Sandwich and Panini grill makers

Panini presses are a great little invention that allows users to provide a toasted sandwich without the investment in larger equipment. For their size the Panini maker is a very efficient device with a small footprint.

Common problems

Panini maker doesn’t cook evenly

Panini makers typically don’t cook evenly for a few reasons. First the heating elements may be failing causing uneven heating of the cooking surfaces of either the top or bottom or from side to side within the cooking surface. A thermostat not working properly will also cause uneven toasting of the bread.

Timer doesn’t work

For Panini makers equipped with a timer, it is another part that will eventually fail. Some timers fail because of rough use by operators and others fail because of grease from the product. Replacement is generally easy when timers are available.

Problems with hinges

Through frequent opening and closing the Panini makers the hinges will wear leading the top to feel loose if the hinge hasn’t already broken. Hinges are easily replaced and should be checked on a regular basis to prevent burn injuries.

Panini maker doesn’t work at all

When your Panini maker simply doesn’t work there are several failures that may have occurred. Some units come equipped with fuses that open as the result a power surge or from another component failing. The heating elements are the most common component to cause a blown fuse. Elements will fail from reaching end of life but also if they are stressed by operating on the highest setting for prolonged periods of time with no product being prepared or the heating surfaces are quenched regularly.

Depending on construction of the Panini grill, switches fail and cause a section or the entire Panini press to cease working. Sometimes a wire will burn off a switch terminal or the switch will simply fail all together. Like the timer, grease may cause the switch to fail.

Occasionally indicator lights burn out and the user thinks that the Panini maker is not working or has reached temperature when neither may be the case. Burned out indicator lights are a safety hazard and should be replaced promptly to prevent burn injuries.

Panini maker is slow heating

Panini makers are generally slow to heat for several reasons. First carbon build up will reduce heat transfer from the cooking surfaces to the product. Second the elements may be failing or third the thermostat could be out of calibration or failing. In some cases the knobs or thermostat stems need to be replaced because one or the other is damaged and the Panini maker is not operating at the set temperature.

Cords / plugs

Over time cords and plugs will exhibit wear and tear. If the cord is damaged and the wires or bare metal are showing the cord should be replaced immediately to prevent electrical shocks.

For any of the problems above please Contact Us to place a service call. MTS has qualified technicians that are capable of resolving any problems you may be experiencing with your Panini maker. During a preventative maintenance (PM) program the MTS technician will inspect all aspects of your Panini maker to ensure it is in top, safe operating condition.