There’s something in a grilled sandwich that goes beyond what cold cuts and cheese can accomplish alone. Kids and adults alike love a grilled sandwich, lifted hot and fresh from the sandwich grill. Paired with a hearty soup or eaten alone, a warm grilled sandwich always satisfies. With the right sandwich grill and a little practice, you’ll be making restaurant-quality sandwiches for friends and family in no time.
No two sandwich grills are precisely alike, though, so it’s crucial to find the grill that’s right for your needs, your wallet, and your taste. Some of the best quality sandwich grills on the market today are also some of the most affordable, so you won’t be forced to compromise between quality and cost.
I’ve reviewed 10 of the most popular sandwich grills available today, including the Cuisinart WM-SW2N sandwich grill and the Breville BSG520XL panini sandwich grill. Each grill is packed with features that will satisfy both your palate and your pocketbook. No matter your needs or your budget, there is a sandwich grill that will help add some zest to your menu.
For each grill, I’ve compared many of the most important qualities for you to consider when purchasing a sandwich grill, including size, form factor, plate style, ease of cleaning, and storage. I’ve also listed the pros and cons for each product, allowing you to make an informed choice when it comes time to buy. In addition, I’ve highlighted some of the features that make each sandwich grill unique, setting them apart from the competition.
List of Top-Rated Sandwich Grills
Photo | Product | Weight | Form Factor |
---|---|---|---|
Hamilton Beach 25462Z | 5.85 pounds | Small Grill | |
Breville BSG520XL | 9.25 lbs | Compact | |
Cuisinart WM-SW2N | 4.05 lbs | Compact | |
Ovente GPI302B | 5.05 lbs | Compact | |
ZZ S6141A-B | 6.25 lbs | Compact | |
Brentwood TS-240B | 2.75 lbs | Compact | |
Koolatron TCG-08 | 6.15 lbs | Compact | |
Hamilton Beach 25460A | 6.22 lbs | Small Grill | |
Avantco P85S | ~7.00 lbs (+-1) | Small Grill |
Review of the Sandwich Grills
Hamilton Beach 25462Z
Specs
- Grill inserts – Panini-style grill
- Cooking Surface – Non-stick
- Material – Metal and plastic
- Weight – 5.85 pounds
- Storage – Stands upright, cord wrap
Features
- Café-style floating lid
- Adjustable to any sandwich thickness
- Preheat and reheat light for easy use
With its many unique features, it’s no wonder why the Hamilton Beach 25462Z is one of the most popular sandwich grills on the market. In use, the 25462Z creates a warm, irresistible product that will have family and friends asking for seconds. Afterward, it stores easily, making it easy to keep around with your other cookware essentials.
The Hamilton Beach 25462Z has what it takes to make your favorite grilled sandwiches at home. The grill takes only six minutes to pre-heat and will alert you when it is ready with its built-in “green-to-go” light. If you’re a fan of grilled sandwiches from local restaurants, you’ll immediately know what to expect after your favorite bread, meats, cheeses, and vegetables hit the grill.
The non-stick surface cooks sandwiches evenly, including over the grill lines, while the lid applies enough weight to press the perfect panini. Even better, this grill does not require you to flip your sandwich, as it applies the ideal amount of heat to both sides simultaneously.
After cleanup, you won’t have to worry about taking up valuable cabinet space with the 25462Z. This grill stores upright, allowing it to slide into your kitchen set up with ease.
Hamilton Beach 25462Z customers speak highly of the grill, especially towards its consistency after repeated uses. This grill is also widely available, including from national retailers like Walmart. You can even experiment with non-sandwich options on this grill, with several customers raving over their pork chops, hamburgers, chicken breasts, and grilled vegetables – all made on the Hamilton Beach 25462Z.
Through and through, the Hamilton Beach 25462Z is a great choice for the veteran home chef looking for a new versatile tool or a new home chef looking to add a new twist to their standard repertoire. In just one meal, you’ll see why this sandwich grill and panini maker is so popular among its fans.
Breville BSG520XL
Specs
- Grill Inserts – Sandwich grill with panini ridges
- Cooking Surface – Aluminum
- Material – Brushed Stainless Steel
- Weight – 9.25 lbs
Features
- Professional-grade product
- Even heating surface
- Stainless steel construction built to last
Taking its cues from professional-grade sandwich presses, the Breville BSG520XL brings restaurant-quality grilled sandwiches and melts to your home kitchen. From its even cooking surface to its beautiful grill marks, this sandwich grill stands out from the rest for its attention to detail.
