Product Inspector
Menu

Sandwich Toasters

Best sandwich toasters and toastie makers

Ten toastie makers, panini presses and sandwich grills, compared for bread fit, sealed edges, cleaning and family batches.

Products shortlisted
10
Last updated
4 Oct 2026

A good sandwich toaster should earn its cupboard space with crisp bread, properly melted filling and cleanup you can live with. Start with the kind of sandwich you want: sealed triangles need shaped plates, while paninis, wraps and chunky bread suit a press or grill.

The Breville VST082 is our overall choice for traditional toasties. The VST091 keeps the price down, and the Cuisinart GRSM4U adds removable grill plates and adjustable heat. For paninis, compare the affordable VST025 with the gentler Sage Perfect Press.

Russell Hobbs 26810 covers toasties, waffles and grilling; the smaller 26800 is easier to store. VonShef cooks four whole toasties together, Salter suits grilled sandwiches and Mico uses your microwave for one toastie. Slice counts can be misleading, so compare whole-sandwich fit as well as the price.

If you also want to cook vegetables or meat, compare indoor grills and our sandwich toaster vs indoor grill advice. For ordinary breakfast toast, choose a slot toaster instead.

Quick picks

Best options at a glance

See the main recommendations side by side, with enough detail to decide which picks deserve a closer look.

Read verdicts
Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker GRSM4U

Best Premium Sandwich Toaster

Cuisinart GRSM4U 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker

Removable sandwich and grill plates with adjustable heat

The premium choice for sealed toasties and paninis in one machine, with removable plates and temperature control. It is heavier and takes longer to preheat.

Format
Sandwich toaster and grill
Sandwich capacity
Two whole toasties; grill fit varies
Plates
Removable; dishwasher-safe
Amazon Checked 12 October 2026 £89.99 List price £120
Read our verdict Full product details

Comparison

Compare the products at a glance

See the main details and prices side by side to narrow down the products that best match your priorities.

Product Price Format Sandwich capacity Plates Cleaning
Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Toastie Maker VST082 Best Overall Sandwich Toaster Retailer price: £35 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 04:17 BST

 Sealed toasties Two whole toasties Removable; dishwasher-safe Dishwasher-safe plates
Breville VST091 Deep Fill 2 Slice Toastie Maker Best Budget Sandwich Toaster Retailer price: £21.33 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST

 Sealed toasties Two whole toasties Fixed; wipe-clean Wipe-clean plates
Cuisinart GRSM4U 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker Best Premium Sandwich Toaster Retailer price: £89.99 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 04:17 BST

 Sandwich toaster and grill Two whole toasties; grill fit varies Removable; dishwasher-safe Dishwasher-safe plates
Breville VST025 Sandwich and Panini Press Best Budget Panini Press Retailer price: £29.99 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST

 Flat sandwich press Bread-dependent; three-slice marketing size Fixed; wipe-clean Wipe-clean plates
Russell Hobbs Creations 3-In-1 Sandwich Maker 26810 Best 3-In-1 Sandwich Toaster Not listed 3-In-1 Sandwich fit depends on bread thickness Removable; dishwasher-safe Dishwasher-safe plates
Russell Hobbs Creations Sandwich Maker 26800 Best Compact Sandwich Toaster Retailer price: £24 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST

 Sealed toasties Two whole toasties Fixed; wipe-clean Wipe-clean plates
VonShef 4-Slice Deep Fill Toastie Maker Best Sandwich Toaster For Families Retailer price: £32.99 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST

 Sealed toasties Four whole toasties Fixed; wipe-clean Wipe-clean plates
Salter EK5857 Megastone Health Grill Best Sandwich Grill Around £35 Ridged sandwich grill Bread-dependent; four-portion grill label Fixed; wipe-clean Wipe-clean plates
Sage SSG600BSS Perfect Press Sandwich Maker Best Premium Panini Press Retailer price: £99.95 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST

 Gentle flat sandwich press Bread-dependent press capacity Fixed; wipe-clean Wipe-clean plates
Morphy Richards Mico Toastie Maker Best Microwave Toastie Maker Retailer price: £19 at Amazon

Price checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST

 Microwave toastie maker One whole toastie Microwave toastie plates Dishwasher-safe parts

Buying advice

How to choose a sandwich toaster

Use these checks to decide which features matter before comparing individual products.

Choose sealed toasties or a press

Shaped sandwich plates cut and seal the edges, helping contain melted cheese. Flat presses accept paninis, wraps and different bread shapes but leave the edges open. Ridged grills add grill marks and more grooves to clean. If you are deciding between the two, our sandwich toaster vs indoor grill guide explains the differences.

Count whole sandwiches, not marketing slices

A four-slice label may mean four pieces of bread making two sandwiches. VonShef 2000121 genuinely makes four whole toasties in one batch; the smaller shaped choices make two. Press capacity depends on bread size, so compare the actual cooking area with your usual loaf or panini.

Match the plates to your bread

Deep pockets leave filling room but still have shaped edges to fit. Thick bread can prevent a latch closing or develop a hard crust. Leave space around the filling and avoid forcing the handle. For irregular sourdough, ciabatta or wraps, a flat press is usually less restrictive.

Decide how much cleaning you will tolerate

Removable plates are easier to reach, but removable does not automatically mean dishwasher-safe. VST082, Cuisinart GRSM4U and Russell Hobbs 26810 have dishwasher-safe plates; fixed-plate models must be wiped after unplugging and cooling. Never immerse the powered base, and follow each model’s instructions.

Pay for extra plate sets only when useful

Russell Hobbs 26810 adds grill and waffle sets, while Cuisinart combines sandwich and grill plates with variable heat. These extras make sense when several cooking styles will get regular use. A straightforward VST091 or VST082 is better value if all you want is sealed toasties.

Check storage as well as worktop space

An upright-storage feature helps only if the cupboard is wide and tall enough. VonShef’s larger family body needs substantially more depth than a two-toastie maker. Spare plate sets need their own space too. Leave room around hot appliances and keep cables away from the cooking surface.

Treat heat controls and lid pressure separately

Cuisinart lets you change the heat; Sage’s counterweighted lid changes how heavily the bread is pressed. These solve different problems. A lighter lid preserves a thicker sandwich, while variable heat gives more control over browning. Neither removes the need to check cooking progress.

Consider a microwave maker for one toastie

Mico needs little storage and uses an existing microwave, but it makes one sandwich and requires turning during cooking. Use oven gloves and follow the instructions for your microwave’s power. For two or four lunches at once, a conventional appliance is usually more convenient.

Full verdicts

Why these picks made the shortlist

A closer look at where each pick works best, what it gives up and what to double-check before buying.

Our pick Best Overall Sandwich Toaster

Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Sandwich Toaster VST082

Key specs

Format
Sealed toasties
Sandwich capacity
Two whole toasties
Plates
Removable; dishwasher-safe
Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe plates

Breville Ultimate Deep Fill Toastie Maker VST082

Deep pockets and removable plates for everyday toasties

See product details

A classic toastie needs crisp bread, melted filling and edges that hold together. The VST082 offers that familiar result without making you pay for waffle plates or a large grill. Its deep pockets leave useful room for cheese and other fillings, while the shaped plates divide and seal two whole sandwiches.

Bread can brown well and fillings melt thoroughly, but the edges can darken before the centre reaches your preferred colour. Keep an eye on the first batch and adjust the time for your bread. Removable, dishwasher-safe plates make escaped cheese easier to deal with than on a fixed-plate toaster. The casing can get very hot, and an initial plastic smell has been reported.

Around £30

Key features

  • Two whole toasties per batch
  • Deep-fill cut-and-seal plates
  • Removable non-stick plates
  • Dishwasher-safe plates
  • Upright storage

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £35 List price £37.99 Checked 12 October 2026 04:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Generous pockets leave more room for filling than shallow sandwich plates
  • Good browning and melting support everyday toasties
  • Shaped edges help keep filling inside
  • Plates lift out for cleaning after cheese escapes
  • Dishwasher-safe plates reduce hand-cleaning
  • Useful balance of cooking and convenience without premium pricing

Cons

  • Outer casing can get very hot during cooking
  • Edges can over-brown; check your first batch
  • Makes two whole toasties rather than a family batch
  • An initial plastic odour has been reported
  • No interchangeable grill or waffle set

Verdict

The best starting point for regular two-toastie lunches, especially when easy cleanup matters. The cheaper VST091 also seals well but has fixed plates; Cuisinart adds a grill set and temperature control for a much higher price. There is no reason to pay for those extras if you mainly want ordinary sealed toasties.

Read the full Breville Ultimate Deep Fill VST082 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Budget Sandwich Toaster

Breville VST091 Deep Fill 2 Slice Toastie Maker

Key specs

Format
Sealed toasties
Sandwich capacity
Two whole toasties
Plates
Fixed; wipe-clean
Cleaning
Wipe-clean plates

The white VST091 keeps the buying decision simple: deep pockets, a ready light and sealed toasties without extra plate sets. Its enclosed plate edges and walled hinge help contain filling, and its strong sealing makes it a better budget recommendation than the slightly cheaper Daewoo.

It is inexpensive rather than perfectly even. Browning and heat distribution can vary, so check both sandwiches and adjust the next batch if one side colours more quickly. The plates stay attached to the machine. Let it cool, unplug it and wipe carefully around the shaped edges; they cannot be lifted out or put in the dishwasher.

Around £29

Key features

  • Two whole toasties per batch
  • Deep-fill shaped sandwich plates
  • Fully enclosed plate edges and walled hinge
  • Fixed non-stick plates
  • Ready indicator and upright storage

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £21.33 Was £22.5 Checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Strong sealing helps contain melted filling
  • Deep pockets accommodate a useful amount of filling
  • Low purchase price for a conventional toastie maker
  • Ready indicator avoids guessing when preheating is complete
  • Upright storage and cord management help between uses

Cons

  • Browning can be uneven
  • Fixed plates require careful wiping
  • No interchangeable grill or waffle plates
  • Generous filling still needs space around the edges

Verdict

Spend less on the VST091 if you can accept hand-cleaning and some uneven colour. The VST082 is the worthwhile step up for removable plates, rather than a promise of flawless browning. Daewoo remains a lower-priced alternative, but its two-toastie capacity and reported leakage weaken its case beside this Breville.

Read the full Breville Deep Fill VST091 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Premium Sandwich Toaster

Cuisinart 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker GRSM4U

Key specs

Format
Sandwich toaster and grill
Sandwich capacity
Two whole toasties; grill fit varies
Plates
Removable; dishwasher-safe
Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe plates

Cuisinart GRSM4U 2-in-1 Grill and Sandwich Maker

Removable sandwich and grill plates with adjustable heat

See product details

The GRSM4U earns its premium role by doing more than a simple cut-and-seal toaster. Deep sandwich plates make sealed toasties, while the separate grill plates accommodate paninis and other grilled food. Variable heat gives you more control over browning, and the floating lid adjusts to thicker food when grilling.

Bread can crisp well and both dairy and vegan fillings melt effectively. Allow extra preheating time, and check bread fit: wider paninis can overhang the cooking area. The removable plates are dishwasher-safe and a drip tray collects runoff when grilling. This is a heavier appliance than the basic Brevilles, so think about lifting it from a cupboard as well as worktop space.

Around £80

Key features

  • Separate removable sandwich and grill plate sets
  • Variable heat control
  • Floating lid for thicker grilled food
  • Dishwasher-safe plates
  • Drip tray for grilling
  • Five-year manufacturer guarantee

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £89.99 List price £120 Checked 12 October 2026 04:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Good crisping and melting with generous toastie fillings
  • Switches between sealed sandwiches and open-edge grilling
  • Adjustable heat allows more say over browning
  • Removable plates make awkward corners easier to clean
  • Dishwasher-safe plate sets
  • Drip tray handles grill runoff
  • Long manufacturer guarantee

Cons

  • Costs substantially more than a basic sandwich toaster
  • Slower preheating than several simpler choices
  • Heavy to lift in and out of a cupboard
  • Wide paninis may overhang; check bread size
  • Does not include waffle plates

Verdict

Worth the extra cost when both plate sets and adjustable heat will get regular use. It is our premium sealed-toastie choice, while Sage is the more focused option for gently pressing bread without squashing it. The Russell Hobbs 26810 adds waffles at a lower price but lacks this Cuisinart’s variable-temperature control.

Read the full Cuisinart 2-In-1 GRSM4U review and specifications.

