Cuisinart Panini Panini Maker  Product Reviews

"If you want to grill up a quick sandwich panini-style, this is a great device to do it. It's operation is, of course, simple. You plug it in, wait for it to warm up, insert your sandwich and voilà! Clean up is fairly easy, though you'll have to use a brush to clean out those little crevices. However, my dissatisfaction with this device is not that it doesn't do a great job making panini sandwiches- it does. My issue is that it takes up precious kitchen space while only really performing one task. I personally prefer to either grill my sandwiches on a skillet or use a "proper" griddle. Since I use gas appliances, going the skillet route has almost zero "warm-up" time wasted and clean up is actually easier on account of the skillet not having crevices like the panini surface. (Of course I do lose those cute panini lines.) On the other hand, a "regular" griddle can do more than one task, something I hold in high regard when doling out space to kitchen appliances. A standard griddle will also function well for pancakes, bacon, eggs, and so on and so forth. Here are a couple of suggestions... Presto 07034 Jumbo Cool Touch Electric Griddle, Black as the name implies, is a jumbo sized electric model. Presto 07045 Family-Size Cool-Touch Tilt'N Drain Electric Griddleis basically the same thing only smaller. If you prefer stovetop or if you just have to have those little grooves, have a look at Lodge Logic Pro 20-by-10-7/16-Inch Cast-Iron Grill/Griddle. It's reversible so you can still do pancakes and such. All in all, this device does exactly what it is supposed to do and does it well. If you simply want something that will panini-press your sandwiches, then go for it. But please consider the alternative to cluttering your kitchen with single-task devices."

"What makes an ordinary sandwich yummy? A panini press. Quick to heat up, crispy crust and easy clean up. It makes a sandwich a meal. My boys love the taste and the convience."

"I'm not a big fan of specialty appliances, but this panini press is worth every cubic inch it occupies. Very simple to pull out and plug in, and also easy to clean. Perfect sandwiches every time, with much less fat required than pan-grilling. And you never miss it! Sandwiches are crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. Press it and walk away--4 minutes later you have 2 wonderful panini. Sturdy construction, stainless casing, and a compact design make this one of my favorite small appliances."

"A real pleasure to use and to care for. I replaced a sanwich maker and this product is far superior. It's easy to clean, the sanwiches are perfect every time. No need for greasing the plates. Really a 5 star choice."