The Duo features a 1500-watt heating element that heats up quickly and remains warms to ensure consistency for your grilled creations. A unique floating hinge also ensures even pressure across the entire cooking surface. With an adjustable top plate, you’ll be able to use your favorite bread and fresh ingredients with ease. The Duo’s sturdy, stainless steel construction ensures that you’ll be cooking with this grill years after you add it to your kitchen.
After use, the Duo is a breeze to clean. Its non-stick, scratch-proof Quantanium surface requires little more than a quick wipe to clean. No matter where you store the Duo – on the counter or in a cabinet – you’ll have an aesthetically beautiful device that will easily find a home in a modern kitchen. Should anything go wrong, Breville has your back with a 1-year warranty to replace the product without hassle.
Duo customers rave about their new favorite kitchen gadget, praising its excellent cooking surface and ease of use. Some customers praise the Duo’s non-stick surface, noting that they rarely need oil or butter in order to crisp their sandwiches to a golden brown. Many have even found new and exciting uses for their Duo, including grilling French toast and burritos.
Though the Duo costs a bit more than some of its competitors, the investment is well worth it. You pay for quality with the Duo, an investment you won’t regret when you see the smiles on your family’s faces at mealtime.
Cuisinart WM-SW2N
Specs
- Grill Inserts – Triangle Sandwich Grill
- Cooking Surface – Non-stick
- Weight – 4.05 lbs
- Storage – Cord wrap
Features
- Compact form factor, lightweight
- Raised grill ridges
- Easy to operate
If you’re looking for value in your grill sandwich maker, look no further than the Cuisinart WM-SW2N. From its compact form factor to its easy-to-clean cooking surface, this grill checks all the boxes for most home chefs.
This sandwich maker can do a bit of everything, from omelets and French toast at breakfast to delicious meat and cheese sandwiches at lunch and dinner. You can even do two different items at once, as its raised edges allow you to mix and match to fit the tastes of your family or guests. Its “ready to cook” and “ready to eat” indicators take the hassle out of sandwich grilling and ensure an evenly cooked sandwich every time.
The Cuisinart WM-SW2N’s tight form factor also makes it an asset to anyone home chef with limited storage capacity. This grill is ideal for those living in a city apartment or college dorm, as its weight and size allow it to easily fit alongside other kitchen gadgets.
Customers Cuisinart WM-SW2N speak highly of its ease of use and safety, often noting that it is ideal for use with kids and teenagers. All plastic components of this grill are BPA-free, ensuring safety in its long-term use. Cuisinart’s 3-year limited warranty is also one of the best in the industry, ensuring that you will be satisfied with kitchen investment.
Ovente GPI302B
Specs
- Grill inserts – sandwich maker, waffle maker, and panini press grill
- Cooking Surface – Non-stick
- Material – Plastic and metal
- Weight – 5.05 lbs
- Cleaning – Removable plates
Features
- Easy to clean, removable cooking plate
- Great versatility
- Unique safety features
If you’re interested in more than just sandwiches and paninis, then the Ovente GPI302B will be a welcome addition to your kitchen lineup. With three unique grill inserts, including waffle iron, you’ll find opportunities to use your new sandwich grill in the morning and in the evening.
The GPI302B is powered by 20V and 750W, meaning it heats up fast to fit your tight schedule. You’ll know when this grill is ready when the convenient LED signal light illuminates. While you make your morning coffee, you’ll be able to warm up the grill to make a breakfast sandwich. Even the kids can enjoy a hearty morning meal before rushing off to school with a pair of hot and fresh waffles.
While in use, the GPI302B provides peace of mind through its several safety features. The grill’s handles remain cool to touch, allowing for safe use even with young children. Its non-skid rubber feet also keep it securely upon the counter, preventing accidents. Few competitors can match the GPI302B safety features, making it a must-have for safety-conscious individuals.
After use, you’ll have no trouble cleaning this grill. Its removable grill plates can be whipped down at your convenience, without risking damaging the rest of the appliance.
Ovente GPI302B customers praise its versatility and ease of cleaning. Many also complement how easy it is to use when trying to make a quick meal. The Ovente GPI302B will surely find a place in anyone’s kitchen, owing to its many uses and standout versatility.
