Configuration decisions
Choose the format for the job.
Plate area, surface format and opening clearance
Compare usable grilling area, smooth or ribbed plate format and hinge clearance with the menu. Confirm the electrical supply and cleaning requirements.
Plan the complete installed configuration
Confirm circuit supply, stable support and working space. Check press and supplied grease or crumb trays. Use the actual dimensional drawing and installation manual before ordering.
Measure twice. Choose once.
Fit means more than equipment width.
Exterior & operating footprint
Circuit supply, stable support and working space. Use the exact model’s dimensional drawing and installation instructions.
Capacity & access
Plate area, surface format and opening clearance. Confirm the actual model’s usable configuration rather than relying on the category name.
Doorway & delivery route
Measure entrances, corridors, turns, stairs and elevators. Obtain packaged dimensions and weight as well as installed dimensions. Confirm delivery and placement arrangements before ordering.
Electrical supply & receptacle
Check the exact model’s voltage, frequency, phase, rated current, plug and circuit requirements against the site supply and installation manual.
Ventilation & installation space
Confirm intake and discharge locations, required clearances and ambient limits. Preserve access for cleaning and service. An illustrative image does not establish installation clearance.
Fuel, water & site connections
Confirm the exact model’s gas type or electrical supply. For equipment that uses water or steam, verify water quality, filling and drainage instructions. Use qualified installation support where required by the manufacturer and site.
Capacity, output & included components
Plate area, surface format and opening clearance. Press and supplied grease or crumb trays. Read the exact listing and manufacturer documents before comparing models.
Legs, levelling & installed height
Check supplied legs or feet, complete installed height and the manufacturer’s levelling, mounting and movement instructions. Confirm any separate support or mounting components.
Operation & ownership
Look beyond the purchase price.
Energy & operating information
Compare documented energy information and operating conditions for the exact model. Review fuel or electrical input and the operating conditions behind output or capacity figures. Compare like cooking tasks under the same documented conditions.
Cleaning & maintenance
Review the exact manual’s cleaning, sanitizing, surface care and service intervals. Plan access to food-contact areas and removable parts, and use the specified products and procedures.
Commercial approvals & suitability
Verify certification and intended use on the actual model’s documentation. Confirm suitability for the proposed application where required; do not assume collection-wide approval.
Warranty, parts & Canadian service
Confirm current Canadian warranty terms, exclusions, installation obligations, claim procedures and local service arrangements for the exact model. Ask about parts and consumables before ordering.
Before ordering
Compare the exact models.
Use current product information and manufacturer documents for every shortlisted model. This checklist is a decision aid; it does not assign specifications to the collection.
Your category checklist
- Plate area, surface format and opening clearance
- Circuit supply, stable support and working space
- Press and supplied grease or crumb trays
- Delivery route, cleaning access and current support terms
Related equipment
Complete the cooking station.
Explore the existing collections for alternative cooking, baking and holding formats.
Frequently asked questions
A few questions before ordering.
Should I choose grooved or smooth plates?
Choose grooved plates for classic grill marks and traditional panini presentation. Choose smooth plates for delicate breads, breakfast sandwiches, grilled cheese, and easier cleaning.
Why do many commercial panini grills use cast iron?
Cast iron is popular because it’s durable and helps distribute heat evenly, and it can retain heat well for continuous service.
What size panini grill do most cafés use?
Most cafés choose a plate size that fits their largest sandwich with room to work, and enough surface area to keep up with peak-hour volume (often multiple sandwiches per batch). Size based on your busiest 30–60 minutes.
Are timers and thermostats worth it?
Yes. Adjustable thermostats help you hit consistent browning, and timers help standardize results for staff—especially useful during rush periods.
Continental Restaurant Equipment
Let’s choose the right equipment.
Share your shortlisted models, service demand and site measurements. We can help identify the information to confirm before you order.
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