10 Top Rated Panini Presses Under $100

Looking for the Top Rated Panini Presses under $100 to make countless sandwich recipes, in 2023? We have recommended some of the compact, portable & smart panini presses for you to buy.

A panini press gives you gourmet-style sandwiches with perfectly melted cheese, crispier crusts, beautiful searing-grill marks, and endless combinations.

Besides charred-marked paninis, it can be used for making some crispy hashbrowns, grilled burgers, a couple of pancakes, quick breakfast omelets, or grilling mouthwatering bacon.

We are here to help you find 10 high-quality rated panini presses to have a hearty sandwich retreat, in 2023. The products are reviewed by our team of experts who love making delicious sandwiches out of these panini press grills.

We have also reviewed some of the best waffle makers with removable plates. Do check them out if you are interested.

Top Rated Panini Presses to Buy Under $100

Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill with Locking Lid

With Hamilton Beach Panini Press Gourmet Sandwich Maker, grill hot sandwiches with the convenience of making them at home.

Thanks to its floating café-style lid feature that evenly grills sandwiches of almost any thickness.

The press accommodates foods of any thickness that’s why one can also try gourmet-style delicious classic grilled cheese, thick Reubens, fruit turnovers, and bruschetta using fresh ingredients at home.

With its special top lid lock, you can cook open-face dishes like open-face sandwiches, or mini pizzas.

The wide surface area of 10″ x 8″ makes sure to grill 2-3 sandwiches at a time. With its power and preheat lights, you’ll get to know when your press is preheated and ready to take off.

The nonstick grill plates make the sandwiches easy to remove and also easy to clean with just a wipe.

Its upright storage position works best to save valuable cabinet or countertop space. Finally, the exquisite red finish makes it a style statement for any countertop.

Physical Features:

• Material: Plastic with a non-stick coating
• Size: 4.5″D x 12.3″W x 12.6″H
• Wattage: 1400 watts
• Voltage: 120
• Style: Locking Lid

Ovente Electric Panini Press Grill

Love your press with Ovente 4-Sandwich Panini Grill! It gives you a satisfying and happy grilling experience with its quality parts and amazing features.

First of all, I like its large capacity for making make 4 paninis at once. If you get tired of turning your food over and over again, this amazing fellow comes with non-stick-coated top and bottom grilling plates that evenly heat up your food with perfect grill marks.

The 1500-watt heating element of this panini press makes food in just a matter of minutes with its instant heating. In addition, it comes with a temperature control knob that features three heating modes i.e. low, medium, and high.

Whenever my husband throws surprise parties, this panini press is a lifesaver for me because it features full grill mode that allows it to open flat at 180°. This means that it doubles the cooking surface, thus, you can make more food in less time by using both plates.

Besides sandwiches, this versatile mate can also be used for grilling steaks, burgers, bacon, fish, and vegetables.

From a cleaning point of view, its non-stick plates make it easy to clean with a brush that also comes with the package. In fact, it also features a drip tray that traps extra fat & grease and makes disposal easy.

The cool-touch handle will keep your hands safe from sudden burns while handling the grill.

Physical Features:

• Material: Stainless Steel, Cast Iron with a non-stick coating
• Size: 22.63″D x 12.63″W x 6.75″H
• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Voltage: 120
• Style: 180 Degrees

Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker

Wishing for a Bistro in your own kitchen, go for the Chefman Panini Press Grill which gives you an outdoor flavor with an indoor grill.

The 3-in-1 versatility allows you to use it as a panini press, contact grill, and flat grill. Moreover, it features a floating hinge that adjusts to perfectly grill food of any thickness.

This press 5.5” x 8.75” surface accommodates two sandwiches at once. But, the lay-flat grill mode with a 10” x 8.75” surface allows double space for grilling meats, vegetables, fish, pork, bacon, and vegetables. Just need to push the button on the side and enjoy a gourmet-style flat grill experience.

Chefman electric panini press grill comes in a compact size that makes it perfect for small kitchens, studio apartments, dorm rooms, and RVs.

The grill’s non-stick coating makes sure that nothing sticks on the plates and also makes it easy to flip your burgers. In fact, the non-stick coating and the drip tray make cleaning a breeze. Good news: the drip tray is dishwasher-safe.

