Who needs which features?

Small-kitchen panini makers

If you make one or two panini and put the appliance away afterwards, storage may matter more than batch capacity. George Foreman Grills UK lists vertical storage for its 25800 Small Fit Grill.

Thick-fill sandwich makers

If your bread and brie filling make a thicker sandwich, compare the lid design on the exact model. George Foreman lists a floating hinge on the 25800, Breville an extra-high hinge on the VST025, and Cuisinart a floating hinge on the GR47BU.

Multi-use grill buyers

If you also want to grill or griddle other foods, a larger appliance may earn its cupboard space. Cuisinart lists those functions and removable plates for the GR47BU, alongside closed dimensions of H 20 × W 37 × D 33 cm.

What should you check first?

Decide where the appliance will go after use, then check that its lid accommodates your panini and its plates suit the way you want to clean them.

Compact contact grill

Choose when: You usually make one or two panini and need to put the grill away between uses; George Foreman lists vertical storage for its 25800 Small Fit Grill.

Trade-off: The 25800 has fixed rather than removable plates.

Flat-plate panini press

Choose when: You regularly make several sandwiches; Breville says the VST025 holds up to three panini at once.

Trade-off: Check its stored dimensions and lid-opening clearance against your available space before choosing it for a small kitchen.

Multi-grill

Choose when: Grilling, griddling and removable plates matter beyond making panini; the Cuisinart GR47BU offers those options.

Trade-off: Its closed dimensions are H 20 × W 37 × D 33 cm, and Cuisinart labels this model discontinued.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Storage after use Measure the cupboard space and the clearance needed to open the lid. If vertical storage appeals, check that the exact model permits it. If I need to clear the worktop after making a panini, I put storage ahead of batch capacity. Around 46% of consumers would make storage their primary concern.
Fit for a brie-filled panini Check the exact model’s floating or extra-high hinge and whether your chosen bread and filling fit between its plates. With thicker bread and filling, I want the lid to accommodate the sandwich without having to force it shut. For around 36% of consumers, filling fit comes first.
Cleaning and other uses Confirm whether the plates are removable and which parts the model’s instructions permit you to wash in a dishwasher. If melted cheese is awkward to clean up, or I will use the appliance for grilling too, plate access and versatility take priority. That is the main concern for around 18% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Choosing batch capacity before checking storage

    A press that holds more panini may be difficult to put away in a kitchen with little free worktop or cupboard space. Cuisinart states closed dimensions of H 20 × W 37 × D 33 cm for the GR47BU.

    Measure the storage spot and lid-opening space before deciding how much cooking capacity you need.

  • Assuming non-stick plates are removable

    Cleaning arrangements differ by model: Breville describes the VST025’s flat plates as wipe-clean, while Cuisinart specifies removable dishwasher-safe plates for the GR47BU.

    Check the care instructions for the exact model before removing a plate or putting it in a dishwasher.

  • Counting on a discontinued model

    Cuisinart labels the GR47BU discontinued on its UK product page. Its features remain useful for comparison, but that label does not establish current availability.

    Check the current listing, warranty terms and replacement-parts support before making it a purchase candidate.

  • Assuming pasteurised brie needs no further cooking during pregnancy

    NHS guidance says mould-ripened soft cheese with a white rind, including brie, must be thoroughly cooked during pregnancy, whether pasteurised or unpasteurised.

    If you are pregnant, cook the brie until it is steaming hot throughout.

Brands and models to compare

George Foreman

The 25800 Small Fit Grill is a compact contact-grill option to consider when putting the appliance away is a priority.

  • George Foreman Grills UK lists vertical storage, a cord wrap, a floating hinge and a clip-in drip tray for this model.
  • Its non-stick plates are fixed rather than removable.

Breville

The VST025 is a flat-plate press for shoppers who want to make up to three panini at once.

  • Breville UK lists flat non-stick plates, an extra-high hinged lid and a ready-to-cook indicator.
  • Check its closed dimensions against your storage space before choosing it for a limited worktop.

Cuisinart

The GR47BU provides a point of comparison if you also want grilling and griddling functions.

  • Cuisinart UK lists removable reversible dishwasher-safe plates, temperature control up to 240°C and an 8 cm floating hinge.
  • Its closed dimensions are H 20 × W 37 × D 33 cm, and Cuisinart labels the model discontinued.

Joybuy products for this scenario

This microwave toastie maker is a compact alternative for making panini if you have a suitable microwave; it is not a freestanding contact press.

Drew & Cole Clever Micro Toastie Maker

Drew & Cole Clever Micro Toastie Maker

Consider this compact microwave-based option if a freestanding press would take up too much space between uses. You will need a suitable microwave; check that your chosen bread and brie filling fit, and confirm which components the care instructions permit you to put in a dishwasher.

View on Joybuy

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a floating hinge for a brie panini?

A floating or extra-high hinge is worth checking if your bread and filling make a thicker panini. George Foreman lists a floating hinge on the 25800, Breville an extra-high hinged lid on the VST025 and Cuisinart a floating hinge on the GR47BU; none of these features means you can overfill the press without cheese escaping.

Which plates are easier to clean after melted cheese?

Choose a cleaning format that suits you rather than assuming all non-stick plates work alike: Breville describes the VST025’s flat plates as wipe-clean, while Cuisinart specifies removable dishwasher-safe plates on the GR47BU. Follow the exact model’s care instructions before washing any component.

Can I eat a brie panini during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant, cook the brie until it is steaming hot throughout. NHS guidance applies this condition to mould-ripened soft cheeses with a white rind, including brie, whether they are pasteurised or unpasteurised.

What should I do with an old panini press?

Check your local authority’s electrical-waste collection options rather than assuming the press belongs in ordinary household waste. GOV.UK explains the UK rules for waste electrical and electronic equipment, and Coventry City Council lists sandwich makers among electrical-waste items; local collection arrangements vary.