Sandwich Maker vs. Panini Press: Which Kitchen Appliance is a Better Choice for You

Panini press
Image by YGphoto/Dephositphotos

If you’re a huge fan of grilled sandwiches, you should have a kitchen tool that does a great job making them. A sandwich maker and panini press both can get the job done, but which one is a better pick? Here’s a quick rundown of their pros and cons that will help you make the right choice between the two.

Sandwich Maker: Pros

You don’t need to be a pro to use a sandwich maker. It’s a quick and easy kitchen appliance, and it doesn’t take a lot of effort to figure out how it works and make delicious sandwiches inside it.

Sandwich Maker: Cons

Unlike a panini press, sandwich makers usually don’t come with temperature controls. Their biggest con, however, is the lack of versatility they offer.

Panini Press: Pros

Speaking of versatility, it happens to be one of the biggest pros of the panini press. Sandwiches are only the first on the long list of foods you can make inside one. It also doesn’t hurt its case that it’s less messy and can make your sandwiches much testier.

Panini Press: Cons

A panini press is less beginner-friendly and requires more time and counter space than most sandwich makers. Its temperature controls can come in handy, but it takes time to figure out how they work so you wouldn’t burn your slices.