Do you often find yourself in a rush when it comes to mealtimes? Are you scrambling to find a recipe for just one or to suit your entire family? Unsure if you need a sandwich maker in your life? You’ve heard of ceramic Panini presses and ones with removable plates, but what’s the difference?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, you need a sandwich maker in your life. But which one? And what are the types of sandwich makers?
Hot sandwiches are so popular that there are now many sandwich makers is on the market today. What’s more, is that this kitchen appliance does more than just make sandwiches. Many options grill portions of meat, vegetables, fish, and eggs as well.
A sandwich maker offers a cooking surface that is nonstick and drains the fat from foods, making it a healthy way to cook.
What is a Panini?
Also known as a panino, a Panini is a sandwich made with Italian bread that is served warm by toasting or grilling. However, people in the United States refer to any grilled sandwich as a Panini used with any type of bread.
The best bread to use when making a Panini include focaccia, Michetti, baguette, and ciabatta but you can use any bread slice to make the perfect Panini.
What is a Sandwich Maker?
A sandwich maker is a small electrical kitchen appliance that is used to grill or toast sandwiches. However, it is versatile and can often be used to grill meats, vegetables, and fish.
How to Use a Sandwich Maker
Using a sandwich maker is easy, just follow these steps. First, make your sandwich while the Panini press is heating up. When it is ready, place the sandwich in the press and close the lid. This will press your sandwich to perfection.
When it’s ready, an indicator light will come on to alert you. Lift up the lid, and easily slide your sandwich onto a plate, and enjoy. It’s that simple!
What are the Advantages of Using a Panini Press?
The two main advantages of using a Panini press are the healthy food you cook and the time you save. Using a Panini press makes breakfast, lunch, or dinner easy and quick, which is perfect for those who don’t have time to cook a big meal. When choosing a Panini press, be sure it has a grease residue feature.
This makes anything you cook on a Panini press that much healthier since you are getting rid of excess fat before you sit down to eat.
What Can you Make in a Sandwich Maker?
A Panini press can be used to grill sandwiches, meat, vegetables, fish, as well as cook eggs, crepes, and French toast.
What are the Best Panini Makers?
Hunting for the best sandwich maker for a while now but unable to decide which one to go for? We’ve compiled an extensive list of the Panini presses currently available on Amazon to help you find the right one for your lifestyle. Read on to learn more.
Regular Sandwich Makers
Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press
Perfect for Panini and more, the Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press sandwich maker makes a delicious toasted sandwich, fruit turnovers, and quesadillas. Use it to warm up pizza or even make open-face sandwiches. The cafe-style floating lid will press any size sandwich you want for thicker sandwiches.
Stylish and small, store it away in a cabinet or leave it on your counter.
Brentwood Panini Press and Sandwich Maker
Cook one or two sandwiches in this Panini press with perfect grill lines. The plates are nonstick so watch your sandwich slide right onto your plate. Has a locking handle and is easy to carry, making it portable for dorm rooms. Makes sandwiches in just minutes!
OSTBA Panini Maker
If you love sandwiches, you’ll love this Panini maker. Quickly make hot sandwiches, omelets, or French toast. Features non-stick grill plates and folds up nicely to store upright. It also boasts a cool-touch handle for safe use. Perfect for college students or busy families.
Lumme Sandwich and Panini Maker
Make some sandwich art with this sandwich grill. Features include nonstick plates that are easy to clean once cooled, preheat light, compact design perfect for storage, and a stylish exterior. Quickly cook any sandwich or French toast and your taste buds will be satisfied in no time.
Yabano Panini Press
Compact but with plenty of power, this Panini grill provides uniform heating for a perfect Panini every time. This press makes grilling easy and fast – an ideal option for busy people. Features include two large cooking plates, non-stick coating for easy cooking and cleaning, and stainless steel exterior, making this press both stylish and functional.
Brentwood Non-Stick Panini Maker
Small, portable, and easy to carry, this Panini maker is perfect for students. It makes up to two sandwiches at a time and cooks in just minutes. Grill lines ensure even heating and the non-stick grill plates make the sandwich slide right off. Handle locks for easy transport.
Happy Sales Grilled Sandwich Panini Maker
This Panini maker goes on top of the stove to get its heat. Made from die-cast aluminum with a nonstick coating, your food won’t stick to the pan and it will be easy to clean the plates. It’s dishwasher safe.
