What to look for when choosing a toaster?

If you are looking for a device that is just right for making tasty breakfasts or dinners, consider buying a toaster. In a good toaster, you can prepare not only toasts, but also many other snacks. Check out how to choose a good sandwich maker.

Toaster vs toaster - how are they different?

Often the terms are used interchangeably, but the devices actually have slightly different uses. Only toast is prepared in the toaster - it is impossible to put layered sandwiches in it - the ingredients would be charred immediately and the device itself would stop working. In the case of a sandwich maker, you have much more room for maneuver. You can use it to prepare toasts with filling, but also other snacks (e.g. waffles or panini) and traditional toasts. The possibilities offered by a given model of a sandwich maker depend primarily on its design. In each, you can bake different types of bread of different thickness.

The 3 in 1 toaster is a popular alternative to the regular toaster

A standard toaster has halved plates that can make triangular sandwiches. In the case of 3-in-1 appliances, there are more heating plates - they can be freely changed depending on the needs. Most often, a 3 in 1 toaster is a grill and a waffle iron at the same time. This means that you can prepare not only sandwiches, but also desserts and healthy dishes such as grilled fish, chicken or veggie burgers. This is a handy accessory that allows you to grill at home without buying a separate electric grill. It is difficult to achieve a similar effect using, for example, a frying pan.

How to choose a sandwich maker? 5 tips

When choosing a toaster, it is worth first of all to answer the question of what meals you intend to prepare in it. If you usually only eat toast, the basic version will suffice. If you want to grill, prepare waffles and toast - the standard 3in1 model is just right. If you have other, more specialized needs - for example preparing samos - you will need models with a special shape of heating plates and higher power, such as the PRINCESS samosa and snack maker. What else should you pay attention to when choosing a sandwich maker?

Device power 

Undoubtedly, power is the key criterion when selecting a toaster - it determines the efficiency of the equipment and the ability to regulate the temperature. The more sandwiches that can be prepared in the sandwich maker at the same time, the greater its power should be. Standard equipment allows you to prepare 2 sandwiches at the same time, but there are also those that can fit 4 or even more sandwiches. The higher the power of the sandwich maker, the faster it will be ready for operation - this parameter determines the heating rate of the plates. What power of the sandwich maker will be optimal for a standard user? If you want the basic toaster (up to 4 sandwiches) to heat up quickly, look for devices with a minimum power of 1200 W.

Number and shapes of tiles 

In standard sandwiches, the plates can be permanently attached to the structure, while in multifunctional ones they are interchangeable. Depending on the model, you may have burners designed exclusively for toasting, i.e. half squares, as well as checkered waffle plates and a ribbed grill plate. More specialized toasters may also have other shaped plates, such as bubble waffles.

The method of attaching the plates is important - it should be simple and intuitive so that they can be quickly replaced and removed for cleaning. Regular cleaning of the plates is the basis for maintaining a sandwich maker - any contamination can adversely affect the quality and taste of prepared snacks.

Material done 

As a general rule, the fewer plastic parts, the better and safer for you. Plastic is susceptible to high temperatures - under its influence, it can easily melt. The best choice would be appliances made mainly of stainless steel or aluminum. They do not heat up well and at the same time are resistant to mechanical damage and moisture.

Device weight 

It often happens that the toaster, despite its relatively inconspicuous size, is very heavy. If you often move the equipment from place to place due to the lack of space in the kitchen or plan to take it with you on a trip, it is worth verifying this parameter before buying.

The sandwich maker should be constructed in such a way that it can be easily moved, lifted and cleaned. An important element of the sandwich maker is the handle, which increases its mobility and enables safe lifting of the lid without the risk of burns, as in the VIVAX TS-7501WHS model. It should also be equipped with control lights that allow you to follow the process of preparing the snack without lifting the flap.

Adjustable 

In a good toaster, you can make exactly the toast you want, whether you like toasted or lightly browned. This is possible thanks to the temperature control option, which gives you much more control over the toasting process.

A toaster, especially a 3 in 1, is a multifunctional device that will allow you to prepare not only delicious food from bread, but also a number of other dishes. Check out the offer of sandwich makers and choose the model for you – standard or with interchangeable plates.

: