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Rankings re-checked weekly · Last re-checked 16 October 2026
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3 quick taps — we'll match you to a pick using the same scores we rank with.
The picks, in order
7 picks
Number one at the top, number 7 at the bottom. The tier label on each card says which price bracket it sits in.
★Editor's Choice
1
Breville
Breville the Toast & Melt Sandwich Press BSG220BSS
Flat PlatesBrushed Stainless SteelNon-Stick
ValueOn Sale
Rank #1
Breville the Toast & Melt Sandwich Press BSG220BSS
Our Verdict
Breville's most popular flat-plate press, with wide non-stick plates and a brushed stainless finish for toasties, melts and panini.
Why it's number one: Wide flat plates behind a brushed stainless front that CHOICE scores 80/100 (its only published review, the good band), the best build score of the fixed-plate presses, and 4.6 stars from 830 Amazon AU owners.
Breville is the name Australians reach for when it comes to sandwich presses, and the Toast & Melt is its most popular flat-plate model on Amazon. The flat non-stick plates are built for exactly what the name suggests: golden toasties, gooey melts, panini and grilled wraps, all with clean bar marks. A brushed stainless-steel front lifts it above the budget crowd, and the wide plate area easily handles a family's worth of sandwiches in a couple of batches. With more than 800 reviews at 4.6 stars, it's one of the most trusted presses on Amazon AU and a safe, do-it-all pick for the value tier.
Performance
8.5
Versatility
8.1
Ease of Use
7.8
Build
8.5
Owners
8.5
Owners is the 4.6★ Amazon AU rating from 839 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 8.5 (rubric 8): CHOICE scores it 80, the good band, and 830 owners rate it 4.6; no temperature control or heat-up time on the card.
Versatility 8.1 (rubric 7.5): Flat plates that grill open foods and press panini; the card states no floating hinge or height control, so the plain flat-plate band.
Ease of Use 7.8 (rubric 7): Fixed non-stick plates that wipe clean; ready light and upright storage are not on the card.
Build 8.5 (rubric 8): Brushed stainless steel front with non-stick plates and an 830-rating record at 4.6 stars; warranty not on the card.
Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler & Deep Pan Grill GR-5000XA
5-in-1Stainless SteelRemovable Plates
PremiumOn Sale
Rank #2
Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler & Deep Pan Grill GR-5000XA
Our Verdict
A stainless-steel 5-in-1 with a unique deep pan that works as a contact grill, panini press, open BBQ and griddle, with removable dishwasher-safe plates.
Why it isn't number one: It scores higher than our number one, but Amazon owners rate it 4 stars from 40 reviews, under the 4.3 number one needs.
If a sandwich press is only part of what you want, the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Griddler is the most capable machine on this list. Closed flat it presses paninis and toasties as a contact grill; opened out it becomes a full griddle and open BBQ plate for pancakes, eggs, steaks and burgers. Its party trick is a deep pan that the others don't have, so you can cook one-pot meals, stir-fries, baked eggs or even a deep-dish pizza in the same appliance. The stainless-steel body feels a cut above the plastic-bodied crowd, the plates are removable and dishwasher-safe, and an LCD control shows the function, temperature and timer. It rates 4.0 stars across around 40 Amazon reviews, a thinner evidence base than most picks here. The catch is the price, this is the serious premium buy here, but nothing else in this guide comes close on sheer versatility.
Performance
9.6
Versatility
10.0
Ease of Use
9.3
Build
9.3
Owners
7.0
Owners is the 4★ Amazon AU rating from 40 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 9.6 (rubric 9.5): CHOICE scores it 91, the only excellent-band result here, with LCD temperature and timer control; heat-up time not on the card, and 41 owners at 4.0.
Versatility 10.0 (rubric 10): Removable plates for contact grill, panini press, open griddle, BBQ and a deep pan: five functions, the top band.
Ease of Use 9.3 (rubric 9): Removable dishwasher-safe plates with adjustable temperature and a timer on the LCD; bulky and heavy per the card, and no upright storage stated.
Build 9.3 (rubric 9): Stainless steel housing and removable plates that CHOICE rates 91; warranty not on the card and a thin 41-review record at 4.0.
When you're feeding a hungry household, the Breville the Big One lives up to its name. It's a large sealed sandwich maker that turns out four deep-filled toasties in one go, so nobody's waiting around for a second round. Deep pockets mean you can genuinely load it up, think roast veg, pulled pork or a mountain of cheese, and it still cuts and seals each one cleanly. It carries a strong 4.6-star rating across 422 reviews, and at its price it's one of the best-value family toastie makers going. If your mornings involve making breakfast for three or four, this is the budget pick that earns its keep.