BC Classics Flat Grill Sandwich Maker
This Panini press comes with nonstick flat grids for the perfect press. It’s fast, easy to use, and easy to clean up. Features include a cool-touch handle, compact for upright and easy storage, and an automatic thermostat. If you love making and eating sandwiches like grilled cheese, this is the flat grill press for you.
Large Sandwich Makers
Have a big family? Do friends like to drop by? Here are sandwich makers on the larger side.
George Foreman 5-Serving Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press
Create 5 servings of healthy meats, vegetables, or sandwiches on this Panini press. Perfect for large families or gatherings. Features include nonstick plate coating, removable plates, temperature indicator, and grease removing slot.
George Foreman 9-Serving Basic Plate Electric Grill and Panini Press
Just when you thought the Panini press couldn’t get any bigger, it has. This press cooks a total of nine servings at a time, making it the largest Panini press on this list. Family mealtimes will be so much easier and faster when you opt for this press that comes with many features you don’t want to miss out on.
For example, the patented sloping design makes for healthier cooking, while the heating element heats evenly throughout. It’s also dishwasher safe! The sleek, sliver design is compact enough to store away or on your countertops.
Small Sandwich Makers
Liven Mini Panini Press Grill
When you purchase this product, you’re getting three appliances in one. The press comes with three interchangeable nonstick plates suitable for all kinds of cooking. Features include a 600w motor, automatic thermostat, indicator lights, and a compact design that makes it perfect for small spaces.
Dash Mini Maker Portable Grill Machine and Panini Press
Make dinner in a dash with this mini Panini press. Perfect for college students who make one meal at a time. Also perfect for small kitchens and RV living. Features include a lightweight, compact style, 1-year warranty, and nonstick plates.
KotiCidsin Sandwich Maker and Panini Grill
You’ll get more kitchen counter space with this compact sandwich maker and Panini grill. The temperature reaches 392 ℉ for even cooking throughout. Food cooks quickly (3 to 5 minutes) so you’ll have your meal on the table in no time.
Cooks more than just sandwiches, use this Panini grill for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Features include 3-in-1 multifunction with three sets of interchangeable plates, dishwasher safe, LED lights, non-slip feet, and an anti-scald handle.
Health and Home Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press
Comes in yellow to brighten up any kitchen countertop, especially if you’re tight on space. Perfect for dorms, small apartments, and singles or couples, this Panini press makes two generous servings. Features nonstick coating that is both durable and easy to clean, grease drainage technology for healthy cooking, and a light indicator that lets you know your sandwich is done.
De’Longhi Livenza Compact All Day Grill
If you’re looking for a versatile appliance for healthier cooking, this compact all-day grill is the perfect press for grilling and making hot sandwiches. Excess oil is drained into a cup so your meals are instantly healthier. Compact and durable, easily store this Panini press out of the way or keep it on the counter to match your decor.
Other features include interchangeable plates that are dishwasher safe, an interlocking system that keeps the grill closed, and indicator lights for a perfect grilled cheese sandwich.
Multi-Functional Sandwich Maker Plus Grill
Become a master chef when you turn your sandwich maker into a multi-functional grill that can cook just about anything.
George Foreman Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
With up to five servings, everyone at the table should be satisfied with dinner when you use this George Foreman grill. Cook multiple items at one time – bacon, steak, eggs, and veggies, to name a few. Boasts a versatile function with removable nonstick ceramic plates.
Other features include digital controls for time and temperature, easy cleaning, and a searing option that reaches 500°F.
Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill
More than just an electric sandwich maker, the Chefman is a gourmet sandwich maker. It’s so easy to use – just push a button – that you’ll be eating sandwiches morning, noon, and night. Not only sandwiches, but burgers, steaks, veggies, and anything else you can grill.
The floating hinge allows for any sandwich thickness and the press is large enough to make two Panini at a time. Easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
Chef Buddy Panini Press and Grill
Are you looking to cook more healthy? If so, the Chef Buddy Panini Press can help. This press features a grease channeling system that cuts back on the amount of fat in your food. Grill steaks, burgers, kabobs or have an old-fashioned Panini – all without the extra unhealthy grease.
This Panini maker does it all. Comes with a non-stick grill for easy cleanup. Store this stylish Panini press on your counter for easy access.
Sunbeam Panini Maker and Grill
Do you like a thin sandwich or a thick sandwich? Maybe a mix? This Sunbeam Panini Maker has a floating hinge system to adjust sandwich thickness. It also converts into a flat grill, making this an all-in-one sandwich toaster.
