Whether you’re making a chicken cutlet, mozzarella and roasted red pepper panini (our go-to) or one with honey turkey, Granny Smith apple slices and creamy brie, there’s nothing quite like a mid-afternoon panini.

Much like your top-of-the-line air fryers and morning-used coffee makers, a quality panini press is a kitchen essential worth picking up, especially if you want to cook more this year — either for a hearty weekend meal or a delicious meal-prepped work lunch.

Ahead, we rounded up the 10 best panini presses of 2023 that are worth your money — for every type and budget out there. Not only that, but we hand-picked our sworn-in favorite recipes for inspiration. Trust us, we’re salivating just at the sight of all of them.

What’s more, you’ll also want to read our guide to the best Amazon kitchen gadgets to add more to your cart — and more value to your kitchen.

While any model to whip up that craving-filled panini is better than none, we kept a few considerations in mind when selecting the best products on the market:

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 6.5 inches

With nearly 26,00 rave reviews, the George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Panini Press earned its stripes as an Amazon best-seller and, impressively, is less than $40. Its removable plates are dishwasher-safe and easy to clean, heats up 35% faster than other models and makes panini-pressing as streamlined as can be.

Dimensions: 11.6 x 12.6 x 4.5 inches

With a name like Hamilton Beach, you know its Electric Panini Press is going to be good. Boasting a locking lid to ensure your panini is really pressed down, it also has a nonstick top and bottom tray, takes only six minutes to heat up and includes a built-in ready light when it’s time to press down and cook your sandwich.

Dimensions: 11.5 x 13.5 x 7.1 inches

The Cuisinart Panini Press Griddler is one of those kitchen buys that’s perfect to include on your wedding registry. Namely, its 5-in-1 design (apt for serving as a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle/half griddle and half griddle/half griddle) makes it inherently versatile. Plus, it has a green ready light, a dishwasher-safe scraping tool for easy cleanup and adjustable temperature controls.

Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 4 inches

The Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill is applauded by nearly 11,000 sandwich makers on Amazon — and for a good reason. You’ll appreciate its floating hinge that comes in handy to accommodate any size sandwich and its compact size, specifically.

Not to mention, its skid-resistant feet allow the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker. It’s also non-stick and one of our favorites for preventing messy spills.

Dimensions: 3 x 13 x 11 inches

Breville doesn’t just make one of our favorite espresso machines but it also has a quality panini press up for grabs. Specifically, this model is nonstick, scratch-resistant and has a ribbed top that creates those much-wanted grill marks atop your panini. Additionally, it has four heat settings, a ready light and a quality brushed stainless steel design.

Dimensions: 15.5 x 11.5 x 9.3 inches

For a commercial-grade panini maker, look no further than the Waring Commercial Italian-Style Panini Grill. Though a splurge, it’s a thoughtful one at that — you’ll love its removable drip tray, ribbed cast-iron plates (read: how to clean cast iron) and powerful heat settings to evenly cook your desired panini.

Dimensions: 9.6 x 10.1 x 4.3 inches

As one of our top affordable picks, the Brentwood Panini Press is a no-frills option for just $25. It has a partial-opening lid, a slim frame (which comes in handy for neat storage) and easy to clean plates.

Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.3 x 3.4 inches

Much like its acclaimed toaster, Revolution has it going on with its uniquely crafted Panini Press. For just $80, it creates those perfectly toasted sandwiches with its easy-to-maneuver, fold-over design. With an aluminum body and steel coating, it’s virtually unmatched, too.

Dimensions: 14 x 14 x 15.7 inches

If you’re seeking commercial-grade without the commercial price, snag the VEVOR Commercial Sandwich Press at Walmart. We appreciate its half-grooved plates (which also doubles as a hamburger grill) and easy-to-use knob and heat settings.

Dimensions: 8.25 inches for each part

Yes, the Lodge Panini Press requires you to actually press down, making it a stellar option for those who have a toast preference for their panini. It boasts wonderful heat retention, an easy-to-clean design and a superior storage system that’s similar to how you’d store pots and pans.

Ahead, we hand-picked 10 salivating recipes to pair with our top 10 panini presses:

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