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Catering SpecialistJarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535
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Buffalo
In Stock
Commercial Contact Grill | Bistro Panini Press | Ribbed Plates | Buffalo CU601
£273.78
/ exc vat
£328.54/ inc vat
- Enamelled Cast Iron Plates
- Rapid Heat-Up
- Counter-Balanced Top Plate
- Simple Dial Temperature Control
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Product Overview
Stepping up your hot food game? This Buffalo Bistro contact grill is the compact, no-fuss powerhouse your kitchen has been waiting for. Built for the daily hustle, it combines a small countertop footprint with the serious cooking power of enamelled cast iron plates, making it an absolute must-have for turning out perfectly toasted sandwiches, paninis, and grilled snacks with speed and consistency.
Designed with simplicity in mind, it's the ideal choice for cafés, delis, food trucks, and canteens where space is at a premium but quality can't be compromised. With its rapid heat-up and straightforward dial controls, even new staff can be grilling like pros in minutes. It strips away the complications, focusing purely on delivering excellent results, service after service.
From a sizzling breakfast bap to a gourmet lunchtime panini, this reliable machine helps you expand your menu and keep the queues moving. If you need a tough, dependable, and easy-to-use grill that gets the job done without any drama, then the Buffalo Bistro electric grill is your perfect partner.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enamelled Cast Iron Plates: Holds heat brilliantly for consistent, even cooking results.
- Rapid Heat-Up: Gets to the perfect cooking temperature quickly, reducing customer wait times.
- Counter-Balanced Top Plate: Rests gently on food without squashing it completely flat.
- Simple Dial Temperature Control: Incredibly easy to use, so it requires minimal staff training.
- Removable Grease Collection Tray: Makes your end-of-service clean-up simple and much faster.
- Compact Countertop Design: Fits neatly onto most worktops, making it perfect for smaller kitchens.
- Durable 430 Stainless Steel Body: It's tough, built to last, and wipes clean in a jiffy.
- Power-On & Ready Indicator Light: Shows you at a glance exactly when it's ready to cook.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: CU601
- Power: 1.5kW (13A Plug)
- Voltage: 230V
- Dimensions: 210(H) x 290(W) x 395(D) mm
- Cooking Plate Dimensions: Upper: 215x215mm. Lower: 231x226mm
- Weight: 15.6kg
- Temperature Range: 100°C to 300°C
- Material: 430 Stainless Steel (Body), Enamelled Cast Iron (Plates)
- Plate Type: Flat Upper & Lower Plates
- Control: Manual Dial
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo contact grill is a real grafter. It’s not about flashy digital displays; it’s about pure, reliable performance. The cast iron plates deliver a fantastic, even heat that's perfect for everything from a classic cheese toastie to grilling breakfast items. For any small to medium-sized business, this is a solid, no-nonsense investment that just works.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment View Profile →
- Performance Punch: The heat retention from the cast iron plates is truly superb.
- Keep it Simple: Lacks a digital timer, so you'll need to keep an eye on things.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
'The Steam Engine', a popular café near the station in Crewe, wanted to boost their takeaway lunch sales. Their existing setup was too slow, leading to lost custom during the morning and lunch rush.
"We can now turn around a toasted breakfast sandwich or panini in just a couple of minutes. It heats up incredibly fast from the moment we switch it on and just keeps on going. Our grab-and-go lunch trade has shot up since we installed it."
Susan Clarke – Manager, The Steam Engine
The new grill led to a 40% increase in their takeaway food sales within the first three months.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Find a flat, stable, and well-ventilated surface, keeping it clear of any flammable materials.
- Before the first use, wipe the plates with a damp cloth and heat the unit up for 10-15 minutes to burn off any manufacturing residues.
- Make sure the grease collection tray is properly seated in its slot underneath the bottom plate.
- Simply plug into a standard 13A socket and you're ready to go – no complex wiring is needed.
Keeping It Going
- After each service, while it's still warm (not piping hot!), scrape any residue off the plates with a non-abrasive tool.
- Slide out the grease tray, empty it carefully, and wash with warm, soapy water.
- Wipe the stainless steel exterior with a soft cloth and a food-safe cleaner to keep it gleaming.
- Regularly check the power cord for any signs of wear and tear to ensure continued safe operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I cook on this grill?
A: It's perfect for paninis, toasties, quesadillas, and wraps. The flat plates also work very well for grilling items like bacon, burgers, and vegetables.
Q: How hot does it get?
A: It has a variable temperature range of 100°C to 300°C, giving you great control for everything from gentle toasting to a hard sear.
Q: Do I need to season the cast iron plates?
A: No, not at all. The plates are enamelled, which means they are sealed and effectively non-stick from the first use. No seasoning is required.
Q: How easy is it to clean?
A: It's very straightforward. The enamelled plates wipe clean easily, and the removable grease tray can be taken out and washed separately in the sink.
Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: It features a rapid heat-up function, so it gets to its target cooking temperature in just a few minutes from being switched on.
Q: Can I adjust the pressure of the top plate?
A: The top plate is counter-balanced, which means it's weighted to rest on the food without crushing it. The pressure isn't adjustable, but it's designed perfectly for items like sandwiches and paninis.
Q: What kind of power supply does it need?
A: It runs on a standard 230V mains supply and comes fitted with a 13A plug, so you can plug it straight into any normal wall socket.
Q: Is this Buffalo contact grill for café use suitable for a very busy restaurant?
A: This is a light to medium-duty single grill. For very high-volume kitchens serving food constantly, you might find a larger double grill is a better fit.
The Buffalo Promise: Reliability When It Counts
When you choose a Buffalo appliance, you're investing in more than just a piece of equipment; you're buying into a reputation for straightforward, dependable performance. For years, Buffalo has been the go-to brand for kitchens that need kit that works hard and doesn't complain. This commercial contact grill Buffalo is a perfect example. It's designed without unnecessary frills that can break or cause confusion. Instead, the focus is on robust construction—from the tough stainless steel body to the heavy cast iron plates—ensuring it can handle the daily knocks of a commercial environment. This long-term durability means fewer service calls and more uptime for your business, delivering consistent results that your customers, and your bottom line, will appreciate.
Explore more from BuffaloWhy Enamelled Cast Iron Plates Are a Chef's Best Friend
Ever wondered why some grills give a perfect, golden-brown finish every single time? It's often down to cast iron. Think of it like a thermal battery; once it's hot, it stays incredibly hot, providing a consistent, powerful heat across the whole surface. The enamel coating is the really clever bit—it creates a naturally non-stick layer, so you don't need to 'season' the plates with oil like you would with traditional cast iron. This means less faff, much easier cleaning, and food that releases perfectly, whether it's a delicate panini or sizzling bacon.
Who Should Buy This?
- Local Cafés & Coffee Shops: Perfect for upgrading your lunch menu with gourmet paninis, toasties, and grilled sandwiches.
- Mobile Caterers & Food Trucks: Its compact size and powerful performance make it an essential bit of kit for any event.
- Deli & Sandwich Shops: Speed up your service and deliver consistently delicious hot sandwiches to your lunchtime rush customers.
- Office Canteens & Staff Rooms: A simple, robust solution for providing hot food options for staff throughout the day.
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