Sandwich making can be so basic, but what if we wanted to create a masterpiece? There are many of us out there who wish to step up our sandwich making skills, by adding certain techniques to increase the flavors and textures of our sandwich. With so much technology out there we can find numerous recipes and gadgets to help us learn to be a master sandwich chef. Adding a sandwich maker to your culinary arsenal will definitely have friends and family showing up at your door waiting for the food that comes from your sandwich maker! You can find numerous ways to use this kitchen gadget and recipes to go along with the endless possibilities and it is not strictly for sandwiches. Our guide will help you find the right sandwich maker for your personal use.
How To Buy The Best Sandwich Maker
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With so many choices how do you choose the right sandwich maker for your needs?
- First we need to figure out how much power we are looking for in a sandwich maker. To determine the amount of power we need, we must first decide on the occasion we use the sandwich maker for. Most sandwich maker’s power capacity falls between 600 watts for mini sandwich makers to 1,600 watts for professional grade makers. This power refers to how quickly a sandwich maker can heat up as well as the temperature it can hold while cooking your food. The higher the power the CONSistent and higher the temperature can be held at for specific recipes. If you were looking for something to use occasionally for the family, purchasing something in the mid-range would be ideal, but if your budget were a little bigger going for the upper range of power would be best. A college student living in a dorm room can benefit from a mini sandwich maker as it requires minimal power and compact size.
- Now that we have determined the power we need, it is important to decide on the shape of the plates and the number of plates we would like our maker to hold. The most popular plate shapes are square and triangle. There are some plates that are a little more artistic that may appeal more to children such as plates that imprint cartoon characters onto the bread. The number of plates will determine how many slices you can prepare. The most common amount of plates found on a sandwich maker is designed to make 4 slices. Depending on the size of the maker will determine how many plates it comes with. The larger models can make up to 4 sandwiches at a time and the smaller models are more likely to make 2 sandwiches.
- When deciding on the best sandwich maker for your needs, there are materials to consider. With the increase of safety, looking for a thermal insulated maker is quite common. To avoid burns or even for child safety it is important to look for this option as it will benefit you by making the sandwich maker user friendly for the whole family. Also, it is important to evaluate what type of coating you would like for the non-stick plates. The plates can make or break your sandwich. Depending on the quality of the maker it can effect the cleaning up process as well as how well it will cook your sandwich. Make sure that the plates are non-stick. This will make for a cheesy sandwich making and clean up so much easier. The cheese should come right off the maker. Avoid makers that do not have any coating or do not list as a non-stick maker.
- Next, picking a sandwich maker that can be easily moved around the kitchen is key. The bigger the maker the more weight we will have to handle when using and storing the maker. Makers can range anywhere from 4 pounds to 10 pounds for a home use sandwich appliance. The higher range in weight would be models used for large families or large group events and the smaller range is for dorm rooms or single person use. Keep weight in mind if we are going to be frequently using this maker. As related to weight, size is a big factor in the weight of the product. The more sandwiches you demand to be made at once will determine the size of the product. Keep this in mind when deciding on a maker. This will need to be considered when you are thinking of storage, counter space and how heavy it might be to maneuver. Questions to ask yourself is will it fit in a cupboard and will it be easily moved in and out of this space.
- With all the options to consider, one more question to be answered is what type of maker will be a necessity for your personal use? There are several varieties that can come in specialty makers and then there are those makers that can have a variety of plates that are interchangeable to make several different types of sandwiches. Panini makers are one of the most common types of sandwich makers. These are types of sandwiches found in delis and cafes that leave those golden lines on the top of the sandwich with a flat bottom. There are also sandwich makers that create pocket filled sandwiches. These types of makers have triangle plates that help to seal in the sandwich filling by pressing the bread together. The most traditional type of sandwich maker is a flat plate maker. This type of sandwich press is one of the most basic and simplest types of makers. It is two flat plates that create a toasted evenly crisped sandwich. There are some makers that come with interchangeable plates for all of the above and for more options such as waffle making, omelets, grilling and other types of creations, but lets stick to our basic sandwich necessities.
- Having the right temperature settings will help you create the perfect masterpiece. With many of the sandwich makers on the market come with one standard heat setting, but there are also more high-end makers that allow a bit more options. These higher priced options allow you to adjust the heat so that you can decide on how toasted and crispy you would like your sandwich.
