Brentwood TS-246 Panini Maker: Does This Budget Press Deliver the Goods?
Okay, confession time: I’m a total sucker for a good panini. That crispy, golden-brown bread, the melty cheese oozing out… chef’s kiss. So, naturally, I’m always on the hunt for gadgets that can help me achieve panini perfection at home. Enter the Brentwood TS-246. The price was definitely right, but could this little panini press actually deliver? I had to find out.
First off, the look. It’s a pretty standard-looking appliance – nothing fancy, but the black and stainless steel is sleek enough. It’s also nice and compact, which is key when you’re battling for counter space in a tiny kitchen like mine. The non-stick plates? Promising. And those little indicator lights? Super helpful for a cooking klutz like me. No more guessing games!
Using it was dead simple. Plug it in, wait for the green light (seriously, even I can handle that), and pile on the fillings. I went for a classic ham and Swiss on sourdough for my maiden voyage. That locking handle gave it a good, firm press, and a few minutes later? Boom! Gorgeous grill marks and perfectly melted cheese. So far, so good.
Now, the cooking power. The 750 watts seemed to do the trick, giving me a nice golden-brown finish. And that non-stick surface? It worked like a charm! The panini slid right off without a fight, and cleanup was a breeze – just a quick wipe and done.
But here’s where things got a little… complicated. While the first panini was a success, I quickly realized the cooking wasn’t always even-steven. Some spots were browner than others, meaning I had to play panini-rotating acrobat to get it just right. Plus, the cooking surface is kinda small. My sourdough was just able to fit, and anything bigger? Forget about it. Gourmet, overstuffed sandwiches are definitely out of the question.
And then came the real kicker. After only a week of using this thing a few times, I noticed some weird discoloration on the non-stick coating. Turns out, it was starting to dissolve in places! That’s a major red flag for me. I mean, who wants mystery chemicals in their lunch? No, thank you.
So, the final verdict? The Brentwood TS-246 is a decent panini maker for the price. It’s easy to use, heats up fast, and makes a pretty good-looking sandwich. But the small size and the questionable durability of that non-stick coating? Those are definite deal-breakers. If you’re strapped for cash and only need it now and then, it might be worth a shot. But if you’re a serious panini addict or want something that’ll last, you’re better off ponying up for a better model. Trust me on this one.
My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. It’s okay for beginners, but don’t expect miracles.