The best panini press will allow you to make gourmet-style toasted sandwiches from your own home. Whether you want a simple grilled cheese or an experimental sub, buying a panini press will allow you to work on your sandwich game.
There's nothing like a good toasted sandwich – crisp on the outside and oozing in the middle, it's the perfect lunch. But finding a panini press maker that crisps up the outside of your sandwich, keeps the filling contained, and is easy to clean, can be tough.
We've chosen our top five panini presses from Breville, Cuisinart, and more top brands to make your choice that little bit easier. You can pick up the best non-stick frying pan if you would prefer to toast your sandwich the old-fashioned way.
Best panini press
The Cuisinart Electric Griddler has a lot going for it. At under $100, it packs in a lot of value for money. For a start, the grilling plates are removable, dishwasher safe, and even reversible.
You can use this panini press as a grill, too. That's great for searing, and because you can adjust the temperature using the dial, it will make sure that your sandwich is cooked just the way you like it.
There is also a timer that means you can leave your panini to press unattended. For bits of gunk and spilled cheese, you can use the scraper tool to get stuck in with cleaning.
The Hamilton Beach Electric Indoor Searing Grill is an incredible value panini press, with heat of up to 500°F and a quick ear button that boosts the temperature to add that crisp to your bread.
This grill can also be used for steak and burgers, so it's a true all-rounder that's guaranteed to get regular use in your kitchen. The dishwasher-safe drip container also means it will pick up any overflow of cheese or meat juices for quick cleanup.
It has a total grilling surface of 100 square inches, so there's more than enough space for your whole family to toast their sandwiches at once.
Say goodbye to squashed sandwiches with the Breville BSG600BSS Panini Press. It's got a hinge that's designed to deliver just the right amount of weight to toast the exterior perfectly, without causing any spills.
We like the idea of doing more than just paninis in the Breville BSG600BSS Panini Press. It can handle quesadillas, croissants, and even open sandwiches, thanks to the hinge that can lay entirely flat.
You can store the Breville BSG600BSS Panini Press vertically, so it's guaranteed to slot easily into any kitchen.
Make more than just paninis with the Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Grill & Sandwich Maker. It's got three inserts for making toasted sandwiches with a sealed crust, paninis with classic grill lines, and even waffles.
The design is very lightweight and can be stored upright for convenience. Even the handle makes it very portable, and the cool-touch handles will make it easy to check on your panini.
George Foreman is known for making awesome indoor grills, and the George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill and Panini Press does this and more. This panini press has a draining pot and a slant to remove juices, which is great for cooking more than just a panini.
The plates are dishwasher-safe and easily removed. This panini press also has enough space to cater to four people.
What is the best panini press?
The Cuisinart GR-5B Series Griddler Five is our top pick of the best panini press for serious sandwich-lovers. If you want something more budget-friendly, take a look at the Black+Decker 3-in-1 Waffle Grill & Sandwich Maker.
