The very best sandwich presses to serve up crispy, golden toasties at home

Standout features: One-touch pre-sets, independent plate temperature control, open flat BBQ mode

If you’re tired of soggy bread and lukewarm fillings, the Breville Sear & Press handles everything from crispy paninis to perfectly seared steaks and golden waffles. With independent plate control and a BBQ mode that doubles your cooking space, it’s like having a mini barbecue right on your countertop. The ceramic plates also mean more browning, better crusts and way less scrubbing.

Five-star reviewers rave about its versatility, easy cleaning and reliable results. As one Myer reviewer put it: “This grill is amazing. The ability to completely open out to a BBQ type grill is awesome. My last Breville grill lasted 11 years. This one is so much better and hopefully [has] the same longevity.”

Over on Amazon, a recent Aussie shopper posted: “My husband is having fun discovering all the features. Works great, easy to clean. Makes a variety of meals not just toasted sandwiches. Highly recommend.”

Colour: Brushed stainless steel

Key features:

• One-touch pre-sets for paninis, burgers and searing
• Opens flat for a 1500 cm² BBQ-style grill surface
• Independent temperature control for each plate
• Reversible ceramic plates for grilling, griddling and waffles
• No-Mess Moat design keeps waffle batter spills contained
• PFOA and PTFE-free non-stick coating
• Adjustable plate tilt for draining fat or cooking flat
• Dishwasher-safe removable plates

Also available at:

• $399 at Amazon
• $299 at Bing Lee
• $399 $333 at Appliances Online
• $335 at Big W
• $399 $365.99 at Robins Kitchen
• $379 at The Good Guys

Standout features: 5-in-1 functionality, deep pan attachment

The Cuisinart Griddler & Deep Pan is a true multitasker, swapping between grilling, griddling and even deep pan cooking. Featuring precise temperature control via its LCD display and dishwasher-safe plates, it streamlines both meal prep and clean-up. From pizzas to desserts, this all-in-one gadget truly earns its place front and centre on the kitchen bench.

“Fantastic Christmas present to myself,” shared a five-star reviewer on the Myer website. “Bought a second one for my son. Easy to operate, easy to clean, fabulous, compact yet sturdy design. No flip-floppy bits. Certainly worthy of its Cuisinart branding. Couldn’t recommend it more highly – fabulous. P.S. I don’t like cooking.”

Colour: Stainless steel

Key features:

• LCD display with temperature control and timer
• Click-out, dishwasher-safe non-stick plates
• Removable stainless steel handles
• Unique deep pan for everything from stews to cakes
• 240V power
• Three-year warranty

Also available at:

• $269 at Amazon
• $269 $215.95 at Kitchen Warehouse
• $249 at The Good Guys
• $269.50 at Big W

Standout features: 2000W fast heating, 3-position adjustable lid, dedicated on/off switch

With 2000W of power, this sandwich press hits temperature faster than most of its competitors, meaning less time staring at the ready light and more time eating. Its real party trick, however, is the three-position adjustable lid; you can hover it just above your sourdough for a perfect open melt or lock it down for a traditional pressed panini.

One feature that Aussie reviewers consistently flag as a win is the dedicated on/off switch on the side. It sounds simple, but in the world of sandwich presses (where you’re usually forced to pull the plug at the wall to stop the heat), it’s a massive win.

“Love our new machine,” shared a Myer reviewer. “It is super simple to use and clean and can be stored on its side out of the way. We have only used it for sandwiches but it cooks evenly with a lovely crisp finish. Nothing falls out or sticks. Recommended for all your toastie treats.”

Colour: Black/stainless steel

Key features:

• 2000W power for rapid heat-up and consistent searing
• 3 adjustable lid heights (including a melt position for open-faced snacks)
• Large 29cm x 26cm surface fits up to four sandwiches or six servings of protein
• Dedicated on/off switch for better safety and heat control
• Removable, dishwasher-safe juice tray to catch fats and crumbs
• Vertical storage design with cord wrap and plate locker
• 12-month manufacturer’s warranty

Also available at:

• $110 $88 at Spotlight
• $99 at Big W
• $159 $119 at David Jones
• $119.95 at Tefal
• $139 at Woolworths

Standout features: Adjustable height, non-stick surface, warm-up lights

This Breville presser is here to make sure you get your toasties just right. Its adjustable height control gives you the flexibility to toast bread of all shapes and sizes, or go the open melt route if you’re feeling fancy. With a two-slice capacity, it’s perfect for a quick and simple lunch.

Almost 80 per cent of 785 global Amazon reviewers gave it a five-star rating. “Very simple but effective sandwich toaster,” said one. “There is no need to look further – it does a brilliant job. We now have three of these pressers – one at home and two down at our holiday coast house. Over the years we’ve never had a problem and they’re very easy to clean (we just wipe down with a paper towel). For the price it’s a bargain and I’m sure you will enjoy their convenience as much as we do.”

