The way we work has changed forever, and for a lot of us, that means that setting up a makeshift office on our kitchen table is normal. We're pretty used to it now. One benefit of working from home is that we have more time to prepare lunch. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or something more challenging like making pasta, we’re trying it all.
Making a tasty treat doesn’t have to take the whole of your lunch hour, especially when you invest in one of the best sandwich toasters. These will allow you to create the perfect panini or toastie from your own kitchen with minimal effort.
Related: The best waffle makers
We've rounded up the best-rated sandwich toasters on the web, as well as some of our experts have tested themselves. Great lunches await you!
The best sandwich makers
1 of 6George Foreman 25800 Small Fit Grill
This little appliance is great for houses without loads of counter space, as it tucks away neatly into a cupboard. It's easy to use and comes with a drip tray to catch any rogue cheese or fat. You can cook more than just toasties in it, so it's a brilliant multi-use tool.Key specifications:760W25.6 x 19.3 x 7.7cmVertical storage with cord wrapSpeedy heat upNon-stick coatingTried and tested, 2020, Jade Moscrop, Commercial Content Writer:"If it's just one sandwich or panini you're making, this grill is the ideal size. It heats up super quickly so there's no waiting around and is really easy to clean with a cloth afterwards. I find that I need to put something on top of the lid to really get that sealed in perfect toastie (my choice is a large tub of peanut butter), but it cooks evenly. The lid gets quite hot, so don't attempt to push it down yourself. For the price, I can't complain."
2 of 6Breville VST057 2 Portion Sandwich Toaster
Do you have some left-over baguette from a BBQ? Transform the carby goodness into a panini. This will save you a trip to the supermarket on your lunch.Key specifications: 1080WHandle locking clipNon-stickReheat functionCord storageManufacturer's one-year guarantee
3 of 6NoStik Toastie Toaster Sleeves
Are you looking for a cheap way to update your sandwich? The NoStik Toastie Toaster Sleeves from John Lewis & Partners transforms an ordinary ham and cheese sandwich and takes it to another level. Key specifications: Set of twoH17 x W14cmDishwasher safeSafe to 260°CDon't use with sharp utensils
4 of 6Tower Mini Panini Press Grill
Do you live at home alone or just with your partner? A mini panini grill is a handy kitchen tool, which will help you create tasty snacks quickly. Sandwiches aren't the only thing you can make with this machine, try grilling off some vegetables to accompany your dinner. Key specifications: Automatic temperature control28.8 x 24.6 x 11.2 cm700WOne-year guarantee or get extended two-year warranty upon registration.
5 of 6George Foreman Large Red Steel Grill
Everybody should own at least one handy kitchen appliance that does almost anything, and that's exactly what a George Foreman grill does. Create everything from delicious waffles to mouthwatering burgers and sausages. Key specifications: Easy to clean37.1 x 37.9 x 10.7 cmReady to cook indicator lightsTwo-year guarantee, plus one-year when you register it online
6 of 6Salter EK3677 Handbag Style Toastie Maker
So, if you think that your average ham and cheese sarnie needs an upgrade, why not spice it up with a Salter Handbag Toaster? It comes in super handy...**Key Specifications:**Stylish Design27.5 x 26.1 x 12 cmCompact and easy to storeReady to cook indicator lights
£27.99
Figured out which toastie maker you want to buy? Perfect. Now, let's talk cooking inspiration.
So you don't spend your whole lunch hour Googling what to make, we've found a magnificent sandwich toaster recipe for you to follow. You're welcome!
Our favourite sandwich toaster recipe
The Reuben sandwich
Ingredients needed
Dressing:
One tbsp of mayonnaise
One tbsp of tomato ketchup
One tsp of horseradish sauce
A dash of hot sauce
A dash of Worcestershire sauce
One tsp of finely chopped shallots
Two cornichon or half a dill pickle, finely chopped
A pinch of of hot paprika
Sandwich:
Two slices of light rye bread or sourdough
Two/three slices of salt beef
A few slices of Swiss cheese, such as emmental or gruyère
Two/three tbsp of sauerkraut
Pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper
Dill pickles to serve with
Instructions
- Mix together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl, then season with salt and pepper.
- Make sure to butter both sides of your bread then place the dressing and other ingredients inside.
- Heat your sandwich maker and place the sandwich inside. Leave to cook for three to four minutes and then serve with dill pickles.
Recipe from the BBC
How to use a sandwich maker
Every sandwich toaster is different, so the best way to use your sandwich maker will be to check the instructions provided. Follow each step, to begin with, and with a little experimentation, you'll figure out all the tips and tricks to get the perfect toasted sandwich.
Top tip: butter both sides of the bread to make your sandwich extra crispy.
Can you wash a sandwich toaster?
You will need to wash the plates of the sandwich maker after every use to keep it in tip-top condition and to stop it from becoming grimy and gross. Before you start to clean, make sure you turn it off and unplug it from the mains. Only begin cleaning once the machine is completely cool.
Once cool, you'll be able to clean the sandwich maker with warm soapy water. Some sandwich toasters will have removable plates that may be dishwasher safe - always check the instructions before attempting to clean.
Can sandwich makers create waffles?
Yes indeed, some sandwich makers can make waffles. However, these sandwich makers will need to use a waffle plate. If you can't get a waffle plate for your brand, then you won't be able to make them, unfortunately.
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Lily Anderson is a writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s The Best and Mother&Baby.
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