Our pick Best Budget Panini Press

Breville Sandwich/Panini Press & Toastie Maker VST025

Key specs

Format
Flat sandwich press
Sandwich capacity
Bread-dependent; three-slice marketing size
Plates
Fixed; wipe-clean
Cleaning
Wipe-clean plates

Breville VST025 Sandwich and Panini Press

A simple flat-plate press for varied breads

See product details

Flat plates and a hinged lid make the VST025 more flexible about bread shape than a triangular sandwich toaster. Paninis, wraps and ciabatta do not have to fit moulded pockets. It preheats quickly and cooks evenly, making it a useful inexpensive press for lunches made with different breads.

The trade-off is that it does not seal the edges. Cheese and wetter filling can escape, and the casing gets hot. Its fixed non-stick plates are relatively straightforward to wipe, but they cannot be detached for washing. The listing’s three-slice description is a size label, not a promise to fit three complete filled sandwiches; the amount you can cook depends on your bread.

Around £32

Key features

  • Flat fixed non-stick cooking plates
  • Hinged press lid
  • Suitable for varied bread shapes
  • Ready indicator
  • Three-slice marketing size; actual fit depends on bread

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £29.99 List price £35.99 Checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Good cooking results for a low-priced press
  • Quick preheating helps with everyday lunches
  • Flat plates accommodate paninis and wraps
  • Smooth non-stick surfaces are easier to wipe than deep grooves
  • A simple alternative to appliances with several plate sets

Cons

  • Open sandwich edges can let filling escape
  • Casing gets hot during use
  • Fixed plates cannot be removed for washing
  • Marketing slice count does not establish whole-sandwich capacity

Verdict

The budget panini choice if you want flexibility rather than sealed triangles. Keep fillings modest and compare the cooking area with your usual bread. Sage adds a gentler counterweighted lid and an open-melt setting, while the Salter grill leaves ridged marks and needs more attention around its grooves during cleaning.

Read the full Breville Sandwich Press VST025 review and specifications.

Our pick Best 3-In-1 Sandwich Toaster

Russell Hobbs Creations 26810 three-in-one sandwich maker

Key specs

Format
3-In-1
Sandwich capacity
Sandwich fit depends on bread thickness
Plates
Removable; dishwasher-safe
Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe plates

Russell Hobbs Creations 3-In-1 Sandwich Maker 26810

Sandwich, grill and waffle plates in one appliance

See product details

Three interchangeable plate sets give the 26810 a useful reason to occupy cupboard space: sealed toasties, grilled paninis and waffles from one appliance. The sandwich plates can produce golden, well-sealed toasties with ordinary sliced bread. Removable plates let you clean each set in the sink or dishwasher rather than work around attached hinges.

Thicker slices are a less convincing fit: the crust can become harder, so extra-deep fillings should not be mistaken for unlimited room. The clip lock, carry handle, cord wrap and upright storage make it easier to put away, although you still need somewhere to keep the spare plates. Treat the non-stick surfaces gently when cooking and cleaning.

Key features

  • Removable sandwich, grill and waffle plate sets
  • Dishwasher-safe plates
  • Non-stick cooking surfaces
  • Clip lock and carry handle
  • Upright storage with cord wrap
  • Two-year guarantee plus an extra year with qualifying registration

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Three useful cooking styles without three separate appliances
  • Well-sealed toasties with ordinary sliced bread
  • Plate sets can be washed in the sink or dishwasher
  • Removable plates give access to otherwise awkward corners
  • Upright storage and cord wrap help keep it tidy
  • Carry handle helps move it between cupboard and worktop

Cons

  • Very thick bread can develop a harder crust
  • Spare plates need storage space
  • No variable-temperature control
  • Extra plate sets are poor value if you only make toasties

Verdict

Buy it when at least two of the three cooking styles will be used. If you only make toasties, the VST082 is simpler and usually cheaper; Cuisinart is the step up for variable heat. Philips is another three-plate option, but its mixed sealing results make this Russell Hobbs our preferred all-in-one recommendation.