Physical Features:

• Material: Stainless Steel with non-stick coating
• Size: 10″D x 13″W x 4″H
• Wattage: 1000 watts
• Voltage: 120
• Style: Electric Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker

Cuisinart GR-150P1 Deluxe Electric Griddler (Under $200)

Looking for a magically versatile kitchen appliance, Cuisinart GR-150P1 Deluxe Electric Griddler is there for you with its 6-in-1 cooking versions i.e. contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle, and top melt.

The Reversible nonstick plates increase the versatility by flipping the appliance from grill to griddle in just a blink.  

This family-oriented giant provides an extra-large grilling surface of about 240 square inches that is perfect for entertaining a family crowd in less time. For example, on its full griddle mode, one can easily cook almost 12 pancakes and on its contact grill position, one can conveniently grill up 6 classic burgers at once.

Want some searing? No worries, its 1800 watts power and 500°F max plate temperatures let you perfectly sear meats, fish, and poultry in just a couple of minutes. Its instant SearBlast feature locks in the classic sear flavors.

Note: You can sear on either one plate or two as per your own choice.

Its amazing DuoControl Heating Advantage feature offers independent temperature control to make combination cooking a lot easier. For example, you can sauté chicken or veggies on one plate and warm your tortillas on the other.

The adjustable top cover “floats” can be manually adjusted for 6 different heights. The lower is good for classic contact grilling and the higher is great for top melt with precise perfection. This also makes it ideal for open-faced sandwiches, grilled pizzas, etc.

The brushed stainless steel housing cover and base with Cuisinart’s trademark add elegance to your kitchen counter.

For making cleaning easy and quick, the deluxe 6-in-1 griddle comes with removable plates, a drip tray, and a scraper.

Note: All of these items are dishwasher safe.

As a safety, the unit will automatically shut off if it was ON and heated for more than 2 hours consistently.

Physical Features:

• Material: Stainless Steel with non-stick coating
• Size: 14.6″D x 15.98″W x 7.87″H
• Wattage: 1800 watts
• Voltage: 110
• Style: Deluxe 6-in-1

Brentwood Panini Press and Sandwich Maker

Are you a solo RV traveler or a dorm room student? This compact and powerful 750-watt Brentwood TS-246 Non-Stick Panini Press and Sandwich Maker work best for you!

It can cook 1 – 2 sandwiches in just a wink. This little monster comes with non-stick plates that can heat up fast, gives perfect grill lines, and are great for even cooking.

The non-stick grill plates will make a smooth slide off your paninis with their non-stick feature.

Its simple power and preheat lights indicate when the unit is on, plates are hot, and ready to take off.

For secure placing and handling, the unit has special non-skid feet and integrated handle locks, respectively. The handles and overall housing of the unit are cool to the touch for keeping your hands safe from any injury.

This smart and compact panini press can stand upright with a cord wrap for easy storage in your cabinets or drawers.

If you want it to compliment your countertop, no worries, its glossy black finish with a brushed stainless steel accent will make your wish come true!

Physical Features:

• Material: Stainless Steel with non-stick coating
• Size: 9.6″D x 10.1″W x 4.3″H
• Wattage: 750 watts
• Voltage: 110V
• Style: Compact non-stick

Yabano Gourmet Sandwich Maker and Panini Press Grill

The Yabano sandwich maker panini press grill is not an average sandwich maker, it makes 4 hot and delicious paninis at once with the help of its 2 giant 11 x 9.8″ non-stick cooking plates.

Still, wishing for more space? The open flat 180 degrees position of this unit gives you double space for your unexpected family retreats.

The 1200W heating elements of this powerful fellow give faster and even heating across the entire surface for making mouthwatering paninis in no time.

It features power and preheats lights to let you know when the sandwich maker is ready to go. Note: Red light is a power indicator while green calls for preheat indicator.

The upright standing position and non-slip feet work well for placing it safely on your counter or storing it in your cabinet.

Cleaning the non-stick plates is just a wipe-away! There is a special oil leakage port that is helpful in the easy disposal of food residue or grease from the plates.

