Best Panini Presses in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 2, 2024
Would you like to treat your loved ones with fantastic family meals? If so, we'd recommend you to get a panini press and prepare ...Read more
PROS
The automatic sensor cooking function allows detecting the number of items, their thickness and size put on the grill surface. The plates at a 7-degree angle channel fat from food into a large drip tray.
CONS
Auto mode requires longer cooking time.
OUR VERDICT
Tefal Panini press stands out for its large grill surface area and high heating capacity. Cooking in this panini press is a fast and easy way to prepare healthy breakfast for a large family. Available in different sizes.
detailed parameters
PLATE DESIGN
Grill plates
DIMENSIONS

600 cm²

HEATING OPTIONS
Manual mode with 4 temperature settings, 6 automatic cooking programs
TOP PLATE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Floating hinge, Opens up to 100°
POWER
2000 W
USABILITY
On/Off switch, Indicator light and beep system, Automatic sensor cooking and Cooking level indicator, Frozen food mode, Dishwasher-safe removable plates and drip tray, Heat-resistant handles
MATERIALS
Stainless steel housing, Non-stick die-cast aluminium grill plates
GRILL SURFACE AREA
22.2 x 40.6 x 37.8 cm
WARRANTY
2 years
PROS

The power-on and ready-to-use indicators make it easy for you to intuitively know when to start cooking. The non-stick coating on the plates is easy to clean.

CONS

The power is relatively low.

OUR VERDICT

The Breville Panini press can hold up to 3 sandwiches at once, toasting them quickly and evenly to a crispy crust. Thanks to the vertical storage, it doesn't require much space on the countertop. A recipe booklet comes included.

detailed parameters
PLATE DESIGN

Grill plates

DIMENSIONS

~ 400 cm²

HEATING OPTIONS

N/A

TOP PLATE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Floating hinge, Opens up to 100°

POWER

1000 W

USABILITY

Power-on and ready-to-use indicators, Locking mechanism, Cool touch handle, Non-slip feet and built-in cord storage

MATERIALS

Stainless steel body, Non-stick coated aluminum plates

GRILL SURFACE AREA

9.4 x 27.6 x 23.5 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

Designed with functionality in mind, this nice 3-in-1 Panini press is well-suited for cooking meat, vegetables, cookies, and toasties. Imbue your food with a smoky flavour!

CONS
Fingerprints can be left on the housing.
OUR VERDICT
With the Russell Hobbs 3-in-1 Panini press, you can cook not only traditional English breakfast but a great variety of other delectable meals, pampering the taste buds of your family and guests.
detailed parameters
PLATE DESIGN
Grill plates
DIMENSIONS

504 cm²

HEATING OPTIONS
N/A
TOP PLATE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT
Adjustable hinge, Opens up to 180°
POWER
1800 W
USABILITY
Drip tray, Automatic sensor cooking and Cooking level indicator, Cord storage, Heat-resistant handles
MATERIALS
Stainless steel housing, Non-stick coated plates
GRILL SURFACE AREA
14 х 32 х 31.7 cm
WARRANTY
2 years
PROS

The ridged surface of the plates allows the grease to quickly drain off and then fall into the built-in drip tray. As a result, the food is not only tasty, but also healthy. 

CONS

The instructions are somewhat sketchy.

OUR VERDICT

The NETTA 2-slice Panini press & grill allows you to not only grill Paninis, but also ciabattas, pita bread, tortillas, and other favorite pastries, as well as meat and vegetables. The built-in thermostat will let you control the cooking temperature and follow the recipes.

detailed parameters
PLATE DESIGN

Grill plates

DIMENSIONS

468 cm²

HEATING OPTIONS

An adjustable temperature gauge

TOP PLATE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Floating hinge, Opens up to 100°

POWER

1500 W

USABILITY

Power-on and ready-to-cook indicators, Fat drip tray, Cool touch handle, Non-slip feet

MATERIALS

Stainless steel housing, Plates with non-stick coating

GRILL SURFACE AREA

11 x 30.5 x 25.5 cm

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The floating hinges are flexible up to 180 degrees so you can grill in perfect slices. The non-slip feet provide stability to the device on any kitchen surface.

CONS

The bottom of the grill does get hot, so it's not recommended to put it directly on the kitchen counter, especially the laminated wood one.

