All of us (whether you’re a professional cook or simply a cooking enthusiast) like to think of ourselves as crazy (in a good way) when it comes to the stuff we want to buy. That said, as much as we’d like it, we can’t always be successful at separating the best from the rest when picking kitchen appliances – and if you’ve been acquiring them for a while, you can perfectly understand what I’m saying.
This is what inspired me to go out before you, and find the best stainless steel Panini presses so you can avoid making the same mistakes you may have made while picking a toaster oven, regular toaster, or even a microwave.
With that in mind, to ensure that each product in this list could meet anyone’s needs and requirements, I started by reviewing the products online, after which I placed an order for the best of the best to be able to take them through a list of physical tests.
Some of the features I was looking for during these tests include:
- Aesthetics
- Safety features
- Capacity
- Ease of use and cleaning
- Temperature range and timers
- Reliability
- Speed
- Consistency
- And more
As you can see from the list above, I really went all out to ensure I only presented quality products. This means that all you ought to do is go through the list, pick the Panini Press you like the most, and place an order while stock lasts.
Without further ado, let us skip to the main section of the post and look at the 5 best stainless steel Panini Presses.
The Top 5 Best Stainless Steel Panini Presses in 2021
| Panini Maker Name | Weight | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cuisinart Electric Griddler | 12 lbs | 8.75 x 16 x 13.75 in | Check Price |
| Breville BGR820XL Smart Grill | 18.92 lbs | 16 x 14 x 5 in | Check Price |
| Contact Grill and Open Barbecue | 20 lbs | 18 x 14 x 7.5 in | Check Price |
| Salton Electric Grill/Panini Press | 4.2 lbs | 12.8 x 12.2 x 6.1 in | Check Price |
| XL Panini Grill Press | 7.2 lbs | 14.75 x 6.25 x 11 in | Check Price |
Stainless Steel Panini Press #1:
- There is a post I like to refer in most (if not all) of my reviews, and that is the guide I created recently on ‘how to pick the best kitchen appliances.’ One of the main tricks I share in that guide is that you should always start by separating your choices according to their manufacturing brands, and only pick from the most reputable ones.
- Why? Well, because unlike lesser-known brands, well-known ones have a reputation to maintain, which means that they will go above and beyond to ensure that their products can deliver as advertised. Cuisinart is one of such companies, and this Cuisinart Electric Griddler is a true testament to the company’s ability to deliver.
- The unit has been fitted with an LCD display and user-friendly digital tools you can choose to pick the different functions the tool retails with (such as the wide 450 degrees Fahrenheit temperature range.) Besides working as a Panini Press, it can also act as a half grill, half griddle, full grill, full griddle, and contact grill.
Notable features:
- Boasts a cool to the touch exterior surface
- Extremely versatile
- Boasts an LCD display
- Dishwasher safe
Stainless Steel Panini Press #2:
- Do you, like me dread cleaning sessions and you’re looking for a stainless-steel Panini Press that also qualifies as one of the easiest to clean Panini Presses? If yes, then I have the perfect product for you, and that’s the Breville BGR820XL Electric Grill.
- As you will notice straight out of the box, this unit’s cooking plates are not only removable, but they are also dishwasher safe. This implies that you’ll never have to spend more than 10 minutes with clean up even during thorough cleaning sessions.
- The unit has also been fitted with 6 adjustable height settings for your convenience.
Notable features:
- Retails from a reputable brand
- The plates are removable
- Easy to clean
- Very powerful
- Has a temperature control
- Heavy duty
Stainless Steel Panini Press #3:
- This guide would be incomplete without at least one product from the Panini grills’ king – DeLonghi. This company has been in existence for more than a century now, and over these years, it has created a reputation for itself as the company having the most versatile kitchen appliances.
- This DeLonghi America CGH1020D Contact Grill has been fitted with 5 different cooking functions it can perform, including acting as a half grill, open full griddle, open full grill, Panini press, and contact grill. Better yet, inside the package you’ll receive from Amazon, you’ll also find several things, including a cleaning tool, an oil drip cup, one set of griddle plates, and one set of grill plates.
Notable features:
- Very versatile
- Retails from a reputable brand
- Has a hanging self-adjustable hinge
- Accessories included in the package
- Easy to use and clean
- The feet are anti-skid even on wet surfaces
Stainless Steel Panini Press #4:
- Do you frequently host parties in your home or have a huge family and you’re looking for a powerful Panini Press that can handle anything you throw in it? If yes, then this Salton Electric Panini Press Grill has been designed with your needs in mind.
- This unit has been known to be used in commercial settings. And if it can handle the high traffic and needs of a restaurant or hotel, then you can rest assured your home won’t faze it.
Notable features:
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- All plates are non-stick
- Indicator lights included
- Can accommodate sandwiches of all sizes
Stainless Steel Panini Press #5:
- If you have been following my guides for a while, then you know that I also like to end all my reviews on a high note – and what is a better way to end a review on the best stainless-steel Panini Presses than with a masterpiece from Cookmate?
- Over the years this company has been in existence, its products have become synonymous with aesthetics and durability, and that is exactly what this Cookmate Artisan XL Panini Grill delivers. Multiple people on cooking forums pointed out that they’ve been using this unit for years now and their units have never run into any issues.
- The 1500 watts of power the unit delivers will allow it to handle anything your family throws in it.
Notable features:
- Very powerful
- Designed in the USA
- Boasts indicator lights
- Easy to use and clean
- The feet are non-skid even on wet surfaces
Conclusion
If I were in your position and I had to pick my favorite stainless-steel Panini Press from the guide above, I’d certainly pick the first, Cuisinart Electric Griddler. Not only does this unit retail from a reputable brand, but it’s also easy to use, user-friendly, and extremely versatile.
Having said that, if you’d already picked a different product, do not let my opinion sway you away from that decision. All five products were at par in terms of power, performance, and consistency. It’s just that the Cuisinart Electric Griddler appealed more to my personal preferences.
And what will be the best stainless steel panini press in 2022? If you are interested in this subject subscribe us and share your opinion in a comment. Thank you!