Sandwich Toaster Buying Guide

Delicious toasted sandwiches can be prepared easily in minutes, thanks to the convenient and easy to use sandwich toaster. Here are some useful hints and tips for things to consider when choosing a sandwich toaster.

How to Choose a Sandwich Toaster: Introduction

A tasty, nutritious snack, the toasted sandwich is a household favourite. Today's modern sandwich toasters offer versatility and ease of use, and there's a great range to choose from, in different styles and with different features.

Sandwich toasters have indented hot plates, which clamp together around a freshly made sandwich, and work by heating electric coils under the plates. Once the plates are clamped, the sandwich is sealed so the contents don't leak out.

Sandwich toasters are versatile, and the fact that you can create imaginative ingredient combinations is part of the fun of preparing toasted sandwiches. Because the sandwich is sealed, you can use ingredients such as beans, soft cheese and sauces, which would be too runny for a standard sandwich. You can use a sandwich toaster to create both savoury and sweet snacks.

Sandwich toasters have become more popular in recent years. Many models are also ideal for making panninis, toasting speciality breads and even as healthy way of grilling meat or vegetables.

Features on a sandwich toaster can vary from model to model, and prices will generally increase on models with more features and functions.

Features To Look for When You Buy A Sandwich Toaster

It's important to understand what features are available on a sandwich toaster, so you that you can choose a model that will suit your needs. Key features of sandwich toasters include:

Capacity - Most models of sandwich toaster will cook two rounds of toasted sandwich at the same time, but four-round models are popular for larger households. For big toasted sandwiches, look out for models of sandwich toaster with a deep fill feature
Non-stick plates - Convenient and easy to clean, non-stick plates ensure that your toasted sandwich can be removed intact. The plates will usually both cut and seal your sandwich as it toasts
Thermostatic control - Ensures even toasting
Removable plates - For easier cleaning
Power on indicator - To let you know when the toaster is in use
Ready indicator - Lets you know when the plates are hot enough for you to place the sandwich in the sandwich toaster
Pannini function- The sandwich toaster will also be able to cook panninis
Grill - For grilling a range of ingredients, including meat, fish, vegetables and speciality breads
Floating hinge plate - Adjusts for toasting larger items
Cool touch handle - For safety and convenience, the handle is cool to the touch while the sandwich toaster is in use
Rapid heat up /high temperature - This feature will lend a golden colour to the crust and cook the toasted sandwich faster.
Upright storage - Saves space when the sandwich toaster is not in use
Non slip feet - Ensure that the sandwich toaster stays secure for safety and convenience
Cord storage - Keeps the cord wrapped and out of the way when the sandwich toaster is not in use

What Styles Do Sandwich Toasters Come In?

Sandwich toasters come in a variety of styles, so it should be easy to choose one to go with the rest of your kitchen and appliances. Stainless steel finishes evoke an elegant, contemporary style. Sandwich toasters are also styled in a range of colours, including black, silver, white and chrome.

Do I Need An Extended Warranty For My Sandwich Toaster?

A warranty covers you for repairs to or the replacement of your sandwich toaster, for at least a year from the date of purchase, under certain terms and conditions. Your sandwich toaster should come with a reasonable warranty, but it's worth comparing terms between retailers and manufacturers, or paying extra for an extended warranty if you choose an expensive sandwich toaster.

Sandwich toasters are relatively cheap to buy, but it's a good idea to set a limit on the amount of money you are prepared to spend on a sandwich toaster, and not to pay more for a model with features you don't need. However, by shopping around online, comparing sandwich toaster prices between retailers and taking advantage of special offers and discounts, you might get a better model of sandwich toaster than your budget would normally allow.