Cuisinart Griddler Panini Press (Refurbished) and Grill
Are you a fan of recycling? This refurbished Cuisinart Griddler Panini Press is as good as new. It includes all the original accessories and boasts a 90-day warranty. Features include a Panini press, grill, griddle, and half grill/griddle.
Nonstick cooking plates make it easy to cook and clean up afterward. Also contains an integrated drip tray to get rid of unwanted grease.
NutriChef Panini Press and Grill
Make your favorite Panini or crepes with this plug-in Panini press that cooks everything to perfection. The nonstick surface has never made cooking so easy – and fast! You’ll be enjoying your Panini in a matter of minutes with this sandwich maker. Cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner with the press for quick and healthy eating.
Fry or scramble eggs, cook bacon to a crisp and be sure to try out all your favorite sandwiches. Easily store away when not in use.
Deik Indoor Smokeless Grill and Panini Press
Grill or press almost anything with the Deik Indoor Smokeless Grill and Panini Press. Features 1200W of Panini making power that delivers heat evenly across your sandwich using a nonstick grill plate. It has grease draining technology, which makes this grill perfect for fish, meat, and vegetables – along with Panini.
Offers a 30 return window and 24 hours customer service.
T-Fal Electric Grill and Panini Press
If you don’t want the smell of what you’re cooking to linger for long, consider this Panini press choice. It boasts a double filtration system that reduces odors by up to 69 percent. Cook steak, chicken, fish, burgers, and vegetables without having to worry about a grill smell in your home.
Features also include grease drainage, nonstick plates, and light features that tell you when the food is ready.
De’Longhi Contact Grill and Panini Press
For fast, even grilling and pressing every time, this is the sandwich press for you. Features double-sided contact cooking plates, an adjustable hinge for any sandwich thickness, easy to see temperature range, and a titled surface to drain grease into a cup. Easy to cook and easy to clean.
Ovente Electric Countertop Panini Press Grill
This Panini grill packs a punch with 1000 watts of energy heating your Panini. Like other sandwich makers, this press makes food quickly and evenly with beautiful grill marks. In fact, grill more than just a sandwich.
Use it for meat, fish, and vegetables, too. Features include a two-sided cooking plate, thermostat control, indicator lights, and a floating lid. Compact, easy to use, and easy to clean.
George Foreman 2-Serving Classic Plate Electric Indoor Grill and Panini Press
Can you taste it yet? Grill up two Panini in no time to satisfy your craving with the George Foreman Panini Press. The non-stick coating makes grilling and cleans up effortlessly. You won’t need butter or oil to make your next Panini. Small and nicely designed, this appliance will get a lot of use so keep it on the countertop.
Marquette Castings Enameled Grill Pan with Press
Love to grill in your kitchen? Do it every day with this Panini press that has a lifetime warranty for U.S.. residents. The square shape is an improved design that delivers even heating to all your sandwiches. Tall grill lines give everything you cook that grilled look and taste, but without all the extra fat of cooking on the stovetop.
Durable handle and preheating feature, this press also boasts a semi-gloss enamel for easy cleanup.
Granitestone Indoor Grill & Panini Press
With this press, you can enjoy anything grilled during any season. Who wants to grill in the cold, wind, rain, and snow when you can conveniently grill in your very own kitchen? Healthy eating starts with the Granitestone Indoor Grill and Panini Press available for purchase at Amazon.
Features include double-sided heating plates, a drip tray to catch grease (pulse a sloping design to help drain grease away), nonstick plates for easy cleanup, and indicator lights.
New House Kitchen Stainless Steel Non-Stick Panini Press Grill
When you’re hungry for a quick meal, this New House Panini Grill is your ticket to taste delighted. With just the push of a button, cook a Panini or grill a steak with the adjustable hinge. Comes with easy-to-follow lights so you’ll know when to put your sandwich on the press and when to take it off.
Features non-stick plates for easy cleanup and a gorgeous modern design that will match any kitchen decor.
Sandwich and Waffle Maker
Yedi Panini Press and Waffle Maker
Another Panini press that is the full package, the Yedi sandwich maker does it all. From delicious Panini to perfect waffles, you get various grill plates to make all kinds of recipes in just minutes. What’s more is when you purchase this Panini press you also get two egg rings, a spatula, and tongs. They offer a money-back guarantee.
