Mine isn't really a panini grill but I can use it as one. The plates are reversable, so I can fry steaks on one side, and flip them over to heat sandwiches on the other. I used to use it a lot more when we ate bread. It makes good quesedias. (sp)

I have the Cuisinart GR-1, and I love it. I bought it for myself after my son and DIL got the same model and recommended it.

Here it is on Amazon

don't forget using your caste iron skillet as a weight...works in a pinch...

I have a Cuisinart too....Costco with a coupon that month. I use it for grilled cheese, other sandwiches, probably not used as often as it could be. DH grills over gas all year round so I rarely use it for meat but could, and love the way the grill and press plates slip right into the dishwasher.

I also have the Cuisinart griddler. I love it.

We have a Bella Panini grill. Inspiration struck after we had finished shopping for gifts for our son, so we went with this less expensive $25-30 brand. The Cuisinart is probably better, but this one does what we need it to do just fine.

To make a pressed sandwich, I use my Cuisinart griddle with a foil-wrapped paver.

Just adding an alternative to an additional appliance.

I have been eating grilled pressed sandwiches my entire life before people started calling them panini. Cast iron skillet with a heavy saucer was what my mom used. I use a cast skillet or grill a with a cast iron bacon press.

Ate panini in it's original version most of my life also. A good loaf of bread cut into thick split sections with hard salami, cotto sausage or even bologna made on site was common picnic fare.

Thanks so much for your imput, I think I will try a Cuisinart.

I like pressed sandwiches but wouldn't buy an appliance to make them. I use a big cast iron skillet on the bottom and a smaller one on top. I can make two at a time.

I have the Cusineart Griddler I use it for a lot of things including grilling steaks, it does make good sandwiches. I too always did them using my cast iron, I have a cast iron grill pan with the ridges which works well with a cast iron skillet on top. You can fry on the flip side of the Griddler but I haven't used it for that.

I did have a Cuisinart but rarely used it due to the weight of it and I don't like it left on the counter. I just gave it to my sil last week. I've had surgery on both hands and lifting is difficult. I can still handle the Forman for an occasional tuna melt.

I have a Le Creuset grill press (cast iron slug with ridges and a knob on top that you heat separately and use with your grill pan). At least, before I remodelled my kitchen five years ago, I did. I remember taking it out of a box that had mostly planters and things so I could empty it to get to the Passover dishes before the kitchen was completely done. We were at the shelf lining phase. I put the grill press...somewhere. I remember thinking at the time that it didn't go there, but that it was fine for the meantime while we get the rest of the kitchen done. Hasn't been seen since. I used to use it all the time! And made lovely grilled sandwiches, among other things. My mother gave me her Cuisinart panini press/grill but I've never used it. It seems like too much bother. I'd use my press if it would turn back up. And you know if someone gives me a new one, it'll appear like magic!