Chefman RJ02-180 Panini Press Grill, 180° Opening and Non-Stick Plates

For compact kitchens that need one appliance for pressed sandwiches and open grilling, the Chefman RJ02-180 switches from a closed panini press to a flat cooking surface with a button press. Its floating hinge adjusts to accommodate thin or generously filled sandwiches, while the non-stick plates help crisp bread without cooking spray.

Open it fully for burgers, vegetables and other grill-friendly foods. The two cooking positions make it useful for quick lunches as well as a wider range of countertop meals.

Spec sheet

• Type: Electric panini press grill and sandwich maker
• Model: RJ02-180
• Power: 1,000 watts
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Material: Stainless steel
• Colour: Stainless steel/black
• Dimensions: 32D x 15W x 23H centimetres
• Closed cooking surface: 5.5 x 8.75 inches
• Flat cooking surface: 10 x 8.75 inches
• Plates: Non-stick coated, PTFE-free
• Warranty: 1-year limited warranty

The closed surface is sized for two sandwiches, and the floating hinge helps the top plate settle over different sandwich thicknesses. Press sandwiches with the grill closed, or open it 180 degrees to use both plates for foods such as burgers, fish, chicken or vegetables. Its sloped design directs grease towards the rear drip tray, and skid-resistant feet help keep the appliance in place on the counter.

Usage tips

Choose the closed position for paninis and grilled sandwiches, placing the filling between the plates before lowering the lid. The adjustable hinge accommodates thinner sandwiches as well as more substantial fillings. For a larger, flat grilling area, release the hinge and open the press to 180 degrees.

The non-stick plates are designed to crisp bread without cooking spray. During cooking, the sloped surface channels grease into the removable drip tray. The tray is dishwasher safe, making it straightforward to clean after a meal, the plates can be wiped down as part of the cleanup routine.

Buyer feedback often highlights the press’s functionality and ease of cleaning. Opinions are more varied on size, ease of use, cooking results and heating, so the stated surface dimensions are useful when deciding how it fits your usual meals. Its compact overall footprint is suited to counters or storage spaces where a larger grill would take up more room.

Included in the pack

The package includes the Chefman appliance and a user guide. The removable drip tray is part of the grill’s design and collects grease during cooking.

When it makes sense

The RJ02-180 suits cooks who want a dedicated sandwich press that can also serve as a small open grill. For example, make pressed sandwiches for lunch, then open the plates flat to grill vegetables or burgers for another meal. Compared with choosing a sandwich-only press, its 180-degree opening provides a second cooking setup without requiring a separate countertop grill.

Worth considering if you want a compact appliance for sandwich-making, with the flexibility to use both plates flat for grilling. The adjustable hinge, non-stick cooking surface and removable drip tray make the switch between those everyday uses practical.