HOMEVER 3-IN-1 Sandwich Maker
Multifunctional with a sleek design, this sandwich maker is stylish and looks great on any kitchen countertop, or easily store away in a drawer or behind a garage appliance. Besides sandwiches, it grills French toast, waffles, meat, vegetables, eggs, and fish for an all-in-one healthy way to cook.
Features include grilling on both sides, nonstick coated plates for easy cleanup, compact design, an automatic thermostat, and rapid heating plates.
Best Choice Electric Sandwich Panini Maker Press
Make steaks, sandwiches, Panini, and more with this 3-in-1 sandwich maker that doubles as a waffle maker. Interchangeable plates make it easy to cook anything you would on a grill. Features a safety design that is heat-resistant, stainless steel exterior, automatic temperature control, and non-slip feet.
The nonstick plates make cleanup and cooking super easy. Compact and small, this press is portable.
Auertech Sandwich and Panini Maker
Make a variety of recipes with this one small appliance with lots of heating power. Enjoy a quick and easy breakfast, lunch, and dinner with this Panini maker that is full of features. These include extra-large nonstick plates, indicator lights, portability, a cool-touch handle, and nonslip feet.
Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill
In the mood for a warm sandwich or Quesadilla? How about your own personal-sized pizza? Whatever your imagination desires, you can get creative with the Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill. The floating lid fits any size sandwich so make them as thin or thick as you like.
When you use a Panini press, there is no need to flip your sandwich or other food as the heating is thorough throughout. Other features include indicator lights, a top lid lock, upright easy storage, and a stylish red finish.
Hongwen Panini Press Grill
Sending your kid off to college? Worried he can’t really cook? Well, anyone can cook with the Hongwen Panini Press Grill. Make sandwiches, waffles, meat, eggs, and more with this 750w sandwich maker that is as easy to clean as it is to use.
Features include an adjustable temperature button, fast cooking (4 to 6 minutes), uniform heating technology, compact size for portability and easy storage, and two large cooking plates, including a waffle plate. This product is available for purchase at Amazon.
Microwaveable Sandwich Makers
LHOTSE Microwavable Grill Portable Sandwich Maker Panini Press
For the faster sandwich grilling action, get this microwavable Panini press, especially if you’re a sandwich lover. The way it works is to cook your food from the bottom tray, just like it would good if you were grilling on a propane or charcoal tank. To prevent grease splatter, the baking trays are double layered.
Also features a recessed handle for easy removal and cleanup. Cook burgers, steaks, chicken, vegetables, bacon, and nearly anything else you would normally grill.
Delish 3 in 1 Sandwich Panini Press
With three detachable cooking plates, you’ll never run out of recipes to cook on this Panini press. Cook waffles, steaks, grill sandwiches, and scrambled eggs without the mess or time needed to cook on the stovetop or your outdoor grill.
This Panini press cooks food quickly (3 to 5 minutes) and easily with non-stick plates, a built-in timer, and even heating throughout. Make mealtime healthy and hassle-free with this Panini press. The cute design is a great addition to your kitchen countertops.
Microwave Sandwich Maker and Panini Press
Small and compact, this sandwich maker won’t take up too much room in your kitchen. What makes this sandwich maker unique is that you use it in the microwave. Features include a nonstick gourmet grid double for easy cooking and cleaning. Like other Panini presses, use this to grill meat, veggies, and fish. BPA-free and dishwasher-safe.
Commercial Sandwich Maker
DESENNIE Commercial Panini Grill
Do you want to cook like the pros? This Panini press will turn you into a professional in no time. Boasts 2200 wattage and designed to cook meat, veggies, eggs, Panini, burgers, and more. Even and fast heating will perfect your Panini or other recipes every time. The grease tray allows for collecting residue while cooking, making for a healthier meal.
You choose the temperature and when it reaches that degree, an indicator light comes on to let you know the Panini press is ready for your sandwich. Takes just 10 minutes or less to cook a satisfying meal.
Ceramic Sandwich Maker
GreenLife Sandwich Pro
Looking for an easy to clean ceramic Panini press? The Greenlife Sandwich Pro plates are free of lead and other toxins for effortless cooking and easy cleanup. Nonstick coating and quick heating design make it easy to toast any sandwich.
Other features include a locking handle for light searing and easy storage, indicator lights making your cooking perfect, and quick and thorough heating throughout. Comes in a pretty pink.
