Best extra-large panini presses

Top pick: Cuisinart Griddler Deluxe — the biggest, most flexible surface here. Its plates open flat into a wide griddle, so you can press several paninis at once or cook them side by side, and the plates come out for the dishwasher. It's the one to buy if paninis are a regular family job.

Also worth a look:

• Cuisinart Griddler 4-in-1 — same open-flat, removable-plate idea in a slightly smaller body; the pick if you want that flexibility without the largest footprint.
• Hamilton Beach 2-in-1 Indoor Grill & Panini Press — a genuinely wide press that also opens flat, and the best value of the big-surface group.
• WHALL 4-in-1 Contact Grill — large, high-wattage and well rated; a good choice if you want one machine for paninis, grilling and more.
• George Foreman Family-Size — smaller cooking area, so best for one or two sandwiches at a time.

Skip the compact single-sandwich presses and the cast-iron stovetop one if surface area is your priority.