- Some other options to consider if one is very particular about there creations are far and wide. One major option is for those who love particularly thick breaded sandwiches. Look for a sandwich maker that has floating hinges. This term refers to how the hinges on the machine allow the press to adjust to the height of your sandwich creation.
- When choosing a brand make sure to keep in mind your price range and all the above options of a sandwich maker. There are several names to consider with Hamilton Beach being at the top of the list followed by Proctor Silex, Delk, Breville, iSiLER, Tibek, Cheman and Kealive.
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The 11 Best Sandwich Makers on the Market 2020
You can find our list of the top 11 best sandwich makers below. This will cover the brands listed above among many of there specifications to create a sandwich masterpiece.
1. Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker
- Best for: Creating breakfast sandwiches
- Dimensions: 7 x 7 x 8.79 inches 1.5 pounds
- Power: 600 watts
- Plates removable: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
Breakfast made simple with this sandwich maker. This appliance makes breakfast quick, easy and delicious. While making cleaning up a breeze, this gadget will have your meal ready in five minutes or less. With 4 easy steps you will be able to create a delicious sandwich. Enjoy the recipes found in the cookbook included in the box. Once you are done creating your sandwich, you can remove all parts and clean in the dishwasher to make it quick and easy.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, digital display, timer, ready tone, easy to clean.
CONS: Egg leaks sometimes, English muffin can be overcooked.
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2. Hamilton Beach Electric Panini Press Grill
- Best for: Panini sandwiches and thick bread sandwiches
- Dimensions:61 x 12.64 x 4.53 inches 5.75 pounds
- Power: 1400 watts
- Plates removable: No
- Warranty: 1 year manufacturers warranty.
With its locking function, this appliance can create open-faced sandwiches, grill, and toast pizza as well as creating grilled cheese. Its floating hinges can create a thick sandwich masterpiece with this Panini press. Using your own fresh ingredients, you can create a café style sandwich. With its preheat ability in 6 minutes and power light, you will know when the maker is ready to start cooking and when the sandwich is ready. Create up to 3 sandwiches at one time on the removable nonstick grid. Make a cheesy chicken quesadilla or a pizza and bruschetta using the lock hinges.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, floating hinge.
CONS: Not easy to clean.
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3. Proctor Silex 4 Serving Panini Press
- Best for: grilling
- Dimensions:88 x 5 x 12.69 inches 4 pounds
- Power: 1000 watts
- Plates removable: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
This appliance can be used to grill a variety of foods such as sandwiches, steak, vegetables and more. With its floating hinges your can create a thick sandwich. If you have limited time and a limited amount of kitchen space, this maker is compactable and versatile. With 70 inches of a nonstick surface, you can make a meal for a family of 4. The plates are easy to wipe clean and the drip tray is removable.
PROS: Large Surface, easy to clean, serves up to 4
CONS: no on/off switch, no temperature control, no ready tone
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4. Imusa USA electric Panini Press
- Best for: Sandwiches, meat, and vegetables
- Dimensions:92 x 16.65 x 14.76 inches 9.7 pounds
- Power: 1400 watts
- Plates removable: No
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
With its adjustable hinge function, this sandwich press can conquer any sandwich. Designed with an exterior cool to touch handle and with a non-stick surface. This can create quesadillas, sandwiches, vegetables and meats. Its polished stainless steel exterior and large nonstick surface will allow clean up to be quick and easy.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, floating hinges
CONS: No Leak Tray, No heat setting
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5. Deik Sandwich Maker Panini Press
- Best for: Panini Press
- Dimensions:78 x 13.39 x 5.12 inches 6.17 pounds
- Power: 1500 watts
- Plates removable: No
- Warranty: 2-year manufacturer warranty.
