The sturdy Griddler is an attractive stainless steel appliance which will look good in any kitchen. It has a 9×11 inch cooking surface when used as a panini maker or double that when used as an open grill. It also has dual temperature controls. Cuisinart stands behind the GR-4 with a limited 3 year warranty.

While the Griddler GR-4 is pricey compared to similar models, it’s sturdiness and versatility consistently earn it high accolades. Food and Wine tested 76 countertop appliances and the Cuisinart Gridller was chosen the winner in the Panini Press category. This is what they had to say: “Not only turns out a perfect pressed sandwich, with enough heat to melt cheese and warm meat quickly, but also opens up for use as a grill or a griddle. Removable plates make this press the easiest to clean.”

Sources:
Food and Wine Magazine
Good Housekeeping

We’ve reviewed some of the most popular indoor electric grills so you can have an idea of what’s available.

Sanyo HPS-SG3 200-Square-Inch Electric Indoor Barbeque Grill

This indoor barbeque grill features an extra large 200 square inch nonstick cooking surface which provides plenty of space for everyday household use or for entertaining guests.  With it’s adjustable temperature control, indicator light and 1300 watt heating element which is incorporated into the bottom of the grill providing for equal heat distribution, the grill is a joy to cook on.  What is a nice design feature is the removable drip pan which catches any run off fats and liquids, making for healthier cooking. It is recommended that filling the drip pan with water makes for virtually smoke-free indoor grilling. This unit also features a non stick grilling surface and dishwasher safe drip pan for easy clean up.

Delonghi BG24 Perfecto Indoor Grill

A unique design feature of the Perfecto indoor grill is the special M-shaped embedded heating element which ensures the entire surface area heats and your grilling is more consistent. The grilling surface is nonstick so fish and other delicate foods flip with ease. The thermostat, which is detachable, can be adjusted at five levels depending on what you’re cooking. The dishwasher safe tempered glass lid fits snugly over the grill to retain moisture and ensure tender, juicy steaks.  The Perfecto is covered by Delonghi under a one-year limited warranty.

George Foreman GGR50B Indoor/Outdoor Grill

The George Foreman grill is unique in that it can be used on a table or countertop or with the included pedestal. After the simple assembly, you plug the unit in and allow it to preheat for 8 to 10 minutes and you are ready to start grilling. The adjustable heat control ranges from low to high. As with most indoor grills, the nonstick grill surface makes for ease of cooking and cleaning. The grate base on this grill is slightly sloped which allows for fats and liquids to drain into the easy to empty drip tray below the cooking surface. The grilling surface measures 17 inches across for ample cooking capacity.

Panini sandwiches are known for their toasty texture, melted cheeses and fresh ingredients that are heated all the way through – the ultimate in healthy comfort food. While you can prepare grilled sandwiches on virtually any breads, traditional Italian panini sandwiches are prepared using a hearty Ciabatta or herbed Foccacia bread.

Common ingredients in the panini sandwich are meats including anything from salami and pepperoni to more traditional meats like turkey or chicken. Also common are grilled vegetables such as eggplant, roasted peppers and grilled asparagus. And of course no grilled sandwich would be complete without gooey melted cheese to top it off. Traditional Italian cheeses such as mozzarella or provolone are popular as are more conventional cheeses like American or cheddar. Garnish the sandwich with some leafy greens like romaine lettuce and you’ll have the perfect toasted sandwich. The key to an amazing panini is to have the right combination of the freshest ingredients.

Using a panini press is simple. Just plug it in let it heat up while you are constructing your sandwich. Once the appliance is up to temperature, simply place the sandwich on the non-stick cooking surface, close the lid and within a few minutes your panini will be ready to enjoy. As far as cookware goes it doesn’t get any simpler than this kitchen appliance. Most units will store easily below your counter or in your kitchen pantry when not in use.

Buying Tips – What to Look For
Sandwich grills come in many different styles and price ranges. When shopping for your panini press, there are a few features that are must haves. The first is the non-stick grilling surface. This is very important so that your sandwich does not stick to the cooking surface and for ease of clean up. Next you’ll want to make sure that the unit has temperature controls so you’ll be able to control the surface for more delicate grilling of fish or a lighter white breaded sandwich. Of course, as with any kitchen appliance you’ll want to read customer reviews and make sure that the sandwich grill has a good manufacturer’s warranty.

Popular Sandwich Grill Manufacturers
Among the most popular manufacturers and models are the Cuisinart Griddler, George Forman, Breville Indoor Grill, DeLonghi, Retro Panini Grill, Hamilton Beach Gourmet Panini Press, Krups Panini Maker, Hamilton Beach and Wolfgang Puck Tri-Grill Panini Maker.