Hamilton Beach 25450 Gourmet Panini Press
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List Price: Our Price: $35.79 You Save: $14.20 (28%) Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days Buy Used: from $27.45 (click here) Category: Kitchen See more product details |
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Kitchen and Housewares Reviews of Hamilton Beach 25450 Gourmet Panini Press
Customer Review: While it worked it was nice
Summary: 2 Stars
I had a great time making food with this grill while it worked! Only six months later and it doesn't work when I plug it in. I don't know why it's broken, but when I would unplug this I usually saw bright sparks. I don't think that's a good sign. I hate how there is no on/off switch. Also, it heats unevenly. The front gets burned faster than the back. I think I will be getting a more expensive press soon.
Anyhow, I'll share my favorite low carb recipe. Take Mission Low Carb Wheat Tortillas, spread pizza sauce on and sprinkle some mozzarella. You can add whatever to make your style of pizza. Basil, sliced tomatoes, chicken. Just leave it on there for 4 minutes or until the tortilla is nice and crisp. Make sure the top press is just hovering above- you don't want to splatter your pizza sauce everywhere. When it's done, take it off and cut it up!
Customer Review: Perfect for the casual panini maker
Summary: 4 Stars
I've used this several times and just got it about a month ago. It makes a great sandwich! I agree it'd be nice to have a temperature control, but honestly I've made sandwiches with white bread, sandwiches with "panini" rolls, and grilled baguettes, and it didn't burn any of the bread; just keep an eye on your sandwich! White bread obviously cooked quicker, but it was just as good as the panini roll. The grill takes a few minutes to heat up, but just prepare your sandwich while the grill is heating up, and by the time you're done, the grill is ready. Sandwiches won't stick if you spray some cooking oil on it, or put a little olive oil on the surface. I did that the first time I've used it and have had no problems since. I recommend this for the price, and if you are looking for a no-frills panini press for the at-home cook.Customer Review: Good enough
Summary: 4 Stars
Have had this for a few days and am very happy with it. Not sure if it will last six months and crash and burn as others' have, and will update if it does. So far it has produced very good, crispy, nicely grill-marked sandwiches and cleans up OK. Note to "Deeley", HB must have taken your comment on the small cleaning appliance to heart, as my unit came with one that really does make cleaning it easier.
Cons:
1) The screw in lock is not great and looks fragile. I expect it to break sometime. This would only affect heating pizzas in my opinion, as everything else cooks well enough without the top plate locked.
2) Plates heat unevenly, so if you want a perfect panini this might let you down. If you want one that looks like it came from a busy deli, then I think this will do.
Customer Review: A good kitchen work horse
Summary: 4 Stars
After foolishly buying the George Foreman 360 grill, which I tossed in the trash after two uses, I did my homework and bought this Hamilton Beach press. The machine is not perfect (no on/off switch, no thermostat controls), but it works and works consistently. I'm an experienced cook and I use it several times a week. The cooking surface heats evenly and the floating top is great for thick sandwiches. Further, the cooking surfaces are easy to clean, and after hours and hours of use remain in good condition. (I don't understand why some complain of the Teflon surface deteriorating.) If the cooking surfaces are preheated per directions, thick interiors of pesto, chicken and cheese heat thoroughly without the bread being burned. This is a good "no frills" product that is reliable, easy to use and easy to clean.Customer Review: This panini maker is GREAT!!
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought, tried and returned 2 other machines before reluctantly trying this one last time! (the delonghi, with no adjustable rear end, very important and the cuisinart, the removable surfaces do not get hot enough)
I am not sorry in the least. It is great, makes great sandwiches and is easy to use and clean up.
It is not fancy with lots of bells and whistles but I found that it does just fine.
The temp gage is not adjustable, but is hot enough to grill a perfect grilled cheese. The adjustable rear end is very important as it cooks evenly and can be screwed down to hold the sand. in place.
The cleanup is simple if you moisten a wash cloth and put it on the hot grill when finished, it steams it clean!
I highly recommend this machine.