Blue Diamond Ceramic Grill Plates
This grilling appliance boasts maximum flavor from anything you cook or sear. The lay-flat design rests easily on your countertops and gives you the full griddle experience. One knob controls the temperature for easy cooking. Other features include a ceramic nonstick coating that’s actually infused with diamonds and dishwasher safe.
Bulb Head Double-Coated Grilled Sandwich and Panini Maker
Master the art of the hot sandwich with this Panini gourmet sandwich maker. Say goodbye to flipping sandwiches with the double-coated plates that make your sandwich slide right off – and makes for easy cleanup.
Features include copper-infused ceramic plates that interlock, safe non-toxic coating, and delicious recipes you can follow. Offers a ten-piece or 5 pieces set and is endorsed by best-selling author Cathy Mitchell.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a sandwich maker and a Panini maker?
A sandwich maker typically only grills sandwiches or French toast, whereas a Panini maker can also grill or cook things like meat, vegetables, fish, and eggs.
What type of bread do you use for Panini sandwiches?
You can use any type of bread for a Panini sandwich, although traditionally a Panini is made with Italian bread.
How do you choose a sandwich maker?
That depends on what you want to cook. If you want to simply grill or toast sandwiches, get a press just for that. However, if you see yourself grilling more than just sandwiches, choose a sandwich maker that is versatile and can cook a number of things.
What can you do with a sandwich maker?
Sandwich makers are used to grill or toast sandwiches.
Can eggs be cooked on a sandwich maker?
Yes. Depending on the plates used in your sandwich maker, you can make scrambled or fried eggs.
Can you make burgers on a Panini maker?
Yes. Burgers can be made on a Panini maker.
Can you use any type of bread in a sandwich maker?
Yes. Any type of bread can be used in a sandwich maker.
Is grilled cheese a Panini?
Yes and no. Grilled cheese wouldn’t technically be considered a Panini unless it uses Italian bread. However, the term Panini is used loosely to describe any toasted or grilled sandwich.
How to select a good breakfast sandwich maker?
You’ll want a breakfast sandwich maker that also features extra plates to grill bacon or cook eggs.
How do you clean fixed sandwich maker plates?
Wait until they cool and then wipe with a damp cloth.
Should I grease a sandwich maker if it has nonstick plates?
Yes. Otherwise, you risk your sandwich sticking to the plates, which also makes clean up a hassle.
Can a Panini press be used as a grill?
Yes. Typically, a Panini press doubles as a grill where you can grill anything you would outdoors.
Can you cook frozen burgers in a Panini press?
No. The cooking time is too fast to properly defrost and cook burgers in a Panini press.
Can you make waffles in a Panini press?
Some Panini presses come with waffle plates. If your Panini press does not have these extra plates then you cannot make waffles.
What is the difference between a Panini grill and a Panini press?
A grill has lines whereas a press is flat.
Who needs to buy a sandwich maker?
Anyone who has a busy lifestyle and loves sandwiches!
Do you butter the bread for a Panini?
Most Panini presses have nonstick plates so it is not necessary to butter the bread or coat it with olive oil for a Panini.
How do you make a homemade Panini?
You can make a homemade Panini with a grill or press.
How much electricity does a sandwich maker use?
This small appliance uses very little electricity to cook perfect sandwiches and other recipes.
How do removable plates work in a Panini press?
Plates can be swapped out of a Panini press to make various recipes. The plates are flat, have grill marks, or come in a waffle pattern, for example.
What is a tuna melt Panini?
A tuna melt Panini consists of bread, tuna, and cheese toasted in a Panini press.
Can the cooking plates be removed?
In most brands, the plates can be removed for easy cleaning or to swap with another plate.
What is the best cheese for Panini?
Any cheese will do for a Panini. In general, use the cheese the recipe calls for to make a great Panini.
Can Panini presses be returned?
Most Panini presses come with a warranty and return policy. Be sure to read what this policy is before ordering a Panini press.
What to use if you don’t have a Panini press?
You can use a sandwich maker to create a Panini. It’s essentially the same thing. If you don’t have a sandwich maker, you could try a toaster oven or put your conventional oven on broil and toast your sandwich that way.
How do you keep a Panini from getting soggy?
Eat it right away. Leftover sandwiches tend to make the bread soggy.
Is Panini bad for you?
This really depends on what you put in your Panini. The more healthy the ingredients, the healthier the Panini.
What is a sandwich maker called?
A sandwich maker is also called a Panini press or grill.
How much should I spend on a sandwich maker?
Sandwich makers range in price. What you spend depends on what features you’re looking for.
