The Best Panini Presses

Having your own panini press is pretty life-changing. That might sound like an exaggeration, but seriously, who doesn't want to enjoy hot and delicious homemade sandwiches on a whim for a change? And sure, while the panini press may be specifically designed to make paninis, you can also use it to make a variety of other foods, ranging from hash browns (crispy, yummy ones) to mini-pizzas and grilled meats. So with that said, are you ready to tap into your inner foodie? Press and grill sandwiches to your heart's content with any of the products on this list and you'll be one happy (and very satiated) camper.

George Foreman 4-Serving Panini Press

When (You Want to Be) In Rome

This George Foreman panini press makes such a good sandwich, you'll almost feel like you're in Italy.
Best Overall

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To make the most delectable paninis possible, the George Foreman 4-Serving Panini Press is a must-have. This nifty gadget heats up 35 percent faster than most other panini makers, so you get to enjoy your sandwiches as fast as possible. The “Advanced George Tough” coating comes in mighty handy, too – it’s super durable, easy to clean, and it eradicates the need for butter and oil. What’s more, the grill is 60 square inches, so you can easily make a meal for four in one quick, efficient go.

Pros:

  • Has a removable grill plate, so cleanup is really easy
  • It heats up 35 percent faster than other models, so you spend less time in the kitchen
  • The removable plate is dishwasher-safe
  • Use it for paninis or any number of other foods (there’s an adjustable hinge, so you can accommodate a range of foods)
  • Has a non-stick coating that effectively keeps butter, oil, and other food from sticking to the plate

Cons:

  • It does take up space on the counter, so if you’re looking for something a little more portable and compact, this might not be it

George Foreman 2-Serving Panini Press

Romantic Dinner for Two

For an Italian-inspired date night, the George Foreman 2-Serving Panini Press is at your service.
Best for 2 Servings

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If you’re short on counter space, get the space-saving George Foreman 2-Serving Panini Press, which is all you need to make perfectly toasted sandwiches every single time. Ideal for date night, this panini maker fits two servings of your grilled favorites, so it’s great for couples and those with minimal kitchen space. Cleanup is easy thanks to the non-stick coating, and the sloped grilling surface helps remove over 40 percent of fat, for leaner, tastier meals.

Pros:

  • Compact design can still fit two servings
  • Reduces the need for butter and oil since the non-stick coating is so solid
  • Has a sloped grilling surface that helps remove up to 42 percent of fat
  • The dishwasher-safe drip tray effectively collects excess from fat and grease

Cons:

  • The grill plate isn’t removable, so this model might not be best if you want to cook a lot of meat on your panini press

Dash Portable Panini Press

Small But Mighty

The Dash Portable Panini Press just might be the cutest thing we've ever seen.
Most Compact

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Step up your sandwich game with the Dash Portable Panini Press, which boasts such a sleek, compact size that it takes up virtually no space in your kitchen. Seriously, this press couldn’t be cuter. It comes in several adorable colors (including aqua, red, and pink), and weighs just under 1 pound, making it the perfect panini maker for people with a small kitchen. This device is teeny, yes, but powerful, too. It takes just a couple minutes to pre-heat it, and the non-stick surface provides consistent cooking results (and is a total breeze to clean).

Pros:

  • Cute, compact size (it’s just 5 x 6 x 2.8 inches)
  • Heats up in mere minutes
  • Available in several cheery colors, ranging from aqua to bright red
  • Has a dual non-stick surface, so you get even results every time
  • Even comes with a one-year warranty
  • A great value buy

Cons:

  • It’s a little tough to clean all the nooks and crannies of this press since it’s so small

Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press

Bound to Impress Your Guests

There's a whole lot to love about the (very impressive) Hamilton Beach Panini Press.
Best Restaurant Style

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If you want restaurant-quality paninis, you’d better have a restaurant-quality panini maker on hand. Enter the Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press, which is sure to impress all your family and friends with its cutting-edge features and ability to churn out the best-tasting paninis imaginable – or basically any other food you’re craving. With a brushed stainless steel construction and a floating lid for even heat distribution, this panini maker makes incredibly flavorful cafe-style sandwiches. It also packs up upright, so it easily (and very neatly) fits inside any cabinet. Move over, pro chefs.

Pros:

  • Use this press to make paninis, quesadillas, sandwiches, turnovers, and more
  • Has a floating lid that evenly presses down on your panini
  • The non-stick, floating top and bottom allow for crisp, even, delicious cooking
  • Sears in flavor really well
  • You can store this device upright
  • The stainless steel/gleaming chrome finish combination is rather stylish

Cons:

  • For best results, you do need to pre-heat this panini press

OSTBA Sandwich Maker

Safety First

With the OSTBA Panini Press at the ready, you never have to worry about burning your fingers ever again.
Safest Design

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Life is better, safer, and tastier with the OSTBA Sandwich Maker by your side. If you’re a bit, ahem, accident-prone in the kitchen, you’ll love this panini maker’s cool-touch locking handle, which allows for safe, burn-free operation. Made of classic copper and stainless steel, this device heats up fast and evenly thanks to its dual-locking plates and 750 watts of high power. Convenient, safe to use, easy to clean, and able to churn out truly tasty paninis in mere minutes – what more could you ask for from a panini press?

Pros:

  • The design is sleek and safe
  • The cool-touch locking handle allows for easy portability and safe operation
  • Indicator lights let you know when it’s pre-heated
  • Super-effective non-stick grill plates
  • Heats up quickly and evenly

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have a power switch; you have to unplug it

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a panini press make other food items?

Yes, most panini presses are actually very versatile devices, despite the name. In addition to gourmet sandwiches, you can use a panini maker to make burgers, grilled meats and fish, and grilled veggies. You could even make a panini pizza using fresh pizza dough, cheese, tomato sauce (or pesto), and your preferred toppings. Heck, you could even make an omelet in your press. The sky’s the limit, so get creative.

How do I clean my panini press?

First, you should only ever buy a panini press with a non-stick surface so that all you need to do is simply wipe the grill once or twice after using (which, by the way, you should do every time). When it’s time for a more thorough clean, though, you can use a scrub brush and some soap and water to (gently, ever so gently) hand-wash your press.