Performance
8.5
Versatility
7.8
Ease of Use
7.4
Build
8.1
Owners
8.4
Owners is the 4.6★ Amazon AU rating from 433 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 8.5 (rubric 8): CHOICE scores it 80, the good band, and 430 owners rate it 4.6; no browning control on the card.
Versatility 7.8 (rubric 7): Sealed cut-and-seal plates that make four deep-filled toasties at once: the four-toastie band.
Ease of Use 7.4 (rubric 6.5): Fixed sealed plates and a large footprint per the card; no ready light, lid lock or upright storage stated.
Build 8.1 (rubric 7.5): Deep-pocket non-stick plates with a 430-rating record at 4.6 stars; housing material and warranty not on the card.
The Russell Hobbs RHSP801 is the sandwich press more Australians have bought and reviewed than any other on this list, and it takes our top spot on sheer value. A punchy 2100W element gets the flat non-stick plates up to temperature fast, so you're not standing around waiting for your toastie. The plates sit flat and open, which means panini, grilled wraps and even bacon or halloumi are all fair game, not just sealed sandwiches. A floating hinge lifts to accommodate a fat, overstuffed sanga without squashing it, and a lid lock keeps everything tidy in the cupboard. With 1,133 Amazon reviews sitting at a strong 4.6 stars, it's the most-reviewed sandwich press on Amazon AU right now, and at its price it's an absolute no-brainer for most households.
Performance
7.4
Versatility
8.5
Ease of Use
8.1
Build
7.8
Owners
8.5
Owners is the 4.6★ Amazon AU rating from 1,291 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 7.4 (rubric 6.5): 2100 W flat plates heat fast per the card and 1,151 owners rate it 4.6, but CHOICE scores it 60, the bottom of the fair band and the lowest test result here.
Versatility 8.5 (rubric 8): Flat plates with a floating hinge that press panini and grill open foods: the floating-hinge band.
Ease of Use 8.1 (rubric 7.5): Fixed non-stick plates that wipe clean and a lid lock for the cupboard; no ready light or upright storage stated on the card.
Build 7.8 (rubric 7): Fixed non-stick plates in a budget body with a 1,151-rating record at 4.6 stars; housing material and warranty are not on the card.
For die-hard toastie fans, the Sunbeam Turbo Crunch has a trick the others don't: a dedicated Turbo button that fires extra heat into the plates for an audibly crunchier, more golden result. It's a sealed 2-slice maker, so it cuts and seals each toastie into tidy triangles with the fillings locked inside, ideal for molten cheese-and-ham or a proper spaghetti jaffle. An extra-height hinge stops the top plate sliding and squashing thicker sandwiches, and the stainless-steel plates wipe clean easily. Rated 4.4 stars, though from a thin pool of 32 reviews, it's still the sealed-toastie pick to beat in the value tier.
Performance
7.8
Versatility
7.4
Ease of Use
7.8
Build
8.1
Owners
7.6
Owners is the 4.4★ Amazon AU rating from 34 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 7.8 (rubric 7): Turbo button for extra heat and crisper toasties per the card, but no published test and only 32 owner ratings at 4.4.
Versatility 7.4 (rubric 6.5): Sealed cut-and-seal two-slice plates with an extra-height hinge: the deep-fill two-slice band.
Ease of Use 7.8 (rubric 7): Fixed plates that wipe clean per the card; no ready light, lid lock or upright storage stated.
Build 8.1 (rubric 7.5): Stainless steel body and plates per the tags with a young 32-review record at 4.4; warranty not on the card.
Pros
+ Turbo button delivers extra-crispy, golden toasties
+ Seals fillings into tidy triangles, great for jaffles
+ Extra-height hinge stops thick sandwiches getting squashed
+ Solid 4.4-star rating from early reviewers
Cons
− Sealed plates only, can't be used as a flat grill
− Makes just two toasties at a time
Turbo CrunchSealed Plates2-SliceStainless SteelExtra-Height Hinge
The Stuff 'n' Press is built around one idea: a hinge that lifts high enough to close over a sandwich you have genuinely overfilled. Most sealed toastie makers force you to ration the filling or accept a lid that will not shut; this one takes the extra height and still brings the cut-and-seal plates together, so the cheese, the beans or the leftover bolognese stay sealed inside the triangle instead of running out the edge and welding itself to the plates. Auto Temp handles the heat, and Breville puts a toastie on the plate in about five minutes from cold. The plates lift out and go in the dishwasher, which is the feature that separates a press you use from one that lives in the cupboard, and the unit stands upright with its cord wrapped underneath so it stores in a slim gap. It rates 4.1 stars across 79 Amazon AU reviews - a solid rather than stellar score, with the usual sealed-plate caveat that this does one job only. It is also sold by Amazon UK rather than from local stock, so delivery takes longer than the Australian-stocked presses here. There is no flat grilling and no browning dial, but for deep-filled jaffles it is the most thoughtfully designed press in this guide.
