Chefman Electric Panini Grill
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: When using electrical appliances, especially when children are present, basic safety precautions should always be followed to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and/or injury to persons, including the following:
- READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
- The cord to this appliance should be plugged into a 120VAC electrical outlet only.
- To protect against the risk of electric shock, do not immerse the cord plug or cooking unit in water or any other liquid.
- Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles.
- This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory, and mental capabilities, or a lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning the use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
- Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is used by or near children.
- Unplug from the wall outlet when it is not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before cleaning or storing this appliance.
- Never yank the cord to disconnect the cooking unit from the electric outlet. Instead, grasp the plug and pull to disconnect.
- Do not operate any appliance if the cord is damaged. Do not use this appliance if the unit malfunctions, if it is dropped, or has been damaged in any manner. In order to avoid the risk of electric shock, never try to repair the unit yourself. Bring it to a qualified technician for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical adjustment. An incorrect assembly could present a risk of electric shocks when the unit is used.
- The use of accessories or attachments not recommended by the manufacturer may cause fire, electrical shocks, or injury.
- Do not use outdoors or for commercial purposes.
- Do not use this appliance for purposes other than the ones for which it was designed.
- Do not let the electrical cord hang over the edge of the table or countertop, or touch a hot surface.
- Do not place on or near a hot gas, electric burner, or heated oven.
- Use on a heat-resistant flat level surface only.
- Use extreme caution when moving any appliance containing hot food, water, oil, or other liquids.
- To disconnect, turn the control to “OFF,” then remove the plug from the outlet.
- Always unplug after use. The appliance will remain “ON” unless it is unplugged.
- CAUTION HOT SURFACES: This appliance generates heat during use. Proper precautions must be taken to prevent the risk of burns, fire, or other damage to persons or property.
- When using this appliance, provide adequate ventilation above and on all sides for air circulation. Do not allow this appliance to touch curtains, wall coverings, clothing, dish towels, or other flammable materials during use.
- Use with a wall plug receptacle only.
- Do not use for anything other than the intended use.
- Always preheat for approximately 3 minutes.
Features
- Handle
- Non-stick grill plates
- Lay-flat release button
- Pull-out tilting feet
- Removable drip tray
- Ready light
- Power light
BEFORE USING FOR THE FIRST TIME
- Carefully unpack the panini maker and remove all labels, packaging, and materials.
- Before using your panini maker for the first time, wipe the cooking plates with a damp cloth to remove all dust, and then dry. WARNING: Never use metal scouring pads, harsh or abrasive cleaners on any part of the panini maker.
- Wipe outer surfaces with a slightly damp, soft cloth or sponge.
- For best results, pour a teaspoon of vegetable oil onto an absorbent kitchen towel. Spread onto the non-stick grill plates. Wipe off any excess oil. CAUTION: Take care to prevent water from running into the appliance. NEVER IMMERSE THE PANINI MAKER IN WATER OR ANY OTHER LIQUIDS.
- Slide the removable drip tray into the bottom front of the unit. Push firmly to ensure the drip tray is securely installed.
- Set the appliance on a dry, clean, and flat surface. Keep the panini maker closed until use.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
The panini maker can be used in the open position to grill burgers, thin boneless pieces of meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables easily. Use the panini maker in the closed position to make grilled pressed sandwiches. IMPORTANT: Always preheat the panini maker closed.
- Optional: Before using the panini maker, use a pastry brush to lightly coat the top and bottom grilling plates with vegetable oil. IMPORTANT: Do not use non-stick sprays as they can cause build-up on the cooking plate.
- IMPORTANT: Make sure the removable drip tray is in the position before use.
- Use the tilt-up feet to raise the front two legs of the cooking plate. That will allow the grease to run to the drain at the back of the closed panini maker.
- Turn the panini maker over to the underside. The feet will be in the lowered (flat) position.
- Press the center tab of each of the feet. Lift each foot upwards to the raised position. With the front part raised, turn the panini maker over and place it onto the work area.
- Use the handle to lower the top grill plate.
