Lodge
Seasoned Cast Iron Panini Press
Best kitchen essential for home cooks craving professional-style grilled sandwiches.
Elevate your sandwich game with the Lodge Seasoned Cast Iron Panini Press. Crafted from durable cast iron, this press features raised grill ridges to impart perfect sear marks and delicious grill lines on your sandwiches, eliminating the need for a dedicated panini press. It arrives pre-seasoned with natural vegetable oil, offering a naturally nonstick surface that only improves with use. The looped handle ensures easy maneuverability, and its robust construction guarantees it will last for generations. This versatile press is designed for use on virtually any heat source, making it an essential addition to your kitchen.
$22.90
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
5
/ 199
#5 in Grill Presses
Price vs Category Average
-35%
Below average
Material
Cast Iron
/ Cast Iron
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking professional-grade sear and even heat distribution
- Minimalists investing in heirloom-quality kitchen tools
- Busy cooks wanting immediate usability right out of the box
Who should skip it
- Cooks with limited wrist strength or mobility issues
- Users preferring low-maintenance, dishwasher-safe cookware
- People who prioritize quick and effortless cleanup
Performance breakdown
Sear Quality
Raised ridges deliver professional-grade grill marks every single time.
Durability
Heavy-duty cast iron construction built to last for multiple generations.
Surface Performance
Natural vegetable oil seasoning provides a reliable, nonstick cooking surface.
Versatility
Seamlessly transitions between stovetops, outdoor grills, and open flames.
Ergonomics
Looped handle offers steady control but requires caution due to heat.
Maintenance Effort
Requires consistent hand washing and oiling to prevent rust buildup.
Key Specs
Material
Cast Iron
Finish
Pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil
Weight
3.95 LB
Dimensions
8.31 IN x 8.31 IN x 1.5 IN
Surface Texture
Ridged
Handle Type
Fixed
Heat Source Compatibility
Outdoor Grill, Stovetop, Grill Pan
Dishwasher Safe
No
Features
- Creates perfect grill marks on sandwiches
- Naturally nonstick and nontoxic surface
- Durable cast iron construction
- Improves with every use
- Easy to handle looped design
- Versatile for any heat source
- Made in the USA
What customers say
Customers view the Lodge Panini Press as a robust, essential kitchen tool. Its primary strengths are substantial weight and superior heat retention, which deliver perfectly crisp paninis and evenly cooked food. Reviewers consistently praise the factory pre-seasoning for providing a good nonstick surface immediately. This versatile press is also used for searing steaks and flattening meats. While its heavy weight and cast iron maintenance present minor challenges for some, these are accepted trade-offs for the product's exceptional durability and consistent, high-quality results. The consensus is that this press is a worthwhile lifetime investment.
Know before you buy
No, the press comes pre-seasoned with 100% natural vegetable oil and is ready to use right out of the box.
No, this press is not dishwasher safe. To maintain the seasoning and prevent rust, you should hand wash it, dry it thoroughly, and apply a light coat of oil after each use.
Yes, because the handle is made of cast iron and is not a cool-touch design, it will get hot during use. Always use an oven mitt or heat-resistant handle cover when handling the press.
Yes, this press is designed for versatility and can be used on outdoor grills, stovetops, and grill pans to achieve professional sear marks.
The press weighs 3.95 pounds, which provides sufficient weight to compress sandwiches and ensure even contact with the heat source for consistent grill marks.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$23