Toasting Titan Died Before Unit Became Popular Restaurant Equipment Fixture
Thomas Edison (1847-1931) is recognized as one of America’s top inventors. During his lifetime, Edison amassed 1,093 patents, according to History.com. His inventions included the phonograph, the incandescent light bulb, the world’s first industrial research laboratory and an early version of the motion picture camera. He even dabbled with restaurant equipment: the panini press.
Imagine that: Thomas Edison the Sandwich Maker…
Yes, sandwich shop and café owners… tip your hats to Edison. Sorry George Foreman!
Edison created the panini press – a two-sided grill – according to the Edison Ford Museum in Fort Myers, Fla. One of his models is a part of the collection at the museum.
Nearly a century after Edison’s invention, foodservice equipment companies produce this sandwich-making wonder for restaurants and sandwich shops across the globe.
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Hatco MCG14G-208-QS 14" Single Multi Contact Grill Grooved Plate 208v
What Is A Panini Press?
It’s also known as a panini grill. At Hatco, a leading U.S manufacturer, two grooved, cast iron plates are heated by elements and hinged together for three to five minutes at a temperature ranging from 120 to 570 degrees, pressing the outer sides of a sandwich to a crisp, while warming (not cooking) inner food product. Filling options are nearly endless and include thinly-sliced turkey, chicken, ham and cheese (taleggio, fontina, Asiago, provolone, scamorza, mozzarella, etc.). Cured meats like prosciutto and salami). Tomatoes and eggplant. Pork loin and pickles. Kale, black olives and basil. Avocado and arugula. Bacon, scrambled eggs and apples. Roasted peppers, yellow squash and zucchini. Condiments like mustard, pesto, balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Meanwhile, bread options include baguette, focaccia, ciabatta bread and yeast rolls. (Sliced bread is generally not used on panini presses in restaurants.).
Everybody loves mouthwatering grill marks! The longer it’s pressed, the crunchier the bread.
Cultures around the globe utilize versions of Edison’s invention, from Italy to Australia and of course, America. Food historians trace the origins of modern paninis to sandwich shops in Italy in the 1960s.
How To Buy A Panini Press For A Restaurant
In the U.S., we recommend Hatco as the best panini press for restaurants. Why?
Its metal plates are removable, making cleaning easier. Also, Hatco’s panini press holds its temperature during repeated use and provides even heat distribution for uniform cooking.
Hatco’s panini presses are available in single or double cast iron plates – much stronger and more durable than cast aluminum versions by competitors. Here’s why:
Connectivity – Unit reaches desired temperature at faster pace.
Heat retention – Units holds heat longer.
Hatco Panini Press FAQS
- Cooking Surface Options: 10/14/20 inches
- Energy: Electric
- Temperature: Ranges from 120-570 degrees (50°C-300°C) and stays consistent during busy lunch and dinner crushes.
- Mix or Match: Units are available with flat plates, grooved plates and flat and grooved plates.
- More Than Sandwiches: the panini presses can also create hamburgers and quesadillas.
- Bonus: In a small sandwich shop/café, the bottom flat plate can be utilized to prepare eggs and pancakes.
Who Should We Thank For The Panini Press?
In order for the panini to exist, humans had to first discover/create sandwiches.
At what point was eating bread as a meal by itself trumped by sandwiches?
We’ll never know the first human to place food between two pieces of bread and bite. The answer likely dates back more than one thousand years to the Persian, Roman, Mongol or British Empires, not to mention undocumented history in places like the Americas. Modern society, though, does know people that popularized the sandwich.
Thank John Montagu, fourth Earl of Sandwich. This British statesman’s travels and fondness of multi-tasking while enjoying spirits are believed to have led to his request of meat between sliced bread.
Thank Charlotte Mason. Not long after the Earl introduced his culinary concept to London’s high society, the word “sandwich” was mentioned in a cookbook for the first time. Mason’s cookbook was published in 1773.
(The title: Being a Complete System of Cookery, Containing One Hundred and Fifty Select Bills of Fare.)
Thank Edison. After a sandwich explosion in Europe and later, America, Edison created the panini press.
Thank Milan, Italy. The panini did not gain notoriety until the 1960s, long after Edison’s death. Italians transformed this crispy treat into must-eat meals.
Meanwhile in America, sandwich shops popped up as paninis joined a growing list of breaded entrees: hamburgers, hot dogs, subs, Sloppy Joes, cheese steaks, club sandwiches, lobster rolls, barbecue sandwiches, muffulettas and more.
Our restaurant team loves sandwiches – especially with grill marks from panini presses. Need help selecting the right Hatco unit? Give us a call at 404-752-6715 ext. 2. Or, stop by our Atlanta showroom (6286 Dawson Blvd. Norcross, Ga. 30093).
