A sandwich toaster is an essential kitchen appliance that should be present in every home. The best toast makers are those that can serve the purpose of sealing fillings in sandwiches. With the wide variety of sandwich toasters on the market, you might find it difficult to find a sandwich toaster that can provide the best service. It is also easy to mistake a sandwich maker with those that can only toast bread. The sandwich toasters in our guide can be used to grill and make sandwiches.
What Is a Sandwich Maker and How Does It Differ from a Toaster?
The main difference between a toaster and a sandwich maker is that the latter is more versatile. A sandwich maker is crafted with ceramic plates that can cook a variety of foods such as paninis, waffles, meats, sandwiches, bacon, regular toast, and several types of bread. Additionally, a regular bread toaster depends on radiant heat and can only brown plain bread slices.
Even though regular toasters and sandwich makers seem to perform similar functions sometimes, they have other significant differences including design, their price and overall versatility.
Types of Sandwich maker toasters
Panini Press Sandwich Maker
A panini is a sandwich made using Italian bread and is usually served warm. A panini press sandwich maker contains fixed grill plates. It can be used to grill and toast several types of food and make different sandwiches. An advantage of a panini press is that it can grill anything from vegetables to meat products.
Four Triangle Sandwich Maker
This is the most common type of sandwich toaster and probably the oldest. The appliance has evolved and now includes square-shaped heating plates which are split to form triangles. Four triangle sandwich makers are designed to accommodate four sandwiches, depending on the size of each.
Two Square Sandwich Maker
Unlike the four triangle sandwich maker that can make four sandwiches, the two square sandwich maker can only accommodate two. The sandwiches are square-shaped with no divisions at the center.
Single Sandwich Maker
This is generally the smallest sandwich maker type as it allows only one sandwich to be placed into its plates. It is good for single people, but for households with more people generally bigger toasters are necessary.
Material
There are two main materials used on the surface of sandwich making toasters; metal and plastic. Metal is the most commonly used material as it allows for cooking of various foods. Sandwich toasters use aluminum while others are made with Mica which is fireproof. The plastic used to make sandwich toasters is made heat-resistant using flame retardants and smoke suppressants. Plastic sandwich makers are not so common and can be more expensive than metal toasters.
Types of Sandwich Toaster Plates
Different sandwich makers have different plates in them. The type of plate to choose would depend on how much you are willing to pay for a sandwich toaster.
Fixed Plates
Most of the sandwich toasters come with a fixed plate in various shapes. They are generally not detachable and when cleaned you must be careful to use too much water. The best way to clean them is through wiping. Fixed plate machines in general tend to be cheaper although other factors like material, size, manufacturer affects the price as well. Most of the time the fixed plates are grill plates, four triangle plates, or griddle plates.
Removable Plates
Removable plates offer more convenience when cleaning as they can also be washed in dishwashers. Also, devices with removable plates tend to have more than one style of type, some offering multiple plates, like waffle maker plates, grill plates and others.
What To Look For When Purchasing A Sandwich Toaster
There are several factors about a sandwich maker that should not be ignored if you want to go home with the best appliance. Not all sandwich makers are as good or beneficial as they seem as they may lack crucial features. Here is a list of the most crucial features to look for in a sandwich maker;
Handle
If the handle and the latch are not created using materials that are strong enough or through strong construction, it is a great possibility that you will eventually have a toaster with a broken handle, something you want to avoid. You should know that some of the deals or offers given by retailers may be a sign of poor quality products. It therefore means that you must refrain from purchasing overly cheap sandwich toasters.
Power
The range of maker’s power is from 640 watts in mini sandwich makers to 1,400 watts in top professional sandwich makers. As in most cases, it is advisable to buy appliances with an average power (about 750 watts). The higher the watts in a sandwich maker, the more expensive it is likely to be. Also, remember that the wattage will later add up in your electricity bill so you should choose an appliance with average power consumption, usually between 500-700 watts)
Non-Stick Plates
Most of the sandwich toasters on the market are made using non-stick plates although there is a way of making the sticky ones non-stick. Use two tablespoons of baking soda, half cup of white vinegar and one cup of water then mix them in the sticky sandwich maker. This will instantly make them non-stick.
Thermal Insulation
The thermal insulation of the kitchen sandwich maker helps to avoid burns in the process of cooking. When purchasing a sandwich toaster maker, it is advisable that thermal insulation is not only installed on the surface but also on the handles of the sandwich maker.
An indicator of Heating-Readiness
Such an indicator can signal the on/off of the appliance. It’s not the most important feature to have in a sandwich maker, but it is nice to have this sensor. This way, you will always know when the sandwich maker is ready for use. The sensors also help to minimize power wastage as it shows the exact time when it is appropriate to start cooking.
Dishwasher Safe
It is not a wise decision to put any electrical device in a dishwasher because it will lose its functionality. If you prefer to use a dishwasher, it is best to get a toaster with detachable plates. Also, there are plates specifically meant for handwashing and others are dishwasher safe.
Cord length
Cord length is a factor that you should be keen about when purchasing a sandwich maker. The cord should be long enough to offer convenience and ease of use. You need a cord that can easily reach the nearest countertop without causing trouble. However, a cord that is too long can be a trouble, therefore it is necessary to have a place to store the cord in the sandwich maker or simply buy one with the best approximated length to suit your needs.
Design
Although this is a subjective thing to look at, the design matters. Each kitchen has its own design, and it is possible to find a sandwich maker that fits the design of the kitchen. Some designs are created to suit the modern style while other traditional ones.