It’s simple to take a regular sandwich and turn it into a hot, toasty masterpiece. Just use a sandwich press! They are easy to use, easy to clean and only add a few minutes to heat a sandwich which is already prepared. Sandwich presses are a must for any restaurant and are also great for the home when entertaining a party or making a lazy lunch much better.
Most sandwich presses fall into one of four categories:
THE FLAT SURFACE PRESS
The unique feature of a flat-surface press is the “floating hinge.” This allows even pressure across the length of each sandwich, making it perfect for paninis or quesadillas. They rarely have a drip pan, so it is not suitable for cooking meats.
THE POCKET PRESS
This is probably the most fun of all the press options, with sandwiches squeezed into a triangular pocket shape. Creative sandwich makers can even use other ingredients besides bread to fill the press, such as spaghetti, hashbrown potatoes or pancakes. The temperature is set with just an on/off setting and some presses have removable plates for easy cleaning.
THE RIDGED SURFACE PRESS
This is sometimes called a “grill-surface” press, as the crimped plates create beautiful charred lines on sandwiches or meats, the same way cooking on a grill will make. This is great for restaurants that want to have a presentation which looks as good as it tastes.
THE COMMERCIAL PRESS
Also known as a “commercial contact grill,” if making hot sandwiches is one’s business, this is a “must-have.” However, for people who regularly make hot sandwiches in their home, it may be worth the expense to get a commercial press. They can also be used for cooking burgers, chicken and steak. The temperature is adjustable up to 570 degrees Fahrenheit (298.88 °C). The plates aren’t usually removable, but they have a drip tray for easy cleaning.
