Is the Griddler worth it over a plain panini press?

Yes if you want both grill and griddle cooking. The flat-open mode and reversible plates do more than a fixed press, which only does sandwiches.

How does it compare with the Griddler Elite?

The Elite adds a higher lid and more precise temperature control at a higher price. The standard Griddler covers basic grilling and griddling for less.

Can the plates go in the dishwasher?

On most Griddler models the plates are removable and dishwasher-safe. Check your specific model's manual, since older versions differ.

What comes in the box?

The grill unit, two reversible plates, a grease drip tray and a scraping tool. Accessories vary slightly by model.

Prices swing around holidays and back-to-school sales. The $57.40 eBay listing on November 4, 2026 is far below the $99.95 to $119.99 range seen that week.