A quality panini maker can come in very handy for busy individuals who want to enjoy warm, freshly made sandwiches that taste like expertly prepared ones. But not all pans are created equally, so if you desire to end up with the best panini press for you, keep these in mind. You will need a good quality pan with sturdy construction and a wide base. These should be made from heavy-duty stainless steel or some other similar material for ensuring that they do not crack under pressure and that they are built to last for many years.
- The first thing to look out for when buying a panini maker is whether it has an interlocking lid. The interlocking lid is ideal for those who are interested in making their own sandwiches. It helps ensure that the bread does not fall down through the feed tube and also prevents the leakage of bread crumbs and mustard onto your sandwich. It is best used with cast iron or a panini-type bread press, as the heat generated by these two ingredients tends to prevent the formation of air pockets in bread which can cause the formation of cracks.
- You might also want to look out for an adjustable sandwich press. This is especially useful if you are going to make several different types of sandwiches at once. There are several models available which have adjustable lids which allow you to prepare different types of sandwiches at once, such as egg salad, shrimp salad, spinach omelet, and tuna salad on one single panini press. This feature comes in very handy, especially if you are cooking for a large number of people, as it would save you the hassle of preparing different types of sandwiches on separate kitchen counters.
- Another important feature is that the press should have a nonstick surface. Nonstick pans can help you reduce the occurrence of food sticking to the paninis and prevent them from getting dirty and soggy. They also help you avoid having to spend a lot of time cleaning up the mess. It is advisable to buy pans that have nonstick interiors, preferably made from high-quality material, as they will last longer and be more useful to you. In case you are short on time and do not wish to cook in such a hurry, then disposable bread pans are also available which will help you prepare quick bread sandwiches.
- A good lid is essential if you wish to cook the paninis quickly. Some of the top grillers have removable lids which allow you to remove the panini from the top grill and place it directly onto a hot grill, allowing you to make a hot sandwich in no time at all. However, many of the models have fixed lids, which prevent you from removing the sandwich from the grill until it is completely cooked. If you are using a gas range, then you need a lid that allows you to remove the sandwich quickly after it has been cooked, and for this reason, many gas ranges come equipped with a lid.
Other useful features include an indicator for the perfect temperature and a digital display that shows you how many layers of bread need to be cooked for the recipe you are trying to cook. The digital display is particularly useful if you wish to cook larger paninis. The cool-touch interior allows the bread to be kept warm, even when being cooked on the hottest grill. Another feature found on many modern panini presses is a locking mechanism that prevents the sandwich from being overheated when placed in the outdoor sun. Such a facility also ensures that the sandwich does not fade when placed in sunlight, which can happen with regular bread makers.
