Best Sandwich Makers to Make Delicious Hot Sandwiches at Home in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update November 25, 2024
There's nothing like a sandwich to have a good start in the morning. And if you've been thinking about buying a sandwich maker, you've ...Read more
PROS

Removable plates feature a special non-stick coating to cook with virtually no oil and without scorches. Besides, the plates are dishwasher safe for no-hassle cleaning. 

CONS

The power cable is a bit short. 

OUR VERDICT

Smart functionality, top-quality design, and deep-fill plates are the fortes that confidently set the sandwich maker from Breville apart from the rivals. It's great for making bigger filling-packed sandwiches and, compatible with optional waffle plates, can easily convert to a waffle maker.

detailed parameters
SANDWICH TYPES AND FORMS

Triangle toastie sealed sandwiches

NUMBER OF SANDWICHES AT A TIME

4

BREAD TYPES

Sliced sandwich bread or any other square-cut loaves

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Power on and ready indicator lights

USABILITY

Cool-touch handle with a locking latch, Non-slip feet, Cord storage, Vertical storage

DIMENSIONS

9.4 x 27.6 x 23.5 cm

COATING

Stainless steel / Non-stick surface

CLEANING

Dishwasher-safe removable plates

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

Thanks to the neat cord compartment and vertical storage option, it is easy to find a place for this unit in any kitchen, even if there's not much countertop space there. 

CONS

The user instructions are not detailed enough. 

OUR VERDICT

Easy to use and store, the Russell Hobbs 24550 sandwich maker is a functional choice for any family kitchen. Making 8 toastie triangles at a time, it will help you cut down the time on cooking breakfast. Meanwhile, the deep plates that can fit a variety of fillings will always leave some room for creativity.

detailed parameters
SANDWICH TYPES AND FORMS

Triangle toastie sealed sandwiches

NUMBER OF SANDWICHES AT A TIME

8

BREAD TYPES

Sliced sandwich bread or any other square-cut loaves

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Power on and ready indicator lights

USABILITY

Cool-touch handle with a locking latch, Non-slip feet, Cord storage, Vertical storage

DIMENSIONS

10.1 x 34.1 x 22.6 cm

COATING

Stainless steel and plastic / Non-stick surface

CLEANING

Manual cleaning with a damp cloth

WARRANTY

2 years (+1 year after registration)

PROS

Thanks to taller feet, the countertop won't heat up when you cook. Hence, you'll be able to safely use the appliance on any kitchen surface. 

CONS

Not the fastest toastie maker. 

OUR VERDICT

The Quest 35129 is an affordable basic sandwich maker that will fit any budget and meet daily kitchen needs. It is safe and easy to use, will take no effort to clean and can stand on the tabletop without eating up much space. If you rather need a simple no-frills toastie maker, it's for you.

detailed parameters
SANDWICH TYPES AND FORMS

Triangle toastie sealed sandwiches

NUMBER OF SANDWICHES AT A TIME

4

BREAD TYPES

Sliced sandwich bread or any other square-cut loaves

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Power on and ready indicator lights

USABILITY

Cool-touch handle with a locking latch, Non-slip feet, Cord storage, Vertical storage

DIMENSIONS

10 x 25 x 25 cm

COATING

Stainless steel / Non-stick surface

CLEANING

Manual cleaning with a wet soft cloth

WARRANTY

1 year

PROS

The unit design provides for automatic thermostatic temperature control that will prevent overheat and make the appliance operation maximum safe. 

CONS

The plates take a while to cool down after cooking.

