Ranked on multi-function value: number of cooking modes, plate quality, and whether each mode is genuinely good.
The Best Grill and Panini Press Combos (2026)
One machine that grills burgers, presses panini, and cooks pancakes. These are the combos worth the counter space.
Our top picks at a glance
Best combo
Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1Cooks who want a press, grill, and griddle without three appliances.
Best press-first
Breville Panini DuoSandwich lovers who want a purpose-built press with precise control.
Best budget combo
Ovente Electric Indoor GrillDorm rooms and small kitchens that need grilling more than pressing.
The Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 is the best grill and panini press combo: contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, and split modes across 240 square inches, with reversible dishwasher-safe plates.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Functions | Cooking surface | Wattage | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best comboCuisinart Griddler 5-in-1 | 5: contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, split | 240 square inches | 1800 | Check price |
| Best press-firstBreville Panini Duo | — | — | 1500 | Check price |
| Best budget comboOvente Electric Indoor Grill | — | — | — | Check price |
Best combo
Cuisinart Griddler 5-in-1
Five machines in one footprint.
Strengths
- Five functions: contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, half grill/half griddle
- 240 square inches of cooking surface, the largest here
- Reversible dishwasher-safe plates swap between grill and griddle
- 1800 watts for strong searing heat
Limitations
- Larger and heavier than any dedicated press
- More parts to wash and store than a single-purpose machine
- Jack of all trades: the press function is very good, not quite Breville-precise
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Five cooking modes in one appliance
- Removable, dishwasher-safe plates
- Even heating for most foods
Common complaints
- Top plate may run cooler than the bottom
- Nonstick can wear over time
- Grease drip tray is small
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Functions | 5: contact grill, panini press, full griddle, full grill, split |
|---|---|
| Cooking surface | 240 square inches |
| Wattage | 1800 |
| Plates | Reversible, dishwasher-safe, nonstick |
| Hinge | Floating, adjusts to food thickness |
Best for: Cooks who want a press, grill, and griddle without three appliances.
Skip if: You only make panini and want the simplest dedicated press.
Best press-first
Breville Panini Duo
The dedicated press that does one job brilliantly.
Strengths
- Flat bottom plate and ribbed top plate: sears grill marks on top, crisps evenly below
- 1500 watts for fast heat-up and consistent temperature
- Adjustable height control handles thick sandwiches without crushing
- Nonstick plates wipe clean; locking clip for upright storage
Limitations
- Single purpose: it presses sandwiches and little else
- Two-sandwich capacity at most
- Premium price for a dedicated machine
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Heats quickly and evenly
- Adjustable height for thick sandwiches
- Easy-wipe nonstick plates
Common complaints
- Plates are not removable for washing
- No on/off switch or temperature control
- Handle gets hot
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Wattage | 1500 |
|---|---|
| Plates | Flat bottom, ribbed top, nonstick |
| Hinge | Floating with adjustable height control |
| Capacity | 2 sandwiches |
| Storage | Upright with locking clip |
Best for: Sandwich lovers who want a purpose-built press with precise control.
Skip if: You want a multi-function grill or need to cook for more than two.
Best budget combo
Ovente Electric Indoor Grill
The budget grill that moonlights as a press.
Strengths
- Inexpensive grill-first design with press capability
- Nonstick plates with a floating hinge
- Compact footprint for small kitchens
- Adjustable temperature control
Limitations
- Designed as a grill: the press function is secondary
- Lower power than the Breville or Cuisinart
- Smaller surface limits sandwich size
| Function | Electric indoor grill with press hinge |
|---|---|
| Plates | Nonstick |
| Hinge | Floating |
| Control | Adjustable temperature dial |
| Footprint | Compact |
Best for: Dorm rooms and small kitchens that need grilling more than pressing.
Skip if: Panini is the main job: the hinge and plates are grill-first.
Questions, answered
Is a combo as good as separate machines?
For most home cooks, yes. The Griddler's grill sears well and its press mode is very good; you would need to spend significantly more on separates to beat it meaningfully. Dedicated tools win at the extremes, not the middle.
Which combo function gets used most?
In owner reviews, the full griddle (pancakes, eggs, bacon for a crowd) and the contact grill (burgers, chicken) tend to outrank the press mode in actual use. That is an argument for the combo even if you bought it for panini.
Are the plates really dishwasher-safe?
On the Cuisinart, yes: the reversible plates are rated dishwasher-safe. Hand washing extends the nonstick life, but the dishwasher rating matters because these plates are the part you will clean most.