- Preheat the panini maker. Operate the unit in a closed position during preheat.
- Check to make sure that the cord is fully unwrapped and does not come in contact with any exterior parts of the unit. Plug the unit into a 120 VAC electrical outlet. The red (POWER) light will illuminate and remain lit during use.
- While preheating, prepare the Panini(s) or food to be grilled.
- After approximately 2 minutes, the green (READY) light will illuminate, indicating the unit is preheated and is ready for use.
NOTE: When the panini maker is heated for the first time, it may emit a slight smoke or odor; this is normal and should disappear after 1 or 3 uses. That does not affect the safety of the appliance.
TO USE AS A PRESS GRILL (CLOSED POSITION)
NOTE: Follow steps 1 through 9 of the Operating Instructions. Preheat the panini maker following the detailed instructions described.
- Place the panini, put the oiled side down, and center it on the bottom grill plate.
- Using a pot holder or oven mitt, put down the handle and gently lower the top grill plate.
- To ensure a perfectly grilled panini, all sandwiches placed on the panini maker at the same time must be the same thickness. Look to make sure that the top grill plate lies evenly on the top of the bread. Make sure the sandwiches are centered on the grill plate. If desired, press the handle down several times while cooking.
- During cooking, the green (READY) indicator light will cycle on and off during cooking. This indicates that the thermostat is maintaining the proper cooking temperature.
- Using an oven mitt or pot holder, grasp the handle and carefully lift the top grill plate. Continue grilling until the bread is toasted and the food is cooked to your liking.
- To remove your grilled panini sandwiches, always use a plastic or wooden spatula.
- WARNING: Never use a sharp or metal object as it may damage the non-stick surface of the grill plates.
- Remove the plug from the wall outlet.
- 9. Allow the panini to cool to a safe handling temperature before slicing.
TO USE AS A FULL-CONTACT GRILL (OPEN POSITION)
NOTE: Follow steps 1 through 9 of the Operating Instructions. Preheat the panini maker, following the detailed instructions described.
- Press the hinge button to create a full ribbed contact grill. Wear protective oven mittens. Grasp the handle and open the panini maker.
- Following the procedures outlined in the “Operating Instructions,” raise the front tilt-up feet. This will enable the oil to flow into the grease drain in the center of the flattened grill plates and then into the drip tray.
- When the grill plates are in an open, flat position, it may be necessary to adjust the angle of the upper grill plate. Press the grill plate down on the center grease drain to adjust the angle. CAUTION: Always wear protective oven mittens when pressing on a hot surface.
- Center food on an open grill plate(s). CAUTION: To prevent the risk of burns, always use oven mittens. Be careful not to touch any hot surfaces, such as the top housing or grill plates, or any hot liquid in the drip tray. Extreme care must be taken when operating this appliance as the surface temperatures get extremely hot.
- Allow the food on the panini maker to grill for 3 to 8 minutes, according to recipe directions. The green (READY) light will cycle on and off as the unit maintains baking temperatures.
- Most recipes will vary in cook time and brownness. Note the perfect grill times for each food for future use.
- Wearing oven mittens, remove grilled food from the cooking plate(s) using a non-metallic utensil. A plastic spatula will help to remove delicate food in one piece. Tongs are helpful when grilling meat or sausages.
- NOTE: If additional food is to be grilled, close the panini maker to retain heat. Follow the detailed instructions outlined previously to open the grill and continue cooking.
- When grilling is finished, remove the plug from the wall outlet and allow the panini maker to cool before removing the drip tray for cleaning the unit.
PANINI HINTS FOR BEST RESULTS
- It is best to prepare panini(s) from a hearty loaf of bread. However, panini(s) made from the store, sliced breads, or rolls can be delicious and simple to make. Experiment with a variety of breads, tortillas, flatbreads, and even pitas.
- For health-conscious cooks, the non-stick coating of grill plates assures a crisp and delicious toasting without the use of oil or butter. The raised ridges and tilted bottom plate allow grease and other liquids to drip off into the drip tray and away from your food.