OUR VERDICT

The Daewoo SDA1389 is a practical sandwich maker that despite its small size has rather deep plates which can fit both thin and thick toasties. The included feet on the bottom prevent it from scratching the surface while a cord compartment makes it convenient to store.

detailed parameters
SANDWICH TYPES AND FORMS

Triangle toastie sealed sandwiches

NUMBER OF SANDWICHES AT A TIME

4

BREAD TYPES

Sliced sandwich bread or any other square-cut loaves 

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Power on and ready-to-cook indicators

USABILITY

Cool-touch handle with a locking catch, Non-slip feet, Cord storage

DIMENSIONS

12.2 x 32.8 x 27.2 cm

COATING

Stainless steel/ Non-stick surface

CLEANING

Manual cleaning with a wet soft cloth

WARRANTY

2 years

PROS

The unit set comes complete with waffle and panini plates so you can make both soft Belgian waffles and crunchy Italian style sandwiches. These plates are interchangeable and are a cinch to install and take off.

CONS

There might be a slight plastic smell during the first uses. 

OUR VERDICT

The Salter EK2143 is a powerful model with an extra-large cooking surface that is perfect for making many different treats, including not only toasties but also omlettes, pastries, and much more. The recipe booklet that comes with the purchase makes it a great buy for beginners.

detailed parameters
SANDWICH TYPES AND FORMS

Triangle toastie sealed sandwiches

NUMBER OF SANDWICHES AT A TIME

4

BREAD TYPES

Sliced sandwich bread or any other square-cut loaves

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

Power-on and ready indicator lights

USABILITY

Waffle and panini plates, Recipes included, Cool-touch handle, Locking latch, Stable feet

DIMENSIONS

11 x 29 x 25 cm

COATING

Stainless steel / Non-stick surface

CLEANING

Manual cleaning with a damp cloth

WARRANTY

1 year

Enjoy Hearty Homemade Sandwiches

Sandwiches are delicious treats; otherwise, they wouldn’t be one of the most popular snacks, and sandwich bars wouldn’t have such a success. And mouth-watering hot toastie pocket sandwiches are something really hard to resist. However, though offered in many cafes, snack bars, and coffee shops, they might be not as puffy and full as the ones you can make at home using a sandwich maker. So, if you seek to toss off hearty and savoury homemade sandwiches stuffed with more filling, set your eyes on the VST082 sandwich maker from Breville.

First and foremost, the model provides solid branded quality. Both the cooking plates and the body exterior are made of stainless steel, so the appliance looks and feels really sturdy and durable. And it will prove to be so in practice. Neither the body nor the plates are prone to damages or any mechanical deformations. Meanwhile, the cooking plates boast the patented non-stick coating that is resistant to scratches, won’t peel off or crack, and will leach no harmful components when heated. As such, this coating also allows cooking virtually without oil while crisping and browning the bread to perfection.

The cut and seal system is yet another forte of this Breville sandwich maker. It ideally shapes the bread with the filling into neatly sealed pockets while keeping messy spills at bay. At the same time, the cooking plates in this model are designed to be deeper and can accommodate up to 20% more ingredients than other common sandwich makers. And the plates are big enough to easily handle larger and smaller pieces of bread. So, whatever hot sandwich recipe idea you have in mind, you can realise it with the Breville VST082 without a hassle.

Every Single Detail Is Encountered

The Breville VST082 is a premium appliance and a top-seller for a good reason. Not only does it stand out for the quality and smart design, but also it encounters multiple usability details and even offers added functionality. Thus, non-slip feet will keep the unit stably in place when cooking, a ready-to-cook indicator will show when you can start cooking, and handy cord storage will ensure neat and compact storage of the appliance when not in use.

Other than that, unlike other sandwich makers with built-in cooking plates that need manual cleaning, the Breville VST082 boasts removable plates that can be safely washed in a dishwasher. More than that, such design also allows using the unit with special waffle plates that are sold separately. So, at a fraction of the cost of a whole new appliance, you can easily convert your toastie maker to a waffle maker and bake yummy Belgian waffles at home.

All things considered, the Breville VST082 is an advanced multifunctional model that will let you make cafe-style hot sandwiches at home with much more filling inside.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £29.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B08927TWYR

A Match for a Family Kitchen

If you have a family of four or five, cooking a family breakfast might turn out quite a challenge every morning when everybody is in the rush yet still want to have a bite. This is where a sandwich maker from Russell Hobbs will come into play and become a real saver for busy family kitchens.

