Achieving the perfect crisp and melt on your favorite pressed sandwiches requires precision engineering in your kitchen. The best panini grill press isn’t just a cooking appliance; it’s a gateway to elevated café-style creations at home. Understanding the nuanced differences between floating hinges, variable temperature controls, and non-stick coating materials is crucial for selecting a top-tier panini grill press.
This guide delves into the most innovative and reliable models, showcasing the best panini grill press options that promise consistent results and user-friendly operation. Prepare to explore the cutting edge of sandwich-making technology, designed to transform your culinary endeavors.
Find Your Perfect Sear!
1. Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill, Panini Press, Sandwich Maker & More,
Elevate your home cooking with the Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill, a versatile kitchen appliance that transforms simple ingredients into gourmet meals. This Cuisinart panini press is your all-in-one solution for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering unparalleled flexibility for any culinary creation.
Experience five distinct cooking functions with this adaptable grill: contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. From perfectly pressed sandwiches and smoky grilled meats to fluffy pancakes, the Cuisinart Griddler excels at achieving delicious results, making it a must-have kitchen essential for aspiring home chefs.
Pros
- Achieve culinary perfection with five distinct cooking modes, including contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and dual-zone half grill/half griddle, offering incredible versatility for any meal from breakfast to dinner.
- Enjoy precise cooking with dual-zone temperature controls, allowing independent adjustments from a gentle “warm” to a searing “sear” in grill/panini mode, and a broader 200°F to 425°F range for griddle tasks.
- Simplify cleanup significantly thanks to the nonstick, removable grill/griddle plates, a detachable drip tray, and an included dishwasher-safe cleaning/scraping tool for effortless maintenance.
- Benefit from the robust construction and the assurance of a limited 3-year warranty, providing peace of mind for your investment in this high-performance kitchen gadget.
Cons
- While versatile, the unit’s footprint may require dedicated counter space, a consideration for kitchens with limited storage or workspace.
The Cuisinart Griddler Indoor Grill, best panini press, and sandwich maker offers an exceptional blend of performance and convenience. If you’re looking for an all-in-one indoor grill solution that simplifies both cooking and cleaning, this Cuisinart Griddler is an outstanding choice for creating delicious panini, grilled favorites, and griddle classics.
2. Chefman Panini Press Grill and Gourmet Sandwich Maker Non-Stick Coated
Unlock delicious, perfectly pressed sandwiches and grilled favorites with the Chefman Panini Press Grill. This versatile kitchen essential transforms your culinary experience, offering quick, convenient, and cafe-quality results right in your home. Get ready to elevate your everyday meals!
Experience the ultimate in sandwich making and grilling with this 1000-watt Chefman grill. Featuring a non-stick coated surface and a convenient floating hinge, it effortlessly accommodates various sandwich sizes, from thin classics to thick gourmet creations. Open it 180 degrees for versatile grilling of burgers, vegetables, and more, ensuring quick preparation for any mealtime.
Open it 180 degrees for versatile grilling of burgers, vegetables, and more, ensuring quick preparation for any mealtime.
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 Functionality: Seamlessly switch between a powerful panini press for perfectly toasted bread and an open-face grill for burgers, steaks, and vegetables, offering broad culinary applications.
- Adjustable Floating Hinge: The innovative floating hinge adapts to any sandwich thickness, ensuring even pressure and consistent cooking for both thin and substantial fillings.
- Easy Cleanup and Draining: Skid-resistant feet and an angled design promote grease drainage into the removable drip tray, making cleaning exceptionally simple after every use.
- Compact & Convenient Storage: Its space-saving design is ideal for smaller kitchens, dorm rooms, or even for travel, easily tucking away when not in use.
- Durable & Safe Design: UL approved with advanced safety technology and a stainless steel surface, this sandwich maker is built for long-lasting durability and safe operation.
Cons
- While capable of grilling larger items when open, the primary enclosed cooking surface is best suited for up to two large paninis or four standard sandwiches at once.
The Chefman Panini Press Grill is a highly-rated, user-friendly appliance perfect for anyone seeking to create delicious grilled sandwiches and more with minimal effort. Its combination of smart features, robust construction, and ease of maintenance makes it an excellent choice for busy individuals and families looking for quick, satisfying meals.
