Best Review on Breville BSG520XL Panini 1500 Watt Nonstick
Greetings,
I paid $57.99 for this them on October 7th, 2012. Anyone not giving this at least 4 stars has lost their mind! This product is super high quality, and the price can't be beat. Breville makes excellent, top notch equipment, and you can't go wrong. I'm going to keep this super short because there are plenty of uber long reviews, get this press!!
(I'm currently working on about 500 reviews, I order pretty much everything from Amazon but I (until now) never review. So I'm going through the years of orders to catch up, and try and give back to the system. If your reading this PLEASE hit the button saying this review was helpful, it does help out the people that make reviews, and trust me it takes a lot of time... I try not to make long winded reviews, all of the specs are in the product description)
This unit is very well-constructed and heats up very rapidly for quick use. It has an adjustable height feature for the top plate, so you can use it both to press or simply heat closed and open face sandwiches. The Quantanium non-stick surface allows for easy wipe up cleaning. Although several folks have expressed a desire for removable plates, I have found that removable plates affect even heat distribution, so I prefer the attached plates.
BalasHapusThe unit is very simple to use and cleaning is pretty simple as well, you just wipe the plates with a damp cloth. This unit also stores quite easily given its relatively compact size, and the electrical cord wraps nicely around the base, which is a nice touch. It heats very evenly and quickly, and the non-stick surface removes the need for any cooking spray, oil, or butter, which is always a plus. Be advised that given its size, this press is not designed to prepare multiple entrees at the same time, so if you are looking to turn out several meals at the same time, you may need a larger press. This press is well designed for a family of 2-3 people, although it also works fine for my family of 5, I just cook up our paninis in a few batches.
I bought this item specifically because it has a flat bottom and grating only on the top. I think it is a great and versatile product. The top grating leaves those fresh little grill marks on your sandwich while the flat bottom makes sure the whole sandwich is toasted and heated evenly. I could also fit 2 slices of cold pizza in it, and it did a great job of not only re-heating, but re-crisping the crust - no more soggy cold pizza. And I don't understand the complaints about non-removable plates or difficulty cleaning. It wipes clean without any problems so far. I think removable plates are overrated. I haven't seen a removable plate product that makes better waffles than a waffle only machine. Between toasting sandwiches, cold pizza and homemade falafel, I can recommend this item without hesitation.
BalasHapusThis single purpose machine is very good at it's single purpose: making sandwiches. It is better at this task than any other product on the market. If that is all you are looking to do, this is the one to buy. It's only downside for that purpose is that the plates that contact your food are not removable or dishwasher safe. You have to clean it with a wet towel or sponge. Either method works well, and the plates have a very effective non-stick coating.
BalasHapusSeveral products from the George Foreman line are similar to this machine, about the same price range, and do much more than just make sandwiches. You should consider those products, especially the ones with removable, dishwasher safe plates, before you settle on this machine from Breville.
I just purchased this from a big bed and bath store at a great price but noticed Amazon just lowered their price on this to match which makes this an EXCELLENT buy (at less than $20 off retail). I was surprised by the reviews on this, but I'm thinking that expectations were different for it since it used to be at a higher price point (it retails for $69.99) than say a Cuisinart GR-1. I didn't think it was fair that everyone was critical of this because the plates weren't removable when the Cuisinart GR-1 isn't removable either yet got nothing but glowing reviews but now that the prices on these are the same, the Breville Panini Duo should win hands down.
BalasHapusI love the Breville because of the plates and because it's 1500 watts. The flat plate is a necessity to me because it just cooks more evenly and ensures it cooks properly. I don't mind the wavy upper grill plate although it seems silly but after reading reviews, people love their grill marks. If you really must have the grill marks on both sides you can flip it over after a minute or two. This unit gets plenty hot in a very short amount of time and makes it quick to make a good sandwich. I've found sandwiches cook very quickly in this and get nice and golden.
Cleanup is great thanks to the flat plate on bottom (bottom always gets messier than the upper plate). One thing about this unit is how small it is in its storage position. I think someone posted a picture here of it upright stored. The cord wraps around the bottom of it, and it just takes up very little space when stored upright. My husband gave me nothing but grief about buying a sandwich press but even he had to admit that he liked how it stored. This unit is also built heavy-duty and is very simple to operate.
I was so close to buying another sandwich maker but am so glad I read through reviews and did some research. The Breville is a good compromise with one flat plate and one wavy plate, and it gets plenty hot to make excellent sandwiches. I make a lot of sandwiches for my family/kids and this is so much easier than heating up a griddle over the stove. I own a George Foreman grill as well, but I just didn't think it did as good of a job on sandwiches and is awkward because of the tilt. The Breville browns and heats to perfection and for this price, is a must have for any family that makes sandwiches.