Who doesn’t love a sandwich? Day or night, it’s the ultimate snack. From grilled cheese sandwiches to layers of meat or salad, hot sandwiches are a great way to jazz up your lunch. There are a range of hot sandwich makers or 'toastie machines' available, all of which are handy gadgets to have in your kitchen in their own right, but what makes the best toastie machine? Well, it depends how you plan to use it.
Think about how many sandwiches you’ll want to make at any one time. Most toasted sandwich machines come with a double press that will get you two sandwiches cut into triangles. However, if you are short for space on your kitchen counter, look out for single press options that won’t take up too much room, these are the best sandwich machines for small kitchens.
You can also get multi-purpose grilles that do more than just toast sandwiches. Some grilles come with interchangeable plates to make waffles, and some just come with a griddle plate so you can cook anything from grilled cheese to a fry-up in minutes. Remember, if it is toasted panini's you plan to whip up, you'll want flat plates on the machines. Temperature gauges are helpful for those who are impatient or simply like their sandwiches super toasty, and on bigger grilles they allow you to toast and cook other food too.
It’s always best to go for non-stick plates for easy cleaning and dishwasher-safe plates if you want something really low maintenance. If you’re someone who likes to load up their sandwiches with lots of filling, opt for deeper plates so it doesn’t overspill and create a mess, and for those who like to cook with lots of butter or oil, a drip dray can also help too.
So, take a look at our top picks and get grilling for the best sandwich you’ll ever taste!
If you need more kitchen appliance inspiration, check out our other cooking appliance guides:
For those of you who just want a classic toasted sandwich maker, then the Breville Deep Fill 2 Slice Sandwich Toaster is a great option for you. It is affordable, and comes with 2 standard sandwich plates ideal for making lunch for you and a friend. Although these plates are said to be deep fill, reviewers say that large slices of bread still overhang a little, however, if you’re making a sandwich for yourself this machine works a treat.
If you want to make more than just sandwiches, then this grill is the perfect gadget for your kitchen, or even in the office. Grill anything you like from bagels and crumpets to bacon, eggs and even steak! It comes with a drip tray and scraper which makes it easier to clean, but depending on what you cook on the grill can mean it is tricky to clean sometimes. It is dishwasher safe though, so if in doubt, let another machine do the work.
Sunday morning breakfast just got a whole lot easier with this handy 3in1 sandwich maker. You can now make toasties, paninis and waffles at the touch of a button. If you don’t have much room on your kitchen counter, this machine is compact and ideal for space saving. The waffle plate can get a little sticky but they are all dishwasher safe for hassle-free cleaning.
For those families who want a quick after school snack, the Tower Cerastone 4-Slice Sandwich Maker is great for making multiple sandwiches. The plates are not removable but they are cerastone coated which makes them really easy to wipe clean and they can cook without the need for oil or butter. The design is family friendly with a cool touch handle and locking clip to stop anyone burning their fingers.
This George Foreman is an absolute bargain and is perfect for small kitchens as it is super compact. This grill is able to cook anything from your classic toastie to meat and veg for a healthy dinner. It has a temperature gauge which tells you when it is ready to cook and a temperature control so you can cook whatever you want to your liking. George Foreman is a trusted brand that will stand the test of time in your kitchen.
For those who want a little more than a snack, the Salter XL Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster features wider plates that allow for larger slices of bread and more filling. It has a high wattage which means faster cooking and the non-stick coating allows for you to serve up your sandwiches without tearing or creating mess. A great all-round machine that won’t break the bank.
This sandwich maker features extra deep plates that allow for you to pile in the filling without it oozing out the edge and you’re left with a big mess. We recommend larger slices of bread to ensure you get the most from this large sandwich maker, and then simply pick your favourite filling for the quickest, easiest and tasty snack! Ideal for mid-morning hunger pangs and late night feasts.
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Fancy making your own bread in order to create the ultimate toasted sandwich? Check our our guide to the best bread makers to help you on your way.
