The very best sandwich presses for 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.

“This grill is fantastic,” wrote a five-star reviewer on Appliances Online. “Love the changeable non-stick grill plates, which are easy to remove, clean and they cook the food beautifully. Many uses — toasted sandwiches, paninis, waffles, pancakes, eggs, meat and vegetables.”

“There’s a wide selection of heat temperature choices and a top plate height adjustment for thicker sandwiches and burgers. Really enjoying experimenting with this sturdy, trusty product. Happy and pleased with my choice of this Breville product.”

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:

• $319.20 (usually $399) from Amazon
• $319.20 (usually $399) from Myer
• $339 from Bing Lee
• $369 from The Good Guys
• $399 from Breville

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,” said a reviewer who left five stars at Myer. “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:

• $215.20 (usually $269) from Myer
• $215.20 (usually $269) from Amazon
• $219 (usually $269) from Appliances Online
• $249 from The Good Guys
• $269 from Big W

Standout features: 3 interchangeable plates (jaffles, paninis and waffles)

This device has your breakfast, lunch and snack cravings covered. One appliance, three ways to use it — jaffles, paninis and waffles — what more could you want? The die-cast aluminium plates heat evenly for that perfect crunch, while the non-stick coating means no scraping or soaking required. And if your batter overflows, the built-in moat catches it, transforming it into extra crispy bites. Win-win.

Kitchen Warehouse customers love the Wolstead Pro for its convenience. One customer said: “This has been the best purchase, the multi plates are so handy. It is used a lot in my house,” while another complimented its easy-to-remove plates: “Love it. Combining waffle maker and sandwich press — great combo!”

Colour: Black

Key features:

• Three interchangeable plates
• Even heat distribution for a crispy, golden finish
• Non-stick coating
• Waffle plate moat catches extra batter for crunchy edges
• Temperature indicator light
• 12-month warranty with a 90-day money-back guarantee

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.

The sandwich press has over 300 five-star reviews on The Good Guys, with one customer writing: “This easy-to-use Breville sandwich press is one of the best I have ever bought. It is perfect if you don’t have a lot of storage room, as the smaller press doesn’t take up a lot of room.”

Another added: “This toasted sandwich maker cooks a perfect toastie each time, heats up quickly and is so easy to clean. Just a wipe with a damp cloth is all it needs.”

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:

• $64 (usually $89.95) from Amazon
• $65 from Bing Lee
• $87.96 (usually $109.95) from Myer
• $89 (usually $119) from David Jones
• $109 from Appliances Online

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

The Russell Hobbs sandwich press is the real deal for serious toastie lovers. With a hefty 2100W of power, it crisps up to four slices of bread quickly, promising a perfectly golden bite every single time. The floating hinge adjusts to the thickness of your bread, and it even locks shut for easy vertical storage.

Over 250 reviewers at The Good Guys gave this sandwich presser five stars, 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:

• $54 from Amazon
• $59 from Betta Home Living
• $89 from Woolworths

Standout features: 4 slice capacity, compact design

This pick isn’t just for classic ham and cheese — it can handle 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.

274 out of 284 (96 per cent) of Myer reviewers recommend this product, with one customer posting: “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.”

A second person wrote: “Bought as a replacement for my very old press. 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:

• $79.96 (usually $99.95) from Amazon
• $89 from Bing Lee
• $99 from The Good Guys
• $99 from Betta Home Living

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:

• $47.96 (usually $69.95) from Amazon
• $59 from Bing Lee
• $69 from The Good Guys
• $69 from Betta Home Living