Performance
7.4
Versatility
7.4
Ease of Use
8.9
Build
7.4
Owners
6.7
Owners is the 4★ Amazon AU rating from 83 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 7.4 (rubric 6.5): Breville puts a toastie on the plate in about five minutes from cold with Auto Temp only; no published test, and 82 owners at 4.1.
Versatility 7.4 (rubric 6.5): Sealed cut-and-seal two-slice plates with a high hinge for deep fills: the deep-fill two-slice band.
Ease of Use 8.9 (rubric 8.5): Removable dishwasher-safe plates and upright storage with cord wrap; no browning control and no ready light stated.
Build 7.4 (rubric 6.5): Plastic body with removable non-stick plates; sold by Amazon UK, so local warranty cover is unclear; 82 ratings at 4.1.
Pros
+ High-hinge lid genuinely closes over a deep-filled sandwich
+ Cut and seal plates keep fillings inside the triangle
+ Removable non-stick plates are dishwasher safe
+ Stands upright with built-in cord storage
Cons
− Sealed plates only - no flat grilling or panini pressing
− No browning control, just Auto Temp
− Two slices at a time, and 4.1 stars is mid-pack for Breville
− Sold by Amazon UK, so delivery is slower than a locally stocked press
Deep FillHigh HingeRemovable PlatesCut & SealDishwasher Safe
The Healthy Choice 3-in-1 is the wildcard for anyone who wants more than just toasties. It ships with removable, interchangeable non-stick plates that swap between sandwich, panini and waffle duty, so the same machine handles your morning toastie and weekend waffles without cluttering the cupboard with separate gadgets. The removable plates are the real drawcard, they lift straight out for a proper wash rather than fighting fixed plates with a damp cloth. Rated 3.7 stars across 234 reviews, it's the most versatile press in this guide, and those middling scores are the trade-off you accept for three appliances in one.
Performance
6.6
Versatility
9.3
Ease of Use
8.1
Build
7.0
Owners
5.6
Owners is the 3.7★ Amazon AU rating from 235 reviews, weighted toward the category average when there are few. Fewer than two published reviews of this exact model, so the owner rating carries that weight too. Tick marks show the category average.
How we scored it
Each measure is marked against the category's rubric, where 10 is the best you can buy, 8 is strong, 6 is basic but sound and 4 falls short. The bars show that mark on the Top7 scale (a 6 reads as 7.0, an 8 as 8.5); the notes quote the rubric mark.
Performance 6.6 (rubric 5.5): No published test and a 3.7-star average from 234 owners, the lowest here; no temperature control on the card.
Versatility 9.3 (rubric 9): Interchangeable plates for sandwich, panini and waffle duty: the three-function plate-swap band.
Ease of Use 8.1 (rubric 7.5): Removable plates that lift out for washing; dishwasher safety, ready light and storage are not on the card, and spare plates need cupboard space.
Build 7.0 (rubric 6): Budget body with swappable non-stick plates; the 3.7-star average from 234 owners is the weakest in the list and the card calls its scores middling.
Pros
+ Interchangeable plates cover sandwiches, panini and waffles
+ Removable plates lift out for easy, thorough cleaning
+ Waffle and panini plates included in the box
+ One appliance replaces three separate gadgets
Cons
− Swapping and storing multiple plate sets takes space
− Less specialised than a dedicated flat or sealed press
We evaluate sandwich presses on cooking performance (heat-up speed, even browning, how well they crisp and seal), ease of use (plate cleaning, hinge design, storage), build quality (housing materials, plate coatings, hinge durability), versatility or capacity (flat versus sealed plates, sandwiches per batch, extra functions), and overall value for money. We favour models that ship from Amazon Australia for fast delivery and easy returns. All star ratings and review counts are drawn from live Amazon AU customer feedback.
