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Many different kitchen appliances allow you to experiment with multiple foods and prepare a range of meals and snacks. A fantastic device that is sometimes overlooked is the sandwich toaster. They have heated plates that work similarly to a traditional grill. You can use them to create delicious toasties packed with healthy fillings. This gives you variety and is a great way to make a quick, tasty snack. If this is something you would benefit from, we have picked seven of the best options on the market.
How We Compared Sandwich Toasters
To find the right sandwich toasters, we considered multiple factors, including:
- Bread Capacity
- Functionality
- Ease of Use
- Size
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
Sandwich Toaster Reviews
Salter EK2143FOUR (Editor’s Choice)
If you want to prepare easy meals at lunch, the powerful 900W output of this device is perfect. It heats up in no time, and the convenient red and green lights show you exactly when the toaster is ready to use.
The Salter EK2143FOUR Snack Maker is incredibly versatile due to its 4-in-1 functionality. Not only can it make toasties, but it can also be used for things like omelettes, paninis, crumpets, and waffles. The operation is simple, too, as you just have to plug the device in, let it heat up, and close the lid.
For cleaning, the plates are non-stick, and you can wipe them quickly. Also, for safety, the handle is made from a cool touch material, so you can lift it immediately after cooking.
Pros:
- 4-in-1 design for multiple food types like omelettes
- It has interchangeable plates for simple functionality
- Non-stick coating for easy cleaning
- Simple to operate with two indicator lights
- 900W power output for fast and efficient cooking
Cons:
- Some customers may have reported a bad smell
- There could be some loose screw connections
Cuisinart Non-Stick (Luxury Choice)
The deep pockets of the cooking plates make this product superb if you like to create thick sandwiches bursting with fillings. Moreover, they are extra-large in size and thus can accommodate larger slices or irregular shapes.
The Cuisinart Sandwich Maker includes a temperature control which not many other devices have. Therefore, you can adjust it for different foods. For example, you could turn the temp up if you wanted your sandwiches to have crispy edges.
This appliance has a compact design for storage, with dimensions of 9.4 x 11 x 4.3cm. The plates are removable and dishwasher safe, too, for quick clean-up. Aside from toasted sandwiches, it makes things like French toast, omelettes, pastries, quesadillas, and calzones. Therefore, you could integrate it into your daily routine and use it to expand your variety of lunchtime snacks.
Pros:
- Deep plate pockets for thicker sandwiches
- Powerful 1000W output for faster heating-up
- The parts are dishwasher safe, and the plates are removable
- It includes a variable temperature control
- Relatively compact size for convenient storage
Cons:
- The closing latch could be a little flimsy
- The non-stick coating may eventually wear off
George Foreman 25800 (Best Value)
This appliance is a top option if you want a versatile product that can grill items and make toasted sandwiches. Primarily it serves as a grill, ideal for cooking things like bacon and chicken. However, the closing lid allows you to press bread for delicious toasties.
The George Foreman 25800 has an improved design compared to older models. For example, the construction is streamlined and thus allows for easier storage. Moreover, it has adjustable rear feet so that the excess fat and juices can drain off quicker.
For fast cooking, the plates heat up in less than 6 minutes and provide superb grilling and toasting. Furthermore, they have a superior non-stick coating that makes them incredibly easy to clean.
Pros:
- Large grilling area for sandwiches and more
- It includes a clip-in drip tray to collect excess grease and oil
- The streamlined design offers up to 30% space saving
- Incredibly easy to clean due to the non-stick surfaces
- Warms up in under 6 minutes for quick cooking
Cons:
- The rear stand may be a little thin
- It might not have any temperature regulation
Breville 3-Slice (Best Compact)
If space is an issue, this appliance’s 11.6 x 14.4 x 5.2cm size will prove invaluable. It can easily fit in tight areas or on your kitchen work surface. Furthermore, it weighs only 1.9kg and has a cool touch handle for convenient and safe movements.
The Breville Sandwich Maker has a plain heating plate without any gaps or ridges. Therefore, you have greater flexibility in where you place the items and what you can fit on. It can be used to produce up to three toasted sandwiches at once.
We also like the floating top plate, which accommodates different thicknesses of bread. You could even grill things like naan and pitta bread or tortillas. To further improve the storage, it stands upright and has non-slip feet.
Pros:
- Versatile for multiple foods like paninis, ciabatta, cakes, and crumpets
- The flat non-stick plates are easy to clean
- It can stand upright for convenient storage
- The plates can accommodate up to three sandwiches at once
- The floating top unit allows for different thicknesses of foods
Cons:
- There may not be any temperature controls
- Some customers might have reported faulty goods
Russel Hobbs 24540 (Best for Versatility)
This model’s removable plates and non-stick coating make cleaning effortless if you often leave a mess with your toasties. Additionally, there are three different plates you can use for waffles, sandwiches, and grilling meat.
