Best Panini Press Reviews 2018

The prices of Panini presses vary based on their design, material used, size, features, and brand. Available features in a particular product are one of the greatest influences on its price; a Panini press with many features in a versatile design is bound to cost you more than a basic model. Further, avoid cheap Panini presses made from poor-quality materials such as cheap plastic parts that can break easily or hamper your health.

You’ll find a Panini press appliance built to meet all your needs from $20 to $200, depending on the factors mentioned above. Assess your needs to ensure what you buy is what you need and will use.

Panini presses are built with different features to meet specific needs. You should first assess your needs to help you know the best press for you. Purchase one with more features to enjoy different uses and for trying out various recipes. You also need to determine the capacity or servings you want from your Panini press. The need for an adjustable press also goes without saying.

Here are the important features to look for in a Panini press:

• Plate Design: The right plate design for you could include removable plates.
• Quality: The press should be durable and made from convenient material.
• Size and Capacity: It should be conveniently-sized, but still have enough room to hold your food.
• Power Rating: Ideal power ratings for high performance in your region
• Care: The recommended care should be relatively simple.
• Floating Hinge: This is used for adjustments.
• Adjustable Thermostat: This is to be used for temperature control.
• Grill: This should be nonstick and offer sufficient surface area.
• Plates: There are removable and under plates.

With the right Panini press, you won’t just be able to make the most delicious Paninis, but also other delicacies based on the cooking options provided.

Consider the following factors to help you find a suitable Panini press for you:

Plate Design – Consider buying a Panini press with a removable plate as it’s easy to clean; they’re even dishwasher-safe. This can allow you to multitask by letting the plate run in a dishwasher as you work on other tasks. Further, if your plate wears out or gets damaged, you can easily get it replaced. You can find replacement parts in stores retailing kitchen appliances.

Material – Materials such as aluminum and iron are used to make Panini presses, including those with nonstick surfaces. Although aluminum is less expensive, the plates lose heat quickly and food can stick easily on them. Consider aluminum Panini presses if they have nonstick coating. Iron-cast plates are more expensive and heavier. Although heating time is longer, they’re good heat retainers, hence help conserve energy.

If well-maintained, they can prevent food from sticking on the plates, making cleaning easier. For the best results, opt for non-stick material on your press. It heats up quickly, reducing power consumption, and also promote the preparation of healthy foods as less oil is used for cooking. However, more care is needed as nonstick surfaces get damaged easily.

Capacity – The amount of food you can make at a go depends on the surface area of the grilling plate. Plates with large surface areas are ideal for large families and for commercial applications. Smaller Panini presses are ideal for home settings with small families. Choose the right capacity based on your expected servings.

Power – When buying a Panini press, make sure the power rating matches that of your region. A Panini press with an adjustable thermostat can enable you to control temperatures as required. Timers are also important as you can set start and stop times to help you conserve energy with ease.

Care – The amount of care required varies based on the type of appliance in question and the material it’s made from. Clean your Panini press as per the manufacturers' instructions for hygienic reasons. A removable nonstick plate design is easy to clean as no scrubbing is required; the plate is dishwasher-safe, hence can be cleaned with other utensils in the machine. Consider one with an under plate to collect dripping oils and food particles, as well.

A good Panini press should effortlessly meet your cooking needs. It should come with a user manual for ease of installation, use, and care. A technical manual will come in handy as well, if there’s need for repair and your local technician isn’t conversant with the particular brand. However, it’s recommended to use the manufacturer’s authorized dealers to repair your appliance.

Make sure your Panini press has readily-available parts in case there’s need to replace them. Look out for a product backed with a warranty as well to secure your appliance from manufacturing faults. Buy from a popular brand and ensure there’s a money-back guarantee with the Panini press.