Commercial single contact grills and panini presses are essential workhorses for UK cafés, bistros, and restaurants looking to serve perfectly toasted sandwiches and paninis with minimal fuss. These professional-grade sandwich grills feature heavy-duty stainless steel construction and powerful heating elements (typically 1.5-3kW) to deliver consistent results during even the busiest lunch rushes. Unlike domestic models, these commercial panini makers are built for continuous operation—handling hundreds of sandwiches daily without breaking a sweat. They pair brilliantly with commercial coffee machines to create a complete café offering, and complement your kitchen equipment lineup for a versatile menu that keeps customers coming back.
In Stock
210H x 290W x 305D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Bottom grid: 218w x 230 mm
Stainless Steel with cast iron plates
In Stock
210H x 290W x 305D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Heavy-duty stainless steel construction and cast iron plate provides durability
Stainless Steel with cast iron plates
out of stock
530H x 430W x 340D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Cooks panini's upto 13 inches long
Stainless Steel with cast iron plates
In Stock
235H x 292W x 394D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Simple dial temperature control makes operation easy
Stainless Steel & Cast Iron
In Stock
210H x 310W x 395D mm
Blizzard
Top ribbed, bottom smooth
Stainless Steel
In Stock
210H x 310W x 395D mm
Blizzard
Top ribbed, bottom ribbed
Stainless Steel
In Stock
460H x 310W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
295 x 250mm grill area
In Stock
460H x 310W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
295 x 250mm grill area
out of stock
210H x 290W x 395D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Counter balanced top plate
Stainless Steel and cast Iron Plates
out of stock
210H x 290W x 395D mm
Buffalo
Cutter Sizes: 70mm, 60mm, 55mm 48mm 44mm and 36mm
430 Stainless Steel
out of stock
210H x 380W x 395D mm
Buffalo
This product is not CE marked
430 Stainless Steel
out of stock
210H x 380W x 395D mm
Buffalo
This product is not CE marked
430 Stainless Steel
In Stock
460H x 450W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
430 x 250mm grill area
In Stock
460H x 450W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
430 x 250mm grill area
In Stock
190H x 425W x 450D mm
Dualit
Temperature range of 50-300°C
Stainless Steel & Cast Iron
out of stock
215H x 480W x 435D mm
Buffalo
Removable grease collection tray - easy to clean without moving the grill
430 Stainless Steel
In Stock
460H x 630W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
610 x 250mm grill area
In Stock
460H x 630W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
610 x 250mm grill area
In Stock
460H x 630W x 380D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Thermostat 0-300°C
610 x 250mm grill area
out of stock
182H x 293W x 400D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Fast heat up from cold
Stainless Steel
out of stock
182H x 293W x 400D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Fast heat up from cold
Stainless Steel
out of stock
182H x 293W x 400D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Ideal for paninis
Stainless Steel
In Stock
520H x 410W x 480D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Ceramic cooking plates
Infrared elements
In Stock
520H x 410W x 480D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Infrared elements
Thermostat 0-320°C
In Stock
520H x 410W x 480D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Infrared elements
Thermostat 0-320°C
In Stock
176H x 331W x 458D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Response Time10-11min heat-up
Stainless Steel
In Stock
176H x 331W x 458D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Twin head model with ribbed upper plate and smooth lower plate - ideal where space is limited
Stainless Steel
In Stock
520H x 640W x 480D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Infrared elements
Thermostat 0-320°C
In Stock
520H x 640W x 480D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Infrared elements
Thermostat 0-320°C
In Stock
520H x 640W x 480D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Ceramic cooking plates
Infrared elements
out of stock
276H x 395W x 356D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Smooth plates top and bottom for an even colour
Stainless Steel
out of stock
276H x 395W x 356D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Ribbed plates for attractive branding marks
Stainless Steel
out of stock
276H x 395W x 356D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Ribbed upper and smooth lower plate for attractive branding marks
Stainless Steel
out of stock
220H x 435W x 490D mm
13 amp plug fitted
6 Sandwiches
Easy one-handed loading and unloading of food with the top plate capable of staying partially open at an approximate 45° angle
out of stock
220H x 435W x 490D mm
13 amp plug fitted
6 Sandwiches
Easy one-handed loading and unloading of food with the top plate capable of staying partially open at an approximate 45° angle
In Stock
577H x 356W x 673D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Cast Iron Plates
Stainless Steel
In Stock
502H x 800W x 811D mm
13 amp plug fitted
4x 600X400mm
Stainless Steel
In Stock
260H x 780W x 600D mm
Roller Grill
Material Stainless Steel & Glass
Infrared heating system
Commercial panini presses operate on a beautifully simple principle that delivers remarkable results. Two heated plates—typically ribbed cast iron or non-stick—close over your sandwich from top and bottom simultaneously. Powered by robust 1.5-3kW elements, they quickly reach temperatures up to 300°C, cooking both sides of your panini evenly in one go. Most professional models feature adjustable thermostats to suit different fillings, while floating hinges automatically adapt to sandwich thickness. The result? Perfectly crisp, golden paninis with distinctive grill marks in just 2-3 minutes—ideal for high-volume catering environments where speed and consistency are essential.
Trusted Insights from Oliver Bennett
Commercial Catering Equipment Specialist
12+ years experience
For sandwich perfection, always preheat your grill for 8-10 minutes to ensure even cooking from the start. Lightly brush plates with oil before the first sandwich of the day, and consider using panini paper to prevent sticking and speed up cleaning. Don't overload sandwiches—thinner paninis cook more evenly and develop better grill marks. Clean plates thoroughly after service while still warm (but not hot), and season cast iron surfaces monthly with vegetable oil to maintain that crucial non-stick performance.
After supplying thousands of café kitchens over 50 years, we've learned what makes a top-notch contact grill. 'A good panini press pays for itself quickly,' notes Mark, our equipment specialist. 'The best models combine durability with even heating—they're designed to perform hundreds of times daily without faltering.'
The Coastal Brew café in Brighton transformed their lunchtime offering with one strategic equipment upgrade. 'We were losing customers who wanted more than pastries with their coffee,' explains owner James. After installing a commercial panini press alongside their coffee machine, they introduced a menu of gourmet toasted sandwiches. 'Now we're serving over 100 paninis daily, and our lunchtime revenue has doubled. The best part? No need for additional staff or kitchen space—just one reliable piece of kit that keeps paying for itself.'
Not sure where to start? Whether you're running a bustling café, opening a pizzeria, or managing a school canteen, we've made it easy to shop by business type. Explore handpicked equipment bundles and essentials tailored to your industry—saving you time and making sure you get exactly what you need.
We’ve selected some closely related categories that might be essential for your setup. Whether you’re expanding your kitchen or just making sure you’ve got everything covered, these links will help you explore more equipment that fits your needs.
'This panini grill has been absolutely brilliant—consistent results and built like a tank!'
'Three years of daily use and still performs like new. Worth every penny!'
Browse our comprehensive range of commercial panini grills and contact presses today. With options for every café size and budget, plus our industry-leading warranty and expert support, you'll find the perfect sandwich solution to boost your menu offerings.
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