Customer Reviews

Calphalon Contemporary Nonstick Panini Pan and Press

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was looking at electric panini grills, but didn't really want another appliance that I would have to store on a shelf or cupboard. I found the Calphalon panini grill pan to be easy to use, clean and store. It goes on the stovetop. I preheat the pan with the stainless steel lid, while I put my sandwich together. Then I brush the pan and bread with olive oil, put the sandwich on the pan and put the lid on top of the sandwich. I let it grill for a few minutes, turn over the sandwich and grill the other side. I get those great grill marks, and the lid helps flatten the sandwich and heats it too. I've also used the pan for salmon fillets, hamburgers, sausages. It does a beautiful job. Cleans up well because it's nonstick! Easy to store as well. Love this pan!

I purchased this pan last fall and I love it! It not only makes great panini's, it's wonderful to grill chicken breasts, steaks, veggies and even hamburgers! Of course, I originally purchased it to make panini's, but one evening it was raining and we were to have grilled chicken breasts on the outdoor grill. I grilled the chicken in the panini pan on my stovetop and wa-la, it performed wonderfully! The lid is heavy, but the pan isn't, so if you have concerns over its weight especially if you have issues with your hands/wrists as I do, just lift the pan and lid seperately. Enjoy it and experiment!

After reading all the reviews of the other mechanized panini presses my wife and I decided to go with the stove top method and I can say I am impressed. The very first paninis I made this morning were nothing short of spectacular. The paninis browned evenly on both sides (I used extra virgin olive oil or EVOO as Rachel Ray likes to say on the outside of the sandwich), the inside ingredients cooked/melted and the press really keeps the sandwiches squashed together.

The only downside (if you can call it that) is this product can not go into the automatic dishwasher. It comes with several warnings that it must be handwashed. But for such a magnificent cooking utensil I'm more than willing to baby it.

If you (like we were) are debating between the more expensive machine presses vs this less costly alternative you won't go wrong with choosing this panini pan & press.

I bought this pan and press for my parents as a Christmas gift. We have used it daily for the past three days to make panini, toast stollen, make garlic bread slices, and we are making lamb chops on it for dinner tonight. The lid is heavy, as it should be, to hold down bulky ingredients, and the pan is not too heavy and has a stay-cool handle. The rectangular shape and size make it perfect for grilling two sandwiches side by side, even if you are using big slices of bread. I'm on line right now to buy myself one! Mom has dubbed it "Best Pan Ever". I did a lot of research and for the money, you cannot beat this pan for weight, shape, size, ease of use and ease of cleaning, and versatility. Not by a long shot!

This was the most reasonably priced, quality panini maker I could find. It also requires very low heat to toast the bread nicely (found that out the hard way - burned the first two sandwiches) so I guess in that sense you could also label it energy-efficient.

I've actually only used it once for making a panini so far. I've cooked a steak on it, which was okay. My favorite thing to do with it is grilling vegetables, especially asparagus. I keep olive oil in a spray bottle. I spray the asparagus and grill it in the pan. I will never mush-up asparagus again by boiling it.

I agree with everything everyone else said. Great Calphalon quality, actual pan weight is very manageable, large enough for 3 paninis on rye, easy to clean. I was considering an electric panini grill but am glad I went with the stovetop version, ecologically efficient and will probably last a lifetime. Worth every penny.

This pan is excellent. It heats quickly and evenly, and makes panini in just minutes. The nonstick surface is quick to wipe clean. I got this pan because I didn't want another electrical appliance taking up space in my kitchen. The pan more than does the job. I have also used it to cook steaks, and it works great for that, too. I highly recommend this product for quick hot sandwiches, and as an occasional substitute for an outdoor grill. It's a quality pan.

The main reason for selecting this particular panini pan is the fact that it is not another electric appliance. Living on an island in Maine, we ofter lose power and rely on gas cooktop for meals. This pan adds some variety for grilling of sandwiches and lots of other things, too. Helpful hint: for best results make sure pan is sufficiently hot before adding sandwich or meat. Press is extra heavy!

After eating grilled cheese (cheddar & feta)sandwiches cooked on this pan at my sister's house, I had to have one. Hers had been a gift from another sister. I ordered one immediately (thanks Amazon) and used it at least six times the first week. I grilled sandwiches, cooked bacon and sausage, toasted my bread, scrambled eggs, grilled veggies and chicken breasts on it. I absolutely love it. It is easy to clean and I love that the handles stay cool during use. I've given one to my daughter-in-law for her birthday. Recently, our large family met at our lake house for the weekend. My two sisters and I cooked for 25 people. We used our Panini Pans and grilled sandwiches for a crowd - they loved it. The weight on top makes the food cook more evenly and quickly. This is a great pan for anyone who even remotely enjoys cooking!