A savoury warm sandwich is a perfect treat for breakfast. Salty, spicy, or even sweet, it has something to offer to each family member. Since you are not bound by ingredients you can use, it’s a snack that will fit any diet or nutrition scheme. And the Russell Hobbs 24550 sandwich maker can make as many as eight ideally shaped triangle toasties at a time. With cooking plates being not much bigger than those in other models, it can accommodate four pairs of bread slices instead of the common two. As a result, you’ll get four two-sandwich portions at a time.

Yet another good thing is that at 1520 watts of power, the unit will heat up and brown your treats lightning fast. So, if somebody wants more (and be sure they will), it won’t take you long to toss off one more batch. Besides, you are free to make sandwiches with different fillings in one go. The cut-and-seal system on the plates will ensure there will be no leaks and all of your treats will come out sealed into uniform appetising pouches. Along with deep-filled sandwiches, you can also fry delicate omelettes and stuffed pastries, again, for your whole family.

Thanks to a premium non-stick coating on the plates, the unit allows for cooking with little to no oil. Hence, while your snacks will look appetising and taste delicious, they will pack no added calories to settle on your waist. And wiping them clean will be no fuss as well.

Space-wise Design

Despite a higher capacity, the Russell Hobbs 24550 sandwich maker is smartly designed. Thus, it is not bigger in dimensions than any common unit of this type and is even more compact than some other models. As such, it won’t take much space on your countertop and will suit for literally any kitchen, irrespective of its size. Besides, the model has an integrated cord compartment and allows for vertical storage. So, even if you don’t have enough space to keep it standing on the countertop, you can neatly store it in a kitchen cabinet and easily take it out whenever you need.

Summing up, delivering four wholesome sandwich portions in one go, the Russell Hobbs sandwich maker is a great choice for any busy family kitchen that will cut down the time you spend on cooking breakfast or quick snacks for kids. In the meantime, taking minimum space, it will suit for the use in smaller kitchens or those restricted in countertop area.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £35.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B077PV8B5L

Affordable Basics

While some users hunt for feature-packed or multi-functional appliances, others give preference to more basic ones that fulfil the main function they are meant for and have a lower price. If the latter is your story and you are in search of a sandwich maker for your home kitchen, you will certainly appreciate the Quest 35129.

This unit is a fairly simple no-frills model that costs almost half the price of the premium rivals. Yet, despite a lower price, it is a quality appliance that will excellently cope with its major function, that is making delicious hot toastie sandwiches. At 750 watts, the model is a mid-power unit and heats up a bit slower than high-power cookers. However, it is still fast enough and it won’t take you a lot of time to cobble up a few appetisingly warm sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, or whenever you want to have a snack.

Just like any other common sandwich maker, the Quest 35129 can handle two portions of sandwiches at a time. Accommodating any standard sliced sandwich or toast bread, it will seal the filling in between two slices to produce four nifty triangle pockets with a melty stuffing inside. The sandwich edges will be perfectly sealed and you can fit quite a number of ingredients into your toastie pocket to meet any cravings. In the meantime, the non-stick coating on the plates prevent scorches and burns and will brown your sandwiches to an ideal golden crust.

The power and ready lights on the upper panel will let you know when the plates are heated to an optimal cooking temperature and the locking latch will keep the plates locked while cooking. Thus, the unit use is very easy and pretty safe, so even elder kids can make yummy treats on their own to enjoy the process and experiment with recipes to their liking.

With Smart Design Details

Though really simple and straightforward, the Quest 35129 sandwich maker has some smart details that enhance its usability. Four small rubber feet will make sure the appliance won’t slide over the countertop surface and will stand stable when in use. Besides, those feet are a bit taller than those of other models, so the countertop beneath the appliance won’t heat up and won’t get damaged by the excess heat. Hence, you can safely place the sandwich maker on the table cloth or directly onto the tabletop surface. Meanwhile, a hefty cool-touch handle will enable you to move a hot unit without burning your hands.

