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How to Choose and Buy a Sandwich Toaster

Here are some tips to help you to make the best choice when buying a sandwich toaster.

Size of Toaster

Sandwich toasters are usually compact in size, and fit easily into most kitchens. The two slice sandwich toaster is the most common, although if space is limited, you might prefer a smaller one slice sandwich toaster. However, if you have room to spare, some sandwich toasters will take four, eight or even sixteen slices of bread!

The depth of the plates also varies. Do you prefer lots of filling? If so, look for a sandwich toaster with deep fill plates. Some sandwich toaster lids feature a floating hinge, and can adjust to the size of your sandwich.

Style

Do you want your sandwich toaster to match your other cooking appliances? Most sandwich toasters are white, black or silver, although some are available in brighter colours, so you should be able to find one that coordinates with your kitchen.

You can also get animal-shaped sandwich toasters, which appeal to children.

Settings

Most sandwich toasters have lights on the outside, which tell you when the toaster is switched on and when it’s hot enough to use.

Ease of Cleaning

Part of the appeal of sandwich toasters is their ability to make a quick and easy meal, so you’re unlikely to want to spend lots of time cleaning up afterwards. If you want a sandwich toaster that’s very quick to clean, look for one with removable plates. Sandwich makers without removable plates can be cleaned by wiping with a damp cloth after cooling.

Many sandwich toasters have a non-stick surface to help to prevent the bread from sticking to the inside of the plates. Remember to use a soft cloth when cleaning to avoid scratching the non-stick coating.

Safety Issues

Remember that a sandwich toaster’s plates get very hot, and usually take some time to cool after use. Many sandwich toasters come with a ‘cool touch’ body and handle, to reduce the risk of accidental burns.

Most sandwich toasters have non-slip feet as standard, as well as locking clasps on the handle.

Other Features to look for when choosing a Sandwich Toaster

When choosing your sandwich maker, always check the product descriptions. Are any value-adding extra items or features included?

• Do you fancy café-style sandwiches? Then look for specialist sandwich toasters such as panini makers, which are designed for use with continental breads, such as ciabatta, French bread and focaccia.
• Reduce your preparation time by choosing a sandwich toaster with a rapid heat-up element.
• Many sandwich makers also include space saving features such as cord storage, and some fold for upright storage.
• Some sandwich toasters can create patterns on the bread, which might appeal if you like pretty sandwiches!
• Check to see that you are happy with the guarantee on your chosen sandwich toaster. Sandwich toasters generally have a standard warranty of one or two years.

• Most sandwich toasters come with a selection of recipes.
• Some sandwich toasters have adjustable open hinged top plates, for melting cheese on open sandwiches.
• Sandwich toasters may also feature grill plates for cooking meat, vegetables etc.

Further Information

Find out more about some of the top models of sandwich toaster available on our Top Sandwich Toaster Models page.

If you want to buy a sandwich toaster, you can find out more about some of the top online sandwich toaster suppliers, including details of their delivery times and postage and packaging costs, in our Where to Buy section.

You can learn more about other types of cooking appliance in our Types of Cooking Appliance section.

You can find out about specific cooking appliance manufacturers and brands in our Brands of Cooking Appliance section.