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All you really need to make panini are two cast-iron skillets (one to hold the sandwich, the other to weight it down). But for more convenience, consider one of the panino machines now on the market. We tested six presses; these three were the best.

Salton's Sandwich Maker got very hot very fast. The nonstick surface simplifies cleanup if any of the panino filling spills out ($25; 888-889-0899).

Black & Decker's Quick Grill seals the edges of panini so fillings don't ooze out. For extra ease, it also cuts the sandwiches in half ($24; 800-231-9786).

Philips' Toaster with Sandwich Maker is a regular toaster with extra-wide slots and an insert to hold panini. This is the machine to buy if you prefer using thick breads such as focaccia for panini ($70 at Target; 800-800-8800).

--Monica F. Forrestall

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