Top 10 Panini Presses in 2027 — Best Overall + Best Value

Direct Answer

The best panini press for most kitchens in 2027 is the Breville Sear & Press Grill (BGR700BSS) at $249.95 — its floating hinge, independent dual-zone temperature control, and reversible ceramic plates make it the most capable press-style indoor grill you can buy. For shoppers who want a real panini without the splurge, the Best Value pick is the De'Longhi Retro Contact Grill & Panini Press (CGH800) at $49.99, which delivers a height-adjustable hinge and even die-cast aluminum plates for less than a quarter of the price.

This list is for home cooks who want pressed sandwiches, melts, and quesadillas — plus, in several cases, a contact grill and flat griddle in the same machine. Whether you want a dedicated panini maker or a convertible multi-grill, there is a pick below that fits.

How We Ranked the Top 10

We weighted each press on how well it actually toasts bread, melts cheese, and survives daily cleanup — not on spec-sheet bullet points. Rankings draw on hands-on testing and reporting from Wirecutter, Serious Eats, Good Housekeeping, CNET, The Spruce Eats, Food Network, CNN Underscored, and America's Test Kitchen, cross-checked against manufacturer spec sheets from Breville, Cuisinart, Hamilton Beach, and De'Longhi.

• Heat evenness & press quality — 25%
• Adjustable hinge / thickness handling — 20%
• Plates (removable, nonstick, dishwasher-safe) — 15%
• Versatility (grill/griddle/flat modes) — 15%
• Cleanup & build quality — 15%
• Price-to-performance — 10%

1. Breville Sear & Press Grill (BGR700BSS) 🏆 BEST OVERALL

Price: $249.95 | Best for: Cooks who want one machine that nails paninis, burgers, and griddle work

The Breville Sear & Press Grill is the most complete press-style grill we tested, and it earned top marks from Good Housekeeping for browning deeply in panini, grill, and griddle modes. It pairs a floating hinge with two independent temperature controls, so the top and bottom plates can run different heats — ideal for getting a crisp crust without scorching delicate fillings.

The reversible ceramic plates flip between ridged and flat surfaces, pop out for cleaning, and are PFOA- and PTFE-free. Open it flat and you get a 240-square-inch cooking surface with one-touch Burger, Sear, and Panini presets, climbing to 450°F.

Pros:

• Dual independent temperature zones for precise crust-versus-melt control
• Reversible, removable ceramic plates that flip ridged-to-flat
• 240 sq in flat-open surface doubles as a contact grill and griddle
• One-touch presets including a dedicated Panini mode

Cons:

• The highest price on this list
• Larger countertop footprint than a dedicated press

Verdict: The most versatile and best-browning press here — worth the premium if you want a panini maker and an indoor grill in one body.

2. Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe (GR-150)

Price: $195 | Best for: Families who want six cooking modes and a big surface

The Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe is the multi-grill that experts keep coming back to, with dual-zone temperature control, a floating hinge, and a generous 240-square-inch grilling surface powered by 1,800 watts. Reversible nonstick plates convert it into a contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, or half-and-half setup, and the SearBlast feature hits 500°F for steaks.

The adjustable Top Melt cover helps cheese finish without burning the bread. It's a serious appliance for households that grill as much as they press.

Pros:

• Six cooking configurations including a dedicated panini mode
• Reversible, removable nonstick plates that are dishwasher-safe
• Dual-zone control with a high-heat sear setting
• Large family-sized cooking area

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than most presses
• Plates can feel lighter-duty than Breville's ceramic ones

Verdict: The best value among convertible multi-grills — six modes and a big surface for well under $200.

3. De'Longhi Retro Contact Grill & Panini Press (CGH800) 💎 BEST VALUE

Price: $49.99 | Best for: Budget shoppers who still want a real height-adjustable hinge

The De'Longhi CGH800 punches far above its price and is our Best Value pick. Its standout feature is a height-adjustable floating hinge that automatically accommodates anything from a thin grilled cheese to a stacked burger, keeping even pressure across the bread. The die-cast aluminum plates with embedded heating elements spread heat evenly, the adjustable thermostat dials in browning, and a slanted design with a drip cup drains away grease.