- With the panini maker’s non-stick grill plates, it is not necessary to use butter or oil the outside of the bread. However, spreading a small amount of butter or olive oil is recommended to encourage even browning of the bread.
- NOTE: Do not use non-stick sprays as they can cause build-up on the grill plates. Use olive oil instead.
- WARNING: Do not use non-fat spreads. They may burn and damage the nonstick grill plates.
- Always preheat the panini maker before each use.
- Have all the ingredients at hand before preparing the panini.
- When using soft or liquid fillings, use thicker slices of bread. Try removing the inside of the bread to create a cup form in which filling can be added.
- Most fresh fruits release juice when heated. If a recipe calls for canned fruit, drain and dry the fruit with a clean paper towel.
- Avoid using processed cheeses, as they tend to melt under high temperatures.
- A teaspoon of sugar sprinkled on the buttered side makes the grilled panini crispier and adds flavor when using sweet fillings.
- Whole grain and sweet breads will grill faster than white breads and should be on the grill for less time.
- After you have removed the finished panini, close the top grill plate to retain heat while assembling more sandwiches.
- To avoid food contamination, wear oven mittens and use a soft absorbent paper towel to wipe the grill plates, and clean after each use.
Cleaning and Maintenance
The appliance requires little maintenance. It contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not try to fix it yourself. Contact a qualified appliance repair technician if the product requires servicing.
CARE & CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
- The panini maker does not disassemble for cleaning.
- Never immerse this appliance in water or other liquids. Never place a panini maker in the dishwasher.
- Slide the removable drip tray out from the bottom of the unit. Clean it with hot, soapy water. NOTE: The removable drip tray is top rack dishwasher safe. IMPORTANT: Always clean the drip tray before use. NEVER OPERATE THE PANINI MAKER WITHOUT THE DRIP TRAY PROPERLY IN PLACE.
- The panini cooking plates should be cleaned and conditioned before each use.
- Brush non-stick cooking plates with a clean, soft pastry brush or cloth to condition the plates; lightly coat the cooking surfaces with solid vegetable shortening or vegetable oil. Carefully follow the suggested cleaning procedures below. After a time, if the panini(s) show signs of sticking, recondition as needed.
- To protect the premium quality non-stick surfaces, use only plastic, nylon, or wooden utensils.
- To remove any butter baked onto the cooking plate, pour a small amount of cooking oil onto the hardened butter. Allow to set for 5 minutes, and then wipe softened butter off with a paper towel or soft cloth. To remove stubborn stains, use a plastic mesh puff or pad. A clean toothbrush works well to remove baked-on butter from the grids. For best results, use only products with directions stating they are safe for cleaning non-stick cooking surfaces. Do not use steel wool or coarse scouring pads.
- The exterior finish should be cleaned with a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft, damp cloth. Dry thoroughly.
Limited Warranty
CHEFMAN LLC warrants, subject to the conditions stated below, that from the date of purchase, this product will be free from mechanical defects for a period of ONE (1) year. CHEFMAN LLC, at its option, will repair or replace this product found to be defective during the warranty period. Should this product become defective by reason of improper workmanship or material defect during the specified warranty period, CHEFMAN LLC will repair or replace the same, effecting all necessary parts replacements for a period of one year from the date of purchase. If the product is no longer available, we will replace it with a product of equal value. Transportation charges on parts, or products in whole, submitted for repair or replacement under this warranty must be borne by the purchaser.
This warranty is void if the product is used for anything other than single-family household use or subjected to any voltage and waveform other than as specified on the rating label (e.g., 120V~60 Hz). This warranty is available to consumers only. You are a consumer if you own a CHEFMAN® product that was purchased at retail for personal, family, or household use. Except as otherwise required under applicable law, this warranty is not available to retailers or other commercial purchasers or owners.
