The sandwich press, that unsung hero of kitchen appliances, is a simple gadget but once you discover its full potential, you’ll use it every day.
What is a sandwich press?
A sandwich press is a countertop appliance designed to heat and grill sandwiches, although you can get creative with it and use it to cook and reheat a variety of foods. It generally comes in a 2-slice or 4-slice size and, while on the heavyish side, is still compact and easy to store when not in use.
How to use a sandwich press
Using a sandwich press could not be simpler. Plug it into power and wait for the green light on the appliance to indicate it’s ready for use. Place your sandwich on the bottom plate and close the top plate over it. The sandwich will be ready in about 3-5 minutes but this really depends on your personal preference, so check before you take it out. Use a spatula or silicone tongs to remove the sandwich – the aim is to not burn yourself or scratch the surface of the plates. Once done, unplug from the power and let the appliance cool down.
What can you cook in a sandwich press?
The most obvious use of a sandwich press is, well, to toast sandwiches made with any kind of bread you can think of (sourdough, rye, focaccia, Turkish, pita, wraps) and fillings limited only by your imagination.
One of our favourite toasted sandwiches is the classic Reuben, loaded with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut. Another great lunch option is this tuna, tzatziki and red onion toastie, while kids always love this simple peanut butter and banana version.
Apart from toasted sambos, you can also use your sandwich press to save time in the evening and make quick and easy dinners. We’re talking quesadillas, tortillas, gozleme and burritos.
We also love to use our sandwich press to quickly grill bacon, haloumi and vegetables (think thinly sliced zucchini, eggplant or even asparagus), which we then add to salads or other meals.
A sandwich press is also excellent for reheating leftovers, most notably pizza (so much better than a microwave!)
For loads more ideas on what you can cook in a sandwich press, check out our 38 recipes we love making in our sandwich press.
Can you cook pancakes in a sandwich press?
Yes, you definitely can. Prepare the pancake batter as you usually would and preheat your sandwich press well. Then, keeping the sandwich press open the whole time, lightly spray the bottom plate with oil and pour batter on it for as many pancakes as you can fit at a time. When ready to flip, use a silicone spatula to turn the pancakes over to finish off on the other side.
Can you cook eggs in a sandwich press?
You can cook eggs in a sandwich press either as an omlette or simply ‘fried’ (sunny side up). Preheat the sandwich press and spray the bottom plate with some oil. Crack an egg on it or pour the beaten egg and flip half way through to finish cooking.
Can you cook steak and chicken in a sandwich press?
Boneless cuts of meat including steak and chicken can be cooked in a sandwich press and turn out well due to the constant and even heat. You just have to make sure the meat, especially chicken, is thin enough to cook all the way through. Preheat and oil the sandwich press, season your steak or chicken and place on the bottom plate and then close the top plate over it. Leave in until the meat is tender and thoroughly cooked through.
How to clean a sandwich press
Once your sandwich press has cooled slightly after use, wipe it with a damp paper towel or a soft cloth. If there are any stubborn, crusty bits, you can reheat the sandwich press a little before cleaning or use soapy water. Never use bleach or abrasive cleaning substances or wipes as this will damage the non-stick coating.
Can you put foil in a sandwich press?
While there is nothing wrong with putting aluminium foil in a sandwich press, we’ve found that it can stick to certain breads. If you want to protect the plates and make the cleaning job easier, we recommend using baking paper instead.
What is the best sandwich press?
We’ve done all the research to make it easy for you to choose the right sandwich press for your needs. Based on price, reviews, expert recommendations and value for money, here are six best sandwich press options in Australia right now.
Our best sandwich press recipes
- Sunday night toastie sandwiches
- Hash brown Hawaiian toastie
- Reuben crumpet
- Apple, brie and honey ham panini