Read the full Russell Hobbs Creations 26810 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Compact Sandwich Toaster

Russell Hobbs Creations 26800 compact sandwich maker

Key specs

Format
Sealed toasties
Sandwich capacity
Two whole toasties
Plates
Fixed; wipe-clean
Cleaning
Wipe-clean plates

Russell Hobbs Creations Sandwich Maker 26800

A small fixed-plate choice that stores upright

See product details

The 26800 is for kitchens where a sandwich toaster must earn its place in a small cupboard. Its compact body and upright storage help, with crisp, sealed toasties and quick preheating. It makes two whole sandwiches, so compact does not mean a single portion.

Fixed non-stick plates keep the appliance simple, but escaped filling still needs careful wiping after cooling. There is no on/off switch: use the plug to disconnect it when finished. Hot casing is another reason to leave clear space around it and handle it by the intended grip. It is a conventional toastie maker rather than a panini press or waffle machine.

Key features

  • Two whole toasties per batch
  • Fixed non-stick cut-and-seal plates
  • Compact body with upright storage
  • Ready indicator
  • Two-year guarantee plus an extra year with qualifying registration

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £24 List price £30.99 Checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Compact shape is easier to store in a small kitchen
  • Crisp toasties with well-contained filling
  • Quick preheating helps with everyday lunches
  • Makes two whole sandwiches despite its smaller body
  • Upright storage helps preserve cupboard space

Cons

  • Fixed plates cannot be lifted out for washing
  • Casing gets hot
  • No on/off switch
  • No interchangeable plates or panini-press setting

Verdict

Our compact recommendation for regular sealed toasties in a smaller kitchen. The VST091 is a cheaper fixed-plate alternative, and the VST082 makes cleanup easier with removable plates. Judge’s mini maker is worth considering if one sandwich is all you need, but it gives up the two-toastie batch.

Read the full Russell Hobbs Creations 26800 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Sandwich Toaster For Families

VonShef 4 Slice Deep fill Toasted Sandwich Maker

Key specs

Format
Sealed toasties
Sandwich capacity
Four whole toasties
Plates
Fixed; wipe-clean
Cleaning
Wipe-clean plates

Four hungry people need four sandwiches, not a confusing four-slice label. VonShef 2000121 makes four whole toasties in one batch, with deep shaped plates that help keep filling inside. Its non-stick surfaces are relatively easy to wipe.

The larger body measures 28cm wide, 38cm deep and 12cm high and weighs 2.7kg. Check cupboard depth before buying. The plates stay attached, so a spill still needs patient cleaning around each pocket. Sparse instructions and less grippy feet are drawbacks; put it on a stable surface and avoid tugging the cable.

Around £30

Key features

  • Four whole toasties in one batch
  • Deep-fill sealed sandwich plates
  • 1600W electrical rating
  • Fixed non-stick plates
  • 28 × 38 × 12cm body; 2.7kg
  • Two-year manufacturer warranty

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £32.99 Checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Feeds four people without successive two-toastie batches
  • Deep pockets leave useful filling room
  • Sealed edges help contain cheese
  • Non-stick coating assists wipe-cleaning
  • Clear whole-sandwich capacity, rather than an ambiguous slice count

Cons

  • Large 38cm depth needs suitable storage
  • Fixed shaped plates take time to clean after spills
  • Feet can grip poorly
  • Instructions offer limited guidance

Verdict

Choose it for several sealed-toastie lunches at once, rather than buying a small maker and running repeated batches. Two-sandwich Brevilles are more convenient when family capacity is rarely used. A large press such as VST026 offers a different option for varied breads, but bread fit matters and it does not replace sealed pockets.

Read the full VonShef 4-Slice Deep Fill 2000121 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Sandwich Grill

Salter EK5857 Megastone Health Grill

Key specs

Format
Ridged sandwich grill
Sandwich capacity
Bread-dependent; four-portion grill label
Plates
Fixed; wipe-clean
Cleaning
Wipe-clean plates

Salter EK5857 Megastone Health Grill

A large ridged grill for open-edge sandwiches

See product details

Salter’s large Megastone grill suits sandwiches that do not need sealed triangular edges. Its floating lid adjusts to thicker food, and the ridged plates leave grill marks while heating the bread and filling. Quick heating, browned bread and thoroughly melted cheese make it a strong sandwich-grill choice.