Scored on Performance 40%, Versatility 25%, Ease of use 20%, Build quality 15%, plus owner ratings and critic reviews
Flat-plate presses open out and grill toasties, panini, wraps and even bacon or halloumi with those signature bar marks, so they're the more versatile choice. Sealed cut-and-seal makers press each sandwich into self-contained triangles with the fillings locked inside - perfect for molten cheese and spaghetti jaffles, but limited to sandwiches.
Plate coating and cleaning
Non-stick plates are standard, but the big divide is fixed versus removable. Removable plates lift straight out and go in the sink or dishwasher; fixed plates have to be wiped down in place while still warm. If cleaning is your pet hate, prioritise removable plates.
Wattage
Most presses sit between 1,800W and 2,100W. Higher wattage means the plates reach temperature faster and recover quicker between batches, but the difference in the final toastie is small.
Capacity
A 2-slice press is plenty for singles and couples. Feeding a family? Look at 4-slice models that toast four at once so nobody's waiting for a second round.
Hinge design
A floating or extra-height hinge lets the top plate rise to sit level over a thick, overstuffed sandwich instead of crushing it flat. If you like a generously filled sanga, check for one.
Extras
Some presses double as griddles and grills, or come with swappable waffle plates. They're great if you'll actually use them, but a simple, well-built press does the core job brilliantly.
The humble sandwich press has earned permanent bench space in Australian kitchens, and for good reason. Nothing turns leftover bread, a bit of cheese and whatever's in the fridge into a proper meal faster. Whether you call it a jaffle maker, a toastie machine or a panini press, it's the appliance that gets pulled out on lazy Sundays, chaotic weeknights and in every uni share-house in the country.
The market splits into two camps. Flat-plate presses give you cafe-style toasties, panini and grilled wraps with those signature bar marks, and they double as a compact grill for halloumi, bacon or a quick steak. Sealed sandwich makers cut and seal each toastie into self-contained triangles, keeping molten fillings locked in and the mess to a minimum. Both have their fans, and this list covers the best of each.
We've compared the top-rated sandwich presses on Amazon Australia, from a workhorse flat-plate press with over a thousand reviews to a stainless-steel 5-in-1 that grills, griddles and presses. Whether you're kitting out a first apartment or upgrading a press that's seen a decade of toasties, there's a pick here to suit your bench space and budget.
Compare Top Picks
Can't decide between our top two? See how they stack up head‑to‑head.
What's the difference between a sandwich press, a jaffle maker and a panini press?+
In practice they overlap, but there's a rough distinction. A jaffle maker (or sealed sandwich maker) cuts and seals each toastie into closed triangles with the filling trapped inside. A sandwich press or panini press usually has flat plates that grill the sandwich open-style with bar marks, and often doubles as a compact grill. Many people use all three names for the same appliance, so read the plate description rather than the name on the box.
Should I choose flat plates or sealed (cut-and-seal) plates?+
It comes down to what you cook. Flat plates are more versatile: they handle panini, wraps, halloumi, bacon and steak as well as toasties, and give you those cafe-style grill marks. Sealed plates lock molten fillings inside tidy triangles, which is ideal for cheese-and-ham or spaghetti jaffles but limits you to sandwiches. If you want one appliance to do more, go flat; if you love a classic sealed jaffle, go sealed.
How do I clean a sandwich press, especially one with fixed plates?+
The trick with fixed plates is to clean them while they're still warm, before the cheese and butter set. Unplug the press, let it cool slightly, then wipe the plates with a damp cloth or paper towel; for stubborn bits, lay a wet cloth over the plates for a minute to soften the residue. Never submerge a fixed-plate press in water. If easy cleaning is a priority, choose a model with removable, dishwasher-safe plates.
What else can I cook in a sandwich press besides toasties?+
Plenty. Flat-plate presses are basically compact grills, so they'll do halloumi, bacon, mushrooms, quesadillas, grilled veg and even a quick steak or burger. Some models, like 5-in-1 units, open out into a full griddle for pancakes and eggs, and 3-in-1 machines swap in waffle plates. Sealed makers are more toastie-focused, but they'll still handle sweet fillings like banana and chocolate.
Does higher wattage make a sandwich press better?+
Only up to a point. Most sandwich presses sit between 1,800W and 2,100W. More wattage means the plates heat up faster and recover quicker between batches, which is handy if you're making several toasties in a row. Beyond that, it makes little difference to the final result. Plate design, even heating and how well the hinge sits matter far more than raw wattage.
