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.

Five-star reviewers rave about its versatility, easy cleaning and reliable results. As one Appliances Online reviewer put it: “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:

• $361 (usually $399) from Appliances Online
• $366 from Bing Lee
• $379 from The Good Guys
• $389 (usually $399) from Breville
• $399 from Myer

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:

• $215.20 (usually $269) from Amazon
• $218 (usually $269) from Appliances Online
• $249 from The Good Guys
• $269 from Myer
• $269 from Big W

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

One appliance, three cravings sorted — that’s the idea behind the Wolstead Pro Vario. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic jaffle, a crispy waffle or a gooey toastie, just swap the plates and you’re good to go. Bonus points for the smart moat that turns batter spills into crunchy edges.

Kitchen Warehouse customers love the Wolstead Pro’s convenience and flexibility. One shopper 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.

Over 81 per cent of 708 global Amazon reviewers gave it a five-star rating. “Very simple but effective sandwich toaster,” someone posted. “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:

• $79 from Bing Lee
• $89 from The Good Guys
• $109.95 from Myer
• $119 from Appliances Online
• $119 from David Jones

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 270 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:

• $55 (usually $59.95) from Amazon
• $59 from Betta Home Living

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.

332 out of 343 (97 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:

• $88 (usually $99.95) from Amazon
• $88 (usually $99) from Betta Home Living
• $99 from The Good Guys
• $99.95 from Myer

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