Chefman 4-Slice Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker

Important Safeguards

When using electrical appliances, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before use.
2. Do not touch hot surfaces. Use handles or knobs.
3. To protect against electrical shock, do not immerse cord, plugs, or the appliance in water or other liquid.
4. Close supervision is necessary when any appliance is used by or near children.
5. Unplug from outlet when not in use and before cleaning. Allow to cool before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning the appliance.
6. Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been damaged in any manner.
7. The use of accessory attachments not recommended by the appliance manufacturer may cause injuries.
8. Do not use outdoors.
9. Do not let cord hang over edge of table or counter, or touch hot surfaces.
10. Do not place on or near a hot gas or electric burner, or in a heated oven.
11. Extreme caution must be used when moving an appliance containing hot oil or other hot liquids.
12. Always attach plug to appliance first, then plug cord into the wall outlet. To disconnect, turn any control to “off,” then remove plug from wall outlet.
13. Do not use appliance for other than intended use.
14. This appliance is for HOUSEHOLD USE ONLY.
15. A short power-supply cord is provided to reduce the hazards resulting from entanglement or tripping over a longer cord.
16. This appliance has a polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other). To reduce the risk of electric shock, this plug is intended to fit into a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does not fit fully into the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified electrician. Do not attempt to modify the plug in any way.

Product Overview

The Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker is a versatile 3-in-1 appliance designed for making perfectly pressed paninis, grilling various foods, and serving as a contact grill. Its floating hinge accommodates sandwiches of any thickness, and the non-stick coated plates ensure easy food release and quick cleanup. The unit can open 180 degrees to provide a larger, flat grilling surface.

Image: The Chefman Panini Press Grill showcasing its key features: large 4-slice capacity, floating 180° hinge, ready indicator lights, nonstick cooking surface, cool-touch handle, and removable drip tray.

Image: The appliance demonstrating its multi-functional 3-in-1 design as a contact grill, panini press, and a 180° open grill for various cooking needs.

Setup

1. Unpack: Carefully remove the Panini Press Grill from its packaging. Retain the packaging for storage or future shipping.
2. Clean: Before first use, wipe the non-stick cooking plates with a damp cloth or sponge. Ensure the removable drip tray is clean and properly inserted.
3. Placement: Place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant, and dry surface. Ensure there is adequate ventilation around the unit.
4. Power: Plug the power cord into a 120V AC electrical outlet. The red 'Power' indicator light will illuminate.
5. Preheat: Allow the grill to preheat until the green 'Ready' indicator light illuminates. This typically takes a few minutes.

Image: A detailed view of the 'Power' (red) and 'Ready' (green) indicator lights, and the easily accessible removable drip tray.

Operating Instructions

Using as a Panini Press / Contact Grill:

1. Ensure the grill is preheated (green 'Ready' light is on).
2. Prepare your sandwich or food item. The floating hinge allows for various thicknesses.
3. Carefully place the food onto the bottom grill plate.
4. Gently lower the top grill plate onto the food. The floating hinge will adjust to the food's thickness.
5. Cook for 3-8 minutes, or until desired doneness and grill marks are achieved. Cooking times may vary based on food type and thickness.
6. Use a heat-resistant spatula to remove the cooked food. Avoid using metal utensils that could scratch the non-stick coating.

Image: The floating hinge of the panini press accommodating a thick sandwich, ensuring even grilling.

Using as an Open-Face Grill (180°):

1. Ensure the grill is preheated (green 'Ready' light is on).
2. To open the grill to 180 degrees, locate the hinge release button on the side of the unit. Press the button and gently push the top plate back until it lies flat, creating a larger grilling surface.
3. Place food items such as burgers, chicken, fish, or vegetables on both grilling surfaces.
4. Cook, turning food as needed, until desired doneness is reached.
5. Use a heat-resistant spatula to remove the cooked food.

Image: The grill fully opened to 180 degrees, showing the expanded grilling surface for cooking multiple items simultaneously.

Video Demonstration:

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Always Unplug: Before cleaning, ensure the appliance is unplugged from the power outlet and has cooled down completely.
2. Empty Drip Tray: Remove the drip tray located at the back of the unit and discard any collected grease or food particles. Wash the drip tray with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry thoroughly.
3. Clean Grill Plates: The non-stick coated grill plates can be wiped clean with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn food residue, use a plastic scraper or a non-abrasive cleaning pad. Do not use metal scouring pads or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the non-stick coating.
4. Exterior Cleaning: Wipe the exterior stainless steel surface with a soft, damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or polishes.
5. Storage: Once clean and dry, the compact design allows for easy storage in a cabinet or on a shelf.

Image: A hand wiping the non-stick grill plates, demonstrating the ease of cleaning.

Troubleshooting

• Appliance not turning on: Ensure the power cord is securely plugged into a working 120V AC outlet. Check if the outlet is functional by plugging in another appliance.
• Food not cooking evenly: Ensure the grill is fully preheated before adding food. The floating hinge is designed to distribute pressure evenly, but very unevenly shaped items may require manual adjustment or repositioning.
• Food sticking to plates: Although the plates are non-stick, ensure they are clean and free from old food residue. For certain foods, a light brushing of oil or butter on the food itself can help prevent sticking.
• Excessive smoke: This may occur if there is accumulated grease or food residue on the heating plates. Ensure the plates are clean before each use. If cooking fatty foods, ensure the drip tray is properly in place and emptied regularly.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

This Chefman appliance is UL approved and comes with advanced safety technology for long-lasting durability. It includes a 1-year limited warranty provided by Chefman.

For warranty claims, product support, or additional information, please refer to the official Chefman website or contact their customer service directly. The included User Guide also contains detailed warranty information and contact details.