwich thicknesses, and non-stick plates ensure effortless cleaning.

With non-stick plates, a hinged lid, a built-in fat drip tray and a cool-touch handle, it provides a hassle-free cooking experience.

Quest 34340 Panini Press

The stainless-steel panini press from Quest lets you cook meat, fish, paninis and more. It features automatic temperature control for precise cooking and has a floating hinge system that ensures even cooking and easy cleaning.

Safety and convenience are prioritized with a cool-touch handle, non-slip feet and the ability to lock the grill shut for compact storage. This grill heats up quickly, making it suitable for fast cooking.

What is the difference between a panini press and a sandwich press?

A panini press typically has ridged grill plates on both the top and bottom surfaces. These ridges create grill marks on the sandwiches and allow for even grilling of thicker, filled sandwiches like paninis. It’s designed to grill and toast sandwiches with various ingredients.

Meanwhile, a sandwich press usually features flat, smooth plates on both sides. These flat plates are designed for pressing and toasting simpler sandwiches without grill marks. Sandwich presses are often used for quickly toasting bread and melting cheese between the slices.

Do you need to butter bread for panini press?

You don’t necessarily need to butter bread before using a panini press, but it can enhance the flavour and texture of your panini. Buttering the bread can help create a crisp and golden-brown crust on the outside of the sandwich, similar to a grilled cheese sandwich. It can also add a rich, buttery flavour to the bread.

Can you fry an egg on a panini press?

Yes, you can – it’s a quick and convenient way to get your day started. However, when you’re closing the lid make sure you don’t press down too hard as you want to avoid breaking the yolk. You can then adjust the cooking time to get the egg looking just the way you like it.

Can you cook sausages in a panini press?

You can cook sausages in a panini press, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they cook properly and safely. Make sure the appliance is clean and free of any food residue before you start, and then lightly grease the press with cooking spray or a small amount of oil.

If you’re using pre-cooked sausages, simply place them on the lower plate of the panini press. If you’re using raw sausages, it’s a good idea to pre-cook them partially before placing them on the press to ensure they cook through evenly.

How long do you leave a sandwich in a panini press?

As a general guideline, you can start with a cooking time of about 3 to 5 minutes.

Most panini presses have adjustable heat settings. Use a moderate heat setting to avoid burning the bread before the fillings have a chance to heat through. Watch the sandwich closely while it’s cooking, too. You’ll want to see the bread turning golden brown and getting grill marks. This can be a good indicator of when the sandwich is ready.

Best-selling panini press models (updated today)

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