Lodge LPP3
Score: 80/100
Chefman Panini Press Grill
Score: 75/100Rankings
The Lodge LPP3 is a pre-seasoned cast-iron square ribbed panini press that offers superior heat retention and versatile stovetop, grill, and oven use. Its heavy weight and need for hand-washing limit convenience. Ideal for home cooks seeking durable, multi-purpose cookware.
The Chefman 4-slice panini press offers a floating hinge, 180° rotation and a removable drip tray, making it versatile for small spaces. Drawbacks include fixed plates that are hard to deep-clean and occasional uneven heating. Best suited for dorms, apartments or travelers needing a compact, multi-function grill.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
439.5 cm² | 551.5 cm²best | |
439.5 cm² | 551.5 cm²best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.79 kgbest | 2.88 kg |
— | 1,400 Wbest | |
— | 4 servingsbest | |
0 years | 1 yearsbest | |
— | 120 Vbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Cooking Surface(2) | ||
Plate Size (cm²) | 439.5 cm² | 551.5 cm² |
Cooking Surface Area (cm²) | 439.5 cm² | 551.5 cm² |
Build & Design(2) | ||
Weight (kg) | 1.79 kg | 2.88 kg |
Dimensions (HxWxD) | HxWxD: 1.5 x 8.31 x 8.31 inches | 133 x 343 x 305 mm |
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 0 years | 1 years |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the Lodge LPP3 a practical kitchen investment that bridges home cooking and professional results. They commend its heat retention, versatile functionality, and the durable American-made construction, positioning it as a superior, long-lasting alternative to electric panini presses.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the press for its crisp paninis, rapid cooking of bacon and steaks, and the professional grill marks it creates.
Editors from Target, Best Buy, Lowe's and Chefman highlight the unit's multi-functionality, floating hinge for thick subs, sloped grease-draining design, simple one-button controls with indicator lights, and its compact footprint that fits small apartments. The main criticism from professionals is the fixed plate design, which limits versatility compared to removable-plate competitors, and occasional inconsistencies in listed dimensions and power.
Users consistently rate the grill highly, praising its quick heat-up, easy single-button operation, ability to cook four paninis at once, and reliable nonstick performance. Recurring themes include appreciation for its compact size and portability, while common complaints revolve around uneven heating, a short power cord, drip-tray overflow with fatty foods, and the difficulty of deep cleaning fixed plates.
“not even tempted to buy an electric Panini press anymore!”
“every cooker every chef ought to invest in”