If you are worried about dripping during grilling meat, the removable drip tray removes grease and drippings easily from the unit.

Physical Features:

• Material: Aluminium with non-stick coating
• Size: 12″D x 13″W x 4″H
• Wattage: 1200 watts
• Style: Flat 180 degrees

iSiLER 4 Slice Panini Press Grill

If you desire a grilling game changer, go and get the iSiLER Panini Maker which offers great-tasting grilled food with a healthy and versatile grilling experience.

This 3-in-1 multifunctional maker is ready to fulfill your dream of grilling burgers, cheese, steaks, sandwiches, paninis, vegetables, and brochette.

It can open wide to 180° to double the efficiency of a full grill and makes wonders for open-face dishes. On the other side, it can open to 90° to grill one side with a 10.9 × 6.7″ surface plate or you can also make it a contact grill by having it close.

The 1200W power heating and intelligent thermostat control grill a variety of food fastly, precisely, evenly, and safely.

This kitchen appliance gives a healthy grilling experience by requiring less butter or oil with the help of its non-stick coating. In addition, the extra grease or oil is also drained via its special 2 special oil outlets.

The non-stick coating provides a nonstick, abrasion-resistant, and scratch-resistant grilling surface that’s super easy to clean and requires less maintenance.

For comfortable handling, it features a comfortable handle with a handy switch. Thus, locking or unlocking the upper housing is simply a push away with this handy switch!

The upright standing position and the smart base storage of the power cord make it more compact and easy to store.

Physical Features:

• Material: PTFE Free Nonstick cooking surface
• Size: 12.5″ L x 4.8″ W x 10.3″ H
• Wattage: 1200 watts
• Voltage: 120V
• Style: Indoor 3-in-1 Grill

Breville Duo 1500-Watt Nonstick Panini Press

It’s none other than Breville that manufactured the world’s first domestic version of a professional sandwich press! Breville Panini Duo delivers performance and elegance with the help of its sturdy and sleek stainless steel construction.

The non-stick and scratch-resistant Quantanium grilling surface is spacious enough to accommodate 2 presses for having a hearty couple retreat.

The 1500-watt heating element and Panini Duo’s bottom flat plate provide quicker and even heating, while the top ribbed plate embosses aesthetic grill marks on your press.

Either grilling thick artisan bread or toasting open-face melts, the Panini Duo comes with an adjustable top plate that can be moved or adjusted in various positions for grilling like a pro.

The floating hinge works well to maintain even pressure on foods of any thickness.

I like its convenience and safety features like a locking storage clip, a cord wrap, and non-slip feet, all meant for secure handling and placing.

Physical Features:

• Material: Stainless Steel
• Size: 3″D x 13″W x 11″H
• Wattage: 1500 watts
• Voltage: 120V
• Style: Smart Non-stick

Chefore 6 in 1 Panini Press Grill

If you want a different mold for your different mood then make sure to buy Chefore’s Paninoh panini press and sandwich maker!

The Chefore 6-in-1 panini expert gives you a multi-delicacy picnic with its 6 exclusive mold plates. You can easily go for making sandwiches, grilled steak, waffle breakfast, lunch, desserts, various DIY recipes, or even a snack with this smart Paninoh.

It features a double-sided heating grill with 750W power for a perfectly toasted panini at a precise temperature. This is an easy-to-carry, efficient, and lightweight sandwich maker. You can tote it around to a potluck, get-together, picnic, or anywhere with complete ease.

The mini sandwich press is easy to clean. Wipe the plates with a clean damp cloth but make sure they are not hot to avoid any mishaps. For a final touch to your cleaning, wipe the area with a dry towel.

Physical Features:

• Size: 12.99 x 10.67 x 6.1 inches
• Wattage: 750 watts
• Style: 6-in-1 indoor grill

OSTBA Panini Press Grill Indoor Grill Sandwich Maker with Temperature Control

Without a doubt, you’ll find the OSTBA panini press grill a good helper for your kitchen table.

The stainless steel construction, the non-stick cooking surface, the large capacity, and the multifunctional nature make it one of the best panini presses, in 2023.

