Sandwich Makers Buying Guide

On a cold and rainy day, is anything better than a warm, gooey grilled cheese  sandwich? But sometimes when make it in the toaster oven  or on the range,  it comes out far less than perfect. Consider upgrading to a sandwich maker,  an appliance dedicated to this exact problem. An electric sandwich maker perfectly presses the bread and its contents into a balanced, piping hot, delicious creation as extensive as your imagination.

Types

There are two basic types of sandwich makers available. The first is the familiar four triangles sandwich maker,  which makes two toasty sandwiches each halved diagonally. And for the budding chefs in all of us, there are panini presses,  which are similar to an indoor grill.  These small presses can bring the magic of an Italian cafe straight to your kitchen.

Four Triangles Sandwich Maker These are available in a variety of sizes, but the four triangle style is the most common. Has the advantage of sealing melted cheese and other ingredients in a pouch of bread. Less versatile than indoor grill or panini press styles. Excellent for grilled cheese sandwiches and homemade pizza pockets.  Great for making snacks, since individual sections are not that large.

Panini Press Are widely available in most stores and can be used for quesadillas. Great for a variety of sandwiches of different heights and sizes. Can be used similarly to an indoor grill,however, not all of them close all the way. Most have non-stick surfaces and are easy to clean.

Mickey Mouse Sandwich Makers  This press can make your sandwich look just like Mickey! If you want other options besides Disney, there are plenty of designs out there to choose from.	All-in-One Sandwich/Waffle Makers  If you make a lot of waffles and heated sandwiches, this is a great two-for-one deal. These models come with different plates that you can switch out depending on what you want to prepare.	Quesadilla Makers  Quesadillas can be hard to make on the stove top, especially when it comes to flipping them over. These can make your dish to perfection by thoroughly heating it and giving you a warm, cheesy snack.

What to Look For in a Sandwich Maker

• Capacity: Do you want to make only one sandwich at a time, or do you need the extra large four sandwich size?
• Ease of Cleaning:Is the interior surface removable for easy cleaning? Does it feature a non-stick finish? Is the whole unit dishwasher  safe?
• Variable Heat: Some models have more than one heat setting, allowing for a range of cooking temperatures. It gives you the most control from warming to cooking your sandwiches. It also gives you the possibility of using the sandwich maker to make waffles. 
• Timer: Some models have a timer, others do not. Decide how important it is to be able to walk away from the sandwich maker while doing something else.
• Optional Attachments: Some have additional inserts for waffles or cookies. 

Major Manufacturers

• Deni 
• Breadman 
• Delonghi 
• Villaware 
• T-Fal 
• Krups 
• Black and Decker 

Recommendations

Avante Sandwich Maker  This sandwich maker comes with pocket sandwich and waffle plates for the ultimate in versatility. A non-stick surface, easy-to-clean plates, and an indicator light when plates are ready to cook, gives you all of the features you need in a stellar sandwich maker.	Santa Fe Quesadilla Maker  Complete with power and ready lights, this quesadilla maker is cool to the touch and comes in a fun, bright red design. Non-stick coating and a drip tray make clean-up easy on this small, portable machine.

Related Guides

Indoor Grills Indoor grills can be useful for any type of weather and will still give your food that great grilled taste with less fuss and cleanup.	Waffle Makers After preparing a delicious batter, use your waffle maker to cook your breakfast - it will give you a crisp, delicious waffle.	Grills From small to large and gas-fueled to charcoal, check out your options for a great outdoor grill.	Kitchen Utensils If you plan on cooking alot, make sure you have everything you need to stock up your kitchen and make delectable dishes.	Electric Skillets and Woks Skillets and woks are great for preparing foods like stir fry as well as Chinese and Asian cuisine. Pick out the perfect model with our guide.

External Links

• Squidoo.com: Delicious panini recipes.