CONDITIONS
This warranty is valid for the original USA and Canada retail purchaser from the date of initial retail purchase and is not transferable. Keep the original sales receipt. Proof of purchase is required to obtain warranty service or replacement. Dealers, service centers, or retail stores do not have the right to alter, modify, or in any way change the terms and conditions of this warranty. Warranty registration is not necessary to obtain warranty on CHEFMAN LLC products. Save your proof of purchase receipt.
ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT WARRANTY
Most warranty repairs are handled routinely, but sometimes requests for warranty service may not be appropriate. For example, warranty service would NOT apply if the product damage occurred because of misuse, lack of routine maintenance, shipping, handling, 3rd party warehousing, or improper installation. Similarly, the warranty is void if the manufacturing date or the serial number on the product has been removed or the equipment has been altered or modified. During the warranty period, the authorized service dealer, at its option, will repair or replace any part that, upon examination, is found to be defective under normal use and service.
NORMAL WEAR
This warranty does not cover normal wear of parts or damage resulting from any of the following: negligent use or misuse of the product; improper voltage or current; use contrary to the operation instructions; deviation from instructions regarding storage and transportation; repair or alteration by anyone other than CHEFMAN LLC or an authorized service center. Further, the warranty does not cover Acts of God, such as fire, flood, hurricanes, and tornadoes. CHEFMAN LLC shall not be liable for any incidental or consequential damages caused by the breach of any express or implied warranty.
Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose is limited in duration to the duration of the above warranty. Some states, provinces, or jurisdictions do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state or province to province.
HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE
If your CHEFMAN® product should prove to be defective within the warranty period, we will repair it, or if we think necessary, replace it. To obtain warranty service, simply email [email protected] or call our toll-free number 1-888-315-6553 for additional information from our Customer Service Representatives, or send the defective product to Customer Service at Chefman, 1 Sharp Plaza, Mahwah, NJ 07495. This warranty is effective for the time periods listed above and is subject to the conditions provided for within this policy.
CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY:
California law provides that for In-Warranty Service, California residents have the option of returning a nonconforming product (A) to the store where it was purchased or (B) to another retail store that sells Chefman products of the same type. The retail store shall then, at its discretion, either repair the product, refer the consumer to an independent repair facility, replace the product, or refund the purchase price less the amount directly attributable to the consumer’s prior usage of the product. If the above two options do not result in the appropriate relief to the consumer, the consumer may then take the product to an independent repair facility if service or repair can be economically accomplished. Chefman and not the consumer will be responsible for the reasonable cost of such service, repair, replacement, or refund for nonconforming products under warranty.
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Chefman Electric Panini Grill-FAQs
Q1. Do I need to preheat the panini press?
Yes. Always preheat before adding food. Most models have an indicator light that shows when the grill plates are hot and ready.
Q2. Should I oil the grill plates before cooking?
A light brush of cooking oil before use can help prevent sticking. If the plates are nonstick, oiling is optional but still useful for extra crispiness.
Q3. Do I need to butter the bread?
Not required, but brushing the outside of the bread with butter or olive oil gives a golden crust and enhances flavor. Cooking spray is also a lighter option.
Q4. How long should I leave a sandwich in the panini press?
Most sandwiches cook in 3–5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and filling. Check for golden grill marks and melted cheese.
Q5. What type of bread works best in a panini press?
Sturdier breads such as ciabatta, focaccia, sourdough, or baguette are best. Thin, soft breads may flatten too much under the press.
Q6. What cheese is best for paninis?
Melty cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, cheddar, fontina, or Swiss work best. They create the signature gooey texture of a panini.
Q7. What fillings can I use in a panini?
You can use deli meats, chicken, beef, roasted vegetables, pesto, hummus, or even sweet fillings like Nutella with fruit. Just avoid too many “wet” ingredients, which can make the bread soggy.
Q8. How do I prevent my panini from turning soggy?
Use cooled, room-temperature ingredients (not hot).
Pat moist fillings dry.
Brush bread lightly with oil instead of piling on sauces.
Eat fresh off the grill for maximum crispiness.
Q9. Can I use regular sandwich bread?
Yes, but use thicker slices of high-quality bread so it doesn’t collapse under the press.