Have you been looking for the best cast-iron panini press?
Then you are in the right place.
I singled out and reviewed six of the best models that are currently available on the market. Check them out, compare the features they have to offer, and choose the best model on the list.
The Rundown
Best Of Best Cast Iron Panini Press
Ovente GP1000BR Press
A high-quality sandwich press that features an LCD display and provides simple time and temperature adjustments.
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Best Electric Cast Iron Sandwich Press
Holstein Housewares HH-0910601
An electric sandwich press that provides a very simple design and comes with a highly durable non-stick coat.
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Best Commercial Cast Iron Panini Press
Happybuy Panini Press
A commercial sandwich press that features a durable stainless steel exterior and provides a large cooking surface.
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Best Space-Saving Cast Iron Sandwich Press
Chef’s Supreme Panini Press
A space-saving sandwich press that features griddle cooking plates and provides very simple temperature control.
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Best Stovetop Cast Iron Panini Press
Chasseur Panini Press
A stovetop panini press that provides even heat distribution and requires very little maintenance.
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Best Small Cast Iron Sandwich Press
Cuisinart Grill Panini Press
A simple cast iron handle that comes at an affordable price and is very easy to clean and maintain.
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Best 6 Cast Iron Panini Sandwich Press
Best Of Best Cast Iron Panini Press
Ovente GP1000BR Press
Built-In LCD
This cast iron panini press features a user-friendly built-in LCD that is located on the front side of the unit. It is designed to display the set temperature and timer. This is a great thing because you will always know when your food will be done.
Simple Adjustments
You won’t have any trouble adjusting the timer or the temperature level of this panini press. Everything you need to do is use the “temp” and “time” buttons on the left side of the LCD and adjust them by pressing the “up” and “down” buttons on the right side.
Hinge Control
Another great thing about this panini press toaster is that it provides you with ultimate hinge control. That means that you can adjust its position to accommodate sandwiches of different thicknesses or you can even leave it hanging over your sandwiches to get that perfect melt.
Safety Features
This cast iron panini grill press offers additional safety features. These include a power-on indicator that lets you know that the grill is on, a cool-to-touch handle that is specially designed to ensure that you don’t end up with heat burns, and an automatic shut-off which ensures that the grill will automatically turn off once the time runs out.
Short Description:
- user-friendly control panel with built-in LCD
- quick adjustments with temperature and timer controls
- high-quality non-stick coated grill plates
- hinge control for different cooking options
- cool-to-touch handle for simple adjustments
- built-in power-on light indicator
- automatic shut-off once the time runs out
Best Electric Cast Iron Sandwich Press
Holstein Housewares HH-0910601 Press
Simple Design
This cast iron sandwich press features a very simple design. Everything you need for this unit to work properly is a regular power source. This is a great thing because it means that you can take this panini press anywhere you go and use it any time you want.
Non-Stick Coat
Since the griddle panini press plates that come with this sandwich press are fully coated with a non-stick coat, you never have to worry that your food might stick to the cooing surface. This also means that you can cook your food without adding any additional fats or oils.
Built-In Light Indicators
Thanks to the built-in power-on and ready light indicators you will always know when the unit is ready to use. Once it preheats to its cooking temperature, simply place your sandwiches or other ingredients inside the press and adjust its hinge according to your needs.
Quick Cleanup
Due to its high-quality coat and griddle cooking surfaces, this electric cast iron sandwich maker is very easy to clean. Everything you need to do is wipe its cooking surface with a soft damp cloth. Make sure that you wait for the plates to cool down completely before you start with the cleanup.
Short Description:
- very simple electric design
- high-quality non-stick coat for fat-free cooking
- 70 square inches of cooking area
- power-on and ready light indicators
- very easy to clean and maintain
Best Commercial Cast Iron Panini Press
Happybuy Panini Press
Commercial Use
This cast iron panini press is specially designed for commercial use. This large panini press comes with two different cooking zones each with its own controls and “power” and “ready” indicator lights. It will allow you to make multiple meals at once.
Stainless Steel Design
The amazing thing about this sandwich press is that it features a high-quality stainless steel design that will provide amazing durability. This is a very important feature, especially for busy kitchen environments. It is highly resistant to scratches, dents, stains, and even rust.
Powerful Heating Element
There is no need to doubt the performance of this panini press. It comes with a powerful and yet cost-effective heating element that is specially designed to provide high efficiency and keep the power consumption to a minimum.
Precise Temperature Controls
Each of the two cooking zones come with a simple temperature control knob that allows you to set the desired cooking temperature. You can set it between 122 and 572 degrees Fahrenheit. Once you choose the desired temperature level simply wait for the heat indicator to light up.
