De'Longhi CGH800 Contact Grill and Panini Press: Retro Design for Delicious Sandwiches and Grilled Foods

Andy S: I've gotta confess I love a good Panini, in-fact I might be a Connoisseur. We have a De'Longhi Espresso maker which has been stellar so decided to roll the dice and spend a bit more on this one after our old machine went out. This bad boy toasts the bread to a golden crisp and the cheesy inside is perfect. My last machine would melt the cheese all over the grill, this one keeps it somewhat contained and close to the bread. My only issue is the lid pivots a bit strange compared of other machines I've used and pushes the top of the bread off the sandwich which you need to hold the bread top in place while slowly closing the lid. Also once done cooking I like to leave the lid open for the machine to cool off, if you don't pivot it back towards the base oil will drip onto the counter behind. A solid 4.65 Stars so glad I chose this over a George Foreman or Hamilton Beach.

United States on May 17, 2022

Sandeep Gautam: Very very very late delivery. Fit and finish of the product not upto mark.

India on Aug 27, 2017

P. Mund: After spending hours reading online reviews on indoor grills, I decided on this one. I've had it over a week now, have used it several times, and am happy with my choice. Can't speak to its durability or longevity yet, but DeLonghi seems to be reputable.

I had a very large fixed-hinge Foreman grill that had sat around for years, then just when I began to appreciate it, it stopped working. I would say it only had moderate use for a year or two, so I was obviously disappointed with its lack of longevity.

My priorities in purchasing a new grill were affordability, size, and quality/reputation. When comparing this grill with others, both online and in stores locally, I was surprised at the lower price, especially after receiving it. It looks really nice on the counter (it folds and stands on its edge), and is heavy and well-built. The cooking area is larger than many more expensive models. And it just looks classy!

I have grilled pork chops and chicken breasts, panini sandwiches (both with deli meat and breakfast type sandwiches with eggs, bacon and cheese) and everything came out delicious! The grilled meats are definitely juicier and more tender than they were...

United States on Jan 20, 2010

Don Jr: I'd like to point out a fact for the people that are disappointed that there's no on/off switch. The reason is that the number one cause of house fires is faulty appliances, according to the Red Cross web site. My friends house burned to the ground about 5 weeks ago from this. Luckily they got out. You should unplug your toaster as well. For the woman who said her insurance adjuster told her it's bad to unplug/plug, sorry but you should file a complaint with your insurance company about that adjuster so people aren't in harms way from their bad advice. This is a great panini press. It works perfectly. It seems to be of good quality. I looked at the Cuisinarts and they seemed cheap. Every Breville I looked at was broken at the store. I wanted the Villaware but they stopped making it because they were bought out by another company. As far as grill marks, I think you want them. It heats up the inside quicker. I was in Rome 11 months ago and my panini had grill marks. I just ate a breakfast sandwich on home made Italian bread and it was light golden brown, and piping hot in the middle. The cheese was oozing and the outside had a nice crunch. It had carmelized red onion with a balsamic...

United States on Jan 17, 2009

Kaydee: I bought this panini press based on other Amazon reviews and am so glad I did. This press stores on its side, so it takes up little space in your cabinet, it's super easy to clean and it comes with an actual cookbook called "Delizioso!" which is full of delicious recipes ranging from breakfast style panini all the way through dessert style panini and crostini. This panini press heats up quickly and cooks evenly. The first time I used it, and every time since, my panini came out perfectly. And, I was impressed with how easy the clean up was. I use this press at least 3 times a week to feed my family of 4, and can't imagine not having it. It's so easy to make healthy lunches and dinners with this press. Just throw in a fresh salad at dinner time, and you're set. Literally, you have a fantastic meal in less than 15 minutes.

My favorite panini are tomato, fresh basil and mozzerella cheese on rustic whole wheat bread, cheddar cheese, pre-cooked bacon and tomato on honey whole wheat bread, diced chicken, diced dried apricot and mayo on rustic whole wheat bread, and stuffed french toast.

If you like cooking at home, like food that tastes delicious, yet don't want to spend a...

United States on Aug 25, 2007