Can You Use a Grill Press Without a Grill Pan?

[SusanBP0129]

Does the new grill press have to be used with the grill pan?

 

[cmdtrgd]

Nope! But, make sure that you don't heat the grill PRESS. It is supposed to be used as a weight. So, in order to get the grill marks you need to use the grill pan or cook on a grill!

 

[dannyzmom]

don't HEAT the grill pan?

 

[SusanBP0129]

So, I could use it with a regular fry pan to make a panini sandwich....it just wouldn't have the grill marks, right?

 

[pamperedalf]

Carolyn, I caught that too!!! LOLWhy not heat the grill pan, isn't that the whole point of cooking? I just assumed that in order to cook you need heat!! LOL

 

[cmdtrgd]

don't HEAT the grill pan?

Yup! I thought that was silly because you have to flip the sandwich to get the grill marks for a panini. It will get hot, but you're not supposed to heat it. I thought you would put it in the grill pan right on the bottom, get both of them hot, and then add the sandwich between the two hot grill bits to get grill marks on both sides at the same time. Why does the press even have grill bars if it can't leave grill marks?

 

[cmdtrgd]

Susan - yes.

 

[SusanBP0129]

Thank you! I can't wait to use it! I currently put a heavy pot on top of my sandwiches to "press" them. (grilled cheese, etc)

 

[dannyzmom]

Yup! I thought that was silly because you have to flip the sandwich to get the grill marks for a panini. It will get hot, but you're not supposed to heat it. I thought you would put it in the grill pan right on the bottom, get both of them hot, and then add the sandwich between the two hot grill bits to get grill marks on both sides at the same time. Why does the press even have grill bars if it can't leave grill marks?

Where did you read this?

 

[cmdtrgd]

In the New Products Workshop at Conference. I could be wrong, but check your Use and Care card before heating it.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Nope! But, make sure that you don't heat the grill pan. It is supposed to be used as a weight. So, in order to get the grill marks you need to use the grill pan or cook on a grill!

I think what Kate MEANS to say is "Don't heat the Grill Press", not grill pan!

 

[cmdtrgd]

Heh...you're right, Becky...I'll change that!

 

[cmdtrgd]

Wow...heat + Science Camp kids = stupid mistakes!!!

 

[pamperedalf]

Kate, I wouldn't worry, I kept chuckling! LOL!!

 

[pampered1224]

We have a place in town here....Milwaukee that is, that does pannini under a press similar to the one we are offereing. It too is not heated. The guy puts the sandwhich on a grill the size of our double burner ones and it has the grill "bumps" on it. He puts on the press then flips it half way through so...
The only other thing I have seen is an electric one. Those puppies cost more than our grill pan plus the press in price and they are no where near as veritile.
Now if it could be explained as to why the press too has the gird on it, wed be all set. I didn't get that either if it is only used as a weight.

 

[chefmelody]

Well, that's kind of silly. If it's not going to be heated, and we still have to flip the sammiches, what's the point? You can just press sandwiches with your spatula as you cook them, then flip them over. I think I won't spend my money on this one. If I get it free somehow, that's another story.

 

[lacychef]

It is a cool tool, but I too wonder why it has the grill bars. I've seen Rachel Ray just put foil over a brick to make paninis!
A tip I learned in the new product class was to NOT use the press in the family skillet--it will get stuck! The one lady said she learned that first hand! OOOPS!