"Not easy to use on stove, DON'T place on worktop when hot" star star star star_border star_border I bought this because we are fond of paninis, and I like that the press is non-electric and could be used outdoors. I de-waxed and seasoned it per instructions. I tried it out on the stove-top first. The 4 minutes recommended resulted in a very charred panini, even 3 minutes was a bit charred; would suggest try 3 minutes on a very low heat first. It is also unwieldy indoors, though would be OK outdoors. Beware, it stays VERY hot; I was upset to "brand" my nice wooden butcher's block by placing the press on it, the wood steamed for many minutes despite wetting. Suggest open on stove if possible.