A commercial panini press – also called a sandwich grill or contact grill – toasts paninis, grilled sandwiches, wraps and quesadillas in a few minutes with crisp grill marks on both sides. Babak Food Equipment offers single and double sandwich grills with ribbed or flat plates for cafés, delis, coffee shops, bars, food trucks and restaurants across Vancouver and British Columbia, from brands such as Eurodib and Globe.
Types of sandwich grills
Single panini grills
A single panini press has one top and bottom plate, typically fitting two to four sandwiches at a time. It is the right size for cafés, coffee shops and bars with a short sandwich menu or limited counter space.
Double panini grills
Double sandwich grills have two independent top plates over a wide base, so staff can cook two orders at once or keep one side for a different item. They suit busy delis, sandwich shops and lunch counters.
Ribbed, flat and combination plates
Ribbed (grooved) plates leave classic grill marks and suit paninis and meats. Flat (smooth) plates give even browning for wraps, quesadillas and delicate breads, and are easier to clean. Some grills combine a ribbed top with a flat bottom, or ribbed and smooth sections side by side.
Cast iron vs. ceramic-glass plates
Cast iron plates hold heat well and recover quickly between sandwiches. Ceramic-glass plates heat up fast, are non-stick and wipe clean easily – a good fit for front-of-house cooking.
How to choose a commercial panini press

Volume: count how many sandwiches you serve in your busiest hour. A single grill handles light to moderate demand; a double grill keeps up with lunch rushes.
Plate size and surface: measure the bread you use and choose a cooking surface that fits your sandwiches. Pick ribbed, flat or combination plates for your menu.
Floating top plate: a self-balancing, hinged top plate adjusts to thick and thin sandwiches and presses them evenly.
Temperature control: a thermostat and timer give consistent results; many commercial grills reach about 570°F (300°C).
Power: smaller grills often run on 120V, while larger and double grills may need 208–240V. Confirm your outlet before ordering.
Cleaning: removable grease trays and smooth or ceramic plates speed up end-of-day cleaning.

Why buy your sandwich grill from Babak Food Equipment?
Babak Food Equipment has equipped cafés and restaurants for more than 20 years and holds a 4.9★ Google rating from 380+ reviews. Our team can help you compare Eurodib and Globe panini grills by size, plate type and power needs. Delivery and installation options are available across BC – details and costs are discussed when you order. Browse more specialty cooking equipment or ask about certified used restaurant equipment.
Sandwich grill types at a glance
TypeTypical capacityBest forSingle grill, ribbed platesAbout 2–4 sandwichesCafés, coffee shops, barsSingle grill, flat platesAbout 2–4 sandwiches or wrapsWraps, quesadillas, delicate breadsDouble grillAbout 4–8 sandwichesDelis, sandwich shops, lunch rushCeramic-glass grillVaries by modelFront-of-house, easy cleaning
Frequently asked questions
What is the best commercial panini press?
The best panini press for a business is sized to your peak volume, has a floating top plate and uses the plate type your menu needs. Cast iron or ceramic-glass plates and a reliable thermostat matter more than extra features.
What is a panini press used for?
It toasts and presses sandwiches between two heated plates, cooking both sides at once. It is also used for wraps, quesadillas, grilled vegetables and reheating breakfast sandwiches.
Can I use my panini press as a grill?
Yes, within limits. A contact grill can cook thin meats, vegetables and burgers, but it is not a replacement for a griddle or charbroiler in a high-volume kitchen.
Can I cook a hamburger in a panini press?
Yes – thin patties cook quickly because both sides are heated. Make sure the grill has a grease tray, and always cook to a safe internal temperature.
Does a commercial sandwich grill need a hood?
Many countertop sandwich grills used for toasting bread do not, but requirements depend on what you cook and your local code. Cooking raw meat on any appliance can change the ventilation requirement.
Availability, pricing, warranty terms, delivery and installation are confirmed at the time of purchase – request a quote on any model or call our team at (604) 566-9747.