Cuisinart Griddler GR 1 Panini Sandwich Press Review

Recently I asked my spouse what I she would like for Saturday dinner wherein we traditionally have something quick and fun.  She said we should try Panini sandwich's made with our George Foreman grill; only problem: we no longer have a George Foreman grill.  So I improvised.  The resulting sandwiches were tasty but not exactly Panini's from the Corner Bakery, or Panara Bread. 

So we decided purchase a standalone Panini sandwich press.  Problem: which one?  I decided on the Cuisinart Griddler GR1 Panini Sandwich Press; it came very high recommended on Amazon.com. 

The Cuisinart Griddler GR1 Panini & Sandwich Press makes everything from popular (Italian) Panini sandwiches to my favorite, grilled cheese sandwiches, to Quesadilla wraps. The unit is designed with a floating hinge that adjusts to sandwich thickness to perfectly grill thin or thick Panini and sandwiches. A preset temperature ensures the unit always grills restaurant-quality sandwiches-always crisp and golden brown.

My Viewpoint

The first Panini sandwiches off the Cuisinart Griddler GR1 were perfection; crispy on the outside, yet warm on the inside, just the way a Panini should be. And did I mention to perfect uniform stripes?   

I usually use cooking spray on both cooking surfaces, but butter can lend to the taste and crispiness of the bread.  One does not have use special bread like sourdough with the Cuisinart Griddler GR1 we usually pull out whatever is in the refrigerator at the time.  Each sandwich has turned out perfect every time. 

The Cuisinart Griddler GR1 Panini Sandwich Press is a keeper.  Though smaller than I might have wanted it to be (it limits me to two sandwiches at a time), the unit cooks, or grills, if you will to perfection every time.  The GR1 has found a permanent place in my kitchen.