Best used to make up to 6 medium Panini bread sandwiches. It can grill anything from steak to veggies. It is designed with a non-stick ceramic coating and contains a non-stick grill making it easy to clean and wipe off any debris. The drip tray is designed to catch all fats and liquids while it prepares succulent recipes. This high powered Panini press, can produce a cooked sandwich 30% quicker than other compared sandwich makers. It has an adjustable temperature button and only takes 4-6 minutes.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, drip tray, 4 servings, adjustable temperature, easy to clean
CONS: Non-removable plates
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6. Gotham Steel Sandwich Maker
- Best for: Grill Cheese, Dorm Rooms
- Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 6 inches 2.5 pounds
- Power: 550 watts
- Plates removable: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
With its non-stick coating, clean up is a breeze. From grilling sandwiches to making omelets, this sandwich press can make up to two servings at a time. Perfect for small spaces such as dorm rooms or cozy kitchens. The GOTHAM STEEL non-stick coating plates allow you to wipe them clean with a damp cloth once the plates have cooled to touch.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle
CONS: No on/off switch
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7. Breville Duo Panini Press
- Best for: Creating sandwiches
- Dimensions: 13 x 11.75 x 5 inches 8.38 pounds
- Power: 1500 watts
- Plates removable: No
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
The top grill is ridged with a flat surface bottom and adjustable hinges; this Panini press is great for large sandwiches. Its nonstick surface make it easy to clean and cheese does not stick. Can toast up to two sandwiches. Designed to create evenly golden grill marks on any kind of bread. Breville has earned its place on the top list of Panini makers because it was one of the first domestic version of a professional sandwich press.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, lock function, heats quickly
CONS: plates are not removable, no on/off button
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8. iSiLER Panini Press
- Best for: Grilled food
- Dimensions:5 x 4.8 x 10.3 inches 1.5 pounds
- Power: 1200 watts
- Plates removable: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year replacement policy, 3 month money back guarantee.
This Panini press can adapt to almost anything. It was made to grill burgers, make grilled cheese, and toast pizza. It can even make bacon and large sandwiches. Designed with 2 large cooking plates, the iSiLER sandwich maker can deliver time efficient grilled foods. The non-stick coating is CONStructed with food grade aluminum making it easy to clean food and greasy residue. Equipped with a thermostat control heat prevents overheating and gives you a worry free cooking experience. It also contains a sliding handle switch that can easily open and close the floating hinge.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, Adjustable temperature, easy to clean
CONS: Non-removable plates, Not for International use
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9. Tibek Sandwich Maker
- Best for: Sandwich and waffle maker
- Dimensions:2 x 4.9 x 4 inches 8.5 pounds
- Power: 1200 watts
- Plates removable: Yes
- Warranty: 2 year warranty.
From waffles to grilling steaks, this compact sandwich maker has interchangeable plates that can help create any meal. With 3 different removable plates you can cook with easy clean up and have the maker heated in just 2-3 minutes. Its powerful cooking abilities contain 5 gears of controlled temperature and heats up ready to cook in 2-3 minutes. It is easy to adjust the temperature to get the best results for your recipe. It is portable and versatile. All the parts are BPA free and are easy to clean with a high quality non-stick coating on the plates, it can repel water and oil.
PROS: Nonstick, easy to clean, LED indicator, interchangeable plates, Temperature control
CONS: no on/off switch, difficult to adjust heat
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10. Chefman Electric Panini Press Grill
- Best for: Grilling burgers, sandwiches, vegetables
- Dimensions: 13 x 10 x 4 inches 4 pounds
- Power: 1000 watts
- Plates removable: Yes
- Warranty: 1 year limited warranty.
Easy to clean up and skid resistant, this sandwich maker is great for small kitchens, dorm rooms and traveling. Its compact size can create a quick meal without the mess. This press will create crisp cooked recipes without using cooking spray. Designed to make up to two sandwiches and to accommodate a variety of food. The press was built with a slight tilt to allow the grease to drain forward into the drip pan.
PROS: Nonstick, cool to touch handle, floating hinges
CONS: No on/off switch, no temperature control, non-removable plates
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11. Kealive Panini Press Grill
- Best for: Sandwich Maker, Grilling
- Dimensions:6 x 3.94 x 12.6 inches 6.5 pounds
- Power: 1200 watts
- Plates removable: No
- Warranty: 30 day money back guarantee, 1 year warranty and lifetime support.
With its non-stick coating, you can make a sandwich or burger in minutes. From creating Panini’s to making pancakes you can cook and clean up with ease. Its spacious cooking plates allow for 4 slices to be made at a time or 6 Panini style bread. The non-stick grilling surface allows for clean up to be easy by brushing or wiping off debris. The drip tray catches excess fat and liquids to allow for an easy disposal of waste. BPA free, made with ceramic and a copper titanium non-stick coating. Its durability and high cooking ability allow the press to cook quickly.
