Panini maker recommendations?
 

I thought there was a thread on this, but a search doesn't turn it up, so apologies if I missed it.

I'm finally thinking it's time to buy a Panini maker. Anybody have any recommendations for which model to purchase? Is this a case where "more expensive is better"?

a friend has this one: http://www.amazon.com/Krups-FDE312-7.../dp/B00005KIRV

Havent tried it myself but the kid swears by it.

I own a Breville panini press. It's a glorified George Foreman grill. Sturdy as heck. In fact, I just used it tonight. It was highly recommended by someone a couple of years ago. I believe I bought it at Williams Sonoma.

There is a thread somewhere on FT about this. It was the catalyst that got me going.

I have a waffle iron that the plates can be turned over for use as a panini maker. Haven't used it in years. Thanks for the reminder

The Cuisinart Griddler is one my my favorite small kitchen appliances...not strictly a panini maker, but does make great paninis.

Looks like they've dropped the price $50 from when I got mine, too.

We have one of these. It works reasonably well but sometimes doesn't fold over quite evenly, spreading the panini-to-be contents out a little bit.

We use a Foreman Grill. Works fine.

yep. I've had mine for three years and it rocks. I use it every week and still kicks out major heat. The weighted top grill is a plus.

In September 2009 I purchased a Cuisinart GR-4 Griddler Stainless-Steel 4-in-1 Grill/Griddle and Panini Press through Amazon.com for our Village Center Bistro - it has been in use five days a week since then, in a semi-restaurant environment, with no problems at all. Folks love the panini, and the price was right - $235 MSRP, $100 from Amazon. And, at least two customers have purchased their own as a result of the presence and quality they observed in our bistro.

I went ahead and bought a Breville and love it.

Very sturdy, and seems to be well made.

I plug it in before I put the sandwiches together, and it is ready to go before I'm even finished making them.

Very easy cleanup - even melted cheese just wipes right off.