Something else to add is that this toastie maker is compact enough to be permanently left on the countertop or kitchen table to toss off quick wholesome snacks whenever you want.

To cut to the chase, if a budget-friendly sandwich maker with solid basic functionality is what you need for daily home use, you can’t go wrong with the Quest 35129.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £16.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07ML4CT31

Quick Treats Made Fast

A toasted pocket sandwich with a crunchy crust and warm melted filling is a sumptuous treat hard to resist. Being one of the most popular breakfast foods, it is also a perfect idea for a quick snack or an evening filler. Sandwich makers were designed to grill these toasty delicacies in a quick and easy way and this model from Daewoo will make an already quick process even quicker. See for yourself.

At a glance, the unit looks pretty much like any standard sandwich maker and there is nothing special about it. Two heating plates divided into four triangle cavities clamp together to seal the stuffing in between square bread slices to make four deliciously hot pocket sandwiches. In the Daewoo SDA1389, the plates are somewhat deeper than in other models in the range to accommodate more filling and make thicker treats stuffed with your favourite foods. Meanwhile, the cutting ridges will evenly and securely seal the pockets preventing any melted foods from escaping.

Featuring 700 watts of power, this sandwich toaster heats up in mere seconds and will consume energy more wisely. The light indicator on the top of the unit will let you know when the unit is ready to cook. The cooking process is also pretty quick and it will hardly take you more than several minutes to toss of appetising hot treats, depending on how brown you like the bread to be toasted. Hence, whether it’s a morning rush or an evening hunger attack, your meal will be ready just in time.

Practical and Thought-out Cooker

Simple and straightforward, the Daewoo SDA1389 sandwich maker boasts a thought-out design. The heating plates feature a non-stick surface that eliminates the risk of any scorched and burned foods even if some ingredients leak out from the pocket. And though the plates are not removable, cleaning won’t be a hassle anyway. Once cooled, they can be easily wiped down with a damp cloth.

To keep your hands away from the heat, there is a cool-touch handle. A locking mechanism on the handle will keep the plates tightly closed to provide the necessary pressure and save you the need to that manually. Four non-slip feet will ensure the unit stability on any surface and keep it safely above the counter to protect the countertop from heat damages. A handy cord compartment contributes to space-wise appliance storage when not in use. Besides, built-in automatic temperature control will prevent overheating to maximise the unit service life.

To wrap it up, the Daewoo SDA 1389 is a practical, reliable, and functional sandwich maker that will fit any budget and let you make flavourful hot toasties almost in the blink of an eye without the mess and annoying cleans.

Last updated price £24.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07QRLMRN8

Enjoy Triple Functionality

What makes the Salter EK2143 sandwich maker stand out straight away is its amazing triple functionality. Fitted with as many as three sets of plates, the model can function as a sandwich grill, a panini press, and a waffle maker. What's more, while not differing too much in size from a regular sandwich maker, it will also let you make four triangle pouches, two big Belgian waffles, and three panini sandwiches at a time, which is a very good result.  

To accommodate thicker paninis, the unit is equipped with overall deeper plates. Thus, you’ll be able to make ideal multi-layered paninis with Italian ciabatta, focaccia, or michetta. Likewise, your pouch sandwiches will allow you to seal in more ingredients inside so you will be able to make soft waffles three times thicker than traditional ones. Other than that, ribbed panini plates that have no cutting edges are perfect for frying eggs, pancakes, sliced bacon, sausages, or even some veg.

Unlike many other multifunctional units that often cut corners and sacrifice quality to added functionality, the Salter sandwich maker is solidly built and is fitted with dependable heating elements, which deliver consistent heating performance during the whole unit service life. In the meantime, the cooking plates are made of robust steel and feature a quality non-stick coating that won’t peel or dent over time.

