Quick answer
Choose a griddle for large, open flat-top cooking like smash burgers and big breakfasts; choose a panini press (or press grill system) for pressing sandwiches, waffles, and quick grill marks with less splatter.
Cooking surface and capacity trade-offs
A griddle gives you a large, uninterrupted flat surface ideal for cooking multiple items at once. The Dash Smash XL Precision Sear Griddle offers a 15x20-inch cooking surface that fits up to 12 burgers, making it great for feeding a crowd. In contrast, the Dash MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System uses interchangeable plates that are smaller but allow you to switch between waffle, griddle, and grill functions. If you need high volume on one surface, the griddle wins; if you want versatility in a compact footprint, the press system is more flexible.
Pressure and heat application differences
A panini press applies top-down pressure, which is essential for pressing sandwiches, melting cheese, and creating grill marks. The MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System can be used closed to press burgers and chicken or open as a griddle. A traditional flat-top griddle like the Smash XL relies on a weighted press (included in the bundle) to mimic that smash effect, but it doesn't have a hinged lid. For recipes that need direct top heat, the press system is more convenient; for smash burgers, the griddle's included press works well.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Surface area: Griddle (Smash XL) offers 15x20 inches for up to 12 burgers. Press system (MultiMaker) has smaller interchangeable plates.
- Cooking versatility: Press system can make waffles, grill, and griddle with plate swaps. Griddle is a single large flat top.
- Pressure cooking: Press system has a hinged lid for direct top-down pressure. Griddle uses a separate press tool for smash burgers.
- Ease of storage: Press system is more compact and replaces multiple appliances. Griddle is larger but simpler.
Product facts at a glance
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Smash XL Precision Sear Griddle: The Dash Smash XL Precision Sear Griddle features a spacious 15x20-inch cooking surface that fits 12 burgers, and the bundle includes a grill press and collapsible tools. This gives you a large, even cooking area for smash burgers and family-sized meals, with the press helping to sear meat quickly.
Smash XL Precision Sear Griddle
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MultiMaker® Flex Press Grill System: The Dash MultiMaker Flex Press Grill System includes removable plates for waffle, griddle, and grill, and can be used closed for pressing or open as a griddle. You get three cooking functions in one appliance, making it ideal for small kitchens that want to make waffles, sandwiches, and grilled items without storing multiple devices.
MultiMaker® Flex Press Grill System
Which one fits your kitchen?
Best for you if
- You cook for a family or group and want to make smash burgers, pancakes, bacon, and eggs all at once on a large flat top.
- You prefer a dedicated flat-top griddle with a simple, straightforward cooking surface.
Not ideal if
- You want a multi-function appliance that can also make waffles and press sandwiches without needing extra gadgets.
- You have limited counter space and prefer a compact, all-in-one press grill system.
