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Discover the top panini presses of 2025 with expert insights and rigorous testing.
Why the Right Panini Press Matters for Your Kitchen
A panini press is more than just a sandwich maker; it’s a versatile kitchen tool that can elevate your meals with perfectly grilled sandwiches, quesadillas, and even meats. Choosing the best panini press can transform your cooking experience, saving time while delivering restaurant-quality results at home. Whether you're a busy parent, a food enthusiast, or someone looking to upgrade their kitchen gadgets, the right panini press ensures consistent heat distribution, ease of use, and durability. However, with so many options on the market, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. That’s where our expert guide comes in to help you make an informed decision.
What We Considered and How We Tested
At Review Atlas, we’ve spent countless hours researching and testing panini presses to bring you the most reliable recommendations for 2025. Our team of culinary experts and product testers evaluated each model based on key factors like heating performance, build quality, ease of cleaning, versatility, and value for money. We grilled hundreds of sandwiches, tested temperature controls, and assessed durability to ensure these picks meet real-world needs. From budget-friendly options to premium models with advanced features, our list of the best panini presses caters to every budget and preference. With natural keyword integration like 'best panini press 2025' and 'top sandwich makers,' we aim to help you find the ideal appliance while ensuring you can trust our authoritative insights. Let’s dive into our top-rated selections!
The Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler earns our top spot as the best panini press of 2025 for its exceptional versatility and performance. This 6-in-1 appliance functions as a panini press, grill, and griddle, thanks to its reversible non-stick plates. With dual-zone temperature control, you can cook at different heat levels simultaneously, perfect for crafting gourmet sandwiches or full meals. Its stainless steel design is both sleek and durable, while the adjustable hinge accommodates thicker foods. During testing, we were impressed by its even heat distribution and quick preheat time. Pros: Multi-functionality, easy to clean, precise temperature settings. Cons: Slightly bulky for small kitchens. If you’re searching for a reliable, all-in-one kitchen tool, the Cuisinart GR-6S is a standout choice for any home chef.
As our Editor's Choice, the Breville BSG600BSS Panini Press is a premium option for sandwich aficionados in 2025. Known for its innovative design, this press features a crush control hinge that prevents squashing delicate ingredients while ensuring even grilling. The adjustable height settings and wide plates accommodate everything from thin paninis to thick burgers. Its non-stick surface is PFOA-free, and cleanup is a breeze. Our testers loved the consistent browning and fast heating, making it ideal for quick meals. Pros: Superior build quality, customizable pressure, stylish design. Cons: Higher price point. For those willing to invest in a top-tier panini press that delivers professional results, the Breville BSG600BSS is unmatched in performance and durability.
The Hamilton Beach 25462Z Panini Press is our Budget Pick for 2025, offering impressive performance at an affordable price. Perfect for beginners or small kitchens, this compact press features non-stick grids that make cleanup simple and a floating lid that adjusts to sandwich thickness. It preheats quickly and grills evenly, delivering café-style paninis without breaking the bank. Our tests showed it handles basic sandwiches and grilled veggies well, though it lacks advanced temperature controls. Pros: Wallet-friendly, easy to store, reliable for everyday use. Cons: Limited features, not ideal for complex recipes. If you’re looking for a no-frills panini press that gets the job done, the Hamilton Beach 25462Z is a fantastic value option.
The George Foreman GRP4842MB Multi-Plate Evolve Grill is a versatile contender in our 2025 panini press lineup. With interchangeable plates, it transforms from a panini press to a grill or waffle maker, catering to diverse cooking needs. The adjustable hinge and digital controls allow for precise temperature and timing, while the ceramic coating ensures durability and easy cleaning. Our team appreciated its ability to handle thick sandwiches and meats with even heat. Pros: Multi-use functionality, customizable settings, solid build. Cons: Plates can be tricky to swap. For those seeking a multi-purpose appliance that excels as a panini press, the George Foreman GRP4842MB is a reliable and innovative choice.
The De’Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press stands out in 2025 for its Italian craftsmanship and user-friendly design. Featuring a large cooking surface and adjustable thermostat, it offers flexibility for grilling sandwiches, meats, and veggies. The non-stick plates ensure effortless food release and quick cleanup, while the compact size fits well in most kitchens. Our testing revealed consistent results with excellent sear marks on paninis. Pros: Sleek design, adjustable heat, easy to maintain. Cons: Slightly slower preheat time. If you value a balance of style and functionality in a panini press, the De’Longhi CGH800 is a worthy addition to your countertop.
The Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill brings multi-functionality to the panini press category in 2025. Beyond making perfect sandwiches, it grills, air crisps, roasts, and dehydrates, making it a powerhouse for any kitchen. Its cyclonic grilling technology ensures even heat distribution, while the non-stick grill grate is easy to clean. During testing, we were impressed by its ability to handle thick paninis and deliver crispy results. Pros: Versatile cooking modes, high power, modern design. Cons: Larger footprint, higher cost. For home cooks wanting a panini press that doubles as a full grill system, the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 is an excellent investment.
The Oster DuraCeramic Panini Maker is a solid mid-range option for 2025, featuring a unique ceramic coating that’s four times more durable than standard non-stick surfaces. This press heats up quickly and provides even grilling for sandwiches and snacks. Its floating hinge adjusts to various food thicknesses, and the compact design is ideal for smaller spaces. Our tests confirmed its reliability for daily use, though it lacks advanced features. Pros: Durable coating, affordable, space-saving. Cons: No temperature control. If you’re after a straightforward, long-lasting panini press, the Oster DuraCeramic offers great value and performance.
The Black+Decker G48TD 3-in-1 Waffle Maker & Grill is a budget-friendly multi-use appliance for 2025 panini press seekers. With reversible grids, it switches between a panini press, waffle maker, and grill, offering versatility at a low cost. The non-stick surface prevents sticking, and the adjustable temperature knob provides some control over cooking. Our team found it effective for basic sandwiches, though it’s not as powerful as premium models. Pros: Multi-purpose, inexpensive, easy to use. Cons: Limited durability, uneven heating at times. For casual users, the Black+Decker G48TD is a practical and economical choice.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Cuisinart GR-6S Contact Griddler Rank #1 | 🏆 Top Pick | N/A | Check price |
Breville BSG600BSS Panini Press Rank #2 | ⭐ Editor's Choice | N/A | Check price |
Hamilton Beach 25462Z Panini Press Rank #3 | 💰 Budget Pick | N/A | Check price |
George Foreman GRP4842MB Multi-Plate Evolve Grill Rank #4 | N/A | Check price | |
De'Longhi America CGH1020D Livenza All Day Combination Contact Grill and Open Barbecue, Stainless Steel Rank #5 | 4.5 4.5 | ||
Ninja | Indoor Grill | Foodi | 5-in-1 (Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, and Dehydrate | Fits up to 3lb Roast | Smoke Control System and Dishwasher Safe Parts| Black/Grey | AG301 Rank #6 | 4.7 4.7 | ||
Oster Titanium-Infused DuraCeramic Waffle Maker Model CKSTVWF1 Rank #7 | 4.3 4.3 | ||
BD Waffle Iron Morning Station Black/Silver Compact Design Waffle Maker Rank #8 | 4.2 4.2 |
Review Atlas Team - Editorial Team
