Are you looking to spice up your menu? A panini grill will allow you to cook fresh, melty sandwiches that can be enjoyed at lunch or dinner. Best of all, panini presses and spike toasters can also be used to cook meats, vegetables, wraps, and other dishes quickly and efficiently.
If you're thinking of adding a commercial sandwich grill press to your kitchen, it's important to know what to look for when comparing models. We'll also share some of our best-selling models to help you make an informed decision.
Panini Press Grill Buying Guide
If you're looking for the best panini maker, there are a few things you'll want to consider when comparing models.
The Plates
A commercial panini press is relatively simple. It's essentially an indoor electric grill, but the top press has a little more weight to press sandwiches together. Most panini presses also can reach high temperatures for quick and easy cooking.
But to achieve quick and even cooking, you need the right plates. When comparing models, it's important to consider what the plates are made from. Are they cast iron, stainless steel, or another material?
Cast iron is ideal because it's heavier, allowing you to press your sandwiches easily. Cast iron is also quick to heat up and offers even heating.
Material is just one piece of the puzzle here. You also have to consider the plate's style. Panini grill plates can be either:
- Flat, or
- Grooved/ribbed
Ribbed plates create grill marks. Flat surfaces allow you to cook other types of food as well and are great for when you don't want grill marks on your food.
Consider what material you prefer for your grill's cooking plates and the style. Keep in mind that many manufacturers also offer commercial sandwich maker models that have both ribbed and flat plates, so you can have the best of both worlds.
The Controls
Like with any other piece of cooking equipment, it's important to consider the panini sandwich maker's controls. Is this model easy to operate?
Ideally, you want a panini press with simple controls and the ability to adjust the temperature as needed.
The Drip Tray
Whether you're cooking classic panini or grilling meat, you're going to need a drip tray to catch the fat from your food.
To keep your kitchen efficient, look for models that have front-mounted drip trays that are easily removable for quick cleaning.
5 Best Commercial Panini Press Models
Are you looking for the best panini grill? Here are five of our best-selling models.
1. Eurodib PDF3000
The PDF3000 is a grill and panini press with cast iron cooking plates for fast, even heating. Compact and lightweight, this is a panini grill that you can easily move around the kitchen when necessary.
With a versatile cooking surface, you can use this press to cook meat, sandwiches and other foods. In addition, this grill panini maker has a flat bottom and top plate, allowing you to cook a wide range of foods.
Preheating takes about 10 minutes. The temperature is adjustable and can reach a maximum of 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
Features and Specs
- Dimensions: 17.5" L x 20.5" W x 9.5" H
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Materials: Stainless steel and cast iron
The PDF3000 has self-balancing upper plates, which makes it easy to adjust to different food thicknesses. You can also adjust the hinge with an Allan key using the convenient hinge mechanism.
2. Eurodib PDM3000
The Eurodib PDM3000 is similar to the PDF3000 model, but rather than flat plates, the PDM3000 has:
- Two ribbed top plates
- One bottom ribbed plate
- One bottom flat plate
This configuration allows you to cook various foods, including the classic panini.
Features and Specs
- Dimensions: 17.5" L x 20.5" W x 9.5" H
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Materials: Stainless steel and cast iron
Like other Eurodib panini grills, this model has self-balancing upper plates that automatically adjust to different thicknesses. In addition, the hinge mechanism can be adjusted, and the front-mounted grease drawer is easy to remove for cleaning.
If you want a panini grill that allows you to switch between ribbed and flat cook plates, the Eurodib PDM3000 is a great option.
3. Eurodib SFE02375
The SFE02375 is a more affordable panini maker and grill from Eurodib. The 240V model heats up in just 10 minutes and has a compact footprint that makes it easy to transport when needed. This panini sandwich maker features two upper plates and independently controlled cooking zones.
The right side of the press has ribbed plates to create grill marks. The other side is flat for easy and versatile cooking.
Features and Specs
- Dimensions: 15.4" L x 18.7" W x 9.3" H
- Weight: 60 lbs.
- Materials: Stainless steel
The SFE02375 has a maximum temperature of 572 degrees Fahrenheit. The cast iron plates allow this panini press machine to heat up quickly and to cook foods evenly.
The grease drawer is removable for easy cleaning, and the stainless steel housing is easy to clean and maintain.
4. Eurodib SFE02325
The SFE02325 is a panini press sandwich maker with just one cooking zone. The 10" x 10" cooking surface makes it ideal for smaller operations, and the lightweight also makes this panini sandwich grill easy to transport.
Features and Specs
- Dimensions: 17.1" L x 10.23" W x 9.25" H
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Materials: Stainless steel and cast iron
With this model, all of the cooking plates are ribbed to create enticing grill marks on meats, sandwiches, and more.
This model has dual heating elements, self-balancing upper plates, and an adjustable temperature of up to 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Eurodib PDL3000
Eurodib's PDL3000 is similar to other models in the PD series. However, the primary difference between this model and others is the plate style.
The PDL3000 offers:
- Dual ribbed top plates
- Flat bottom plate
The ribbed top and flat bottom make this model a versatile commercial panini machine. Cook meats, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Features and Specs
- Dimensions: 17.5" L x 20.5" W x 9.5" H
- Weight: 62 lbs.
- Materials: Stainless steel and cast iron
The PDL3000 features cast iron plates and a stainless steel housing for easy cleaning, quick heating, and even cooking.
Final Thoughts
These are some of our best panini press models. Each offers a high-quality, durable construction that will give you years of use with proper care. In addition, the right model will add versatility to your menu and allow you to offer more options to your customers.