Sandwich Presses

About Sandwich Makers

Sandwich presses are small home appliances designed to heat, toast, and grill different kinds of sandwiches. They consist of two hinged plates with long handles, typically made from cast iron or aluminium. The shape is mostly square but can also be found in concave and round designs. 

These handy devices come in severalseveral versions and nicknames: a pie iron, sandwich toaster, jaffle maker, or toastie maker—to name just a few. Most of them can work with all sorts of bread and any kind of fillings, from a common ham-and-cheese club sandwich to different creations with chicken or meat. 

The best sandwich presses can grill any creation, including hard crusts, thick slices of bread, multiple “floors”, and others. Some models can also be adjusted in height to melt open varieties. 

Sandwich grillers are similar to toasters in terms of having metal coils producing heat to brown the bread. These two kinds of appliances, however, are not identical and come with a variety of settings customised to fit the purpose. 

Advantages of Using a Sandwich Press

• Easy to use 
• Heats up quickly
• Allows experimenting with different types of bread and styles of snacks
• Budget-friendly: affordable to buy and good for using up leftovers from the fridge
• Allows for making quick desserts, such as a chocolate sandwich or crunchy strawberry croissant 
• Panini press allows large amounts of stuffing inside the sandwich
• Heavy-duty and durable, equipped with long-lasting plates

Types of Sandwich Makers

Panini Press

Panini press is a versatile device, designed with hot plates on top and bottom. This sandwich press grill can make a wide variety of combinations, sizes, and shapes. It can also replace small grills or bread toasters when needed.

Four-Triangle Sandwich Makers

The most common sandwich maker found in households is recognised by four square plates with a diagonal cut. It moulds and separates square slices into triangles while grilling them. For that purpose, the plates are usually tightly locked in place during the toasting process. 

Sandwich Maker Features

Power

Most toasted sandwich makers consume around 750 W of power. In general, the energy consumed is directly related to the number of slices. High-powered presses can heat up pretty fast and toast the sandwiches in a short time. 

Number of Slices

Sandwich grillers can take up to 8 slices, depending on the model. Devices from the medium-priced category typically accommodate two pieces. 

Plate Types

Sandwich presses are available with a number of different plates, such as grill plates, sandwich plates, non-stick plates, or a combination of these versions. 

Toaster grills with non-stick coating prevent cheeses, creamy pastes from food processors, and other ingredients from attaching when melted. They can also be cleaned faster and more efficiently than other models. 

Variety of Functions

Availability of functions is typically determined by brand and price. Certain sandwich makers can only crisp the bread slices by compressing them, while other models offer a range of extra features. Some higher-end designs are equipped with grilling, toasting and waffle making options, with a price tag to match the convenience. 

Sandwich Press Sizes

Standard sandwich presses come in two sizes, accommodating two or four slices of bread. Larger models are mostly affordable and available in a number of alternatives that can suit paninis, rustic bread slices from home bread makers, and more.

Care and Maintenance 

The appliance should be turned off and unplugged before wiping it down with a damp cloth. Cleaning the press while it’s still slightly warm is the easy way to remove any crumbs, greasy residue, and all the freshly spilt ingredients before they dry out and turn hard. 

The next step is to use a kitchen sponge lightly soaked in warm, soapy water. Gently rubbing the surface will release more stubborn food residue, especially from all grooves where fat typically gets trapped. The remaining soap suds can then be cleaned with a fresh, damp cloth.

If the plates are removable, it’s best to take them out before cleaning. Some plates are dishwasher-safe, but that depends on the manufacturer, coating type, and the base material. In general, it’s not recommended to soak the non-stick plates since that could result in damaging the protective film. 

Things to Consider Before Choosing a Toaster Grill

• Top plates: Presses that can lock in place at varying heights can be used for open melts, such as one slice of bread with cheese on top. Plates that lock tightly during the grilling process also prevent most of the sandwich content from leaking out.
• Removable plates: Many sandwich presses come with removable plates for easier cleaning.
• Cord storage: Having a place for a cord underneath the bottom plate keeps it conveniently out of the way when the device is not in use. 
• Storage latch: Locks the plates together for easy transport and vertical storage.
• Adjustable heat settings: Some models come with this convenient feature. Adjustable heat settings offer more versatility of use.
• Indicator lights: A device with “power on” and “ready” indicator lights is safer to use. It also indicates the ideal temperature to start grilling. 
• Finish: Most sandwich makers come with a polished, stainless steel finish. While its glossy appearance is modern and attractive, it shows fingerprints and stains more than a matte/brushed surface. Glass top or painted finishes are the easiest to keep clean.

If you need assistance to find the right sandwich presses for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.