A large panini press with removable plates is a handy kitchen appliance for making toasty, warm sandwiches. These countertop appliances use heated grill plates to brown the bread and heat the inner ingredients, while leaving crisp, delicious grill marks on the outside. They’re great for upgrading the usual lunchtime sandwich to something special.
There are a number of things to consider when shopping for the best panini press, including the cooking surface size and material, wattage requirements, and storage options. Other factors include the type of lid design, the ability to switch cooking plates, and whether or not the removable plates are dishwasher-safe. Most importantly, it’s important to understand how a particular model will perform before making your final decision.
Panini Press Hacks: Creative Ways to Use Your Removable Plate Press
Most panini presses cook two sandwiches at a time, but some have larger cooking surfaces that can accommodate more. In addition, there are many different plate designs, from smooth to grooved. Grooved surfaces tend to leave more attractive grill marks, but it’s really a matter of personal preference.
In general, a higher-quality panini press will have more features and offer better results than a less expensive one. Look for a model that has adjustable cooking temperatures, which allows you to calibrate it for the exact temperature needed to make each type of sandwich.
Some panini presses can double as indoor grills, griddles, or waffle makers. These multifunctional models typically come with higher price tags, but they can be a smart purchase for anyone who wants to save space in their kitchen or cook multiple dishes at once.