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Panini or Sandwich Grill - which option is best for your Kitchen?
Author: Siobhan Thomson Date Posted:25 March 2021
1. Why invest in a Panini Machine or Sandwich Grill?
Panini machines make life easy! This could be as part of your lunch time menu but equally at dinner time too when you are looking for a quick and easy solution for your customers. Either way they are great additions to a commercial kitchen.
A Panini machine eliminates the need to "babysit" a sandwich in the frying pan. Simply place your sandwich on the grill and let the machine do the work for you. Plus they are incredibly easy to clean and take care of. All they require is a quick wipe and you are good to go again. No need to deal with the hassle of washing copious dishes.
Investing in a good Panini machine should take your sandwiches to the next level. It will apply just the right pressure so that your sandwich won’t flatten (at least not more than it should), and it will apply the right temperature to warm up all the ingredients. The bread will be crisp and hot instead of soggy and flat, and the cheese will be nice and melted instead of a mess.
2. Types of Panini Machines
Panini machines are sometimes categorised by how often you plan on using them, as well as the types of food that you want to prepare. Here is a simple way you can differentiate between them:
A medium-duty panini machine is perfect for intermittent use in locations such a cafés, delis, or small sandwich shops. They are made to handle frequent use – meaning, more often than you would with a light duty sandwich maker, but not so frequent as to replace a heavy-duty grill. If you have to warm sandwiches, cook meats, or warm tortillas several times a day, then a medium-duty sandwich maker may be a good investment for you.
An example of a good panini machine in this size is a Sirman Single Panini Machine. This machine will allow you to produce several Panini's a day, is very easy to clean and given it's size will fit into limited spaces.
If you have to use your Panini machine constantly throughout the day, a heavy-duty sandwich grill should be what you are looking for. These have more durable hinges, heavy bodies, and were made to handle rigorous use in any commercial kitchen.
A good example would be the Double Sirman Panini Machine with its stainless steel exterior and heavy duty, cast iron cooking plate. It also the power to ensure that it won’t break down even if you use it on a continuous basis.
3. Something to think about
Panini machine grill plates usually come in two configurations: smooth and grooved. A smooth plate will cook the bread evenly, while a grooved plate will offer those grill lines that appeal to us so much when it comes to sandwiches. You can find these plates in all kinds of combos: grooved top and bottom, smooth top and bottom, smooth bottom and grilled top and so on. The Sirman Cort L, for instance, has a grooved top and a smooth bottom, promising to provide both an appealing look and even panini grilling. Plus, since it has a cast iron grill that is stick-resistant, there will be no risk of the food sticking to the device.
Also a single Panini machine will take up less space and is a great option for those who are limited on countertop space. However, if you are in a situation where you have to cook for several people at the same time, then a dual-plated panini grill might be a better option for you.
Finally, a Panini machine can save you a lot of time and trouble, no matter if you use it in your kitchen at home or in a commercial space. Every model comes with its own features and uses, whether you want it to be cast iron or aluminum, single or dual, there are many options for you to choose from.
At BCE our experts will happily work through the best option for your kitchen. Feel free to talk to our experts today!
Comments (1)
Panini Maker
27 September 2022I like your blogs. No fluff, just helpful info. Great job.
