Sandwich maker/ panini press
 

I've been searching a lot but it's hard to tell whether any of them can handle a very thick sandwich and still cook evenly. It would have to have a hinge that would allow that.
All the ones I see NEVER show a thick sandwich with the lid fully closed.
If anyone can point me to one that would be great.
Thanks

I don't know how thick of a sandwich you are talking about but you might check out the Griddler by Cuisinart. It can handle a fairly thick sandwich. We have one and use it often.

I have this one works great

We have a cuisinart grill and up to 1 inch cooks very evenly. Could go higher but never needed it to do so.

Only complaint is coating does not last as long as I would like.

We have the new version griddler…. It’s hinged so I can put in a 3-4 inch domed Cuban bread , it will float on the sandwich until you press to the height you want,

It will also open flat with a grill side or flat plates, along with waffle plates. We use it for breakfast, potatoes first, then bacon( doesn’t splatter) and open flat to make the eggs. Throw the plates in the dishwasher, one and done

I'm cheap so I use 2 irons

Also have had Cuisinart Griddler for over 10 years. Used 3-4 times a week, for grilled cheese, dogs, burgs, never did over 1 in sandwich, nor pressed down while cooking. On third set of plates, readily available on Amazon.Love the grille marks side.

I've found the fixed plate versions eventually wear their coatings out.