You can easily make 4 large or 6 medium sandwiches in this press at once with the help of its two large plates of 11″ x 9.8″ surface. If you want more surface area, its 180° flat open grill is best for grilling more food in less time.

The 3-in-1 multifunctionality makes it useful as an indoor grill, panini press, sandwich maker, countertop steak grill, and roaster machine. It features a cool touch handle for user safety.

Its intelligent temperature control mechanism ranges from 120 – 428°F. This will prevent your dishes from burning by stopping the heating as it reaches their preset temperature. Thus, this temperature control makes it one of the safest panini presses.

The unit comes with a grill brush for easy and efficient cleaning of the non-stick grill plates and the drip tray that traps the excess fats, drippings, and grease. You can wipe off the stainless steel exterior with a clean damp cloth.

The LED indicator (red and green lights) indicates the working process i.e. power on is indicated by the red light and the heating indicator is the green light.

Both lights get on together when you plugged in the unit. Finally green light turns off after the unit reaches the preset temperature.

Physical Features:

• Material: Stainless Steel and plastic with a non-stick coating surface
• Size: 12.04 x 13.38 x 4.48 inches
• Wattage: 1200W
• Voltage: 120V
• Style: Multifunctional indoor grill

Key-Decision Making factors for buying the best Panini Presses

• Material:

Some most common materials for panini presses are aluminum, cast iron, and nonstick.

• Aluminum Plating is generally the most budget-friendly choice and is easy to clean. However, it heats up quickly, is weighty, and also can’t retain heat well.

• Cast iron is another good option if you want a nonstick, durable, long-lasting, and easy-to-clean version. Cleaning the cast iron model is a breeze, simply give it a wipe to clean. But, cast iron is comparably heavier than aluminum, and needs a little more care.

• Nonstick models are easy to clean and need little to even no oil for cooking. But, they require more care because they are a little fragile. Thus, avoid scratching and metal utensils.

• Size:

Choose an upsize, if you have bigger households. In this way, you’ll get more surface area for making multiple paninis at a time.

On the other hand, if you want a panini press for your dorm room or an RV van, a mini panini press would be best for you.

Moreover, small sizes work well if you don’t love to keep them on the counter all the time. As these models will easily fit in your drawer, cabinet, or under shelf.

That’s why I have mentioned the dimension of each model to help you on that end.

• Opening System:

Some models open a full (180 degrees). In this way, you’ll get its top plate as another bottom and have a double surface as compared to the original size.

On the other hand, some of the paninis press only lift partway, and some non-electric ones come with a separate lid.

So, it’s better to consider what opening mechanism you need before making an actual purchase!

• Grate Style:

Considering the great style is an aesthetic choice!

I personally love panini presses with grooved grates, in contrast, to smooth surfaces panini presses, for having beautiful grill marks on my paninis.

Some panini presses even feature removable plates that let you swap between grooved versus smooth style.

• Maintenance:

Choose panini presses that are designed for easy cleaning and maintenance. It saves you time and energy.

Cast iron plates just need a wipe to clean them. Some versions even come with removable plates that can be easily cleaned in your dishwasher.

Thus, it’s good to see the cleaning instructions before!

• Other Features:

Look for some other useful features for making your food experience more delightful! Some of the bonus features are floating hinges, mode settings, and timers.

• For a gentler touch to your food, go for a floating hinge. As it is used to keep the top of the press hovering above your sandwich to avoid crushing.

• A setting mode feature is ideal for more creative and precise cooking i.e. for grilling meat or Korean barbeque, etc. Some of the typical settings are panini press, low, sandwich mode, contact grill, lay-flat grill, sear, BBQ mode, etc.
  On the other hand, a simple on/off button would be perfect for making the occasional sandwiches.

• Finally, if you are a multitasker mom, a timer works well for you to keep your beautiful grill-marked sandwiches from burning.

Washi Khan

She is quite a serious blogger who likes to write on kitchen-related topics. Washi started smartkitchenlife.com to pen about kitchen guides and appliances that help in making home cooking life easier. She is also an excellent kitchen appliance reviewer who adopts a deep research approach to get the best appliance that is worth the money.