Thanks for the info...elchivito, I'd be interested to know the make of that press you mentioned.

Used/vintage is another option I didn't think of, so I may look around at some of the local 2nd hand stores before I decide.

Obviously a $600 panini press is out of the question, but I don't mind going up to $200 on a good make, hopefully made in the USA.

It bugs me when you buy a product with false labeling...like "assembled in the USA", or when the box says "this package is made in the USA", yet the contents are made in China. What's worse, is they still manage to charge us "made in the USA" prices.