Customer Reviews

Lodge Color Enamel Cast Iron 8.5 inch Square Panini Press, Caribbean Blue

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The weight and size is phenomenal. I put the panini press on a burner while I warmed up the other skillet, turned off both burners, added a sandwich, and after much sizzling and 6 minutes it was a perfect panini.

The color however doesn't match the photo. I was hoping for a bright emerald green, but it is a dark hunter green. It's not a deal breaker.

But the real problem from Lodge "America's Original Cookware" is that this is made in China. I've been avoiding cookware from China because of concerns about lead in the enamel glazes. These suspicions may be unfounded but if lead can turn up in toothpaste & baby food, cookware can't be far behind. So enameled cast iron from Martha Stewart and Batali were out, and so I opted for the pricier Le Crueset & Staub. Lodge seemed like an excellent American product. I'll keep this piece but it will be the last one.

We had been wanting a larger press, but didn't want to spend a fortune on one.
I've tried the cast aluminum ones and they just don't have enough weight to handle all jobs.

This press from Lodge is priced right and looks good.
I can use it in a large skillet or on the stovetop grill.
From sandwiches to bacon to steaks, it gets the job done and didn't cost an arm and a leg.

This was purchased as a gift for my wife off of her wishlist.

This product does exactly as stated. It's a good weight that's easy to handle but adequate to press.

The press is easy to clean especially for those used to cleaning cast iron.

I would recommend paring this with the Lodge Grill Pan

If you're looking for a grill press to do the job this one is an economical winner.

Heavier than what I expected but works great. I would definitely recommend!! Would gladly purchase from seller again.

I use this press with the Lodge grill and they work perfect together, the weight is just right and everytime I use it the result is perfect, I have prepared meat and vegetables and i'm happy with it.

What you want with a panini press is weight, an oven friendly handle and width enough to cover your food - especially if you use it for more than grilled sandwiches. The Lodge is the heaviest I've found for an item that is a 5th the cost of competing Staub or LC products. (I paid $20 for mine in brown). The prices varies by color so click on all the options before you buy. The pork chops I make with this and the lodge grill pan are AMAZING. I would not buy any other grill press .. ever. Hint.. pre-heat your press either in the pan on on open flame (on low) for an even better grill exp.

The press is heavy, that is the only good thing. Compare my Cuisinat Grill, this press is not a good products. The non stick layer is thin, seasoned coating is cheap. Bread stick on the press. The top plastic handle lose all the time. I really want to return it.

I got this to fit a grill/panini pan of the same color made by Cuisinart. While it "pretty much fits" it isn't perfect. It's made me realize how important the fit is for paninis and such. Since the press can't reach the surface of the pan (half an inch away?) I don't think the press gets hot enough. The press itself is of high quality.

It fits just right in my lodge cast iron frying pan. I should have gotten this long ago. I had originally purchase a smaller press but when making burgers it barely held down the two burgers and the stove would be completely covered in grease.

It's simple enough, but also a beautiful red color. After trying for a long time to make better grilled sandwiches, burgers, bacon, etc. I saw this for sale and decided it was worth a try. I use it constantly and love it. I haven't tried to heat it and get fabulous grill marks, etc. I just like the heaviness helping the food cook better. And did I mention it could definitely double as a dumbbell (so heavy!)?