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Buffalo
In Stock
Commercial Ribbed Contact Grill | Bistro Panini Press | Countertop Electric Grill | Buffalo CU600
£273.78
/ exc vat
£328.54/ inc vat
- Enamelled Cast Iron Plates
- Adjustable Swivel Top Plate
- Counter-Balanced Design
- Rapid Heat-Up
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Product Overview
On the hunt for a countertop grill that punches well above its weight? Introducing the Buffalo Bistro ribbed contact grill, a brilliant bit of kit designed to deliver that perfect, professional finish to paninis, toasties, and wraps. It’s compact enough for the cosiest of kitchens but tough enough to handle the lunchtime rush, making it an absolute essential for any spot serious about its sandwiches.
This electric ribbed contact grill is built for the bustling UK food scene. Whether you're running a high-street café, a busy sandwich bar, or a mobile catering van, its rapid heat-up and reliable performance mean you're always ready to go. The enamelled cast iron plates not only create those appetising grill lines but also hold their heat beautifully, ensuring every single order is cooked consistently and quickly.
Featuring simple manual controls and a clever counter-balanced design, it’s incredibly easy to use, even for staff with minimal training. It's more than just a machine; it’s your ticket to serving up delicious, hot food that will have customers coming back for more. If you want to elevate your hot food offering without a massive investment or footprint, this is the grill for you.
Key Features and Benefits
- Enamelled Cast Iron Plates: No need for seasoning, they're ready to go and rust-resistant.
- Adjustable Swivel Top Plate: Cooks food of any thickness evenly from top to bottom.
- Counter-Balanced Design: Stays in place for safe, hands-free and fuss-free operation.
- Rapid Heat-Up: Gets to temperature quickly, so you're not keeping customers waiting.
- Removable Grease Tray: Makes end-of-service clean-down an absolute breeze.
- Responsive Manual Controls: Gives you simple, precise control over the cooking temperature.
- 430 Stainless Steel Body: A durable, easy-to-clean construction that looks smart on any counter.
- Ribbed Upper & Lower Plates: Creates those classic, mouth-watering grill marks every time.
Technical Specifications
- Brand: Buffalo
- SKU: CU600
- External Dimensions: 210(H) x 290(W) x 395(D)mm
- Cooking Plate Dimensions: Upper: 215x215mm | Lower: 230x225mm
- Power: 1.5kW (Plugs into a standard 13A socket)
- Voltage: 230V
- Temperature Range: 100°C to 300°C
- Material: 430 Stainless Steel & Enamelled Cast Iron
- Colour: Silver
- Controls: Manual Dial
- Heat Source: Electric
Expert Review and Insights
The Buffalo CU600 is a proper workhorse. It doesn't have endless bells and whistles, but what it does, it does brilliantly. Its solid cast iron plates offer fantastic heat retention, far better than cheaper aluminium models, meaning it recovers temperature quickly between orders. It's a reliable, no-nonsense machine that’s perfect for businesses focused on speed and consistency.
Oliver Bennett – Catering Equipment View Profile →
- Built to Last: The stainless steel build and cast iron plates feel incredibly sturdy for the price point.
- Single Grill Limit: Its compact size is best for smaller batches, not high-volume stadium catering.
Case Study: Real Business, Real Results
The Hungry Hiker, a popular café in the heart of the Lake District, Kendal, needed to speed up their lunch service. Their old grill was slow to heat and cooked unevenly, leading to customer bottlenecks on busy weekends. They switched to the Buffalo CU600 ribbed contact grill for its rapid heat-up and consistent performance.
"It's been absolutely brilliant. We can get our toasties and paninis out so much faster now, and they look fantastic with the grill marks. The consistency is spot on, which is exactly what we needed to keep our regulars happy and serve the tourists quickly."
Robert Green – Owner, The Hungry Hiker
The result? The café now serves customers over 25% faster during peak hours, significantly reducing queue times and increasing daily turnover on their most popular menu items.
Installation and Maintenance Guide
Setting It Up
- Find a stable, flat, and non-flammable countertop with adequate space for ventilation around the unit.
