This web site might lend a bit of illumination about the sandwich, however it doesn't answer your question. Everything I found on Google, which wasn't an ad trying to sell panini press's, mentioned their being Italian in origin, though there are earlier references to presses and/or pressed Sandwiches. Cuba has a very similar offering. Sorry to say, I could find no attribute to the inventer of the press (waffle maker, sandwich press etc.)
http://ilforno.typepad.com/il_forno/2004/04/il_panino.html
FriPilot
The Breville panini press is very good compared to other brands. It is slightly more expensive but it is very durable.
Rishi Panini.
You can, but it is not ideally suited for paninis. Unlike a panini press, the Forman is slanted to remove fat, not always best for keeping paninis together. Also, a panini press has a heavier top and is made to be physically pressed down upon, the foreman grill is not set up do do that. By the way, there is a George Forman Panini Press that you might consider.
Rishi Panini.
A panini press can cost anywhere from $25.00 to $500.00 or more, depending on specifications, size, brand, and whether or not is for home use, or food industry use.
A Panini Press is an appliance used for making Paninos, which are upgraded versions of the American Grilled Cheese sandwich. They are very simple to use for making very delicious treats.
Many years a go a intelligent man use to invent food he was about to die and he said he is going to make something before he goes and then he invented the panini and died.
Ago Panini's birth name is Agostino Panini.
Panini was an ancient Indian grammarian.
The drill press was invented in the 1920s
Breville Nonstick Panini Presses can be purchased directly from Breville through their website. They can also be found at Best Buy, Williams Sonoma and Crate & Barrel. eBay has new and used Breville Nonstick Panini Presses listed for sale; Amazon also has several listed from independent sellers.
Panini Group was created in 1961.