Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I had been looking around at retail stores for panini presses and there were a few problems. 1) Stores carried very few models if they sold them at all. 2) They were expensive. 3) The lid didn't float so it could only handle thin sandwiches. And so, I turned to Amazon and I am glad I did. This Hamilton Beach panini press is less expensive and better quality than any that I've found in stores. It heats up reasonably fast, cooks sandwiches well, and the floating hinge can handle even the thickest of sandwiches. Yes, it would be nice if it had an on/off switch instead of requiring it to be plugged and unplugged, but it's not the sort of thing I'd leave on my counter all the time anyway. I take it out when I want a sandwich, wipe it down when I am done and put it away -- easy. It's big enough to fit 2-3 sandwiches, depending on the bread you use. It's just really simple to use, and I find I've started using this to toast bread instead of my toaster oven. So, I really don't see a way to complain about this. Very happy with my purchase. edit: A year later and I'm still loving this. I moved across the country and I packed this in my suitcase for the flight. One of the plastic handles cracked (darn it, TSA) but I just super-glued it together and it works fine! I didn't bring my toaster oven when I moved -- now I just use this to toast my bread by putting the bread down without closing the lid. I also have found it is great to crisp up the outside of burritos. When I make burritos, I put them on the panini press and gently close the lid. Gives me nice golden brown grill lines. At my new place, I just leave it on my counter top so truth be told, an on/off button would be very nice. But for the way it performs and the price I paid, I can't complain that much, to be honest.