The Russell Hobbs Sandwich Maker has a small design with a large handle for easy storage and lifting. Moreover, the top has a green and red indicator light so that you know when the device is at the correct temperature to use.
In terms of power, it has a 750W output, so you can prepare meals and snacks quickly. The design also looks stylish, and it should complement any other Russell Hobbs appliances you have.
Pros:
- It has two indicator lights to show when it’s at the correct temperature
- Exchangeable plates for different functions
- Simple operation and dual-sandwich capacity
- The lid can easily close regardless of sandwich depth
- The plates are removable and easy to clean
Cons:
- It may not have a power switch
- The lid lock might be a little flimsy
NETTA Health Grill (Best for Practicality)
The multi-function abilities of this sandwich maker are fantastic and allow you to create numerous different meals. It can be used with an open grill and thus is excellent for bacon, burgers, and kebabs. However, the lid closes too and is superb for pressing sandwiches and making toasties.
The NETTA Panini Maker also makes the process simple. For example, it has a built-in drip tray to catch any excess mess. Additionally, the plates have a non-stick coating and are easy to wipe down to remove any food stains.
When cooking, there is a handy temperature dial, so you can brown your items. Moreover, the red and green indicator lights let you always know when the device is hot enough to use. In terms of output, it is 1500W and toasts food incredibly quickly.
Pros:
- It can be used open for grilling bacon and chicken
- Powerful 1500W output for quick cooking
- The exterior has stainless steel components for improved durability
- Hinged lid to easily accommodate different sandwich thicknesses
- Includes two indicator lights
Cons:
- Some customers could have found dents in the casing
- It may be a little heavy
Global Gourmet Sensiohome (Best for Ease of Use)
If you want to make quick, no-hassle snacks at lunch, the easy functionality of this toasty maker is amazing. There are no buttons – simply plug it in, wait for the green light to turn on, and close the lid.
The Global Gourmet Sandwich Toaster looks great and has a compact design with a durable metal lid. The cool touch handles make it incredibly easy to move, while the locking clasp allows you to close the top tightly to get a more effective toasting process.
For cleaning, you can wipe the non-stick plates once the device has cooled. Moreover, the underside of the appliance has a handy cord hanging utility for storage. You can wrap the cable underneath so that it takes up less space.
Pros:
- Two indicator lights show when it has reached the temperature
- Deep cooking plates to produce thicker sandwiches
- Non-stick plates to make cleaning easier
- The handles are cool touch for safe movements
- It can easily be stored vertically
Cons:
- You may struggle to fit rectangular bread in
- The non-stick coating might eventually fade
How to Choose a Sandwich Toaster
You should now have a clear idea of the different types of sandwich toasters available. But how do you select the right one? There are many factors to consider, and we have listed them below in our comprehensive buying guide.
Bread Capacity
Firstly, how many slices of bread can the appliance accommodate at once? Most units have dual plates that allow you to make two toasties. However, some compact models only have a single capacity. Furthermore, you can get larger options to prepare three or four pieces simultaneously.
Think about how many people you will typically make meals and snacks for. For example, if you live on your own, you won’t need a huge-capacity sandwich toaster.
Functionality
Next, look at the functionality of the device. By this, we don’t mean how easy it is to use but what it does and what you can prepare with it.
For example, some toasters are single-function and can only be used for sandwiches. However, some models are versatile and suitable for waffles, omelettes, or even grilled meat. Consider what you need this appliance for. Do you only intend to make bread-based food, or do you want something that can improve your variety?
Ease of Use
How straightforward the device is to use is another important consideration. For most sandwich makers, the process is simple. All you have to do is plug the appliance in, turn it on, and let the plates heat up to the appropriate temperature. Then, slap your bread and filling on, close the lid, and wait for the toasty goodness.
However, some options may have additional features like temperature control. Some also have useful cleaning features like removable plates and non-stick coatings.
Size
Lastly, think about the size and weight of these devices. Look at your kitchen and consider where you will store your sandwich toaster. Perhaps you want to keep it in a cupboard and only bring it out when using it. Alternatively, you may want something small enough to use on your worksurface for daily toasting.
From there, you can pick a suitable model that fits. Most of these appliances are generally smaller than an A4 piece of paper for a rough-size guide.
Summary
The Salter EK2143FOUR Snack Maker is our top pick for the best sandwich toaster due to its versatility and great design. This appliance is amazing for making toasties, but it can also create omelettes and has interchangeable plates for different tasks. We like the ease of use, too, and the non-stick coverings make it simple to clean up that annoying spilt cheese. The 900W power output means this toaster heats up quickly and grills your food effectively. Lastly, the two lights on the top of the lid show when the unit is ready to use and the plates are hot enough.
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.