Toastie, sandwich maker.

jeff_chandler

Been looking at them for an Xmas gift.  Went to look at one at Currys, it was a Breville with good reviews. Went with the intention to purchase but the one on display was so small the bread would have to be smaller than a waffle. Does anyone on here have a tostie that would fit a normal size piece of bread. No matter which I now look at I'm a tad scared of purchasing one, especially online. 
Regards Jeff

Brie

I've never had one and don't know why one would want one unless toasties are the focus of someone's existence. 

Would the individual really want one or would it be another gadget to store?  If they might want one maybe go for something a bit more diverse like a Foreman grill - toasties, meat, veg, all kinds of uses.  Not had one of those either but I have known people that got one instead of getting an oven as that and a microwave covered most of their cooking needs.  

Jonboy_1984

Used both a dedicated and a Foreman Grill, what the Foreman grill doesn't do is seal the edges of the bread in the same way as a proper Breville.

It does however work with breads like Ciabatta and Panini, so is more flexible.

(they are excellent snacks during a hard days DIY if anyone questions the forum section )

Lorian

They often "sort of" cut off the crust and seal the toastie, leaving some trimmings. Mine has been in the cupboard for at least 6 years unused and I doubt thats anything like a record......

TadleyBaggie

I hope the person you are buying it for really wants one...

Many years ago I was stuck for that last present for my then girlfriend, I chose a Breville sandwich maker. Come Christmas as she got the last present I said, "you'll never guess what that is", her reply was, "I don't mind...as along as isn't a sandwich maker"...

[Deleted User]

Hi,

they're a nuisance to clean after each use.

sammyjammy

but they do make good toasties

Puddings

I use either my 'crimpit' or airfryer now if I fancy a toastie. My sandwich maker is relegated to the cupboard, infact I'll get rid soon, it's super hard to clean so was barely using it for this reason before I got new gadgets. So I'm not sure if this is a good present really unless they've vastly improved in the last year or so. 

tizerbelle

We went for a panini press rather than a sandwich toaster - this one here 
It's easy to clean, can do 2 full-size (i.e. Warburtons sliced) toasties at the same time.   Obvs does ciabatti, panini etc!
Doesn't seal edges but not found that to be a problem. 
Top plate is float-hinged so adjusts to thickness of whatever toasting.  
Regularly use frozen bread rather than fresh and works fine toasting from frozen.

Ectophile

I've tried toasting sandwiches in a George Foreman grill.  The trouble is, my toasties tend to be cheese and pickle.  Without something to crimp the edges, I end up with cheese everywhere.

flashg67

This is the one I have - just about fits a Warburtons size slice but does leave a small bit to trim off afterwards. Both plates are removable for easy cleaning

www.amazon.co.uk/Breville-VST041-Sandwich-Toaster-Stainless/dp/B00KM15VWY