I had the panini duo for 10 years and I loved it, but it stoped working so I ordered another one (the exact same one, or so I thought) to replace it. This one has an anti stick coating which smells like chemical every time I use it. I only need this for sandwiches, that’s the purpose of its existence and it doesn’t need to be unhealthy, anti stick. I missed that detail when I ordered it otherwise I would’ve never ordered it. I searched for another one and they all have this coating. I guess it’s thing now and a lot of people like it. Not me. They ruined it. I can’t get over the smell. So unhealthy. How diaspointing.

I really wanted to like this grill, but it just doesn’t perform well for paninis. I’ve tried multiple times to make a Caprese panini, and every attempt has come out soggy. The ridged side of the grill is too shallow to create any real texture or crispness on the bread—it barely leaves marks. The flat side is even worse, since it seems to trap moisture instead of cooking it off, leaving the sandwich damp and unappetizing. For context, I used thick, sturdy bread (Pane Turano Italian Bread) and adjusted my technique in several ways, but nothing made a difference. The grill just doesn’t get the job done. Overall, it feels like this appliance isn’t designed to properly press or toast sandwiches, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re specifically looking to make paninis.

I’ve had the press for a few months now and have used it several times. It is by far the best Panini press I have owned. The nonstick finish is very different than the others I’ve owned and I’ve had nothing stick to it regardless of the type of bread. The quality is outstanding. It’s a very solid piece that I feel I will use for a very long time.