A plug-in pan makes the best panini

[Food Network Fan]

A plug-in pan makes the best panini
Allentown Morning Call, PA - Jan 2, 2008
I tested five manual pans made by some of the heavyweights (so to speak) of cookware: All Clad, Calphalon, Le Creuset, Mario Batali and the Italian company ...

[bakerman]

I do know that I like the FN 4-in-1 works better than expected for panini. The only other time that I made panini was on a commercial press with cast iron grill plates, that was an impressive machine, but it was huge!

MAC

[Food Network Fan]

I thought of you when I saw this story. Looks like you made a good choice.

[bluejeanz]

I know this thread is about actual professional-type panini-makers but I much prefer using a cast iron grill pan and using a second cast iron pan (or cast iron bacon press) as a press. I bought a panini-maker several years ago and don't recall what brand it was offhand (way over $100) but I thought it was a big clunky piece of equipment that didn't work as well as my iron skillet technique unless you're making sandwiches for a crowd.

I'm all for buying equipment that saves you time in the kitchen and have dual purposes (think Alton Brown) but if I can use something I already have laying around the kitchen, darn, I just saved myself some $$$, LOL.

[BerryBaby]

I use the cast iron skillet as well and put a plate over the sandwich and press it. I could also get a brick, wrap it in foil and use that so I wouldn't have to stand there and press it. Always forget to pick one up when I'm at Home Depot. I'll have to put it on my list...just like everything else and forget the list at home!

[Food Network Fan]

I wish I could send you a brick. They are everywhere here. Not quite as clean as a new one would be though.

I always thought one of the cast iron grill pans would great for the panini. They even make a press with the marks for lines on both sides. But this person seems to think the press is better. Probably a matter of preference though.