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Buffalo
In Stock
Commercial Contact Grill | Bistro Large Panini Press | Ribbed Plates | Buffalo CU603
£340.69
/ exc vat
£408.83/ inc vat
- Large Ribbed Plates
- Enamelled Cast Iron
- Rapid Heat-Up
- Counter-Balanced Top Plate
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Product Overview
Thinking about levelling up your lunch service? This powerful Buffalo Bistro large contact grill is your new best friend for turning out perfectly toasted paninis, sandwiches, and wraps with that signature chargrilled look. Designed for the hustle and bustle of the modern commercial kitchen, it combines a generous cooking area with rapid heat-up times, so you can serve more customers, faster. It’s the sort of no-nonsense kit that just gets the job done, day in, day out.
It’s built for businesses that can’t afford downtime. From busy high-street cafés to bustling staff canteens, this grill is a true workhorse. Key features include the heavy-duty enamelled cast iron plates for fantastic heat retention, a counter-balanced top plate that won't squash your food, and a simple dial for temperature control. Everything is designed to make your life easier, right down to the removable grease tray for a quick clean-up at the end of a long shift.
If you're after consistent, delicious results without the faff, this is the grill for you. It’s robust, reliable, and ready to become the most valuable player in your kitchen lineup. Stop letting queues build up and start serving up perfection every time.
Key Features and Benefits
- Large Ribbed Plates: Serve more customers by grilling multiple items at once.
- Enamelled Cast Iron: Gives you those classic grill lines and fantastic flavour.
- Rapid Heat-Up: Gets to temperature quickly so there's less waiting around.
- Counter-Balanced Top Plate: Applies gentle pressure without crushing delicate sandwiches or fillings.
- Simple Dial Control: No complicated settings, just turn the dial and go.
- Removable Grease Tray: Makes end-of-day cleaning up an absolute doddle.
- Stainless Steel Body: Built to withstand the knocks of a busy kitchen.
- Adjustable Temperature: Gives you total control for cooking anything from bacon to toasties.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: CU603
- External Dimensions: 210(H) x 380(W) x 395(D) mm
- Cooking Plate Dimensions: Upper: 332x218mm. Lower: 344x230mm
- Power: 2.2kW, 13A Plug (Standard UK)
- Voltage: 230V
- Temperature Range: 100°C to 300°C
- Weight: 21.2kg
- Material: 430 Stainless Steel Body, Enamelled Cast Iron Plates
- Colour: Silver
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo grill is a classic for a reason. It feels incredibly sturdy, and the heat it puts out is seriously impressive and even. The cast iron plates are the star here – they hold their temperature brilliantly, meaning you get consistent results even when you're firing one panini after another onto it during a manic lunch rush. It’s a proper piece of professional kit.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment Expert View Profile →
- Pros: Excellent heat recovery means it's ready for the next order almost instantly.
- Cons: At over 20kg, it’s hefty; find a permanent spot for it.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
"The Hungry Hiker" deli in Keswick, Lake District, needed to speed up their service for the queues of walkers that formed every lunchtime. They replaced their two smaller domestic grills with a single Buffalo Bistro large contact grill.
"We were constantly playing catch-up. Now, we can get four big toasties on at once, all cooking perfectly. The queues are shorter, the customers are happier, and we're less stressed. It has streamlined our whole operation."
Tom Sinclair – Owner, The Hungry Hiker
The deli now serves an average of 30% more hot food orders during its peak two-hour lunch window.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Find a stable, level, and well-ventilated countertop with enough space around the unit for air to circulate.
- Before first use, wipe the plates with a damp cloth and heat the grill to top temperature for 10 minutes to burn off any residues.
- Position it near a standard 13A socket – no special wiring is needed.
- Ensure the removable grease collection tray is slotted firmly in place at the front.
Keeping It Going
- After each service, scrape any food debris off the plates while they're still warm (but not scorching hot!).
- Empty and wash the grease tray daily with warm, soapy water to maintain hygiene.
- Wipe the stainless steel exterior with a soft cloth and a food-safe cleaner. Avoid abrasive scourers.
- Never immerse the unit in water or use a jet spray to clean it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are the top and bottom plates both ribbed?
A: Yes, this model features ribbed plates on both the top and bottom for those classic panini grill marks on both sides of your food.
Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: Thanks to its powerful 2.2kW element and cast iron plates, it offers a rapid heat-up, usually reaching cooking temperature in just a few minutes.
Q: Can I cook bacon or burgers on this?
A: Absolutely. The adjustable temperature range up to 300°C makes it versatile enough for cooking a variety of meats, not just for use as a Buffalo Bistro sandwich press.
Q: Is the top plate heavy to lift?
A: No, it features a counter-balanced top plate, which makes it feel light and easy to lift. It also helps prevent it from squashing the food.
Q: Do the cast iron plates need to be seasoned?
A: No, they don't. The plates are enamelled, which creates a protective, easy-clean surface, so you can start cooking straight away without any seasoning faff.
Q: How do I clean the grill plates?
A: The best way is to use a grill scraper or brush while the plates are still warm. The removable grease tray can be washed separately in the sink.
Q: What are the plates made of?
A: The plates are made from heavy-duty enamelled cast iron for excellent durability and heat retention.
Q: Does this grill need any special electrical installation?
A: No, it comes fitted with a standard UK 13-amp plug, so you can plug it into any normal socket.
The Buffalo Advantage: Reliability You Can Bank On
When you choose a Buffalo grill, you're not just buying a piece of equipment; you're investing in peace of mind. For years, Buffalo has been the trusted name in kitchens across the UK that need gear that works as hard as they do. This grill embodies that philosophy. It's designed without fussy electronics or overly complex features that can fail during a busy service. Instead, it focuses on robust materials like the 430 stainless steel body and heavy-duty cast iron plates, paired with simple, reliable components. This translates to real-world business value: fewer breakdowns, lower maintenance headaches, and a consistency your customers will notice. In an industry where every minute counts, having a core piece of kit you can depend on, day in and day out, is one of the smartest investments you can make.
Explore more from BuffaloWhy Enamelled Cast Iron Plates Are a Cut Above
Ever wonder why some grills give you a perfect, even toast and others leave sad, pale patches? The secret is often in the plates. This grill uses enamelled cast iron, which is the best of both worlds. Think of it like a traditional, heavy cast iron frying pan that your gran uses – it gets screamingly hot and stays that way. This means when you put a cold sandwich on it, the temperature doesn't plummet, giving you a fast, consistent cook every time. The enamel coating is the modern twist; it creates a naturally non-stick surface, so you don't have to spend ages 'seasoning' it with oil. You get all the heat-retaining muscle of cast iron without the high-maintenance relationship.
Who Should Buy This?
- Independent Cafés: Perfect for upgrading your sandwich and panini offering to keep up with the lunchtime rush.
- Delis & Sandwich Bars: The large commercial contact grill size allows you to toast multiple bespoke sandwiches at once, increasing throughput.
- Mobile Catering Vans: Its robust build and simple plug-in power make it a reliable choice for any event.
- Workplace & School Canteens: A simple, effective, and safe way to provide hot lunch options for staff and students.
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