A panini press with multiple plates is a countertop appliance that presses sandwiches and other food items, heating them up and creating characteristic grill marks on the outside while toasting the inside. But if you want your panini press to do more than just slather up some cheese and meat, you should consider a model that has multiple plates.
A few of the models we reviewed, including this Hamilton Beach option, come with interchangeable cooking surfaces to transform a simple sandwich into a breakfast sammy, grilled cheese and tomato soup, or even a hearty pizza. The nonstick plates are dishwasher safe and the units take about six minutes to heat up, with a built-in ready light that signals when your meal is ready.
Quick and Easy Panini Recipes for Your Removable Plate Press
The Breville option is another great all-in-one machine, which comes with two different removable cooking plates that have griddle ridges and flat surfaces, allowing you to make a sandwich or a grilled cheese. It also offers a variety of preset functions and a digital display, as well as a hinged top that opens up to a flat indoor grill.
The GreenPan Elite is a slightly more expensive alternative that offers a plethora of different cooking options in its single unit, such as a waffle plate and a “sear” setting for adding extra golden brown color to food. It has a removable grease drip tray, so cleanup is easier and your food won’t be as greasy. The device also features a slick and durable nonstick cooking surface that’s both dishwasher-safe and easy to clean.