With 900 watts under its hood, the Salter sandwich maker is a mid-power unit. Yet, this power is still enough to brown your snack to perfection and melt the stuffing. Besides, thanks to a bit lower power output, the model is energy-wise and won’t add too much to your electricity bills, even if you use it on a regular basis.

Great Choice for Beginners

Though sandwich makers need no specific skill to be used, the truth is, in the arms of experienced cooks they might turn out cooking wizards, while newbies often end up with burnt or messy treats. So, if you are completely new to cooking, the Salter sandwich maker is a good way to start your cooking journey with simple yet extremely delicious snacks. In addition to impressive functional versatility, the model comes accompanied by an informative recipe booklet where you’ll find multiple recipe ideas for just about any occasion and taste with detailed descriptions and cooking instructions.

As far as the appliance operation goes, it is as easy as one-two-three. You just need to set the right plate, turn the unit on, let it heat up (the ready light will give you a hint when you can start cooking), and wait for several minutes while the cooker will do its job. There are no fancy controls to tweak and cleaning the plates is a snap. The non-stick coating prevents any scorches and dried food leftovers, but if something stays on it, you can simply wipe it down with a damp cloth.

To put it simply, the Salter EK2143 is a multi-functional snack maker that will become a real find for avid sandwich lovers and those who seek their first appliance of this type.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £28.94
Stock In stock
ASIN B01G3B023E

What Is a Sandwich Maker?

Sandwiches are widespread and loved by many people in the world. A sandwich usually consists of two slices of bread with layers of some dainty ingredients. The filling of sandwiches isn't limited to some specific ingredients and can vary drastically. If you love experimenting with stuffing, you can try making sandwiches with meat, ham, cheese, salad leaves, tuna, shrimps, and other delicacies you prefer. As long as you've got ideas and creativity, your options are endless.

A sandwich maker is an electronic device designed to fry bread along with the stuffing, making this process less time-consuming for you. You only need to assemble the ingredients for your sandwich and put them inside the thing; the device will do the rest for you. Unlike the traditional way of making sandwiches, sandwich makers can give bread mouth-watering and crispy crust without burning it. They also don't require human control. At the end of the process, they simply turn off.

We've spent hours on research to find sandwich makers that would satisfy every customer's need. Hopefully, you'll find here the one that will meet your demands best.

Just in case you don't yet have a coffee grinder but you prefer coffee with the aroma of roasted beans, we offer you to take a look at this selection of products.

What Features to Compare

Type and Number of Sandwiches

When you discovered that your family can't do without a sandwich maker, first of all, you need to determine the type and number of sandwiches your appliance can cook at a time. There are dozens of different sandwich types but most models prepare breakfast sandwiches, triangle sealed toastie sandwiches, and well-known Panini.

Breakfast sandwiches include bagels and English muffins filled with traditional breakfast ingredients such as sausages, ham, roasted bacon, fried eggs, and salad leaves. Usually, such treats are very nutritious and convenient for people who don't have enough time for a consistent breakfast. You can easily eat such sandwich on your way to work or school. Basically, sandwich makers for this type of sandwiches are designed to prepare 1 or 2 sandwiches at a time.

Sliced sandwich bread or any square cut bread will be the best choice for triangle toastie sandwiches or so-called pocket sandwiches. The appliance will prepare 4 pocket sandwiches at a time sealing the ingredients between the slices of bread and giving your toastie an appetizing crispy crust.

Panini is one of the most popular sandwich types. It offers the biggest number of variations both in terms of bread and in terms of ingredients. Take your favourite ciabatta, baguette or michetta, fill it with any ingredients you like and make a delicious Panini sandwich with nice grill marks. Typically, Panini grill sandwich makers cook one big Panini at a time. But if you wish, you can make several bite-size sandwiches.

