Star Sandwich Presses

The Star Panini Press: What You Need to Know

Star panini grills make it quick and simple to turn out hot, crispy grilled food at convenience stores, concession stands, bar and grills, food court kiosks, and more. Some units operate thermostatically for precise temperature control; models are available with adjustable platen heights or built-in timers as well.

Common Questions About Star Panini Grills

What does a Star sandwich press do?

Sandwich grills come in many sizes and platen configurations, but they all cook food the same way.

Designed with a clamshell mechanism, the Star sandwich grill features dual heating platens to cook food from both sides for fast, even heating. Because the unit has a closing top, it traps more heat than a standard griddle. Combined with its dual heat sources, this design shortens cook times during high-volume periods.

What can you cook on a Star panini grill?

Aside from grilled sandwiches, operators also can cook quesadillas, wraps, and burritos for warm, crispy exteriors and hot, melty interiors. Fresh food can be cooked on a Star panini press. Hamburgers, chicken breasts, fish fillets, bacon, hash browns, flatbreads, and vegetables can be placed between the unit's platens and simultaneously grilled from both sides.

What kinds of platens do Star panini grills have?

Star grill express models can have cast iron or aluminum platens with smooth or textured surfaces. The best platens for your restaurant depend on the kind of food you make.

• Cast iron platens are heavier and more durable than aluminum options. They take longer to heat up when the griddle is turned on but hold heat more effectively and recover more quickly than aluminum during back-to-back cooking. Cast iron requires special care and cleaning to prevent rust from forming.

• Aluminum platens can't rust but can corrode from recurrent exposure to food acids and salt. These platens heat up very quickly and uniformly, so they're less likely to have hot or cold spots than a thicker metal, such as cast iron. Aluminum platens are lightweight, so there's less weight dragging on the unit's hinges from repetitive opening and closing.

• Smooth platens grill food evenly, leaving no marks or texture behind. The smooth surface is useful for quesadillas, burritos, and sandwiches. These platens are easy to clean and applicable to a wide variety of food products.

• Grooved platens press the surface of food into a ridged texture while leaving behind the classic grill marks many customers associate with grilled foods. These platens add an authentic "grilled" appearance to chicken, fish, veggies, and sandwiches.

Some models have more than one set of platens, so users can cook multiple food items asynchronously and at different temperatures. Some units also have mixed platens – one smooth and one grooved – enabling users to add grill marks to food as desired.