Panini press and griddle are two common kitchen appliances that are used alternatively for cooking.
Whether you want to savor grilled sandwiches or perfectly seared steak, these appliances can come in handy. But both of these devices vary in functions and features.
Wondering how these appliances differ from each other and which one is more appropriate for you? Dive right in to find the extensive guide on the primary differences between a panini press and a griddle.
Table of Contents
What Is A Panini Press?
The Panini press is a popularly used kitchen device, and it comprises two grill or griddle cooking surfaces. Hence, it can cook from both sides, that is, top and bottom.
It is an electric device, and the heating elements present on both surfaces heat up the plates. The top plate presses down on the food so that the cooking is complete from both sides.
Panini press is also referred to as a grill press or panini maker. It is usually used to press down sandwiches, grill vegetables or meat, cook hash browns, or heat up other food items like tortillas.
Panini press can be utilized to make many dishes, and it is pretty versatile. It can be operated easily and is a very convenient device to cook small amounts of food.
What Is A Griddle?
A griddle is a cooking appliance that is non-stick and provides a smooth leveled surface for even cooking. Apart from that, it comprises a shallow ridge all around the edges so that the juices or cooking fats do not flow out of the surface.
The heat sources in electric griddles are electric elements that are present on the surface. Electric griddles can be placed on tabletops for easy cooking and are also available with smoke-free features, which makes them very suitable for use.
One can use electric griddles to prepare different kinds of meals, including breakfast usuals like eggs, pancakes, or bacon, and to sear other food items like vegetables, tofu, meat, steak, etc.
What Is The Difference – Panini Press Vs. Griddle?
The significant differences between a panini press and an electric griddle are elaborated below on the basis of different criteria. Read further to get enlightened on the same:
- Dimensions
A panini press usually has a length of about 10-13 inches and 7-12 inches in width. The grill is about 4-8 x 5-10 inches in size, and the entire appliance weighs around 3-10lbs. This electric device uses about 220V power.
It is available in different variations like non-stick, stainless steel, plastic, etc., and other features like black, nickel-finished, chrome-finished, and many different colors.
An electric griddle has a power usage of about 120V, and the heating area is 18 inches to 35 inches wide. Many non-electric options are also available, and these can range from 12 inches to as large as 72 inches.
This device comprises a non-stick surface ensuring seamless cooking, and they also come with adjustable temperature options.
- Use
A panini press is usually used to make paninis, as the name suggests. But, it can be used to prepare other foods as well, like grilled sandwiches, meat, or vegetables, and to even warm tortillas or wraps.
It is a multifunctional device, and you can cook any kind of sandwich that you desire.
The bottom and top grill make it possible to cook several types of meals with perfection, and you can even carry out the everyday cooking by eliminating the top grill.
However, using both sides for flat grills is more efficient if you are cooking large meals.
A panini press can grill any meat, fish, vegetables, peppers, and mushrooms, or you can use it to prepare waffle cones, french toasts, cakes, or even brownies. Hence, a lot of things are possible with this appliance.
When it comes to a griddle, you can cook anything that you usually cook in a pan.
It provides more surface than the standard frying pans as it has a rectangular surface where you can cook multiple items at a single time.
This makes it perfect for large families or a group of people as it saves a lot of individual cooking time.
You can cook any kind of meal with griddles, from spot-on breakfast essentials like bacon, eggs, pancakes, etc., and that too, in large batches and steaks.
Apart from that, you can cook patties, grilled cheese sandwiches, toasts and sear meat, vegetables, or other food items. It is almost like owning a jumbo frying pan.
- Cooking Method
There is no need to use oil with a panini press as it may interfere with the heat and, eventually, the cooking period. You should avoid using grease, but you can add butter to your sandwich or toasts for elevated taste.
The cooking surface is small, but it is appropriate for students or for use in casual everyday cooking, especially small dishes.
Since a griddle is powered by electricity, there is even cooking along the surface so that you get perfectly cooked food. Given that there is no top grill like a panini, you need to be mindful of flipping the food on time so that the food isn’t overcooked or burnt.
You need to use oil while cooking in a griddle. Since there is a provision of a large surface, it is apt for a large family to cook more portions at a single time.
- Maintenance
With top and bottom grilling, a panini maker might be more challenging to cook with because of leftover cheese or food in the device. Hence, it takes some amount of work to maintain a panini press.
Griddles are relatively easier to clean as the flat smooth surface is non-stick, and there is no need to wash with soap. You just have to clean the surface while it’s hot and avoid grease.
| Panini Press | Griddle | |
| Dimensions | Smaller in size | Bigger in size |
| Use | Ideal for grilling and making sandwiches | Suitable for pancakes, eggs, and bacon |
| Cooking Method | A small surface that doesn’t require oil for cooking | Uses electricity and oil for even cooking |
| Maintenance | Requires more effort in cleaning | Easy to clean |
Panini Press Vs. Griddle: What Should You Choose?
A panini press, as well as a griddle, are both convenient and simple to operate. It would be ideal to consider your preferences and needs before selecting one.
For example, for college students, panini presses are a fantastic choice as it is suitable for casual cooking like grilling meat or chicken, vegetables, and making delicious sandwiches.
In a panini press, at any given time, you can only make two sandwiches.
Hence it is perfect for snacks but not in the case of meals for large families.
Both of the grills or barbecues can be used simultaneously, but still, it is not as convenient.
Whereas griddles, particularly non-electric griddles, provide a vast cooking surface and are ideal for large families or groups.
You get broad cooking surfaces with electric models as well. It enables you to cook a large batch of pancakes, eggs, and even burgers at once.
However, they require more storage space than a panini press. So if space is a constraint, then you should go for the other one.
Griddles also require more attention while cooking since you need to flip the food item at regular intervals for flawless cooking.
Whereas with a panini maker, you just need to press down the grill and wait for the cooking to be done. So if you aren’t much of an attentive cook, you may go for a panini press.
FAQs
Can You Grill Steak On A Panini Press?
You can grill steak or meat on a panini press. You just need to season the steak well before cooking and close the top portion over once you place it in. Let it cook for the required time period to get the desired texture.
How Expensive Is A Griddle?
Griddles are available at varying prices.
You can get cheap ones starting at around $30, whereas high-end and top-quality products may cost as high as over $500.
Is A Panini Press The Same As A Grill?
Yes, a panini press is often referred to as a panini grill, and it carries out the grilling of various food items in a straightforward manner.
It comprises two sides of cooking, top, and bottom, and the heating comes from added elements or through electricity.
Conclusion
Panini presses and griddles are used for somewhat similar purposes, but they have several remarkable differences that set them apart. While a panini press is ideal for sandwiches or grilling vegetables, a griddle can be suitable for pancakes and breakfasts.
Now that you are aware of some significant features of both these appliances, you can select the most appropriate option for you, considering that it caters to all your needs.
