Everyone should own a panini maker. No matter where you live, there should be one of your kitchen countertop and it should get a lot of use. Even if you don't like panini sandwiches you can still use a panini maker as an indoor grill. There's tons of great food that you can make with a panini maker.

Now when you go to the store don't get confused by the many different names that manufacturers give to panini makers. They sometimes call them panini presses or panini grills or even a Griddler. Different names aside, they all have one thing in common. They'll heat up and press a bunch of different foods into a sandwich that tastes even better than the stuff that went into it.

Using a panini maker as an indoor grill is also a common practice. Look at the George Foreman grills. Do you think that if they were called hamburger cookers that they'd be as popular as they are? No, they wouldn't. People love how you can cook most anything on a George Foreman grill and it's the same deal with a panini maker. Grill some vegetables or meats before you press them together in your panini sandwich. No reason to create dirty frying pans when the panini press can do it all.

When buying a panini maker theres a couple of important features to keep in mind. First, removable dishwasher safe grill plates are a must have. Theyll make clean up a breeze. Second, if you plan on making greasy foods like hamburgers youre going to want a drip spout on the grill plates. Even better if the panini maker comes with a little cup to be used for catching grease from the drip spout. Third, a cool to the touch handle makes panini cooking much easier. Dont forget, youre goal is to press the sandwich together. And thats a little harder to do with a big pot holder on your hand. The cool touch handles make getting a little leverage and squashing your panini a lot easier.

Just about anything that you decide to make on a panini maker is going to come out pretty good. And with a great panini grill you'll always have the option to make what you want. Whether it's a peanut butter and banana sandwich or a filet mignon cheesesteak or some new sandwich invention you'll be set. And that's why every kitchen should come with a panini maker.