Controls and Usability

The next essential aspect to take into account is the controls and usability of your unit. Mostly, sandwich making devices are pretty simple and easy to use because they feature no complicated controls. Among convenient and useful options of this kitchen appliance, it is worth mentioning a temperature control knob, on/heat light and sound indicators. The usability of sandwich makers directly depends on their versatility. The majority of models come with several interchangeable plates and may be used either as a waffle maker or as a grill sandwich maker. Ribbed plates are better for steaks, roasted meat, and sandwiches, while flat plates are suitable for poultry and seafood. Open flat grill appliances offer a variety of options for grilled food and the floating hinge system allows you to assemble a mouth-watering multi-layer sandwich from your favourite ingredients or roast thick chops of meat and vegetables. An adjustable slope will become a real benefit when you roast meat or bacon. It helps remove excess fat and liquids to the drip trays that usually come with the unit set. Some models feature a sliding plate to get a sandwich with a fried egg inside.

Dimensions and Coating

And the third significant parameter to consider is the dimensions and coating that influence the ease of cleaning. Compact size units will be an excellent solution for a small family and become real space savers for your kitchen. The coating of its cooking plates is extremely important for sandwich makers. Non-stick Teflon coatings simplify the unit use and cleaning. While the ceramic coating is highly durable and solid. And removable dishwasher safe plates will make the cleaning procedure almost effortless.

FAQ:

Q: Do I really need a sandwich maker?

A: Well, we can’t say that a sandwich maker is a must-have kitchen appliance. Yet, if for you and your family sandwiches are the best snacks during a day, a sandwich maker will definitely come in handy. Besides, a great variety of models can be used for much more than just hot sandwiches. If you opt for a toaster with grill and waffle plates, you will also be able to cook grilled steaks and sausages, fry eggs and pancakes, make panini and a whole lot of other dishes that taste best with grill marks. Because sandwich makers often provide the functions of several devices, people who are limited in space will find them especially useful.

Q: What shall I do before using the sandwich maker for the first time?

A: Once you unpack the unit, you should wipe its housing and cooking plates with a damp soft cloth. Consult the manual that comes with the unit as to whether or not the plates need to be oiled. Not all models but some sandwich makers require greasing prior to cooking to preserve their non-stick qualities.

Q: Is it normal if the unit emits some smoke?

A: When you use your appliance for the first time, you might notice some burning smell or even a little smoke. It is normal and will soon disappear. Yet, if the unit emits smoke after numerous uses, it means, some foods have stuck to the plates and the surface requires thorough cleaning.

Q: How to clean the cooking plates in a proper way?

A: Most detachable cooking plates are dishwasher-safe or can be cleaned in hot water with some washing-up liquid while non-detachable ones require cleaning with a damp cloth. If you choose to clean the plates manually, avoid using abrasive detergents and use only plastic or wooden spatula. If you clean the plates this way, you will prevent the coating from damaging.

Q: Should I follow some safety rules while using a sandwich maker?

A: Since sandwich makers get pretty hot, the main safety rule is to refrain from touching the cooking plates before they cool. If your kids want to use the device, make sure that they do it under your supervision.

Q: What else can I cook in a sandwich maker?

A: Though initially, a sandwich maker is designed to make warm sandwiches or melts from bread slices with the filling inside, there is a number of other dishes that can be cooked in a sandwich maker including snacks and desserts. Let us name some of them which you can cook at home:

  • Pizza crusts with various toppings for mini pizzas and calzones;
  • Apple turnovers;
  • Fried eggs or omelette with stuffings;
  • Some simple baking mixtures including pancakes, waffles, and muffins.

Sources:

1. Breakfast Sandwich, Wikipedia. May 27, 2016.

2. Tips To Buy A Good Sandwich Maker, Lulu Hypermarket.

3. Panini (sandwich), Wikipedia. July 25, 2016.

4. Felicity Cloake How to Make the Perfect Grilled Cheese Sandwich, The Guardian. November 5, 2014.

5. Megan Gordon Hot and Melty: 10 Delicious Grilled Sandwich Recipes, Kitchn. March 11, 2013.

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