Commercial Panini Grill with Smooth Plates - Large 18.7in x 9in

In this review the Kratos commercial panini press is examined for kitchen operators who need a rugged, large-capacity sandwich grill. The bottom line: this unit is built for high-volume food service environments and stands out for its heavy duty stainless steel build and smooth cast iron plates that deliver even cooking across an 18.7in x 9in surface. If you need a dependable countertop press with dual thermostatic control for preparing different items at once, this grill earns strong consideration for professional use.

Key Features

• Smooth plates: Top and bottom cast iron plates provide an even sear and consistent cooking across the entire cooking surface for reliable results.
• Commercial grade construction: Heavy duty stainless steel housing and durable cast iron parts are designed for frequent use in demanding settings.
• Large cooking area: The 18.7in by 9in cooking surface and double-width layout let operators grill multiple sandwiches or larger items in a single cycle.
• Adjustable temperature: A wide 120F to 570F temperature range and dual thermostats allow precise heat control for different menu items at once.
• Convenient cleanup: Removable grease tray and heat indicator lights simplify operation and reduce downtime for cleaning.
• Safety features: Heat resistant handles protect staff while loading and unloading hot sandwiches during busy service.

Who It's For

This panini press is aimed at cafes, food trucks, sandwich shops, bars and restaurants that require a durable countertop sandwich grill able to handle steady, repeated use. The large surface and dual controls make it especially useful where multiple menu items are prepared simultaneously and quick throughput matters.

Operators who need a lightweight or residential model should look elsewhere, since this unit is certified for commercial use and the warranty is void for residential settings. Smaller operations with minimal throughput may find a single-plate or compact press more space- and cost-efficient.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust stainless steel construction and cast iron plates give the unit strong durability and build quality.
• Large 18.7in x 9in cooking surface with dual thermostatic controls increases throughput and menu flexibility.
• Wide temperature range from 120F to 570F accommodates gentle warming to high-heat grilling.
• Removable grease tray and heat indicator lights reduce cleanup time and simplify operation.

Cons

• Some users report mixed experiences with ease of cleaning despite the removable tray and smooth plates.
• Intended for commercial use only, so it is not suitable for residential kitchens under the product warranty terms.

Specifications

Brand	Kratos
Cooking surface	18.7in x 9in
Overall dimensions	22.5in x 12in x 8.25in
Plates	Smooth cast iron top and bottom
Temperature range	120F to 570F
Controls	Dual thermostatic dial controls
Certifications	ETL and ETL Sanitation (commercial use)

Our Verdict

The Kratos commercial panini grill is a solid choice for foodservice operators who need a reliable, heavy duty sandwich press with a large cooking area and precise temperature control. Its durable stainless steel build and smooth cast iron plates deliver consistent results and good value for busy cafes and restaurants, provided the unit is used in commercial settings as intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this panini press suitable for high-volume use?
Yes, the heavy duty stainless steel construction, dual thermostatic controls and large cooking surface are designed for commercial, high-volume applications.

Can the plates be removed for cleaning?
The unit has smooth cast iron plates and a removable grease tray to simplify cleaning, though experiences with ease of cleaning vary among users.

What temperatures can it reach?
The press offers an adjustable range from 120F up to 570F for a wide variety of cooking tasks.