Another added: “My mum was rather upset when her sandwich press died as she said it worked well and was easy to clean and she probably won’t be able to find another one she likes. I bought this for her as a replacement and she has been raving about it since. She said it is so much better than her old one. It’s nice and big, but not too big, easy to clean, and makes perfect toasties every time.”

Colour: Silver

Key features:

• Adjustable height control for various sandwich sizes
• Non-stick plates
• Warm-up and ready lights
• Two-slice capacity
• PFOA-free coating

Also available at:

• $78 at Bing Lee
• $79.95 at Breville
• $89 at The Good Guys
• $109.95 at Myer
• $119 at David Jones
• $119 at Appliances Online

Standout features: High power (2100W), multiple slice capacity

If you’ve got a hungry household (or just love a late-night snack), this press means business. With room for four toasties and serious heat power, it gets the job done fast. The floating hinge also adjusts to thick sandwiches and locks shut for easy storage.

Over 300 reviewers at The Good Guys said this model from Russell Hobbs deserved a perfect five-star score, writing that it’s easy to use, quick to heat up and “very versatile.” Many mention its ability to make “great toasties” and appreciate its “lovely colour and nice design.”

They also describe it as a “reliable, easy to use product” and a “great value sturdy workhorse.” Some even use it beyond bread, with one saying: “I’ve even toasted a steak, as well as a bacon and egg sanger.”

Colour: Red

Key features:

• 2100W for fast, consistent toasting
• Floating hinge adjusts to different bread thicknesses
• Non-stick plates for easy cleaning
• Indicator lights
• Lockable design for vertical storage

Also available at:

• $59 at Amazon
• $59 at Betta
• $65.50 at Woolworths
• $89 at Big W

Standout features: Three sets of plates for paninis, jaffles and waffles

If you’re craving a classic jaffle or something easy for dessert, this small but mighty sandwich press has you covered, with easily switchable plate sets to create crispy toasties and paninis, comforting jaffles and easy waffles.

“Does great toasties and also waffles as well,” one customer shared in a five-star review at The Good Guys, where it has a 4.4-star average from over 40 customers. “Easy to use. We just purchased pancake mix and make the mix thicker than normal and it made yummy waffles. Also does jaffles as well.”

“This toasty machine is great, and as described,” added a recent Amazon reviewer. “We love how crispy they can get and are able to make four at once. It is also easy to clean.”

Colour: Black, silver

Key features:

• Removable plates for paninis, jaffles and waffles
• Non-stick plates with even heating for perfect results
• Easy lock system and built-in cord storage for convenience
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty

Also available at:

• $69 at Amazon
• $129 at Big W
• $129 at Woolworths

Standout features: 4 slice capacity, compact design

This pick isn’t just for classic ham and cheese – it can cook everything from thick café-style toasties to grilled steaks and crispy fritters. The secret? An adjustable height control lever that lets you cook without squishing your food. It heats up fast, cleans up easily and tucks away neatly.

374 out of 388 (96 per cent) of Myer reviewers recommend this product. One customer wrote: “Great sandwich press that is very versatile. My family love it for toasties, burgers, bacon and anything else you can grill. Easy to wipe clean and stow away.”

Bought as a replacement for my very old press,” shared another. “The height lever is a great function, breads of different thicknesses can be accommodated easily. So easy to clean. Compact and quick heating of cooking plates.”

Colour: Silver

Key features:

• Adjustable height control for perfectly toasted sandwiches and more
• Plenty of room for four sandwiches at once
• Heats up in just two minutes
• Non-stick plates and curved corners
• Stands upright with a built-in cord wrap

Also available at:

• $99.95 at Myer
• $88 at Bing Lee
• $99 at Betta
• $99 at The Good Guys
• $99.95 at Kitchen Warehouse

Standout features: 2-in-1 sandwich press and contact grill

Another solid pick from Sunbeam, this two-slice toastie maker gives you the same versatility as its siblings in a more compact size. The adjustable height control means you can toast thick sandwiches, grill steaks, or cook up a full breakfast without squishing a thing. It heats up fast, cleans up easily and doesn’t take up much space – perfect for quick meals and small kitchens.

“I purchased this as the family enjoy toasted sandwiches,” said a five-star Myer reviewer. “My old one was from Kmart…it was fine but this is fantastic. It’s hard to believe how much nicer they are and the griddle press mark that’s left on the toast looks very professional. It cooks to perfection and makes me very happy! Highly recommend for young and old.”

Colour: Silver

Key features:

• Adjustable height control for grilling, searing and toasting without flattening food
• Heats up in two minutes with even heat distribution
• Non-stick coating and curved plate edges
• Stands upright for easy storage with a built-in cord wrap

Also available at:

• $68 at Amazon
• $68 at Bing Lee
• $69 at Betta
• $69 at The Good Guys
• $69.95 at David Jones
• $69.95 at Kitchen Warehouse