PROS: Nonstick, heat resistant housing, cover lock, dishwasher safe, anti slip
CONS: Non-removable plates, difficult to clean
How to Use A Sandwich Maker
Using these sandwich makers can vary, but yet are very basic. All of the sandwich press machines in our top 11 list use standard outlet plug in power cords. Below you can find the steps one needs to take to begin cooking with a sandwich press.
- Depending on the appliance you have chosen there may or may not be an on/off switch. Most of the makers above do not require a turn on button. They began heating up once the maker is plugged in, so caution must be observed.
- If your machine has a temperature control, now is the time you will set it to the necessary temperature to preheat for the specific meal you are making.
- If using your maker for the first time, lightly brush the plates with oil or butter. Close the lid while allowing the maker to preheat.
- Again depending on the maker you have look for the lite or sound indicator that notifies you when the maker has heated to the accurate temperature.
- Open your maker and place your selected food onto the bottom plate and close the maker shut. If your maker has a lock function, secure and fasten the lock.
- With most recipes for a sandwich, cooking time should be approximately between 4-6 minutes. Listen or look for the indicator signal that will alert you once the meal is ready.
- Once the meal is ready, unhinge the lock and/or open the press. Do not use a metal utensil to remove the food from the plates. Using metal may scratch and damage the non-stick coating of the plates. Rather use wooden, silicone or plastic utensils to remove the item.
- Once all food is removed close the lid and unplug the machine to allow it to cool before cleaning.
Recipes to Make on A Sandwich Maker
Most sandwich makers can make more than sandwiches and Panini’s. They are very versatile in creating a wide range or recipes using a variety or fruit, vegetables and meats. A very simple recipe you can make on your sandwich maker is caramelized bananas. You can use these for a simple breakfast topping them with peanut butter or placing them into oatmeal. Some makers even allow for eggs and/or omelets’ can be created on certain plates. Pancakes and waffles are on the top or the list when it comes to creating alternative recipes. Before making meat dishes on your maker, make sure it is equipped with a drip tray so that the drip tray will catch the grease. This leads us into the next few recipes. Most of the makers make great indoor grills. Grilling meats such as burgers, bacon, steak, sausages and many other meat type recipes. The nonstick coating allows for the cookers to easily cook a variety of meats and seafood. Getting back into something more simple, creating quesadillas are also a great way to use your sandwich maker. Whatever you choose to use your maker for, know that there are numerous recipes out there to meet your food needs. A sandwich maker is a great addition to any kitchen or dorm room.
FAQs About Sandwich Maker
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A: After using the appliance, allow it to cool. Make sure the appliance is unplugged and never submerge the appliance. Do not use hard abrasive cleaning tools or harsh cleaners. Start by wiping the plates with a paper towel. If not all the debris comes off, place a small amount of oil on the plates and allow it to set for 10 minutes. This should take off any leftover debris. Use a damp cloth to remove all the oil and debris. Dry with a soft cloth and store safely.
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[su_spoiler title=”Q: Is there anything I should do before I use my sandwich maker for the first time?“]
A: Before using your maker for the first time, lightly dust off any dust that might be on the maker and lightly brush the plates with a small amount of oil.
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[su_spoiler title=”Q: How much electricity does a sandwich maker use?“]
A: Sandwich makers require anywhere from 600 to 2000 watts of energy. The average maker requires 1200 watts.
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[su_spoiler title=”Q: My sandwich maker is emitting smoke, is this normal?“]
A: When using your appliance for the first time, it is possible that the appliance may omit an odor or light smoke. This is due to the components heating up for the firs time. If the smoking continues unplug and discontinue use of the product.
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[su_spoiler title=”Q: When is my sandwich maker ready for use?“]
A: Depending on your maker, there may be a LED and/or sound indicator, alerting once the maker is ready for your specific recipe.
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[su_spoiler title=”Q: Should I grease a sandwich maker if it has non-stick plates?“]
A: Before adding food to the maker, adding a small amount of oil or butter to the plates will allow for easier clean up after the food has cooked. Although it is not required, it is recommended.
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Conclusion
To conclude, choosing the right maker all depends on your needs and requirements, as all the top 11 makers have their benefits. Make sure that the one you choose can fit in your home and can create all the recipes you have in mind. Choose something that is fully functional by choosing a maker where all the pieces can be used and is user friendly. Use our list to guide you through the best models on the market!
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