With about 105 square inches of cooking space, it handles two sandwiches at a time.

Pros:

• Height-adjustable hinge that rivals pricier models
• Even die-cast aluminum plates with embedded elements
• Adjustable thermostat plus a grease drain cup
• Under $50 for genuine panini performance

Cons:

• Fixed (non-removable) plates mean wipe-down cleaning only
• No flat-open griddle mode

Verdict: The smartest money on this list — hinge and heat quality you'd expect from a $100-plus press for $49.99.

4. Cuisinart Griddler Five (GR-5)

Price: $99.95 | Best for: Buyers who want simple controls and bulletproof nonstick

The Cuisinart Griddler Five repeatedly tops "best overall" lists for everyday users thanks to its intuitive controls and a nonstick coating that testers found shrugs off even hardened, burned-on cheese after a year of weekly use. It offers five cooking functions, an LCD display, a built-in sear function, and a floating hinge that adapts to sandwich thickness.

The nonstick plates stay scratch- and rust-free, making this the low-maintenance choice for daily panini duty.

Pros:

• Exceptionally durable nonstick plates
• Five functions with an easy LCD interface
• Floating hinge for varied thicknesses
• Compact relative to its capability

Cons:

• Plates are fixed, not removable for dishwasher cleaning
• Single temperature zone, not dual

Verdict: The most foolproof everyday press — set it, press it, and the nonstick keeps cleanup trivial.

5. Breville Panini Duo (BSG520XL)

Price: $89.95 | Best for: Dedicated panini fans who want two sandwiches done right

The Breville Panini Duo is a purpose-built press, and its floating hinge with four height settings is the reason it browns so evenly across stuffed sandwiches. The flat bottom plate cooks fast and thorough while the ribbed top plate lays down grill marks, and both are coated in durable Quantanium nonstick.

At 1,500 watts with a bottom plate measuring roughly 11.25" x 8.75", it comfortably presses two sandwiches at once. A locking storage clip and nonslip feet round out a tidy build.

Pros:

• Four-position floating hinge for precise pressure
• Flat-plus-ribbed plate combo for fast cooking and grill marks
• Durable Quantanium nonstick coating
• Two-sandwich capacity with vertical storage

Cons:

• Plates are not removable
• No griddle or flat-grill mode

Verdict: The best dedicated panini press — if you only want sandwiches, this does them beautifully.

6. All-Clad AutoSense Stainless Steel Indoor Grill

Price: $299.95 | Best for: Cooks who want automatic doneness and premium build

The All-Clad AutoSense is the most automated press here: it measures food thickness and adjusts cooking time automatically, so you can press a panini or grill a steak without babysitting a thermometer. The 1,800-watt smokeless design seats removable, dishwasher-safe plates, and the stainless build accommodates meals for up to eight.

It's overkill for a casual sandwich, but for a household that wants a high-end, set-and-forget contact grill that also presses sandwiches, the engineering is excellent.

Pros:

• AutoSense auto-adjusts time to food thickness
• Removable, dishwasher-safe plates
• 1,800-watt smokeless performance
• Premium stainless construction

Cons:

• Most expensive option on the list
• Overbuilt if you only want paninis

Verdict: The luxury automation pick — flawless build and hands-off cooking at a premium price.

7. Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker (25460A)

Price: $49.99 | Best for: Wide-opening capacity for thick sandwiches and quesadillas

The Hamilton Beach 25460A keeps things simple and roomy, with 10" x 8" nonstick plates that fit one large sandwich, two regular ones, or two quesadillas. The lid opens wide to handle nearly any thickness, and because both plates heat, there's no flipping. The newer trims use PFAS-free ceramic nonstick that wipes clean easily, and a storage latch locks it shut for upright storage.