OUR VERDICT

The Aigostar Panini press is so easy to use you can achieve brilliant results on the first try even if you have no special culinary skills. Moreover, it's amazingly versatile so no matter what your meal you like, you can make it with its help. 

detailed parameters
PLATE DESIGN

Grill plates

DIMENSIONS

472.5 cm²

HEATING OPTIONS

An adjustable temperature gauge

TOP PLATE HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT

Floating hinge, Opens up to 180°

POWER

1500 W

USABILITY

Power-on and ready-to-cook indicators, Fat drip tray, Cool touch handle, Non-slip feet and built-in cord storage

MATERIALS

Stainless steel housing, Plates with non-stick coating

GRILL SURFACE AREA

11.2 x 31.5 x 27.6 cm

WARRANTY

2 years

Automatic Food Preparation

In our opinion, the Tefal GC713D40 Panini Press Griddler is argubly the best sandwich maker you can find. Not only does it offer awesome functionality, but its performance is also a far cry from what you'd get with most models.

To start with the functionality, the Tefal GC713D40 features a great number of automatic and manual settings, which allow you to select the most suitable temperature for your meal. Thanks to that, there's less guesswork and the results are always great. Secondly, the device is featured with Automatic Sensor Cooking. This is a handy feature that automatically adjusts the cooking cycle for the best outcome, making sure all of the ingredients are well done and crisp.

For your choice, the Tefal GC713D40 offers six cooking programmes - Burger, Chicken, Bacon, Sausage, Red Meat and Fish. But if you'd like to play with the settings yourself, the device allows you to switch it to a manual mode, in which you can fully control the panini-making process and do what you believe is best.

Cook Steaks Like in a Steakhouse

Many of us would love to be virtuous in the kitchen, cooking meat of any doneness degree, however, in spite of how simple the process may seem at first, it does require experience. In this sense, the Tefal Panini Press can be a great purchase because it is not difficult to use and all guides are all there in front of you. Keeping an eye on a Cooking Level Indicator you will always know the exact time when your sandwich is ready and can be served. The cooking programmes will let you set the right temperature for cooking steaks, depending on what kind of meat you'd like to get in the end - rare with blood, medium-rate or well-done. No need to calculate minutes or peer into the unit, this panini press will cook the perfect meat that you will like.

Extremely Durable Plates

The Tefal panini press features durable non-stick die-cast aluminium plates and a large 600cm2 cooking surface, that provides endless cooking options for a large family or a company of friends. Furthermore, the plates have a 7-degree angle edge to allow excess fat from food to drip into a special tray at the bottom of the unit.  

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £93.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01BLFHQ04

VIDEO

Toasting to Perfection

Panini, tea cakes, or crumpets, the Breville press will give you many snacks and toasties. Whatever the filling or thickness is, the outcome will be purely delicious for you and the family.

Need more snacks, quick? No problem at all, as the large plates can hold up to 3 sandwiches at once. Start every morning with the wonderfully toasted bread slices and no melted cheese leaks. Ciabattas and rolls are also on the list, as well as many other bread snacks. European or Mexican cuisine, this versatile device can handle it all.

The floating plate of this press accommodates the thin or thick bread with no fuss. It also ensures the even toasting so that your Panini doesn’t come out over- or underdone. You can use this device to warm up some croissants or heat up pittas, too.

Both plates are smooth and have an upscale non-stick coating. This means that you won’t have to add oil or butter. Non-filling breads can be toasted easily thanks to the flat plate design. And if the filling does leak, all you need is to simply wipe it off.

Pressed for space in a smaller kitchen? The Breville can stand vertically for even more compact storage and has a built-in cord compartment.

Ready in No Time

Using this Panini press is easy as ABC thanks to its user-centric design. It takes very little time to heat up, and a sandwich will be ready in less than 3 minutes. Despite the relatively small 1000 W power, this press is quick to toast your snacks, so no need to wait for ages to have them on the table.

No second-guessing as to when the press is ready to be used. The handy indicators will alert you about the power-on (red) and the readiness (green). After that, all you have to do is load in the snacks and put the plate down. Yes, it doesn’t have a temp control, but you won’t really be needing it unless your recipe is super complex.

The Breville is one of those devices that can look brand new even after years of use. The non-stick coating means simply wiping off the leaks and food leftovers. No crevices to dig out food from – or any other issues that a cloth, a paper towel, or some dish soap won’t resolve.

Finally, you can forget about accidental burns with the convenient cool touch handle. Move this handy lightweight press around as much as you want.

