7
Panini Press Hints for Best Results
• It is customary to prepare panini using a hearty loaf of bread. However, panini made from store-bought
sliced breads or rolls can be delicious and simple to prepare. Experiment with a variety of breads, tortillas,
atbreads, even pitas.
• For health-conscious cooks, the non-stick coating of the cooking plates assures crisp and delicious
toasting without the use of oil or butter. However, spreading a small amount of butter or olive oil is
recommended to encourage even browning of the bread.
• Always preheat the Grill/Griddle in the closed position before each use.
• Have all ingredients at hand before preparing panini.
• When using soft or liquid llings, use thicker-sliced breads.
• Remove the insides of soft rolls to create a cup in which lling can be added.
• Most fruits release juice when heated. Drain and pat fresh or canned fruit dry with a clean paper towel
before grilling.
• Avoid using processed cheeses, as they tend to “run” under high temperatures.
• A teaspoon of sugar sprinkled on the buttered side makes grilled panini crispier and adds avor when
using sweet llings.
• Whole grain and sweet breads will grill faster than white breads and should be grilled for less time.
• After you have removed nished panini, close the top grill plate to retain heat while assembling
more sandwiches.
• To avoid food contamination, wearing a protective oven mitt, use a soft, absorbent paper towel to wipe
the cooking plates clean after each use.
To Use as a Contact Grill/Griddle (Open Position)
1. When cooking foods with high fat content, use the tilt-up feet to raise the Grill/Griddle’s front 2 legs. Grill
high fat foods on the lower cooking plate to enable unwanted grease to empty into the drain in the center
of the open Grill/Griddle.
2. Preheat the Grill/Griddle as described in the Operating Instructions.
3. Turn the temperature control dial to increase or decrease the temperature from LOW to HIGH.
Generally, use 350°F to 400°F to produce rich grill marks on foods or produce a crispier outside with
the griddle.
4. Press the hinge release button located on the right side of the arm. Wearing protective oven mitts, grasp
the handle to lift the upper cooking plate and open to double the cooking surface.
CAUTION: To avoid personal injury or damage to property, always make sure removable drip tray is in
position under the grease drain in the center of the open plates before use.
CAUTION: To prevent risk of burns, always use oven mitts. Be careful not to touch any hot surfaces such
as the top housing or cooking plates, or any hot liquid in the drip tray. Extreme care must be taken when
operating this appliance as the surface temperatures get extremely hot.
5. For best results, wearing a protective oven mitt, use a brush or paper towel to lightly coat the cooking
surfaces with solid vegetable shortening, butter, or vegetable oil.
NOTE: DO NOT USE NON-STICK SPRAYS AS THEY CAN CAUSE BUILD-UP ON THE COOKING PLATES.
USE OLIVE OIL INSTEAD.
WARNING: DO NOT USE NON-FAT SPREADS. THEY MAY BURN AND DAMAGE THE NON-STICK
COOKING PLATES.
6. Center food on the open cooking plate(s).
7. Allow the food on the Grill/Griddle to cook for 3 to 12 minutes, according to recipe directions.
NOTE: Please see the Basic Cooking Chart for suggested cooking temperatures and times. During cooking,
the green READY light will cycle on and off as the unit maintains cooking temperature.
8. The temperature can be adjusted at any time by turning the temperature control dial to the desired setting.
9. Test food with a meat thermometer for doneness. Remove grilled food from the cooking plate(s) using a
non-metallic utensil. A plastic spatula will help to remove delicate food in one piece. Non-scratching tongs
are helpful when grilling meats or sausages.
WARNING: The Grill/Griddle becomes very hot. Avoid touching the top or sides of the cooking plates
after heating.
WARNING: Never use a sharp or metal object as it may damage the non-stick surface of the griddle or
grill plates.
CAUTION: Do not leave appliance unattended during use!
10. When food is nished cooking, turn the temperature control dial to 200°F. Remove the plug from the
wall outlet.
WARNING! ALWAYS UNPLUG UNIT WHEN COOKING IS FINISHED. OTHERWISE, THE GRILL/GRIDDLE
WILL CONTINUE TO HEAT UNTIL UNIT IS UNPLUGGED.
11. Allow Grill/Griddle to cool completely before removing the drip tray or cooking plates to clean the unit.
Basic Cooking Chart
NOTE: Cooking times listed are meant to serve as a guideline only. Proper cooking times will depend on the
thickness of the sandwich or wrap, the cut of meat being grilled, density and thickness of all foods. Test fruits and
vegetables for tenderness with a fork. Check periodically to avoid overcooking.
WARNING! ALWAYS USE A MEAT THERMOMETER TO ENSURE THAT MEAT AND FISH ARE COOKED
THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING. Make sure the thermometer does not touch the bone or hot cooking plate.
Check periodically to avoid overcooking.
PLEASE NOTE: The USDA recommends that meats such as beef and lamb, etc. should be cooked to an internal
temperature of 145ºF/63ºC. Pork should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160ºF/71ºC and poultry products
should be cooked to an internal temperature of 170ºF/77ºC - 180ºF/82ºC to be sure any harmful bacteria has been
killed. When reheating meat/poultry products, they should also be cooked to an internal temperature of
165ºF/74ºC.
User Maintenance Instructions
This appliance requires little maintenance. It contains no user serviceable parts. Do not try to repair it yourself.
Any servicing that requires disassembly other than cleaning must be performed by a qualied appliance
repair technician.
Food Temperature Setting (ºF) Closed Grill Cook Time
Panini 360 - 400 3 to 5 minutes
Quesadillas 360 - 400 3 to 5 minutes
Hamburger 360 - 400 5 to 7 minutes
Skirt Steak 8 oz 400 6 to 9 minutes
Kabobs 400 7 minutes
Hot Dogs 400 4 to 5 minutes
Chicken Breast 8 oz (boneless skinless) 360 10 to 12 minutes
Fish llets 400 4 to 9 minutes
Shrimp 400 3 to 4 minutes
Asparagus 330 4 to 6 minutes
Onion slices 360 4 to 6 minutes
Portabella Mushrooms 360 4 to 6 minutes
Pineapple fresh 1/2” slices 300 2 to 4 minutes
Food Temperature Setting (ºF) Open Griddle Cook Time
Hot Dogs 400 6 to 8 minutes
Vegetables 300 6 to 8 minutes
Bacon 300 8 to 14 minutes
French Toast 330 6 to 8 minutes
Pancakes 360 3 to 6 minutes
Eggs 360 3 to 4 minutes
SO-312544_14464 Bella Grill griddle panini IM_r2.indd 7 2015-06-12 11:02 AM