An Introduction to Star Panini Presses
Star Manufacturing is a well-known name in the foodservice industry for its varied lines of cooking and food prep equipment, including a collection of panini presses. Perfect for grilling sandwiches, quesadillas, and even meats, Star's panini presses are a popular addition to many commercial kitchens. Your menu and the size of your operation will help determine which models are right for you. Keep reading to learn what differentiates Star's economy and premium lines of panini presses, as well as the different styles and specifications available.
Star Grill Express
Star's economy series of panini presses, Grill Express™, features a range of sizes of cast iron sandwich grills. Models are available with grooved or smooth platens; one model is available with both. Sizes range from 10 to 20 inches wide, depending on the type and amount of food you intend to grill on your panini press. The smaller models feature a single configuration, while the 20-inch models are constructed with a double configuration that enables users to grill two different types of food simultaneously. Grill Express models operate at temperatures between 175 and 450 degrees Fahrenheit and can accommodate food items as thick as 3 inches.
Star Pro-Max 2.0
For a wider range of options, look to Star's premium series of panini grills, the Pro-Max 2.0® line. In addition to the single and double configurations also available in the Grill Express series, Pro-Max panini presses include models with a split top for utilizing each half of the platen separately. Models are available with either aluminum or cast iron platens in grooved or smooth styles. Pro-Max sandwich grills feature multiple control options: analog temperature controls with or without a digital timer or digital controls. These models operate at temperatures from 175 to 550 degrees Fahrenheit and are available in widths from 7 to 28 inches.
Choosing Your Star Panini Press
Within each product line, there are multiple options and specifications to consider before making a purchase. Aluminum and cast iron platens have their own benefits and drawbacks, and the size and construction of your panini press can determine how much you can grill at once. Even the hinge and surface type can be important considerations before you integrate one of these models into your lineup.
- Platen Material: Aluminum platens are great for warming tortillas and quesadillas. They function at low power and provide a gentler heat than cast iron platens. Cast iron is the ideal choice for grilling meat or warming denser products and also holds heat longer than aluminum.
- Hinge Type: Star panini presses come with one of two hinge options. A torsion spring hinge locks into any angle at which it’s positioned, while a counter balance hinge must be either fully open or closed.
- Surface Type: Grooved or smooth platens can change the look and texture of finished food products. If you're looking to make paninis or seared meat with grill lines, opt for a model with grooved platens that provide the classic aesthetic customers expect of these items. Smooth platens reduce cooking times by increasing surface contact, leading to quicker turnover for especially busy operations.
- Size: If you run a small operation or have a menu which doesn't require extensive use of a panini press, a smaller, single configuration may be perfectly suitable. However, if you need to grill many items at once or require separate sections for different food items, opt for a larger model or one with a dual configuration.