To sum up, this versatile and quick Panini press will be a great find for snack lovers that want more in less time.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £29.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B0048EJQBS

Pay for One Appliance - Get 2 Cooking Surfaces

If you plan to use your panini press on a regular basis and cook batches of food for your friends and family, then you will need to get a device with a capacious cooking surface. The Russell Hobbs 17888 Panini Press can be the right thing! 
The appliance opens up flat that doubles your cooking area, allowing you to grill foods on both sides. This is possible owing to the adjustable 180° hinge that allows for grilling sandwiches and paninis of any thickness and placing a large variety of foods on one unit. It’s a real time saver! However, when the Panini press is opened up flat, it cannot reach the same temperature as with the lid closed. The griddle design directs any excess fat into the built-in drip tray, catching all spills. The drip trays are located on both sides of the appliance, that prevents fat drippings and keeps your countertop clean.

Multitasking 3-in-1 Appliance

The Russell Hobbs Panini press can be opened up flat that significantly increases your cooking options. This ultimate kitchen tool can be used as a classic Panini press with the lid closed to cook a variety of sandwiches with those coveted grill marks. Using the appliance as a full griddle allows you to cook bacon, eggs, and delicious French toast for breakfast. Moreover, the Panini press can be used to grill meat without oil. Indeed, this wonderful Panini press is an indispensable appliance in any kitchen. It allows you to prepare delectable recipes to enjoy with your family and friends. 

A Useful Tip

What makes the Russell Hobbs 3-in-1 Panini Press different from many other models is its height-adjustable hinge allowing people to place food of different sizes and thickness between the plates with ease. If you love to experiment with the filling, this particular model is what you need.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £53.49
Stock In stock
ASIN B002MRS1LY

VIDEO

Covers Your Fav Snacks

A Panini maker plus a health grill in one unit? Congrats, you’ve stumbled upon the NETTA press & grill. This versatile kitchen machine prepares your favourite snacks without any effort.

Let’s start with the fact that this grill covers Panini and ciabattas, tortillas and pitta bread, even tea cakes, without breaking a sweat. As for the health grill, you can fry anything from bacon to burgers or veggies. The NETTA saves you money on multiple kitchen devices with its multifunctional design. The power of 1500 W lets you warm up, toast, or roast multiple foods.

Now a few words about the design, which really fits a modern kitchen. The grill looks both classic and contemporary, with sleek black & silver colour profile, temp control knob, and two big indicator lights. In short, this is not the device to hide away from guests when they pay a visit. You can proudly show it off on your kitchen counter during a house party.

The ridged surface of this grill removes the excess fat in a wink of an eye. Cook healthily for everyone at home – and feel the benefits that come with this impressive kitchen device.

More Cooking Surface

The NETTA grill is not only stylish but also extra easy in use. Yes, the instructions could be a little more detailed, but after a few sessions, you’ll be able to toast or roast like you’ve done it for months. The hinged lid can accommodate thick or thin bread slices, enhancing your snack menu. Moreover, it can open horizontally as well as vertically to double up the cooking space. You can carry the grill around with no risk, using the safe cool touch handle.

This grill reaches the max temperature really quick, and the temp control gives you a solid range for different snacks or foods. The indicator lights mark the “power” and “ready-to-cook” modes with the red and green colour respectively. No more second-guessing whether the grill is ready to be used.

Easy to clean, the NETTA comes with non-stick plates and a well-designed drip tray. Thanks to the latter, the grease and drippings are very easy to remove; just pull the tray out and empty it, that’s all. When you’re cleaning up the unit after a dinner or a party, simply wipe off the food leftovers with a cloth.

Overall, this 2-in-1 kitchen machine will take good care of your bread snack and grill needs at home.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £37.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07HKHSNCS

Any Snack You Want

If you’re looking for a grill plus toaster that can handle multiple toasts or snacks, the Aigostar may be the right choice for you. It can handle Panini and sandwiches just as well as your typical grilled food, from meat and fish to veggies.

You can use this kitchen machine for various bread snacks – or turn it at 180° into the open griddle position. If you want to save up and have it all in a single unit, the Aigostar is ready to oblige. More versatility, more cooking space – and more delicious meals for you, the family, and guests.

This high power unit delivers 1500 W for fast grilling and toasting. A quick sandwich in the morning before work or a solid burger during the lunch break; all can be done in no time and to the culinary perfection.

You’re always in control of the temp output by simply turning the knob from “min” to “max”. On the highest setting, your two Panini will take around 10 minutes to be done. The heat-up is also pretty quick, so no need to wait (im)patiently until the grill gets ready for your cooking jobs. Perfect for the last-minute snack prepping at home or office kitchen.

