Single Contact Grills & Panini Grills
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.
Shop By
We Recommend
Single Panini Grill | Heavy Duty Sandwich Press | Flat Base & Ribbed Top | Modena TPG6
Single Contact Grill
- Grooved top plate provides tantalising grill marks on paninis or sandwiches
- Heavy-duty stainless steel construction and cast iron plate provides durability
- Removable grease tray included for easy cleaning
- 1 x 13 amp plug fitted
- Bottom grid: 218w x 230d mm
-
Commercial Panini Grill | Single Panini Press | Ribbed Plates | Waring WPG150K CF230
23.5kgIn Stock
235H x 292W x 394D mm
13 amp plug fitted
Black Flat Glass Ceramic Plate
Stainless Steel & Cast Iron
£521.98 £782.97
Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses for Cafés & Restaurants
Brands Trusted by Industry Professionals
Key Features and Benefits
- Adjustable Temperature Control Precise heat settings from 50-300°C for perfect results with every filling—whether cheese, meat or veg.
- Versatile Cooking Applications Beyond paninis—grill burgers, chicken, vegetables and more for menu versatility.
- Commercial-Grade Build Quality Heavy-duty stainless steel construction withstands rigorous daily use in busy catering environments.
- Rapid Heat-Up Time Ready to cook in minutes—keeps service flowing during peak times.
- Even Heat Distribution Consistent cooking across the entire plate surface—no cold spots or uneven results.
- Non-Stick Cooking Surfaces Easy food release and quick clean-up—perfect for continuous service.
- Removable Grease Collection Trays Captures excess fats and oils for healthier results and simplified maintenance.
- Extended Service Life Built for commercial longevity—investment-worthy equipment that delivers years of reliable performance.
Essential Buying Considerations
Capacity and Size
- Single contact grills typically range from compact 210×226mm to larger 400×300mm cooking surfaces.
- Consider your counter space and typical rush hour volume before selecting dimensions.
- Larger plates handle multiple sandwiches at once—ideal for busy lunch services.
Power Source and Usage
- Most operate on standard 13A plugs—check your kitchen's electrical capacity.
- Higher wattage (2.2-3kW) models cook faster but consume more power—balance speed versus energy costs.
- Consider complementary items like panini paper and cleaning brushes for efficient operation.
How Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses Work
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
"Single contact grills and panini presses are absolute workhorses—compact, quick to heat, and perfect for boosting service speed during the lunch rush. Choose one with adjustable temperature controls and a cast iron plate if you want those golden grill marks and consistent results every time."
Safety Guidelines
- Regular Inspection Check plates and cables for damage before each service—prevents accidents.
- Secure Positioning Place on level, heat-resistant surfaces away from flammable materials.
- Temperature Awareness External surfaces become extremely hot—use warning signs in busy kitchens.
- Proper Handling Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves—never bare hands.
- Power Management Switch off and unplug after service—never leave unattended while hot.
- Electrical Safety Keep away from water and ensure proper earthing—prevents shocks.
Top Tips for Using Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses
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.
Benefits of Using Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses
- Enhanced Food Quality Seals in flavours while creating appetising grill marks—elevates simple sandwiches.
- Operational Efficiency Cooks in 2-3 minutes—dramatically increases service speed during rushes.
- Menu Profitability Transforms basic ingredients into premium-priced menu items with minimal labour.
Did You Know?
- Efficiency A quality commercial panini grill can handle up to 60-80 sandwiches per hour in busy UK cafés.
- Longevity Professional-grade contact grills typically last 5-7 years with proper maintenance.
- Versatility Beyond sandwiches, these grills excel at cooking vegetables, burgers, and even breakfast items.
- Value Adding a panini selection can increase café lunch revenue by up to 25% with minimal additional costs.
Expert Insights on Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses
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.'
- Pros: Fast cooking, versatile menu applications, built to last years with proper care.
- Cons: Quality models require initial investment; cast iron plates need regular seasoning.
Who Needs Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses?
- Independent Cafés Essential for expanding beyond coffee with minimal kitchen space and staff.
- Hotel Breakfast Services Perfect for made-to-order hot sandwiches that impress guests.
- Quick-Service Restaurants Speeds up lunch service with consistent, high-quality hot sandwich options.
- Mobile Caterers & Food Trucks Compact footprint delivers hot food options in limited spaces.
Real-World Success with Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses
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.'
FAQs
- How do I clean a commercial panini press properly? Once cool, scrape debris with a soft brush, wipe with damp cloth, and season if needed—never immerse in water.
- What's the ideal temperature for toasting paninis? Most cafés find 180-220°C perfect—hot enough for crisp exteriors while thoroughly melting cheese.
- Can commercial sandwich grills cook raw meat? Yes, but ensure internal temperatures reach safe levels (75°C)—ideal for chicken and thin beef portions.
- How long do commercial panini press plates typically last? Quality cast iron or machined aluminium plates last 3-5 years with proper care—check for warping or coating damage.
- What's the difference between ribbed and flat plates? Ribbed creates distinctive grill marks and channels fat away; flat provides more contact for even browning—choose based on menu items.
- Do I need a special electrical connection? Most single panini grills run on standard 13A sockets—check the specification for your model's requirements.
Looking for Equipment by Business Type?
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.
Other Categories You Might Find Useful
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.
What our Customers Say
'This panini grill has been absolutely brilliant—consistent results and built like a tank!'
M Megan Café Owner, Leeds'Three years of daily use and still performs like new. Worth every penny!'
D Daniel Bistro Manager, Cardiff
Why Choose EasyEquipment for Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses?
- 50 Years of Expertise Half a century helping UK food businesses find the perfect equipment solutions.
- Next-Day UK Delivery Order before 2pm for rapid dispatch—get cooking sooner.
- Price Match Guarantee Found it cheaper? We'll match genuine UK competitors.
- Dedicated Support Team Real humans on the phone with practical experience—not just salespeople.
Ready to Explore Commercial Single Contact Grills & Panini Presses?
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.
#CommercialPaniniGrill
- #ContactGrill
- #CafeEquipment
- #PaniniPress
- #RestaurantKit
- #SandwichGrill
- #EasyEquipment
- #UKCatering