3. Hamilton Beach Panini Press Sandwich Maker & Electric Indoor Grill
Elevate your kitchen with the Hamilton Beach Panini Press Sandwich Maker, your ultimate solution for café-style gourmet sandwiches and more. This versatile electric indoor grill simplifies creating perfectly pressed paninis, quesadillas, and even sweet turnovers, delivering delicious, restaurant-quality results right at home.
Engineered with a floating lid, this 1400-watt appliance ensures even pressure for any sandwich size, while the nonstick grids heat and brown sides simultaneously, eliminating the need for flipping. The intuitive Green Means Go indicator light signals optimal preheating, guaranteeing consistently crisp and warm creations every time.
Pros
- Versatile Cooking Options: Perfect for crafting delicious paninis, melting quesadillas, preparing open-faced sandwiches, and even warming personal pizzas, offering a wide range of culinary possibilities beyond just your average grilled cheese.
- Evenly Presses Sandwiches: The innovative floating lid design automatically adjusts to the thickness of your food, ensuring uniform pressing and heat distribution for consistently perfect results every time you make a panini or other pressed food item.
- Convenient Heating and Browning: Nonstick top and bottom grids work together to efficiently heat and brown your sandwich from both sides simultaneously, eliminating the need to flip and resulting in a perfectly crisp exterior and warm, gooey interior.
- User-Friendly Operation: An integrated ready light turns green when the sandwich maker reaches the ideal cooking temperature after a quick 6-minute preheat, simplifying the cooking process for busy individuals.
- Compact and Stylish Design: Featuring a sleek chrome finish, this panini press adds a touch of elegance to your kitchen counter. Its ability to store upright makes it an excellent space-saving appliance for smaller kitchens or for keeping counters clutter-free.
Cons
- While the nonstick surface is convenient, it’s advisable to use non-metallic utensils to maintain its integrity and longevity, preventing scratches and ensuring continued effectiveness for all your grilled sandwich creations.
For anyone seeking to achieve perfectly grilled sandwiches and explore a variety of pressed meal options, the Hamilton Beach Panini Press Sandwich Maker offers exceptional performance and convenience. Its robust features and user-friendly design make it an ideal kitchen companion for quick, delicious, and perfectly crisped meals.
4. Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo Nonstick Sandwich Maker Press, 2 Slice,
Elevate your home culinary creations with the Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo. This versatile indoor grill and sandwich maker expertly toasts artisanal breads and grills your favorite open-style melts, offering a convenient way to craft delicious sandwiches and more.
Featuring innovative non-stick flat cooking plates, the Breville Panini Duo ensures faster and more even cooking for everything from hearty breakfast sandwiches to classic grilled cheese. Its adjustable height control and floating hinge adapt to various sandwich thicknesses and ingredient levels, ensuring perfect results every time.
Pros
- Even Cooking & Faster Grilling: The non-stick flat plates provide superior heat distribution, leading to evenly grilled bread and quicker cooking times for your paninis and melts.
- Customizable Pressure: A floating hinge allows the top plate to adjust to different sandwich heights, ensuring consistent pressure and perfectly pressed results for both thin quesadillas and thick, ingredient-packed breakfast sandwiches.
- Space-Saving Design: With a sturdy storage clip for upright storage and an integrated cord wrap, this sandwich press is ideal for kitchens with limited counter or cabinet space.
- Versatile Appliance: Beyond panini making, it’s perfect for toasting open-faced melts, grilling small portions, and creating a variety of hot sandwiches.
Cons
- Limited Capacity: This two-slice press is best suited for individual use or small families; larger gatherings might require a larger commercial panini grill.
For those seeking a reliable and user-friendly appliance to craft perfect paninis and grilled sandwiches at home, the Breville BSG520XL Panini Duo stands out. Its thoughtful design focuses on consistent results and convenient storage, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen looking for a top-tier sandwich maker press.
5. George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Electric Grill and Panini Press,
Elevate your everyday meals with the George Foreman 4-Serving Removable Plate Electric Grill and Panini Press. Designed for speed and convenience, this versatile kitchen appliance lets you enjoy delicious, perfectly grilled food in a fraction of the time, making it the ideal solution for busy households seeking healthy and flavorful options.
