In this section you will find the best professional panini grills for your bar or business, also ideal for buffets, so your panini and toasties always come out crisp and golden. Their shape also makes them suitable for heating other foods, such as pizza, meat (burgers, chicken breast, bacon…) and vegetables.
You can choose from dozens of top-quality electric grills from the best brands: cast iron grills or glass ceramic grills, smooth or ribbed plates, all with a stainless steel body, perfect for your venue!
Our catalogue includes professional panini grills of every type, from smooth to ribbed plates, in cast iron or glass ceramic, in single or double versions: sturdy, high-performance solutions designed for food service and for serving toasties and panini that are always crisp and fresh.
Our panini grills
- Double panini grill, 1/2 smooth 1/2 ribbed
- Double panini grill, ribbed top and smooth bottom
- Medium panini grill, ribbed top and smooth bottom
- Contact grill, single version
- Medium panini grill, ribbed top and bottom
- Contact grill - double version, ribbed top and bottom
- Glass ceramic grill PV55LR, single-phase
Frequently asked questions about panini grills
What types of professional panini grills are there?
Professional panini grills differ in surface and design. By surface they can be smooth (ideal for toasties, sandwiches and even cooking), ribbed (which leave the classic grill marks on meat and vegetables) or mixed, with one half smooth and one half ribbed. By design they are divided into single grills, with one cooking area, and double grills, with two independent zones to increase output. The most common materials are cast iron and glass ceramic, always combined with a stainless steel outer body.
What is the difference between a smooth and a ribbed grill plate?
A smooth plate has a completely flat surface: it spreads heat evenly and is perfect for heating panini, toasties and sandwiches and for delicate cooking such as eggs or thinly sliced vegetables. A ribbed plate has raised grooves that leave the typical grill marks and help fat drain away, making it ideal for burgers, chicken breast, bacon and steaks. Many venues choose a mixed model, with one smooth and one ribbed section, to cover different needs with a single appliance.
Is a cast iron or a glass ceramic panini grill better?
Cast iron stores and holds heat very well, offers high thermal inertia and powerful cooking, and is particularly suited to heavy, continuous use. Glass ceramic offers a smooth, compact surface that is easy to clean, heats quickly and evenly and looks elegant, so it also suits grills on show at the counter. The choice depends on your pace of work: for high volumes and cooking meat, cast iron is often preferred, while glass ceramic is excellent for bars and cafés looking for convenience and speed.
Is a single or a double panini grill better?
A single grill has one cooking surface and is the ideal solution for bars, small cafés and businesses with a moderate workload, where it takes up little space and uses less energy. A double grill has two independent cooking areas, often with separate thermostats: it lets you prepare more panini at the same time or use smooth and ribbed surfaces simultaneously, and it is the best choice for busy venues, sandwich bars and kitchens that need fast service times.
How do I choose the right professional panini grill?
First of all, consider your workload and the space available: for limited use a single grill is enough, while for busy service a double one is the better option. Then choose the surface according to your menu (smooth for toasties and sandwiches, ribbed for meat and grilled food, mixed for both) and the material, cast iron or glass ceramic, according to the performance and ease of cleaning you need. Finally, consider the power rating, whether there is an adjustable thermostat and the electrical supply available, checking whether it is single-phase or three-phase to match your premises.
What can you cook on a panini grill besides panini and toasties?
Besides panini, toasties and sandwiches, a panini grill is very versatile: on the ribbed surface you can grill burgers, chicken breast, bacon, sausages and steaks, while on the smooth surface you can cook sliced vegetables, melting cheeses and eggs, and even reheat pizza or piadine. Thanks to the movable top plate you can cook food on both sides at once, cutting preparation times and keeping food crisp and fresh, a valuable advantage during peak times at the bar or buffet.
How do you clean and maintain a professional panini grill?
For a long service life, clean the grill at the end of service while it is still warm, removing residue with the scraper provided and a damp cloth; on cast iron surfaces avoid harsh detergents and dry thoroughly to prevent rust, while glass ceramic is easy to clean with a soft cloth without scratching the surface. Check the cable and thermostat regularly and keep the ventilation grilles clean. Remember that panini grills are self-contained electric appliances: they plug straight into a socket and are not meant to be placed on hobs or induction cooktops.
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-320x320.jpg "GRILL PANINI MEDIUM LINED ABOVE AND BELOW")
In this section you will find the best professional panini grills for your bar or business, also ideal for buffets, so your panini and toasties always come out crisp and golden. Their shape also makes them suitable for heating other foods, such as pizza, meat (burgers, chicken breast, bacon…) and vegetables. You can choose from dozens of top-quality electric grills from the best brands: cast iron grills or glass ceramic grills, smooth or ribbed plates, all with a stainless steel body, perfect for your venue! Panini grills are professional equipment for browning food, essential for your sandwich bar, café or food truck, and for buffets too. An electric panini grill, heated by electricity, has the advantage of cooking food from above and below at the same time. Their versatility makes them indispensable appliances in the kitchen, an effective solution for many occasions.
How to choose a panini grill
The right professional panini grill for your venue depends on how you will use it: the number of panini to heat and how continuously it will be used are the deciding factors.Cast iron electric panini grill
A cast iron electric panini grill is ideal for prolonged, continuous use of at least 1–2 hours, so it is the better choice for sandwich bars and venues that use it for several hours at a stretch during the day. Cast iron takes a while – around 20 minutes – to reach working temperature, but it stays hot longer than a glass ceramic grill. It is the more economical choice and gives the panini a different look from a glass ceramic grill, as it leaves lines on the surface of the food. It can have smooth or ribbed plates, so you can choose the one that best suits your work according to the food you cook.
Glass ceramic electric panini grill
A glass ceramic electric panini grill is a piece of professional equipment for heating and cooking food, ideal for anyone who needs to heat panini, toasties, focaccia, vegetables and other foods quickly without a long warm-up. Glass ceramic reaches temperature quickly but also cools down just as quickly. It withstands high heat, knocks and sudden temperature changes, and it keeps its shape and rigidity. This makes it ideal for occasional use when you also need a grill that heats up fast. Its plates have a smooth surface. Professional glass ceramic grills are also very versatile and, thanks to their compact size, can be used both in large kitchens and on bar and hotel counters.
Other features to consider before buying a panini grill
Other features to consider before buying a professional electric grill are:
- single or double grill: on a single grill the cooking plates are the same, while on a double panini grill the cooking plates are reversible, with a ribbed side for grilling panini and a smooth side for normal use as a flat griddle.
- power, from a minimum of around 600 watts up to the most professional models, which can reach 4,500 watts. The more powerful the panini grill, the faster each cooking plate heats up and the higher the temperatures it can reach.
- size: to be chosen according to the amount of food to heat, whether it will be used at home to cook a couple of panini or whether you need to cook more panini for professional use.