Grill sandwich maker: types and instructions for use

Many people love fast food and sandwiches, which, unfortunately, can negatively affect your health. However, it is not necessary to categorically refuse quick snacks. The sandwich maker can turn the dry food into a healthier hot meal. Also, some models include waffle iron and grill functions, expanding the possibilities of using the appliances.

Today on the market there are a large number of professional electric grills with different functions. To make the right choice and buy a sandwich maker that is right for you, you should pay attention to a number of basic parameters.

First, you need to decide what kind of bread you will use. Some models are designed for frying regular bread only. Some are just for toaster bread. If the sandwich maker has square or triangular notches, then it implies the use of toast pieces. If the device has rounded slots, then it is suitable for using regular bread.

There are also universal models with a flat type of plates. However, their main disadvantage is that the filling can melt and spread over the sandwich maker.

There are several types of models of various capacities on the market. If you live alone, you can save some money and get a toaster with one or two compartments for sandwiches. But if your family includes more people, then such a small sandwich maker can only bring losses. You will lose time and money, because you will have to start the cooking process more than once, which will affect the consumption of electricity.

By size, there are 3 types of sandwich makers:

• small (1-2 sandwiches);
• medium (4 sandwiches);
• large (8 sandwiches).

The lack of a non-stick coating can ruin the user experience. The bread will burn and stick to the plates, and the remaining particles will cause unnecessary inconvenience due to the need to clean the surface. The best option in this case would be to purchase a sandwich maker with removable plates. This way you can clean the parts as quickly and efficiently as possible.

It is advisable that the plates are equipped with a lock. This is for your own safety: the plates are very hot and there is a danger of burns. If there are small children in the house, then blocking is a must.

These features can simplify the cooking process, although models with them are more expensive than those without them.

The process indicator keeps you informed of the cooking stage (heating / operating / ready). The indicator allows you not to follow the preparation of food, but to do other things, for example, getting ready for work. There are models with sound and light indicators on the market.

With the help of the timer, you can set the shutdown time of the device, which will save food from burning. In this case, you also do not have to follow the process.

Some models have a temperature controller in the arsenal of functions., thanks to which you can decide for yourself how hard your sandwich is fried.

The sandwich maker must "confidently" stand on the surface and not slide on it, otherwise it can negatively affect both the condition of the device and your health. Once again, it is worth noting that during cooking, the temperature of the plates rises greatly, and if they fall, they can burn those who will be nearby.

Accessories refers to the replacement plates supplied with the instrument. This allows you to use the device for preparing not only sandwiches, but also waffles. And with special grills, you can even cook meat and fish. Despite the high cost, such a device saves space in the house, because the "3 in 1" sandwich maker can replace both a waffle iron and a grill.

Power affects how quickly the plates heat up. The higher the power, the faster it warms up, which means the faster the food is cooked. Although this does not affect the quality of the finished sandwich, because it will be equally tasty both at the minimum 640 W and at the maximum 900 W.

By power, the models can be divided into 3 categories:

• low power (600-700 W);
• medium power (750-800 W);
• powerful (900 W and above).

On sale you can find models with two body options: metal and plastic. The former have greater strength, but at the same time they are more expensive and have a greater mass. Plastic ones are cheaper, but if dropped, such a device may fail. It should be noted that the press plates are always metal.

It is worth considering a few recommendations that will allow you make the use of the sandwich maker as comfortable as possible.

• Prepare the device before using it for the first time. Turn on and heat the sandwich maker (this will kill all microorganisms on the surface of the plates).
• Do not use too thick slices of bread.
• Prepare and reheat the plates in advance before making the sandwich.

• Spread butter on the bread for a crispy crust.
• Do not use foods that wither at high temperatures, such as cucumbers or salad. It is also not recommended to use vegetables that are too juicy, such as tomatoes.
• Meat and convenience foods in the sandwich maker can only be reheated if not intended to be used as a grill.

First, unplug the device and let it cool down. Wipe the inside with a damp cloth, then wipe dry. The removable panels are dishwasher safe.

On the market, you can find a large number of similar products from different manufacturers in different price categories. Before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of some of them.

The cost of models of this brand is from 950 rubles and more. The devices are mechanically controlled and easy to clean. The main disadvantage is that the power cable is too short.

The Redmond sandwich maker can be found for 980 rubles. One of the key advantages of the brand's models is the handle with a double heat-resistant coating. Unfortunately, the closing mechanism may not always work (for example, if you make the sandwich too bulky).

Tefal models are easy to clean. They prepare sandwiches quickly enough, which determines their price (from 1,500 rubles). The main drawback is the lack of a power button. The device is turned off only by disconnecting it from the power supply.

Russell Hobbs devices have received mostly positive reviews. For the manufacture of closed models, only high-quality materials are used. Such an electric electric grill will serve you for more than one year.

Today it is difficult to imagine life without such an assistant as a sandwich maker. Now you know what to look for when buying such a device and how you can save on functions that you may not use.

For information on how to make sandwiches in the Clatronic sandwich maker, see the following video.