The grill shape brings different compromises from a toastie maker. Filling can escape at the edges, and cleaning between the fixed grooves is less convenient than lifting out plates. Capacity depends on the bread and how you arrange it; the four-portion grill label should not be read as four whole sandwiches. This is the large EK5857, not the smaller Salter model or an interchangeable-plate waffle maker.

Around £35

Key features

  • Large contact grill with ridged plates
  • Floating lid for thicker food
  • Fixed non-stick cooking plates
  • 2000W electrical rating
  • Grill capacity depends on bread size

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price Check retailer Checked - View at Amazon

Pros

  • Browns bread well and melts cheese effectively
  • Quick heating makes it useful for lunches
  • Floating lid accommodates different food thicknesses
  • Ridged plates give a grilled finish
  • More flexible bread shapes than cut-and-seal pockets

Cons

  • Does not seal sandwich edges
  • Fixed grooves complicate cleaning
  • Large-grill portion labels do not guarantee whole-sandwich capacity
  • No interchangeable waffle or sealed-toastie plates

Verdict

The right choice when grilled bread and a flexible lid appeal more than neatly sealed pockets. Breville VST025 offers a cheaper flat-plate press, while Cuisinart’s removable grill plates are more convenient to wash. Pick VonShef instead when four sealed toasties per batch are the priority.

Read the full Salter Megastone EK5857 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Premium Panini Press

Sage SSG600BSS Perfect Press Sandwich Maker

Key specs

Format
Gentle flat sandwich press
Sandwich capacity
Bread-dependent press capacity
Plates
Fixed; wipe-clean
Cleaning
Wipe-clean plates

Sage SSG600BSS Perfect Press Sandwich Maker

Gentle lid pressure and an open-melt setting

See product details

Sage’s counterweighted lid is its useful difference: it rests lightly on the sandwich instead of pressing it flat. White bread, sourdough, seeded rye and paninis can crisp and turn golden without the filling being squeezed out. Smooth plates avoid the deep grooves of a contact grill.

An open-melt position holds the top plate above the food for cheese-topped sandwiches or reheating toppings without direct contact. The plates are fixed, however, and there is no adjustable temperature, interchangeable set or drip tray. Follow the manual and let the appliance cool before wiping it. Stainless steel, a long handle, an on/off switch and upright storage make it pleasant to use, but it still needs a fairly wide cupboard.

Around £100

Key features

  • Counterweighted lid with Crush Control
  • Open-melt position keeps the lid above food
  • Fixed smooth non-stick plates
  • On/off switch and ready indicator
  • Upright storage and cord wrap
  • Two-year manufacturer warranty

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £99.95 Checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Gentle lid pressure preserves the sandwich’s shape
  • Good crisping with white bread, sourdough and seeded rye
  • Less filling squeezed out than a heavy pressing action
  • Open melting suits cheese-topped food
  • Smooth plates are convenient to wipe after cooling
  • On/off switch is useful for regular use

Cons

  • Substantial premium over a basic flat press
  • Fixed plates cannot go in the dishwasher
  • No adjustable heat or interchangeable plate sets
  • No drip tray for runoff
  • Upright storage still needs a wide space

Verdict

Worth considering if you make paninis often and dislike squashed bread. Breville VST025 does the basic flat-press job for much less. Cuisinart offers more cooking flexibility and removable plates; Sage earns its premium role through gentle lid pressure and open melting rather than a longer feature list.

Read the full Sage Perfect Press SSG600 review and specifications.

Our pick Best Microwave Toastie Maker

Morphy Richards Mico Toastie Maker

Key specs

Format
Microwave toastie maker
Sandwich capacity
One whole toastie
Plates
Microwave toastie plates
Cleaning
Dishwasher-safe parts

Morphy Richards Mico Toastie Maker

One toastie in your existing microwave

See product details

Mico uses special cooking plates in a silicone holder to make a toasted sandwich in the microwave. It is a different proposition from simply microwaving bread: the plates help brown the outside while the filling heats. Ordinary white bread works well for a single crisp toastie.

You must turn it over during cooking, and the holder gets hot enough to need oven gloves. Cooking time depends on the microwave and sandwich, so follow the instructions rather than assume one four-minute setting suits everything. The compact parts are dishwasher-safe, but this is still a one-sandwich device and a microwave is essential.

