How to choose a sandwich maker: important features and model reviews

A sandwich maker or a sandwich maker is a fairly simple kitchen device that allows you to prepare a hot sandwich breakfast in a matter of minutes. There are many options for such devices, and in order to choose a reliable model, it is important to be guided by a number of parameters, which will be discussed later.

Parameters for choosing the type of device

Many people choose a sandwich maker based only on cost, but it is recommended that you first decide what tasks you set for the device. This will decide which models to choose from. So, to determine the type of sandwich maker, it is worth considering 5 parameters.

Power

There are devices with three powers:

• small - 600 watts;
• medium - up to 850 watts;
• powerful - over 850 watts.

The higher the power, the faster the sandwich will be fried. So, with a power of 850 W, a sandwich will be prepared in 30 seconds, and at 650 W - in a minute (you need to take into account that ready-made products that do not require long preparation are taken in the preparation of dishes!).

Of course, the difference of a few seconds / minutes is not so significant, but the difference in price can vary by a thousand rubles or more. On the other hand, if you do not confine yourself to simple sandwiches, but want to cook Viennese waffles, cookies, shawarma and other delicacies, it is better to purchase a more powerful device. As a rule, a sandwich maker of medium power is the best option.

Spaciousness

Depending on how many sandwiches you want to cook at a time, the number of shapes (compartments) will be determined:

• if cooking only for yourself, choose a model with 2 compartments;
• for a family of 3-4 people, a device with 4 forms is suitable;
• If you want to pamper yourself and guests with a variety of sandwich delights, choose a device with 8 compartments.

Branch Form

Here the choice is made based on personal bread preferences. Love the loaves - a model with round plates is suitable. Making bread toast sandwiches? Get a sandwich maker with triangular or square plates.

Body material

Two types are widespread - plastic and stainless steel. The first ones look bright, and in terms of cost they are often inferior to their peers, in fact, as well as in quality. On plastic, scratches are more possible, and even such a sandwich maker is poorly protected from impacts. In addition, often plastic models do not completely close, which allows the filling to flow out. Cheap models from unknown manufacturers may have an unpleasant synthetic smell.

Sandwiches with a stainless steel case have more significant advantages. They include not only durability, but also shockproof. Such characteristics compensate for the relatively high cost.

Additional devices

They should be paid attention to when it is intended to use the device not only in the preparation of sandwiches. So, you can buy a sandwich maker with auxiliary removable devices:

• plate for making Viennese (soft) wafers;
• nozzles for cooking omelet, shawarma, hot dog with sausages and other dishes;
• nozzles for the preparation of cookies in the form of nuts with condensed milk.

It is worth noting that there are “3 in 1” models - with the function of a waffle iron and grill, as well as “4 in 1” - in addition, they are equipped with the “hazel” option.

Quality characteristics

Having decided on what type of sandwich maker you need, you can choose a quality model based on the following important characteristics:

• Auto Overheat Protection. The sandwich maker must be heated to a certain permissible temperature. This not only protects the prepared sandwiches from burning, but also does not allow heating of the device itself.
• Insulating handles and housing. Models of the device with the presence of a thermal insulation layer are much safer, since the likelihood of burns during cooking is minimized.
• Thermostat. Adjusting the temperature will allow you to cook not only sandwiches, but also other dishes. In addition, thanks to this function, you can heat already cooked dishes to the desired temperature.
• Safe lock. During cooking, the top and bottom panels must be connected securely and firmly. This not only protects the cook from burns, but also prevents the food from getting enough sleep or spreading during cooking.
• Work indicators. There are only two of them: one indicates inclusion (red color), and the other indicates readiness (green color). So, there is no need to stand near the appliance and control the cooking process so as not to overdry or overcook the sandwich. It’s enough to focus on indicators.
• Cord Length & Compartment. Often manufacturers make the cord no more than 50 cm. If proximity to the outlet is important to you, pay attention to this item. It is worth considering that if you choose a device with a long cord, then it must have a compartment for storing it.
• Leg shape and material. They ensure the stability of the device on a table or countertop. So, it is worth choosing models with rubberized legs. They are stable and do not slip on the surface.

Sandwiches with a timer, auto power off, and even a display that displays cooking information are also on the market. Such additions significantly affect the cost, so it is worth starting from your own financial capabilities.

Browse Popular Models

The models most demanded by buyers can be found in the table below:

Model	Benefits	disadvantages
Magio MG-362N	Sandwich maker with non-stick coating made of black heat-resistant plastic and with a metal plate for grilling. Its power is 780 watts (you can bake 4 sandwiches at the same time). Thanks to a secure latch during cooking, the filling does not leak. The device has a heating and standby indicator, as well as a heat-resistant handle.	There are no interchangeable plates and the ability to adjust the temperature. Some users note that when cooking it smells strongly of scorched plastic, but the smell gradually disappears.
Russell Hobbs Cook @ Home 17936-56	A 700-watt stainless steel appliance in which 4 sandwiches can be baked. There is only one non-stick plate. There are indicators on the case, and the handle is heat-resistant.	There is no temperature controller. According to some reviews, part of the handle near the latch breaks quickly. There is no sound signal of readiness.
Redmond RSM-M1403	Black sandwich maker made of plastic with a metal coating and a capacity of 700 watts. Unlike previous models, it has 3 plates - for making a sandwich, waffles and various grilled dishes. The appliance is equipped with an LED heating indicator and an audible readiness indicator. An additional advantage is the presence of anti-slip legs.	High equipment of the device affects the cost - it amounts to 3,000 rubles. Users also note that the device heats up quickly, so it is impossible to press the latch to open and not get burned. So, you have to wait for cooling.
Travola SW868	3-in-1 sandwich maker for 750 watt wafers and sandwiches. Unlike other models, it is more compact - you can prepare 2 sandwiches at a time. The device is equipped with a thermostat.	Fragile plastic housing, (often cracking). The non-stick coating is thin and begins to lag after a few preparations. A drawback for some may be a short cord (50-70 cm).
Moulinex SW2802	This is a bright yellow sandwich maker with a power of 850 watts, so dishes will be prepared in a matter of minutes. In the kit there are 2 sets of removable plates - for 4 triangular sandwiches and 2 soft thick wafers. The device is equipped with light indicators of inclusion and heating.	The waffle maker snaps badly, so there is a chance that the dough will leak.

Video: choosing a sandwich maker

The program “Quality Formula” describes in detail sandwiches, as well as how to choose the perfect model:

When choosing a sandwich maker, the following video will come to the rescue, in which 3 different models are visually compared - Redmond, Moulinex and Tefal:

The sandwich maker will be an excellent assistant in the kitchen, with which you can cook fast and tasty breakfasts, as well as desserts and snacks. Taking into account simple recommendations, you can choose a model with an ideal price-quality ratio.