- Before first use, wipe the cooking plates with a damp cloth and a small amount of food-safe detergent, then dry thoroughly.
- Plug into a suitable 13A mains socket and switch on. Allow the grill to pre-heat to your desired temperature before cooking.
- Ensure the removable grease collection tray is correctly positioned at the front of the unit before you begin.
Keeping It Going
- For easiest cleaning, wipe the plates with a soft brush or non-abrasive scourer while they are still warm (but not hot!).
- Empty and clean the grease collection tray daily to maintain hygiene and prevent overflow.
- Regularly wipe down the stainless steel exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent to keep it looking its best.
- Periodically check the power cord for any signs of wear or damage and ensure it's not stretched or kinked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to season the grill plates before I use them?
A: No, you don't. The plates are made from enamelled cast iron, which means they are sealed and ready to use right away without any seasoning.
Q: What is the maximum temperature this grill can reach?
A: The Buffalo Bistro ribbed contact grill has a versatile temperature range of 100°C up to a maximum of 300°C.
Q: How do you clean the ribbed plates effectively?
A: The easiest way is to use a grill brush or non-abrasive pad while the plates are still warm. This helps to easily remove any food residue before it hardens.
Q: Can this grill handle thicker items like a loaded ciabatta?
A: Yes, absolutely. The adjustable, counter-balanced swivel top plate is designed to sit flat and apply even pressure on foods of varying thicknesses.
Q: How long does it take to heat up?
A: It features a rapid heat-up function, so it typically only takes a few minutes to reach cooking temperature from cold.
Q: Is this model suitable for a mobile food van?
A: Yes, its compact footprint and standard 13A plug make this electric ribbed contact grill a very popular choice for mobile catering operations.
Q: Can I cook things other than paninis, like burgers or chicken?
A: Yes, it's very versatile. You can grill burgers, chicken breasts, steaks, and halloumi. Just be mindful of cooking times and cleaning the grease tray.
Q: What are the dimensions of the actual cooking surface?
A: The upper plate is 215x215mm and the lower plate is slightly larger at 230x225mm to maximise the cooking area.
Built for the Daily Grind: The Buffalo Advantage
When you choose a Buffalo product, you're investing in more than just a piece of equipment; you're investing in peace of mind. For years, Buffalo has been a cornerstone of British commercial kitchens, known for producing robust, reliable, and no-frills gear that simply gets the job done. This grill is a perfect example of that philosophy. It's not designed to be a flashy gadget but a dependable workhorse that withstands the pressures of a busy service, day in and day out. The long-term value comes from its sheer durability and consistency—fewer breakdowns, less downtime, and perfectly cooked food that builds your reputation. In an industry where reliability is currency, Buffalo delivers equipment that works as hard as you do, providing a solid return on investment through sheer performance and longevity.
Explore more from BuffaloNo Seasoning, No Rust: The Enamelled Plate Advantage
Ever wondered what 'enamelled cast iron' actually means for your kitchen? Think of it like a protective, sealed coating over the raw power of cast iron. Regular cast iron is porous and needs 'seasoning'—a process of baking on oil to create a non-stick layer and prevent rust. It's effective, but it takes time and effort. Enamel completely removes that job from your list. It creates a non-porous, rust-proof surface straight out of the box. This means less prep, no flavour transfer between a spicy chicken panini and a sweet brioche, and a much easier clean-up. It's the best of both worlds: the incredible heat retention of cast iron without the high maintenance.
Who Should Buy This?
- Independent Cafés: An ideal Buffalo Bistro grill for café menus, perfect for crafting signature paninis and toasted sandwiches with professional results.
- Sandwich Bars & Delis: This commercial ribbed panini press keeps queues moving by quickly grilling wraps and toasties to perfection during the busy lunch rush.
- Mobile Caterers: Its compact, robust, and portable design makes it a reliable choice for food trucks and event stalls needing a powerful countertop grill.
- Pubs & Bars: A fantastic way to add simple, profitable hot food like cheese toasties or grilled halloumi wraps to your bar snack menu.
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