A green ready light signals when it's hot. It's a no-frills press that gets the basics right.

Pros:

• Large 10" x 8" plates for big sandwiches and quesadillas
• Opens wide to fit any thickness
• PFAS-free ceramic nonstick on current models
• Affordable and compact-storing

Cons:

• Fixed plates, wipe-clean only
• No adjustable temperature control

Verdict: A roomy, budget-friendly press — great for quesadillas and stuffed sandwiches when you don't need temperature dials.

8. Cuisinart Griddler Elite (GR-300)

Price: $169.95 | Best for: Buyers who want a digital interface and timer

The Cuisinart Griddler Elite steps up from the Deluxe with an electronic display, a built-in timer, and dual independent temperature controls on its reversible grill/griddle plates. The floating hinge and deep reversible plates let it work as a contact grill, panini press, or flat griddle, and the digital readout makes dialing in repeatable results easy.

The Spruce Eats and Food Network both call this the best panini press for most people who want precision in a convertible body.

Pros:

• Digital display and timer for repeatable cooking
• Dual independent temperature zones
• Deep reversible grill/griddle plates
• Floating hinge for thickness

Cons:

• Pricier than the simpler Griddler Five
• Larger footprint on the counter

Verdict: The precision multi-grill — best when you want a timer and a digital readout alongside panini duty.

9. Chefman 3-in-1 Panini Press & Grill (RJ02-180)

Price: $39.99 | Best for: Bargain hunters who also want a flat-open indoor grill

The Chefman 3-in-1 is a flexible budget pick that works as a sandwich press, a contact grill, or opens flat to 180 degrees for use as an indoor grill. The floating hinge adjusts from the thinnest grilled cheese to the most stuffed burger, and the 9" x 9.5" nonstick plates fit thick subs or four slices of bread.

A removable drip tray and raised ridges channel excess grease away. For under $40, the flat-open mode adds real versatility you usually only find on pricier units.

Pros:

• Opens flat to 180° for a full indoor grill
• Floating hinge spans grilled cheese to burgers
• Roomy 9" x 9.5" plates
• Removable drip tray for easy cleanup

Cons:

• Plates are not removable for the dishwasher
• Basic temperature control

Verdict: A lot of versatility for the money — the flat-open mode makes it more than just a press.

10. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Grill & Panini Press (GRP1060B)

Price: $39.99 | Best for: Easy cleanup and a sloped, grease-draining grill

The George Foreman 4-Serving press is the cleanup champion at the bottom of the list, with removable, dishwasher-safe plates and a signature sloped surface that drains grease into a tray. The 60-square-inch plate cooks four servings and handles paninis, burgers, and chicken alike.

Newer copper-finish plates are advertised as five times more durable and preheat about 35% faster. There's no temperature dial, but for fast, lean melts with effortless cleanup, it's a long-running favorite.

Pros:

• Removable, dishwasher-safe plates
• Sloped design drains grease for leaner results
• Fast preheat on newer copper-plate models
• Inexpensive and widely available

Cons:

• No floating hinge or thickness adjustment
• No temperature control

Verdict: The easiest to clean and the leanest cook — ideal if grease-draining and dishwasher-safe plates top your list.

Buyer Decision Tree — Which One's Right for You?

What to Look For When Buying a Panini Press

• Floating or adjustable hinge — the single most important feature; it keeps even pressure on the bread whether you press a thin grilled cheese or a stacked sub. De'Longhi, Breville, Cuisinart, and Chefman all offer one.
• Plate size and removability — bigger plates (Hamilton Beach's 10" x 8", Chefman's 9" x 9.5") fit more food; removable, dishwasher-safe plates (Breville Sear & Press, All-Clad, George Foreman) make cleanup far easier than wipe-only fixed plates.
• Temperature control — adjustable thermostats and especially dual-zone control (Breville Sear & Press, both Griddlers) let you brown the crust without scorching fillings.
• Grill/griddle versatility — if you want more than sandwiches, look for reversible plates or a flat-open mode (Breville, Cuisinart, Chefman).
• Nonstick durability — ceramic and PFAS-free coatings (Breville, current Hamilton Beach) clean easily and skip older chemistries.
• Cleanup and grease management — sloped plates and drip trays (George Foreman, Chefman) drain fat and speed cleanup.
• Storage — locking latches and upright storage (Breville Panini Duo, Hamilton Beach) save cabinet space.

