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20 Q3 2016 THE QUARTERLY Despite the name, panini machines or grills can be used for heating up more than just the popular hot sandwiches. Commercial-grade units, also known as sandwich presses, are slightly sturdier than the residential-grade types. Restaurants serving Mexican fare routinely use this equipment to heat up tortillas or make quesadil- las. Others use it as a clamshell for melting cheese or preparing meat, such as burgers, steaks, chicken breasts and pork chops. Operators can also use the flat, griddle-type surface to prepare small portions of grilled vegetables or other stir-fry items. Some even use the machines with heavier platens as part of a micro griddle station in conjunction with a ventilation hood. It's im- portant to note that the thickness or density of the food will impact the cooking time. The drawbacks with these units are the lack of du- rability with some types, the propensity for hinges and other moving parts to wear out, and the steep angle of some platens that tends to push sandwich contents out. There are standard and heavy-duty machines avail- able in both single and double sizes. Available widths generally range between 10 and 12 inches, with depths of 8 to 10 inches. The most popular panini machine sizes are 10 by 10 inches, 10 by 14 inches and 14 by 14 inches, although there are smaller and larger units avail- able. Those larger than 14 by 14 inches are no longer manual as the reach is then too great for users to open and close the top plate. The small size makes this por- table equipment versatile and ideal for small spaces. These machines offer a choice of plate materials, each with advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum is the most affordable, heats up the quickest and transfers heat fast but requires more energy to stay hot. Cast-iron platens take longer to heat up but retain heat longer and provide good consistency. Both types of surfaces can be grooved, flat or a combination, depending on the ap- plication needs. Models with removable or Teflon platens are available and, although pricier, simplify cleaning. With simple construction, the standard features of panini panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a units panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a are panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a limited panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a to panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a a panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a brush panini units are limited to a brush and scraper for cleaning, a and scraper for cleaning, a thermostat for temperature monitoring and an on/off switch. monitoring and an on/off switch. Some units have mechanical or electronic timers hanical Some units have mechanical or electronic timers or electronic timers included, which allow operators to preset cooking perators included, which allow operators to preset cooking to preset cooking times for different types of sandwiches. Although es times for different types of sandwiches. Although of sandwiches. Although these devices monitor cooking time, they do not r cooking time, they do not automatically adjust temperatures. The timers temperatures. The timers make it easier to cook on high heat fast to ook make it easier to cook on high heat fast to on high heat fast to sear product or prepare food at lower tem- prepare sear product or prepare food at lower tem- food at lower tem- peratures longer to melt or heat all the way r to melt or heat all the way through the item. em. through the item. The majority of panini machines are rity of panini machines are electric, either 1400 or 1800 watts and er 1400 or 1800 watts and run on a standard 120-volt outlet. Units andard 120-volt outlet. Units also are available that run on 220 volts. available also are available that run on 220 volts. that run on 220 volts. Infrared heat models are offered but d Infrared heat models are offered but heat models are offered but not widely used. idely used. On some models, the spring tension for the platens can be nsion tension for the platens can be for the platens can be adjusted adjusted as needed for the as needed for the thickness of the sandwich or product. If more pressure is required for added heat and contact, the tension can be tightened. There are also higher-end models that open and and close automatically. close automatically. Operators should ensure the machine's wiring is well protected achine's machine's wiring is well protected wiring is well protected COOKING EQUIPMENT Panini Machines