User-Friendly to a ‘T’

The floating hinge system of this grill helps you fit in the bread snacks of various thicknesses. Ciabattas, crumpets, or tea cakes, the Aigostar can handle all and keep the bread down with no issues. Enjoy the snacks from the European and Mexican cuisine without having to drive to the nearest food outlet.

The handy indicator lights will always alert you when the machine is ready to be used. The red light stands for “power”, and the green one turns on when the machine is “ready-to-cook”. Forget the second-guessing and start using the grill as soon as the temp is right.

This stylish kitchen device comes in the sleek black & silver design that’s both traditional and modern. The non-slip feet will hold it firmly in place, although keep in mind that the bottom of the grill does get hot. For this reason, it is not recommended to put the machine directly on the counter, especially if it’s laminated wood.

Thanks to the integrated drip tray, the fat and excess fluids can be easily removed from the grill. Your food will get healthier, and cleaning the device will no longer be a chore.

As evident, this practical grill/toaster supplies you with first class snacks and other food without leaving home.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £29.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07KZRBHVB

Infographics


What Is a Panini Press?

The panini press is an electric contact grill with a grooved surface that allows you to toast and grill all types of bread in a short span of time. The advantage of panini presses is that sandwiches made with their help always come out crispy yet soft and have appetising grill marks with a mouth-watering smoky flavour. More to that, they can be used to make a whole variety of other savory snacks - starting from paninis and crumpets to grilled vegetables to meat steaks,  - which makes them an ideal device for those who value versatility.

Will you be happier with something more basic? In that case, we recommend that you take a look at our review of sandwich makers. And if you or your kids love to have waffles, why not invest in a waffle maker and make your breakfasts more diverse?

What Features to Compare

Panel Design

Choosing a panini press is easier than you may think, however, some key features should be taken into account. The first thing you should consider when selecting a panini maker is the plate design. There are panini grills with a grooved surface, which creates appetising, toasty grill marks on both sides of sandwiches, chicken fillet or any other food. Indeed, panini presses are ideal for cooking panini itself, meat, fish and most vegetables. The griddle plates have a smooth, flat surface that allows conducting heat directly from the griddle surface to the food item. It’s perfect for preparing grilled cheese sandwiches, pancakes, or scrambled eggs.

Cooking Surface Dimensions

It should be noted that the larger the cooking surface is, the more sandwiches or other foods it can accommodate at a time. Actually, an extra-large cooking surface can be of great value for a large family. If you are looking for a versatile device, it’s worth paying attention to the heating options, namely the ability to adjust the temperature and heat levels. Though, if you need a simple device for preparing panini, an adjustable thermostat is not so important. Besides, a height-adjustable hinge or a floating hinge is also essential since it allows you to grill even the thickest sandwiches evenly. There are models, which can be used as an open toaster for making open-faced sandwiches. There are also panini grills that can open flat backwards up to 180°, that gives a double cooking surface and increase the cooking capacity.

Usability

And finally, you should take a close look at the usability that also depends on the materials used and the dimensions of the device. The indicator lights allow for better control and simplify the cooking process. A tilted grill surface or drain channels allow draining off excess grease and liquid from fried foods for a healthier meal. The drip trays or other grill drip containers are designed to catch extra grease. Those models that come equipped with dishwasher safe removable plates, greatly facilitate clean-up. Furthermore, some manufacturers provide panini presses with special grill cleaning tools. If your kitchen is small you should pay particular attention to grill dimensions as well as the presence of a locking storage clip for upright storage and a cord wrap. A durable housing material provides long-lasting durability of the device. And, nonstick plates will make cleanup much easier and help cook healthier meals.

Sources:

1. Panini Grill Buying Guide, WebstaurantStore.

2. Panini Grill, RecipeTips.

3. Emily Han More Than Sandwiches: 10 Ways to Use Your Panini Press Every Day, Kitchn. January 25, 2013.

4. Ariel Knutson 18 Surprising Things You Can Make In A Panini Press, BuzzFeed. May 8, 2013.

5. Mariette Mifflin What's the Difference Between a Griddle and Grill? About. March 21, 2016.

6. Panini (sandwich), Wikipedia. January 7, 2017.

7. How to Make a Panini, wikiHow.

8. How to Use a Panini Press With Great Results, eHow.

9. Indoor Grill & Sandwich Maker Buying Guide, Abt.

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