Experience faster cooking with 35% quicker preheating thanks to improved heating elements. The advanced George Tough Nonstick Coating, 3x more durable, eliminates the need for butter or oil, ensuring healthier meals and effortless cleanup. Its generous 60-square inch grilling surface accommodates up to 4 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Its generous 60-square inch grilling surface accommodates up to 4 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Pros
- Superior Nonstick Performance: The advanced George Tough Nonstick Coating is exceptionally durable and prevents food from sticking, allowing for healthier cooking without extra oil or butter and simplifying the cleaning process.
- Rapid Heating Technology: Enjoy meals sooner with heating elements that preheat 35% faster than previous models, significantly reducing your wait time from plugging in to serving.
- Effortless Cleanup with Removable Plates: The grill plates are fully removable and dishwasher safe, making post-meal cleanup incredibly easy and convenient.
- Ample Grilling Space: The 60-square inch cooking surface comfortably grills main courses for up to four people, offering flexibility for various meal preparations including vegetables and sides.
Cons
- While the cord length is standard for this type of appliance, users with kitchens requiring longer reach might need an extension cord.
This George Foreman electric grill is a standout performer for those seeking a fast, healthy, and easy-to-clean cooking solution. Its combination of quick grilling, nonstick surface, and dishwasher-safe plates makes it a top choice for everyday use, transforming simple ingredients into satisfying meals for your family.
6. Breville BGR700BSS Sear and Press Grill, Brushed Stainless Steel
Elevate your home cooking with the Breville Sear and Press Grill, a versatile appliance designed to deliver restaurant-quality results with effortless ease. Experience precision grilling, perfect paninis, and succulent burgers, all within your kitchen, thanks to its innovative design and intuitive controls, making it a standout among best panini grill presses.
This electric grill boasts independent plate temperature control and reversible ceramic grill and griddle plates, offering unparalleled flexibility for a variety of culinary creations. Its expansive 240 square inch cooking surface, achievable in the open flat BBQ mode, allows you to grill everything from steaks and seafood to fluffy pancakes and eggs, transforming your meal preparation.
Pros
- Customizable Cooking Environments: Enjoy pre-programmed, one-touch settings for Panini, Burger, and Sear, alongside independent electronic temperature control for each plate, allowing precise cooking for diverse ingredients.
- Versatile Open-Flat BBQ Mode: Quickly transform the contact grill into a spacious 240 sq. in. indoor grill and griddle, perfect for larger meals or cooking multiple items simultaneously.
- Premium Reversible Plates: Dual-sided, PFOA and PTFE-free ceramic plates with a natural non-stick coating ensure excellent browning and crust development, and are also dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.
- Waffle Plate Compatibility: Unlock even more culinary possibilities by adding compatible waffle plates (sold separately) with a no-mess moat design.
- User-Friendly Design: A removable drip tray catches excess fat in both contact and BBQ modes, and the easy-to-clean, non-stick plates simplify post-meal tidying.
Cons
- Waffle plates are sold separately, adding an additional purchase for those seeking waffle-making capabilities.
The Breville Sear and Press Grill is an exceptional choice for home cooks seeking a high-performance, multi-functional indoor grill. Whether you’re craving a gourmet panini, a perfectly seared steak, or a weekend brunch spread, this electric panini press and grill delivers consistent, delicious results with remarkable ease, making it a valuable addition to any kitchen.
7. George Foreman Family-Size Grill & Panini Press, Nonstick Ceramic Coating,
Elevate your home cooking with the George Foreman Family-Size Grill & Panini Press. Designed for convenience and healthy eating, this versatile appliance delivers delicious, perfectly grilled meals and incredible paninis with minimal effort. Its advanced nonstick ceramic coating and fat-removing slope make it a standout in any kitchen.
Its advanced nonstick ceramic coating and fat-removing slope make it a standout in any kitchen.
This family-size countertop grill boasts an advanced, durable George Tough Nonstick Ceramic Coating, completely PFAS-free, ensuring 8x greater durability. Perfect for serving 5+ people, its enhanced grill plate design offers 50% better searing, locking in flavor without any added oil.