What matters less than marketing implies: ultra-high wattage numbers and the sheer count of "cooking functions." A well-designed hinge and even plates beat a high wattage figure or a long mode list every time — a 1,500-watt press with a great hinge will out-toast a 1,800-watt unit with sloppy contact.

FAQ

What is the difference between a panini press and a contact grill? A dedicated panini press is optimized to toast and compress sandwiches, often with a ribbed top and flat bottom plate. A contact grill (like the Cuisinart Griddlers or Breville Sear & Press) adds reversible plates, a flat-open mode, and usually higher heat, so it grills meats and works as a griddle too.

Many machines now do both.

Do I need removable plates? They help a lot. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates (Breville Sear & Press, All-Clad, George Foreman) make cleanup easy, while fixed plates (De'Longhi, Breville Panini Duo, Hamilton Beach) require careful wipe-downs. If you press often, removable plates are worth prioritizing.

Why does a floating hinge matter? A floating or height-adjustable hinge lets the top plate stay parallel to the bottom as it rises over thick fillings, so pressure and contact stay even. Without it, a stuffed sandwich gets crushed at the edges and undercooked in the middle.

Are ceramic nonstick plates better than traditional nonstick? Ceramic and PFAS-free coatings (Breville, current Hamilton Beach) avoid older chemistries and clean easily, though some testers find classic nonstick releases food slightly better when new. Both work well for paninis; choose based on your preference for coating type.

Can I cook things other than sandwiches? Yes — the convertible models grill burgers, chicken, steak, and vegetables, and several open flat into a full griddle. The Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe even hits 500°F for searing. Dedicated presses like the Breville Panini Duo stick to sandwiches.

Is it worth spending more than $100 on a panini press? Only if you want dual-zone temperature control, removable plates, or a true multi-grill. For pure panini duty, the De'Longhi CGH800 at $49.99 delivers most of the experience for far less.

Bottom Line

The Breville Sear & Press Grill (BGR700BSS) at $249.95 is our Best Overall for its dual-zone control, reversible removable ceramic plates, and flat-open versatility, while the De'Longhi Retro Contact Grill & Panini Press (CGH800) at $49.99 is the runaway Best Value thanks to a height-adjustable hinge and even die-cast plates at a fraction of the cost.

If you only press sandwiches, the Breville Panini Duo is the dedicated champ; if you want a family multi-grill, the Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe leads. Use the decision tree above to route yourself to the right pick based on what you cook and how much you want to spend.

Sources

• Wirecutter — The Best Panini Press and Indoor Grill
• Serious Eats — Best Panini Presses, Tested and Reviewed
• Good Housekeeping — Best Indoor Grills and Panini Presses
• CNET — Best Indoor Grills and Panini Presses
• The Spruce Eats — The Best Panini Presses
• Food Network — Best Panini Presses of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
• CNN Underscored — The Best Panini Presses, Tried and Tested
• America's Test Kitchen — The Best Panini Presses
• Breville (US) — Sear & Press Grill BGR700 and Panini Duo BSG520 spec sheets
• Cuisinart — Griddler Deluxe GR-150 and Griddler Elite spec sheets
• Hamilton Beach — Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker 25460A spec sheet
• De'Longhi US — Retro Indoor Grill & Panini Press CGH800 spec sheet

*Panini press review — panini press reviews, rating, best panini press 2027, and a review of the top indoor grill picks for buyers.*