This is the kitchen appliance that creates thick toasted paninis and gooey open-faced melts on the same patented cooking surface. Made by Breville, the Australian company that invented the original sandwich toaster in 1974, this innovative panini press uses a unique floating hinge that allows the height of the top plate to be adjusted, even to a level for making perfectly melted open-faced snacks. The top plate has a ribbed design that leaves aesthetic grill marks on the panini, while the flat bottom plate is also ideal for heating focaccia, baguettes, and Texas toast, and for cooking eggs and pancakes. A locking fastener on the handle allows the unit to stand vertically when not in use for space-saving storage. 14" L x 12 1/2" W x 3 3/4" D. (8 lbs.)