The adaptable grilling angle and 1 hinge accommodate various foods, from thick burgers to delicate fish and hearty sandwiches.
Pros
- Superior Nonstick & Durability: Featuring an advanced George Tough Nonstick Ceramic Coating, this grill provides exceptional food release and is 8x more durable than standard coatings, all while being PFAS-free for a healthier cooking experience.
- Enhanced Searing & Healthy Grilling: The improved grill plate design achieves 50% better searing, enhancing flavor, while the integrated fat-removing slope and adjustable grilling angle promote healthier cooking by draining away excess grease without needing extra oil for your grilled sandwiches, burgers, and more.
- Versatile & Family-Friendly: With a generous family-size capacity for 5+ servings and a 1-inch hinge to accommodate thicker cuts, this electric grill is ideal for family meals or entertaining. Its ability to lay flat also makes it a fantastic indoor panini maker.
- Effortless Cleanup & Storage: Cleanup is a breeze thanks to the dishwasher-safe, removable drip tray. The compact, space-saving vertical storage design and integrated cord wrap make it perfect for kitchens with limited counter or cabinet space.
Cons
- The compact design, while good for storage, might feel slightly limited for very large families seeking to grill multiple items simultaneously during a single cooking session.
The George Foreman Family-Size Grill & Panini Press is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, healthy, and convenient cooking solution. Its robust construction, user-friendly features, and impressive performance make it a top contender for an all-around kitchen grill and a superb indoor panini press, perfect for everyday meals and social gatherings.
8. Breville BGR200XL Panini Grill and Sandwich Maker, Brushed Stainless Steel
Elevate your sandwich-making with the Breville BGR200XL Panini Grill, a sleek and powerful appliance designed for perfect toasting and grilling. Discover the joy of creating professional-quality paninis, searing meats, and more, right in your own kitchen, with consistent, delicious results every time.
This brushed stainless steel panini sandwich maker features ribbed plates that expertly press and grill, while also effectively draining excess fat from meats. The PFOA-free non-stick coating ensures effortless food release and simplifies cleanup, making it a practical choice for daily use.
Enjoy versatile cooking with adjustable height control and efficient, rapid heating for quick meal preparation.
Pros
- Achieve perfectly grilled paninis and meats thanks to the ribbed plate design that creates attractive grill marks and sears food evenly.
- Enjoy remarkable versatility with the adjustable height control, allowing you to accommodate different thicknesses of food for custom cooking preferences.
- Effortlessly clean up after cooking with the PFOA-free non-stick coating on the plates and a convenient, dishwasher-safe removable drip tray that catches grease.
- Save counter and cabinet space with the integrated storage clip for locking plates together and a design that enables easy upright storage.
- Experience fast and responsive cooking due to embedded elements that ensure quick heat-up and consistent temperature for sizzling results.
Cons
- The unit’s cooking surface is fixed, meaning the bottom plate remains stationary and cannot be flipped for flat-top grilling like some other electric griddle models.
The Breville BGR200XL panini press is an excellent addition for anyone seeking a reliable and user-friendly appliance for making delicious hot sandwiches, quesadillas, and grilled items. Its robust construction and thoughtful features make it a top contender for the best panini press, delivering convenience and exceptional cooking performance.
9. All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill, AutoSense Stainless Steel Panini Grill Press
Elevate your home cooking with the All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill, a state-of-the-art panini press designed for perfect results every time. Experience automatic cooking precision that takes the guesswork out of making delicious sandwiches, burgers, and more, turning everyday meals into culinary delights.
This All-Clad indoor grill features revolutionary AutoSense technology, intelligently adapting cooking time to the food’s thickness for consistently grilled perfection. Its easy-to-follow cooking indicator guides you through five distinct stages, ensuring your food is cooked precisely to your liking without constant supervision.
Ideal for the modern kitchen, it functions as a versatile grill press and sandwich maker, offering both automatic programs and manual control.
Pros
- Automatic Cooking Precision: AutoSense technology eliminates the need for manual temperature probes, automatically detecting food thickness and adjusting cooking time for flawless results, making it an exceptional electric grill for stress-free cooking.