Short Description:
- specially designed for commercial use
- large cooking surface with two separate cooking zones
- highly durable stainless steel construction
- a powerful and efficient heating element
- precise temperature control between 122°F and 572°F
- built-in cooling holes on the side of the unit
Best Space-Saving Cast Iron Sandwich Press
Chef’s Supreme Panini Press
Space-Saving Size
Just like the previous model, this cast iron sandwich press is also specially designed for commercial use. The difference is that this model comes in a much more space-saving size and it has griddle cooking surfaces. It is the perfect choice for smaller food bars and trucks.
Griddle Cooking Plates
Both griddle cooking plates are made of seasoned, heavy-duty cast iron material that disperses heat evenly throughout the cooking surface. Thanks to this feature you won’t have to flip the ingredients you are cooking. Simply place your food on the bottom plate, cover it with the top, and enjoy the amazing results.
Temperature Control
This commercial sandwich press features very simple temperature control. It comes with a rotating knob that is located on the front side of the unit. Once you set the desired temperature level simply wait for the green power indicator to light up and you can start to use the unit.
Safe To Use
You can be sure that this panini press with cast iron plates is perfectly safe to use. It comes with a black rubber handle that remains cool throughout the cooking process and has four rubber feet that provide additional stability to the unit.
Short Description:
- highly practical space-saving design
- cast iron griddle cooking plates
- temperature control knob for simple adjustments
- black rubber-coated cool-touch handle
- four rubber feet for additional stability
Best Stovetop Cast Iron Panini Press
Chasseur Panini Press
Stovetop Design
Unlike the previous four models, I reviewed in this post, this cast iron panini press is specially designed for stovetop use. The best thing is that you can use it on all kinds of stovetop surfaces, on an open flame, and inside an oven.
Cast Iron Material
Due to its construction, you can be sure that this stovetop panini press will provide you with a very powerful performance. Cast iron is specially designed to distribute heat evenly while at the same time keeping it at a low level. That means that your food will get perfectly cooked without any chance of burns.
Manual Use
This model features a separate pan and lid design. That means that once you will need to press your sandwich down with the included lid to ensure that you get the most perfect results. Additionally, since it doesn’t have the top heated cooking plate you will need to flip your sandwich and press it down again.
Simple Cleanup
The great thing about this cast iron panini pan is that it is very easy to clean and it requires very little maintenance. Also, both parts are completely dishwasher-safe. Make sure that you wait for the unit to cool down completely before you place it inside the dishwasher.
Short Description:
- separate pan and lid design
- high-quality cast iron material
- even heat distribution throughout the pan
- simple cleanup and little maintenance
Best Small Cast Iron Sandwich Press
Cuisinart Grill Panini Press
Multipurpose Use
This cast iron panini grill press is specially designed for multipurpose use. You can use it to press paninis and all sorts of sandwiches or you can use it for grilling a variety of meat including stakes and hamburgers on an open-flame grill.
Wood Handle
To ensure that your safety doesn’t come in compromise, this small press comes with a wood handle that won’t transmit the heat from the press. Thanks to that feature you will never have to worry about getting a heat burn while you grill your sandwiches.
Easy To Wash
You won’t have any trouble keeping this grill press clean. Everything you need to do is wait for it to cool down and simply wash it with clean water. Make sure that you thoroughly dry it up after each use.
Cheap Price
Since this cast iron sandwich toaster is only a press handle, you won’t have to spend too much money on it. It costs only around fifteen dollars which makes it a great choice for everyone who doesn’t need a full panini press unit.
Short Description:
- specially designed for multipurpose use
- cast iron construction with wood handle
- lightweight and easy to use
- easy to clean and maintain
What To Consider About Cast Iron Panini Press?
Cast iron panini press models offer amazing durability and offer many amazing beneficial features. Here are some tips on the features you need to pay attention to, to ensure that you find the best model.
Size And Capacity – When buying a panini press you need to consider its size and the capacity it provides. If you need a unit for industrial use, go for larger models that feature double cooking zones. On the other hand, if you want a portable unit, a small panini press is a great choice.
User-Friendly Controls – Make sure that you choose a panini press that provides you with multiple user-friendly controls. That way you will be able to adjust its performance according to your needs.
Even Heat-Distribution – To ensure that the sandwich press you choose to buy provides even heat distribution, look for the models that come with a powerful double-sided heating element. This will ensure that you don’t have to flip your food during the cooking process.
Simple Maintenance – If you want a sandwich press that is really easy to clean and maintain, go for the models that feature a high-quality non-stick coat. That way you won’t have to scrub the cooking surface after each use but rather simply wipe it off with a clean cloth.
Additional Safety Features – Always make sure that the cast iron panini press you choose to buy provides you with additional safety features. These may include rubber bottom feet that provide stability, a covered handle that doesn’t transmit the heat from the unit, etc.
To Wrap It Up
The best cast-iron panini press is the Ovente GP1000BR Panini Press. It features a built-in LCD display with simple temperature and timer controls and provides additional safety features. Read more about the best stovetop panini press models and choose the best grilled-cheese press model on the market.
