A panini press turns ordinary sandwiches into crispy, melty, grill-marked paninis in minutes. Many also open flat to grill burgers, vegetables and chicken.
We compared plate size, hinge design, cleanup and verified Amazon reviews to rank the 9 best panini presses. For full-size grilling, see our best indoor grills.
Top 3 Best Panini Presses at a Glance
Hamilton Beach Panini Press 25462Z
Breville Panini Duo BSG520XL
Cuisinart Griddler FIVEBest Panini Presses in 2026
| Image | Product | Key Specs | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hamilton Beach Panini Press 25462Z Best Overall | Locking lid · Opens 180° for grilling | 4.6/5 10,605 reviews | Check Price |
| 2. Breville Panini Duo BSG520XL Best Premium Panini Press | Presses 2 sandwiches at once · Nonstick plates | 4.6/5 2,122 reviews | Check Price |
| 3. Cuisinart Griddler FIVE Most Versatile | Panini press, contact grill, griddle · Sear function | 4.7/5 6,087 reviews | Check Price |
 | 4. Hamilton Beach Floating Hinge Panini Press (Stainless) Best for Thick Sandwiches | Floating hinge adjusts to thickness · Locking lid | 4.6/5 4,667 reviews | Check Price |
 | 5. Chefman 4-Slice Panini Press Best Large Budget Press | 4-slice capacity · Opens 180° | 4.5/5 8,779 reviews | Check Price |
 | 6. George Foreman GR10B 2-Serving Best for Dorms | 7.3" × 5.6" cooking surface · 1–2 servings | 4.5/5 15,177 reviews | Check Price |
 | 7. Chefman 2-Slice Panini Press Best Budget Panini Press | 2-slice · Opens 180° | 4.4/5 11,094 reviews | Check Price |
 | 8. IMUSA Electric Panini Press Best with Adjustable Temperature | Adjustable temperature settings · Nonstick plates | 4.6/5 2,453 reviews | Check Price |
 | 9. Hamilton Beach Indoor Grill & Panini Press Best Grill/Panini Combo | Fits 6 burgers · Floating hinge | 4.4/5 5,626 reviews | Check Price |
1. Hamilton Beach Panini Press 25462Z – Best Overall
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 10,605 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Hamilton Beach 25462Z is the best panini press for most people. Its 8″ × 10″ nonstick grids press two sandwiches at once, the lid locks closed for storage, and it opens 180° to work as an open grill.
More than 10,600 owners rate it 4.6/5 — a remarkable track record for a press under $40.
Best for: Everyday paninis and grilled cheese.
May not fit: Those who want removable, dishwasher-safe plates — see the Cuisinart Griddler.
2. Breville Panini Duo BSG520XL – Best Premium Panini Press
Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo 2-Slice Nonstick Panini Press
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 2,122 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Breville Panini Duo is a premium press that makes two sandwiches at once with crisp, restaurant-style grill marks.
It is well built and looks good on the counter.
Best for: Premium kitchens.
May not fit: Budget buyers.
3. Cuisinart Griddler FIVE – Most Versatile
Amazon rating: 4.7/5 from 6,087 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Cuisinart Griddler FIVE works as a panini press, contact grill, full grill, full griddle or half-and-half.
Removable plates make cleaning much easier than fixed-plate presses.
Best for: Cooks who want one appliance for many jobs.
May not fit: Small budgets.
4. Hamilton Beach Floating Hinge Panini Press (Stainless) – Best for Thick Sandwiches
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 4,667 reviews
Pros
Cons
This Hamilton Beach press uses a floating hinge that adjusts to sandwich thickness for even pressing.
Its PFAS-free nonstick grids clean easily.
Best for: Thick deli sandwiches.
May not fit: Thin budgets.
5. Chefman 4-Slice Panini Press – Best Large Budget Press
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 8,779 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Chefman 4-Slice Panini Press makes larger batches and opens flat for grilling.
A removable drip tray catches grease.
Best for: Families.
May not fit: Small spaces.
6. George Foreman GR10B 2-Serving – Best for Dorms
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 from 15,177 reviews
Pros
Cons
The George Foreman GR10B is a compact 2-serving grill and panini press ideal for dorms and small kitchens.
It is affordable and simple.
Best for: Dorms.
May not fit: Families.
7. Chefman 2-Slice Panini Press – Best Budget Panini Press
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 11,094 reviews
Pros
Cons
The Chefman 2-Slice Panini Press is a low-cost press that opens flat and has a removable drip tray.
It is a good starter press.
Best for: Budget buyers.
May not fit: Big batches.
8. IMUSA Electric Panini Press – Best with Adjustable Temperature
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 from 2,453 reviews
Pros
Cons
The IMUSA Panini Press adds adjustable temperature settings — rare at its price.
It suits cooks who toast breads of different thickness.
Best for: Control seekers on a budget.
May not fit: Brand-focused shoppers.
9. Hamilton Beach Indoor Grill & Panini Press – Best Grill/Panini Combo
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 from 5,626 reviews
Pros
Cons
This Hamilton Beach model doubles as an indoor grill with room for six burgers, plus a floating hinge for thick sandwiches.
It is great for families.
Best for: Families.
May not fit: Small counters.
How to Choose a Panini Press
Plate Size
2-slice presses suit 1–2 people; 4-slice presses and griddlers suit families.
Floating Hinge
A floating hinge keeps pressure even on thick sandwiches.
Removable Plates
Removable, dishwasher-safe plates (Cuisinart Griddler) make cleanup far easier.
Opens Flat
Presses that open 180° double as open grills.
FAQ
What is the best panini press?
The Hamilton Beach 25462Z, rated 4.6/5 by more than 10,600 owners.
What is the best cheap panini press?
The Chefman 2-Slice or George Foreman GR10B, both around $30.
Is a panini press the same as a sandwich maker?
Not exactly — panini presses have ridged plates and press flat; sandwich makers seal triangle pockets.
Can you grill meat in a panini press?
Yes, especially models that open flat 180°.
Final Verdict
The Hamilton Beach 25462Z is the best panini press for most people. The Breville Panini Duo is the premium choice, and the Cuisinart Griddler FIVE is the most versatile.
On a budget, the Chefman and George Foreman presses are around $30. Check current prices before buying.
Related buying guides: Best Indoor Grills · Best Waffle Makers · Best Electric Griddles · Best Smokeless Indoor Grills · Best Toaster Ovens