- Intuitive Cooking Guidance: The integrated cooking indicator provides clear visual cues through five stages, allowing for precise control and perfect doneness without constant monitoring, a significant benefit for a busy cook using this panini press.
- Versatile Program Options: With 9 automatic programs and a manual mode offering 4 distinct temperature settings, this indoor electric grill accommodates a wide range of ingredients, from delicate fish to hearty steaks, proving its capability as a multipurpose countertop grill.
- Generous Capacity and Healthy Cooking: The extra-large cooking surface efficiently serves up to 8 people, while the non-stick plates promote low-fat cooking, ideal for preparing healthier versions of your favorite meals, including gourmet grilled cheese and club sandwiches.
- Effortless Cleanup: Removable, dishwasher-safe plates and an integrated juice tray simplify the cleaning process significantly, making this indoor smokeless grill a convenient appliance for everyday use and quick weeknight dinners.
Cons
- Premium Price Point: As a high-quality appliance from a renowned brand, the initial investment for this electric panini maker might be higher compared to more basic indoor grill models.
The All-Clad Electric Indoor Grill is an investment in culinary convenience and excellence, perfect for those who appreciate smart technology and effortless meal preparation. Whether crafting the ultimate panini, searing vegetables, or grilling meats, this versatile kitchen appliance delivers professional-quality results with unparalleled ease, making it the best panini grill press for discerning home chefs.
10. Proctor Silex-Panini Press Sandwich Maker and Electric Indoor Grill, Easy
Elevate your kitchen creations with the Proctor Silex Panini Press Sandwich Maker, your shortcut to delicious, perfectly grilled sandwiches and more. This versatile appliance transforms everyday ingredients into gourmet meals, offering a speedy and convenient way to enjoy café-quality food right at home.
This electrically powered indoor grill and sandwich maker features a generous 70-square-inch cooking surface, capable of toasting two thick sandwiches or one long sandwich simultaneously. Its intelligent floating lid ensures even pressure and consistent cooking from top to bottom, making it ideal for a variety of pressed meals and grilled items.
Pros
- Versatile Cooking Options: Effortlessly create a wide range of pressed sandwiches like paninis, grilled cheese, and Reubens, or utilize it as an electric indoor grill for burgers, chicken, and vegetables.
- Effortless Cleanup: The ceramic nonstick grids are PFAS-free and wipe clean with a damp cloth when cool, simplifying post-meal tidying.
- Compact and Convenient Storage: Designed with a lid latch, this panini press can be stored flat or upright, making it a space-saving addition to any kitchen counter.
- Mess-Free Grilling: Integrates a removable drip tray that catches grease and drippings, which is dishwasher safe for ultimate convenience.
- Even Cooking: The floating lid mechanism ensures uniform heat distribution and perfect pressing for evenly cooked food every time.
Cons
- The 70-square-inch cooking surface is suitable for smaller batches; larger families might require additional cooking cycles.
This Proctor Silex panini press is an excellent choice for individuals or small households seeking a user-friendly, affordable solution for quick meals. Its straightforward operation and easy maintenance make it a go-to appliance for satisfying your cravings for perfectly grilled sandwiches and quick indoor grilling.
How to Pick the Best Panini Grill Press
Grill plate type and surface
The nature of the cooking surfaces dictates the quality of your grilled creations and the ease of your kitchen experience.
Think about the grill plates as the direct interface with your food. Nonstick coatings are paramount for effortless food release, preventing frustration and ensuring beautifully presented sandwiches without sticking or tearing. This feature also dramatically simplifies cleanup, a significant benefit after cooking.
This feature also dramatically simplifies cleanup, a significant benefit after cooking.
Consider the surface design: ridged plates impart those classic grill marks and can create desirable textural contrast, ideal for achieving a pleasing exterior on bread. Flat surfaces, conversely, are excellent for searing delicate items or achieving an even, golden-brown crust across the entire sandwich. The material of these plates, ranging from durable cast iron to lightweight aluminum, influences heat distribution and retention, affecting cooking consistency.
The material of these plates, ranging from durable cast iron to lightweight aluminum, influences heat distribution and retention, affecting cooking consistency. Ultimately, the type and finish of the grill plates directly determine how well your sandwiches cook, how easily they release, and how simple cleanup will be after enjoying your meal.
