If you love buying paninis from your local deli or restaurant you should consider buying a panini press. This is the easiest way to make them from the comfort of your own home. You will also save a lot of money in the long run.
A panini press is primarily used to heat paninis to perfection as well as grilling meat and vegetables.
The construction is fairly simple. A panini press consists of one fixed base grill and one grill that moves downwards on top of it. The two grills work in tandem to cook your food evenly on both sides.
A panini press sounds like a simple device. However, with so many features being added to new products every year, it may seem like a difficult task to choose one. To help you find the best panini press for you, we have come up with this handy buying guide.
Continue reading for all our tips and information.
What can you do with a panini press?
Do you think a panini press is only for grilling sandwiches? Think again! A panini press is a versatile kitchen appliance. Here are some of the cool things you can do with them.
Press paninis
Panini presses, as the name suggests, will grill a panini, leaving the bread a little crispy and warm. Pro tip: If you want the perfect panini don’t press too hard - this will prevent your filling from falling out.
Bacon
If you want crispy bacon in under 6 minutes, use a panini press. The press will cook the bacon evenly on both sides without the need to flip it. Cooking bacon on a panini press usually requires zero oil as the material of the grills is often non-stick. This makes panini press bacon a healthier alternative to the pan-fried variety.
Veggies
There are a variety of ways you can cook vegetables, but one of the tastiest and healthiest ways is to grill them. Recreate the memories and the flavors of a summer BBQ by using a little olive oil, rosemary, and of course, a panini press.
Burgers
Cooking burgers on a panini press is much faster than cooking them under a conventional grill oven.
Quesadillas
A panini press allows you to grill your quesadillas on two sides at once. This means you will be able to enjoy the melted cheesy goodness of a quesadilla much faster than if cooked under a conventional grill oven. If you think about it, a quesadilla is just a Mexican panini really!
Chicken breast
You can also cook chicken breast on your panini press! Just make sure the meat is fully cooked before serving.
Things to consider when buying a panini press
With so many panini presses on the market, it can be difficult to make the correct purchase. After all, no two panini presses are created equal.
Size
If you have a small kitchen, we recommend that you purchase a small panini press. This will help save space. You can also buy one that stands upright when not in use.
Removable grills
If you want a panini press that is easy to clean, you should look for one with removable non-stick grills.
Angled grills
If you are planning on using your panini press for more than just paninis, opt for one with a downward slant. When cooking fatty foods such as meat or fish, the fat will run down the grill and drain into a tub, ready for you to throw away. It also drains excess moisture from vegetables.
Temperature
Most panini presses heat up to one specific temperature. These kinds of panini presses usually have a light to indicate when the panini press is heating and when the panini press is at the correct temperature to start cooking. If you want something a little more sophisticated and versatile, you can opt for a panini press with an adjustable temperature.
Non-stick
All panini presses should be non-stick. You can find this information in the list of specifications. We do not recommend buying a panini press that doesn’t specify it is non-stick.
Scratch-resistant
This is a good feature to look for in your new panini press. If your panini press is not scratch-resistant, the non-stick coating of your grill will be more easily damaged.
Flat grill
As well as the classic ridged panini press, you can also get a flat grill. This allows for even grilling throughout your panini and other food items. However, the ridges of the grill are what give the panini its classic grill lines. If the presentation is important to you, go for a ridged panini press.
Lock lid
Purchase a panini with a locking lid so you don’t need to manually hold the top grill down. This will let you prepare other food while waiting for the panini to cook.
Floating hinge
A floating hinge on a panini press allows you to grill a wider range of thicker foods. It will hold the top grill open at different angles as well as allowing the panini press to fully close.
Other considerations
When you see a panini press that has all your desired features, look at the customer reviews on Amazon to see if it performs well. Pay particular attention to the customer reviews of people with a verified purchase. If you cannot choose between two devices, always choose the product with a warranty.
Panini press price range
You can buy a panini press for home use between the prices of $25 and $60.
FAQ
How long should I cook a panini on a panini press?
Grill your panini on a panini press for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is crispy and the cheese has melted. This is the general recommendation for most panini presses. However, you are always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
What are some sides I could have with my panini?
A warm panini goes well with a caesar salad, coleslaw, and some french fries. Alternatively, you could enjoy your panini dipped in a healthy vegetable soup.
What vegan toppings can I put on a panini?
Try topping your panini with avocado, mustard, mango chutney, and cashew nuts. Another option is hummus, olives, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. Alternatively, you can get a vegan version of any meat, cheese, or condiments.