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Rankings reviewed weekly · Last reviewed 30 August 2026
·Prices updated daily· top7kitchen.au editorial team
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Premium Picks
2 picks
If budget isn't a concern, these are the ones to get.
2
Cuisinart
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.
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
8.9
Ease of Use
8.5
Build Quality
9.1
Versatility
9.6
Value
7.7
Tick marks show the category average
Pros
+ Five functions: contact grill, panini press, full griddle and open BBQ
+ Unique deep pan handles one-pot meals, stir-fries and baked dishes
+ Removable, dishwasher-safe plates make cleanup easy
+ Premium stainless-steel build with LCD temperature and timer control
Cons
− Easily the most expensive option here
− Bulkier and heavier than a simple toastie maker
5-in-1Stainless SteelRemovable PlatesDeep PanLCD Control
The Original 74 is Breville's nod to the very first jaffle maker it launched back in 1974, reimagined for the modern kitchen. It's a premium sealed sandwich maker with retro-inspired styling that looks the part on a benchtop, and it presses deep, generously filled toasties that cut and seal cleanly every time. You're paying for the heritage and the finish here rather than a laundry list of functions, but the build quality is exactly what you'd expect from the brand that started it all. Rated 4.7 stars across 295 reviews, it's a premium pick for buyers who want a classic done properly.
Performance
8.7
Ease of Use
8.5
Build Quality
9
Versatility
7.8
Value
7.8
Tick marks show the category average
Pros
+ Heritage-inspired styling and premium finish
+ Deep plates press generously filled toasties
+ Trusted Breville build with 4.7 stars from 295 reviews
Cons
− Pricey for a single-function toastie maker
− Sealed plates only, no flat grilling
Deep FillSealed PlatesRetro DesignPremium Build290+ Reviews
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
8.6
Ease of Use
8.7
Build Quality
8.8
Versatility
8.3
Value
8.5
Tick marks show the category average
Pros
+ Trusted Breville build with 800+ reviews at 4.6 stars
+ Wide flat plates suit toasties, panini and grilled wraps
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
8.8
Ease of Use
8.6
Build Quality
8.3
Versatility
7.6
Value
8.8
Tick marks show the category average
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 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
8.2
Ease of Use
8.5
Build Quality
8
Versatility
9.2
Value
8.6
Tick marks show the category average
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
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
8.7
Ease of Use
9
Build Quality
8.4
Versatility
8.2
Value
9.4
Tick marks show the category average
Pros
+ Most-reviewed sandwich press on Amazon AU at 4.6 stars from 1,133 buyers
+ Fast 2100W heat-up gets you toasting quickly
+ Flat plates handle panini, wraps and grilling, not just toasties
+ Floating hinge fits thick, overstuffed sandwiches
Cons
− Fixed plates can't be removed for dishwasher cleaning
− Flat plates don't seal fillings the way a jaffle maker does
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
8.4
Ease of Use
8.5
Build Quality
8.2
Versatility
8.8
Value
9
Tick marks show the category average
Pros
+ Makes four deep-filled toasties in a single batch
+ Deep pockets handle generously loaded fillings
+ Strong 4.6-star rating from 422 reviews
+ Excellent value for a family-sized maker
Cons
− Large footprint takes up more bench and cupboard space
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 0–10 on Performance, Ease of Use, Build Quality, Versatility + more
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.
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