Size and capacity for your needs
The surface area and overall footprint of your sandwich maker are paramount to efficient meal preparation and kitchen organization.
Consider how many sandwiches you typically need to make simultaneously; units designed for single servings are ideal for individuals, while larger models accommodating two or even three sandwiches at a time are far more practical for families or entertaining. Your available countertop real estate is also a significant factor.
Measure your kitchen space to ensure the appliance will fit comfortably, both during use and when not in operation. For smaller kitchens or those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic, compact storage options and a foldable design can be a major advantage, allowing the unit to be tucked away neatly in a cupboard or drawer.
Furthermore, pay attention to the internal dimensions, particularly the depth and width. This will dictate the types and sizes of bread you can effectively grill, from thin slices to thicker artisan loaves, ensuring you can create your favorite pressed sandwiches without compromise.
Temperature control and cooking power
Achieving consistently perfect results for your grilled delights hinges on understanding the grill’s thermal capabilities.
The ability to regulate heat is paramount for crafting culinary masterpieces, preventing burnt exteriors while ensuring the inside is warmed through. Think of delicate cheeses that melt beautifully at a lower setting, versus robust meats that benefit from a higher heat to achieve a satisfying sear.
Beyond just setting a temperature, how that heat is applied across the cooking surface matters greatly. Even heat distribution prevents hot spots and cold zones, which means every inch of your sandwich or steak cooks uniformly.
Look for models that feature indicator lights, signaling when the grill has reached its optimal temperature and is ready for your culinary creations. This takes the guesswork out of grilling and helps achieve that ideal crispness you’re after.
A higher wattage generally means a faster heat-up time and a more potent cooking performance, allowing for quicker meal preparation without sacrificing quality. This combination of precise control and robust power ensures your grilled sandwiches will be texturally delightful and flavorful every single time.
Ease of use and maintenance
Effortless operation and simple cleanup are paramount for making your grilled sandwich maker a true kitchen workhorse, not a chore.
A user-friendly appliance saves you time and frustration, from the initial setup to the final wipe-down. Consider features that streamline the cooking process and simplify maintenance.
Look for integrated drip trays designed to effectively manage excess grease, preventing messy countertops. Safety is also key, with features like cool-touch handles and housing providing peace of mind during operation and storage. Intuitive indicator lights and audible alerts ensure you know exactly when your machine is preheated and ready to cook, removing guesswork and preventing potential burning.
Furthermore, prioritizing models with dishwasher-safe parts, such as removable plates or the entire drip tray assembly, drastically cuts down on scrubbing time. This focus on simple design and readily cleanable components ensures your appliance remains a joy to use meal after meal.
Quick Best Panini Grill Press Buying Checklist
- Plate Type: Opt for non-stick, ridged plates for classic panini marks and easy removal.
- Size Matters: Ensure it fits your typical sandwich size and available counter space.
- Temperature Control: Look for adjustable settings for versatile cooking beyond just paninis.
- Cleaning: Prioritize models with removable, dishwasher-safe parts or non-stick surfaces.
- Safety Features: Check for cool-touch handles and stable, non-slip feet.
- Drip Management: A built-in drip tray makes cleanup significantly easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Surface For A Panini Grill Press?
Non-stick, ridged surfaces are ideal for achieving those signature grill marks and ensuring sandwiches don’t stick.
How Much Counter Space Do I Need For A Panini Press?
Panini presses vary in size, so measure your counter space and storage area before buying. Compact models are great for small kitchens.
Are Adjustable Temperature Settings Important?
Yes, adjustable temperature control allows for versatility in cooking different types of bread and fillings, preventing burning.
How Can I Easily Clean My Panini Press?
Look for models with non-stick grill plates and removable, dishwasher-safe parts to simplify cleaning.
What Are The Benefits Of A Drip Tray?
A drip tray collects excess grease and food drippings, making cleanup much easier and keeping your cooking area tidier.
Final Words
Investing in the best panini grill press can transform your snacking and meal prep. Enjoy perfectly toasted sandwiches with delicious grill marks and crispy exteriors every time. Elevate your kitchen with this versatile and convenient appliance.
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