The 3 Best Panini Presses and Sandwich Makers for Grilled Cheese
We looked at panini presses and sandwich makers for grilled cheese using manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. Each pick lists what it does well and where it falls short, so you can match it to how you'll use it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Quick picks
| Product | Best for |
|---|---|
| 1. Hamilton Beach Panini Press 25460A Top pick | grilled cheese |
| 2. Proctor Silex Deluxe Hot Sandwich Maker | grilled cheese |
| 3. Breville the Perfect Press Panini Press BSG600BSS | grilled cheese |
1.Hamilton Beach Panini Press 25460A
Brand: Hamilton Beach · Best for: grilled cheese
ASIN: B00IWOJRSM
Key specs: Floating hinge opens 180 degrees, 8-inch by 10-inch nonstick grids, Ready indicator light.
- Floating hinge opens 180 degrees
- 8-inch by 10-inch nonstick grids
- Ready indicator light
- Locking latch for storage
- Chrome housing
Strengths
- Floating hinge presses evenly on thick or unevenly buttered bread without squeezing cheese out one side
- 8x10 grid fits two full sandwiches or a large single slice of Texas toast grilled cheese
- Ready light removes the guesswork on when to add bread
Limitations
- No temperature dial, so timing matters more than on adjustable models
- Grids aren't removable for a deep clean between uses
- Larger footprint than a basic clamshell maker
2.Proctor Silex Deluxe Hot Sandwich Maker
Brand: Proctor Silex · Best for: grilled cheese
ASIN: B07RNT1J7S
Key specs: Fits 2 sandwiches at once, Ceramic nonstick plates, 700W element.
- Fits 2 sandwiches at once
- Ceramic nonstick plates
- 700W element
- Compact upright storage
- Indicator lights
Strengths
- Ceramic nonstick plates release a melted-cheese sandwich cleanly
- Fast preheat, ready for bread within a couple minutes
Limitations
- Fixed clamshell gap presses thick or stuffed sandwiches harder than a floating hinge
- One heat setting only
- Smaller plate area than the Hamilton Beach or Cuisinart
3.Breville the Perfect Press Panini Press BSG600BSS
Brand: Breville · Best for: grilled cheese
ASIN: B06XK7GBM6
Key specs: Crush Control auto-pressure hinge, Adjustable temperature dial, Nonstick plates.
- Crush Control auto-pressure hinge
- Adjustable temperature dial
- Nonstick plates
- Height adjustment for thick bread
- Brushed stainless housing
Strengths
- Crush Control applies under half a pound of pressure automatically, so thick-cut artisan bread doesn't get flattened
- Adjustable temperature dial dials in a slower melt for thick cheese without burning the crust
- Feels and performs closer to a countertop appliance built for daily use over years
Limitations
- Larger and heavier than the other presses in this list
- Overkill if grilled cheese is the only thing you'll press
How we chose
- Picks are based on manufacturer specs, independent reviews and owner reports. We don't claim our own testing.
- We do not list prices or star ratings because they change. Check Amazon for current details.