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Contact Grills & Panini Grills
Commercial contact grills and panini grills, also commonly referred to as clam griddles, serve as the backbone for many eateries in delivering these fan favourites. Choosing the right commercial grills and griddles for the job is essential to achieving professional results. Shop a full range of contact grills and panini presses from leading brands including Lincat, Blizzard, Buffalo and Hallco, many with free delivery to UK mainland addresses, and next day delivery available from selected brands.
Need help selecting the ideal equipment?
- Footing Feet
- Kilowatts 1.5
- SKU DY996
- Warranty Cover 24 Months Parts & Labour
- Delivery Standard 3 to 5 Working Days Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
- Grill Material Cast Iron
- Kilowatts 1.5
- Temperature Range 100C to 300C
- SKU DY993
- Warranty Cover 24 Months Parts & Labour Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
- Grill Material Cast Iron
- Temperature Range 100C to 300C
- SKU DY997
- Warranty Cover 24 Months Parts & Labour
- Delivery Standard 1 to 3 Working Days Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
- Footing Feet
- Kilowatts 2.2
- SKU DY995
- Warranty Cover 24 Months Parts & Labour
- Delivery Standard 3 to 5 Working Days Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
- Footing Feet
- Kilowatts 2.9
- SKU FC386
- Delivery Standard 3 to 5 Working Days
- Brand Buffalo Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
- Colour Stainless Steel
- Footing Feet
- Grill Material Cast Iron
- Kilowatts 3.6
- Temperature Range 50C to 300C Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
- Grill Material Cast Iron
- Temperature Range 100C to 300C
- SKU DY994
- Warranty Cover 24 Months Parts & Labour
- Delivery Standard 1 to 3 Working Days Show More
Minimum order value £1000 ex VAT
Commonly Asked Question About Contact & Panini Grills
What is the difference between a contact grill and commercial panini grills?
The terms commercial contact grill and commercial panini press are often used interchangeably because they refer to the same type of appliance. Both are designed to cook food using heated plates that apply pressure from both sides. While "catering panini press" might suggest specialisation in sandwich-making, these appliances can add versatility to lunch menus and dinner menus. They can be used for various foods beyond paninis, making them a staple in many commercial kitchens. The key is that they provide a convenient way to cook foods quickly and with attractive grill marks. So, the two have no difference regarding their function and use in a professional setting.
How does a contact grill work?
A contact grill goes by many names, including commercial sandwich toaster a commercial panini maker and double panini press. No matter the title you use, they all work in the same way, by simultaneously applying direct heat from both the top and bottom plates. The upper and lower heating method cooks both sides of the food at once, eliminating the need to flip it and significantly speeding up cooking times. The heat is distributed evenly across all of the cooking surfaces, ensuring uniform cooking without hot spots, which is essential for consistent, high quality results in a fast paced setting. This efficient cooking process makes the contact grill a staple in professional kitchens, streamlining the preparation of sandwiches, paninis, and a variety of other grilled dishes.
What can I cook on a contact and panini grill?
A contact grill is not just for paninis and toasted sandwiches; they're incredibly versatile. You can cook a wide range of foods, including steaks, burgers, sausages, bacon, fish, and vegetables (although a salamander grill might be better for wet food). The dual heating from the top and bottom plates allows simultaneous cooking on both sides, speeding up the production process and ensuring even results. The way that a catering panini grill produces results makes these appliances an essential piece of equipment in any foodservice kitchen, capable of handling a diverse menu with efficiency and ease.
What are the best contact grill plates?
The best materials are typically considered to be cast iron plates, which are renowned for their excellent heat retention, making them a favourite for busy environments that require constant use of equipment. Aluminium plates are also a standard option, especially suitable for operations where the equipment isn't always in use. The equipment's quick heat-up times and effective heat transfer means that they can be ready to use in a short amount of time. Some models feature ceramic plates with infrared elements, offering a modern alternative that provides even cooking and energy efficiency. You can find models with smooth plates, ribbed plates that mimic the branding lines achieved by chargrills, or a combination of both to achieve different finishes and textures on the food. Whether you're using an industrial panini press, a double contact grill, or a double panini grill, selecting the right plate material is crucial for the performance and outcome of your culinary creations.
How do you season a contact grill?
Seasoning a commercial contact grill or panini machine is an essential task. Coat the plates with high smoke point oil (sunflower or grapeseed oil), heat the grill to the highest setting for 10-15 minutes until the oil bakes on and stops smoking, and let it cool. Seasoning this way creates a non-stick layer and should be done periodically to maintain the grill's performance and enhance the flavour of your dishes. Remember to regularly re-season your contact grill or commercial panini machine to maintain its non-stick surface.
What are floating plates?
Floating plates in a catering panini grill refer to the adjustable hinges that allow the top plate to rest evenly on the food, regardless of its thickness. The key aspect of this design is that the sprung top plate prevents the food from being compressed too much, which can lead to an uneven finish and a less desirable appearance. Instead, floating plates ensure a more natural and even cook, preserving the integrity and presentation of the dish. This feature is handy when grilling sandwiches, burgers, steaks, sausages, or other foods that may vary in size, as it allows for consistent results every time. Not all panini contact grills may have floating plates, so if this is a must-have feature, check specifications before buying.
Should I use panini paper?
Using lining paper with a heavy duty panini press is optional but highly recommended. Panini paper serves as a protective layer, preventing food from sticking to the cooking plates. It also simplifies the cleaning process by catching drippings and excess fat. Using parchment paper can be particularly beneficial in a busy professional setting where time and ease of maintenance are crucial. Additionally, panini paper can help preserve the non-stick coating of the grill plates, ensuring even results and extending the life of your equipment.
What are clam griddles?
Clam griddles are a type of cooking equipment that combines a traditional griddle's features with a contact grill's rapid cooking capabilities. They cook food between two heated plates, which can significantly reduce cooking times compared to a standard griddle. Clam griddles are particularly useful in high-volume food service operations, some models cooking up to 3 times faster than standard griddles, others cutting cooking time by more than 50 per cent depending on brand. They are an excellent choice for any catering kitchen looking to increase efficiency with a contact grill for paninis, the versatility also leaning itself to handling a variety of other foods efficiently with professional results.