De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press
Customer Review: fantastic and heavy duty
Summary: 5 Stars
I got this for my birthday about 2 years ago. I had read about all the different brands/models and chosen this one. Thankfully I wasn't sorry! This panini maker is awesome. I realize you can grill sandwiches in a pan or even on your george forman(which doesn't adjust at the back for the height of the sandwich so everything comes out the front!)but those both seem like more work then having an actual panini grill. we had also just spent time in Italy and wanted to make some delicious authentic paninis without all the typical condiments like mayo(not once did we find mayo on anything in italy, who knew a sandwich could be so awesome without it!?)
This panini grill heats up fast and you can choose the temp from lo-high. It adjusts well to height of the sandwich so thats its grilled perfectly. My boyfriend even discovered that he could make grilled burritos on this, which is something I hadn't thought of. Perfect for making a soup and sandwich lunch or dinner. I'd totally buy it again if I had the choice.
Customer Review: DeLongi v Breadman
Summary: 5 Stars
I own two panini makers- this one and a Breadman. They are both very good machines and both do a great job with panini. The marks left on panini by the Breadman are a little deeper (which I like) and the controls/lights are nowhere near the problem some people think. Likewise cleaning the Breadman has not been a problem - but this is only for panini. In short, if all you are doing is panini save the $20 and buy the Breadman. For the price the build quality is amazing.
However, if you are using it for anything else in addition to panini like burgers, chicken. etc then the DeLonghi is your machine. With variable temperature, grease drain spout etc the DeLonghi is more versatile and is a wonderful, high quality machine. It is also easy to clean. I do not like the marks left on the bread as well on the DeLonghi but that is personal taste and not a reason not to buy the machine. The build quality is also very good but it is a bigger machine than the Breadman if that is an issue.
Customer Review: Good, but could be better
Summary: 4 Stars
I have had my panini maker for a year now, and have used it sparsely, up until now. Since I've been using it more, I now wish it had closer 'ribs', as I think this would cook the sandwiches more evenly and quicker (as in the Krups).
The directions that came with it were not very clear, and the positions of the lid was 'reversed'; I had quite a time getting that clear from the manufacturer. And it was supposed to come with a 'comprehensive' cookbook; the one that I eventually had to send away for was just a small one, not what I had expected. Being a first-time user, I needed all the tips and recipes I could get!
A plus is that it does have variable heat settings.
I wish it had an on-off switch! You have to pull out the cord to cut it off! For something this expensive, I expect better quality!
Also, the locking mechanism that keeps the two parts together keeps locking together when you don't want it to - very annoying!
Customer Review: Every home needs a panini grill
Summary: 4 Stars
But not necessarily this one. I bought this grill from Amazon in March. I use it alot, and even considered giving it 5 stars, but I have a couple of issues with it. Compared to the other panini grills I have seen (Villaware, Krups, Wolfgang Puck), the DeLonghi has fewer, more widely spaced ribs. This design makes it easy to clean with a cloth, and no cleaning "comb" is provided. However, a drawback to the wide spacing is it can allow your panini to squish down into the valleys where all the oily stuff goes. You would be surprised how much oily goo a peperoni and mozzerella panini can make, especially if you brush the outside with olive oil, butter, or mayo before grilling like I do.
A minor annoyance: when it is stored upright on its back, it teeter totters on the lid's power cord. IMO, a high end appliance shouldn't have such a glaring design flaw.
Even though I like the DeLonghi alot, if I were buying another one, I would try the Villaware.
Customer Review: You need one of these!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the DeLonghi CGH800-U Retro Panini Grill because my son was dying for a panini grill. He watches too much of the Food Channel and thinks we should have all the fine equipment they use on the shows. After some research, I decided it might be a good investment. The DeLonghi Panini Grill had high ratings and a great price. I'm so glad I purchased the grill. It has been a great treat to make sandwiches for the family. My younger son loves the sandwiches I make him for lunch at school, wrap in tin foil and they are still a bit warm when he eats them at school. I love how simple it is to use. I have even been able to use up hot dog and hamburger buns that I would usually throw out. I put a little olive oil on them and in a minute on the grill, they are a nice addition to our normal dinner. I can't wait to keep trying new recipes on the panini maker. I highly recommend this specific grill to everyone. It stores easily on its side.