I tested the best toastie makers and you’ll be surprised what some models can do – the winner costs less than £20
GOOEY cheese sandwiches are the ultimate lunchtime luxury during wintery weather.
But you will need the perfect sandwich toaster to make them.
The best toasted sandwiches should offer crisp, toasted bread on the outside and hot melted cheese on the inside.
Some trendy new toastie makers even make paninis and waffles.
Here mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, tries out some of the best-sellers and rates her favourites.
Presto by Tower 2 Slice Sandwich Toaster
£15.99, towerhousewares.co.uk
Lynsey says: “This stands upright which I found quite handy for storing it.
“It heats the top and bottom so there is no need to keep flipping your sarnie over while it is cooking.
“It has lights which show when it’s turned on and when it reaches the optimum temperature for cooking. Made a tasty sarnie. No complaints at all.”
RATING: 6/10
Logik Stainless Steel Sandwich Maker
£12.99, currys.co.uk
Lynsey says: “This is quite small and sometimes cheese and fillings would spill out down the side if I overfilled the toastie.
“It took a while to warm up too. It’s a great price at Curry’s though and very easy to use and clean.
“A good choice if you don’t like to stuff your toastie too full.”
RATING: 8/10
Judge Sandwich Toaster
£22.50, judge.co.uk
Lynsey says: “I tried using chunky slices of bread in this but then struggled to close the lid and had to stand holding it down, so you’ll need to use standard slices.
“I liked the sleek, stainless steel design. It heated up quickly and had a light to show when it had reached optimum toasting temperature.
“It could make two sandwiches at the same time but was still relatively compact for storage. The non-stick toasting plates were easy to clean, too.”
RATING: 8/10
Cuisinart Deep Filled Sandwich Maker
£80, cuisinart.co.uk
Lynsey says: “Loved the deep fill sandwich plates on this state-of-the-art maker which can accommodate the thickest slices of bread, even focaccia and hand-sliced bread.
“The toasties from this were perfectly cooked and the cheese melted perfectly.
“It’s not just for sarnies either. You can also use it to make French toast, omelettes, pasties and calzones!
“It couldn’t be easier to clean. The non-stick plates can be removed and go in the dishwasher.
“Loved it, but it’s expensive, which is why it’s not a 10/10.”
RATING: 9/10
VonShef 2 Slice Deep Fill Sandwich Maker
£21.99, vonhaus.com
Lynsey says: “Cooks two toasties at once and is deep fill if you like lots of fillings.
“The non-stick plates were easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth.
“Overall, I was really impressed with this model. I still struggled to squeeze in wider slices of bread, but you could stuff them quite full for a tasty sarnie.”
RATING: 7/10
Breville Sandwich Toaster and Toastie Maker
£19.99, amazon.co.uk
Lynsey says: “Incredibly simple to use. Turn it on and the orange light appears to show the machine is heating up.
“Pop your sandwich in when it turns green and lunch is ready in just four or five minutes.
“It was a bit fiddly to clean the plates as they couldn’t be removed but otherwise it was very straightforward. The locking clip worked well and was less fiddly than some others.”
RATING: 10/10
George Home Non-Stick Sandwich Toaster
£9, asda.com
Lynsey says: “This toaster is quite small and I struggled to fit in even a standard sized slice. I had to cut the crusts off to get the bread in.
“It was, however, so quick and easy to use and the rather small sarnie that came out was perfectly toasted and delicious.
“If making for kids, this is perfect, and for £9 you really can’t go wrong. Great budget item from Asda.”
RATING: 9/10
Quest 139 Sandwich Toaster
£17.58, amazon.co.uk
Lynsey says: “With its non-stick plates, this toastie maker allows you to make two toasties at the same time.
“It’s not huge, so look for a deeper model if you like to stuff your toastie with lots of ingredients.
“It doesn’t have any fancy accessories either, but it does what it says on the tin.
“It’s very basic, easy to use and made a decent cheese and ham toasted sandwich.
“However, I couldn’t really tell the difference between this and the £9 model from Asda, so if it’s basic you want, buy the cheaper one.”
RATING: 4/10