Around £26

Key features

  • Microwave toastie plates in a silicone holder
  • One whole toastie per batch
  • Requires a suitable microwave
  • Turn over during cooking
  • Dishwasher-safe parts

Where to buy

Retailer prices can change, so check the final price before buying.

Amazon Price £19 Was £22.35 Checked 12 October 2026 05:17 BST View at Amazon

Pros

  • Makes a toasted sandwich using an existing microwave
  • Compact parts need little cupboard space
  • Useful crisp-bread result with white bread
  • No separate powered worktop appliance
  • Dishwasher-safe parts assist cleanup

Cons

  • Only one whole toastie at a time
  • Needs turning during cooking
  • Hot holder requires oven gloves
  • Timing depends on microwave power and filling
  • Not a substitute for an electric grill or family toaster

Verdict

A sensible option for a solo lunch when cupboard space is limited and you already have a suitable microwave. A conventional toaster is easier for consecutive batches or two sandwiches together. Keep it for its intended microwave use and allow for the flip, cooling and hot handling rather than expecting the convenience of an unattended electric press.

Read the full Morphy Richards Mico 511644 review and specifications.

Questions

Sandwich toaster FAQs

Straight answers to the questions that usually come up before buying.

Are sandwich toasters and toastie makers the same thing?

Usually, yes. Both names commonly describe an electric appliance with shaped plates for sealed toasted sandwiches. Panini presses and contact grills also toast sandwiches, but leave the edges open and accept a wider range of bread shapes.

Which sandwich toaster is best for everyday toasties?

Breville VST082 is our overall recommendation for sealed toasties, useful filling space and removable plates. VST091 is the budget alternative if you can accept fixed plates and less even browning. For four whole toasties together, choose VonShef 2000121.

Does a four-slice sandwich toaster make four sandwiches?

Not necessarily. Some labels count the bread slices, so four slices make two complete sandwiches. VonShef 2000121 specifically makes four whole toasties. Presses use different portion labels and their usable capacity depends on bread size.

Can a sandwich toaster cook paninis?

A flat or ridged press is the better fit for paninis, ciabatta and wraps. Shaped cut-and-seal plates restrict bread size and shape. Cuisinart GRSM4U and Russell Hobbs 26810 include separate grill plates, while VST025 and Sage are dedicated flat presses.

Are removable plates dishwasher-safe?

Only when the manufacturer says so. VST082, Cuisinart GRSM4U and Russell Hobbs 26810 have dishwasher-safe plates. Other removable sets may require hand washing, and fixed plates stay attached. Always unplug and cool the appliance before cleaning; never immerse its powered base.

How can I stop cheese leaking from a toastie?

Keep filling away from the edges, use bread that fits the shaped plates and avoid overfilling. Very thick slices may stop the latch closing properly. Let the machine preheat and do not force the lid. A press leaves edges open, so some escaped filling is more likely than with sealed pockets.

Is a three-in-one sandwich maker worth buying?

It can be worthwhile if you will regularly make waffles or grilled paninis as well as toasties. Russell Hobbs 26810 includes all three plate sets. If you only make sealed toasties, a simpler machine costs less and avoids spare plates to store.

Can I make a toastie in the microwave?

Mico 511644 uses special plates to brown a sandwich in the microwave. It is intended for one toastie, needs turning during cooking and gets hot enough to require oven gloves. Follow its instructions for microwave power and timing; ordinary bread alone will not give the same toasted result.

Do all sandwich makers get hot on the outside?

Several tested choices have hot casing, even when the intended handle is easier to hold. Keep them on a stable heat-resistant surface with room around them, use the intended grip and supervise cooking. Avoid forcing a stiff latch or lifting a hot appliance by its body.

Buying advice

Helpful advice before you choose

Use these guides to settle the trade-offs that matter before comparing the recommendations.

More buying guides

Compare related products next

Useful next stops if you are weighing up nearby categories or planning a connected purchase.

Sage Toast Select Luxe from Best Toasters Best Toasters Read guide Russell Hobbs Honeycomb Kettle And Four-Slice Toaster Set from Best Kettle And Toaster Sets Best Kettle And Toaster Sets Read guide Tefal OptiGrill Elite GC750D40 from Best Indoor Grills Best Indoor Grills Read guide