{"product_id":"commercial-panini-sandwich-grill-with-grooved-top-and-smooth-bottom","title":"Commercial Panini Sandwich Grill with Grooved Top and Smooth Bottom","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the Kratos commercial panini press finds it best suited to busy cafes, food trucks, and sandwich shops that need a heavy duty, large-capacity grill with consistent heat and grill marks. The single biggest reason to consider this unit is its combination of a wide 18.7 x 9 in cooking surface and dual thermostatic controls, which let an operator run two different items at once without sacrificing plate quality. Built from stainless steel with cast iron plates, it feels durable and made for continuous commercial use, though cleaning the cast iron surfaces requires some attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrooved and smooth plates:\u003c\/strong\u003e The grooved top plates create attractive grill marks while the smooth bottom plates provide even contact for consistent melting and browning.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCommercial grade construction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavy duty stainless steel housing and cast iron plates deliver long lifespan and withstand high-volume kitchen use.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual thermostatic controls:\u003c\/strong\u003e Two independent dials let you set separate temperatures on each side so different menu items can cook simultaneously.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWide temperature range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adjustable heat from 120F to 570F covers low-warm holding through high searing for flexible menu options.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConvenient maintenance features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heat indicator lights, heat resistant handles, and a removable grease tray simplify operation and cleanup routines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge cooking surface:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 18.7 x 9 in cooking area and two top presses increase throughput for busy service periods.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Kratos panini grill is aimed at commercial operators who need a robust, high-capacity press for steady daily service-cafes, sandwich shops, bars, and food trucks will benefit from its durable cast iron plates and stainless steel body. Kitchens that rely on grill marks and consistent searing will appreciate the grooved top and smooth bottom plate configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is not ideal for occasional home use, as the unit is certified for commercial settings only and the warranty is voided in residential applications. Buyers who prioritize effortless post-service cleaning above heavy-duty performance may want to evaluate cleaning workflows first, since cast iron requires more work to maintain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSturdy commercial construction with cast iron plates for strong heat retention and durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDual thermostatic controls allow cooking different items simultaneously for menu flexibility.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge 18.7 x 9 in cooking surface increases throughput during busy service hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGrooved top plates deliver attractive grill marks that improve presentation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCast iron plates can be harder to clean than nonstick surfaces, so cleanup is more labor intensive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesigned for commercial use only, so not covered for residential operation under warranty.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrand\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eKratos\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCooking surface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e18.7 x 9 in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOverall dimensions\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e22.5W x 12D x 8.25H in\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePower and voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120V, 3500W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e120F to 570F\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrooved top, smooth bottom cast iron plates\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCertifications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eETL and ETL Sanitation for commercial use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor professional kitchens that need a reliable, high-capacity panini press, this Kratos model offers solid value through durable stainless steel construction, cast iron plates that retain heat well, and separate thermostatic controls for flexible cooking. It is a smart purchase for commercial operators who accept a bit more cleaning work in exchange for consistent results and high throughput.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this unit rated for residential use?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the press is ETL and ETL Sanitation certified for commercial use and the warranty is void if used in residential settings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow hard is the grill to clean?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe removable grease tray helps, but cast iron plates can require more effort to clean than nonstick surfaces; several users report mixed experiences on cleaning ease.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I cook different items at once?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, dual thermostatic controls let each side run at separate temperatures so different sandwiches or quesadillas can be prepared simultaneously.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kratos","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48752383852763,"sku":"B09YVTG1XN","price":399.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41cvgIXc9cL._AC.jpg?v=1778793913","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/commercial-panini-sandwich-grill-with-grooved-top-and-smooth-bottom","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}