ZZ S6141A-B
Specs
- Grill inserts – triangle, flat sandwich, waffle and omelet
- Cooking surface – Aluminum
- Material – Plastic and metal
- Weight – 6.25 lbs
- Cleaning – Removable cooking plates
Features
- Only grill with omelet plate
- Teflon-coated cooking plates
- Options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner
The ZZ S6141A-B offers several unique features that set it apart from the competition. Between its unmatched options for cooking plates to its slick form factor, the ZZ provides quality performance for many types of grilling needs.
Whether you’re interested in making hot sandwiches, paninis, waffles, or omelets, you’ll find an excellent 4-in-1 value in the ZZ. The Teflon coated surface ensures that your kitchen creations come out perfectly every time. At the same time, this Teflon surface eases the cleaning process after you’ve served your family or guests. Just like many of your pots and pans, you’ll find this Teflon surface easy to clean with just a bit of warm, soapy water.
If you run into trouble with your ZZ grill, the ZZ customer service team has a firm record of responding to customer questions. But you aren’t likely to run into problems with this grill, as attested to by many satisfied customers online. Some customers recoil at the thought of a Chinese-made product, but it certainly doesn’t cause the ZZ to suffer when it comes to performance.
Brentwood TS-240B
Specs
- Grill inserts – Triangle sandwich plate
- Cooking surface – Non-stick
- Material – Stainless steel and plastic
- Weight – 2.75 lbs
- Form Factor – Compact
Features
- Stainless steel body
- Safety lid lock
- Affordable price
- 24/7 protection system from water leaks
- Low noise operation
- Cycle selection that promoted water and time economy
- Sanitary drying options
The Brentwood TS-240B provides both value and performance, creating mouth-watering triangular sandwiches for any occasion. Its unique body helps it stand out from comparable sandwich grills, making it an aesthetic fit for dorm kitchens as well as home kitchens.
The Brentwood TS-240B features a unique, tessellated triangle grill plate that allows you to maximize your cooking efforts and make a large volume of sandwiches at one time. At breakfast time, you can even use the TS-240B to make a wide assortment of flavorful waffles.
The Brentwood TS-240B is also an excellent space saver, especially for those kitchens where real estate is at a premium. This model features a cord wrap and upright standing, allowing it to easily fit into cramped spaces. You won’t need to worry about this grill opening on accident either – while in use or in storage – because this model features a safety lock to keep the lid firmly in place.
If you’re looking for an affordable option that provides a solid level of performance, the Brentwood TS-240B fits the bill. Whether you’re cooking a quick breakfast or a hearty dinner, this grill will help you cook up a hot and fresh meal.
Koolatron TCG-08
Specs
- Grill inserts – Triangle, flat sandwich, waffle and panini
- Cooking surface – Non-stick
- Material – Stainless Steel and plastic
- Weight – 6.15 lbs
- Form Factor – Compact
Features
- Easy pop-in and pop-out cooking plates
- Dishwasher safe components
- Multiple cooking plates
The Koolatron TCG-08 provides a home chef a wide variety of options when it comes to grilling delectable delicacies. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner- this grill allows you to think outside the box when preparing hot meals for your family and guests.
The TCG-08 features an assortment of cooking plates, ranging from waffles to paninis. You’ll have no trouble cleaning this appliance, either, as its cooking plates pop out with ease, allowing you to clean at your convenience with warm soapy water. If you’re short on time, you can even pop these cooking plates in the dishwasher.
This grill’s compact form factor is ideal for dorm living, as it slides into tight shelving without resistance. When stored vertically, you can save even more space. This grill is available from a wide variety of sources, allowing you to shop for the best deal when it comes time to buy. No matter where you buy from, you’ll find this compact grill to be a useful addition to your kitchen.
Hamilton Beach 25460A
Specs
- Grill inserts – Panini-style grill
- Cooking Surface – Non-stick
- Material – Chrome and plastic
- Weight – 6.22 lbs
- Storage – Stands upright, cord wrap
Features
- Elegant chrome finish
- Cafe-style floating lid
- Reliable performance
The Hamilton Beach 25460A is a fresh take on a well-acclaimed model that continues to provide performance while adding in modern elegance. The 25460A won’t let you down as you grill all types of delectable sandwiches for friends, family, and party guests. When you take it out of the box, you’ll already begin to smell all the delicious meals you’ll cook up with this sandwich grill.
When it’s time to cook with the 25460A, you’ll know your grill is hot and ready when the built-in “green-to-go” light illuminates. You’ll have plenty of room to grill as well, as the 25460A features a roomy 10”x8” cooking surface – space enough to fit a sandwich full of your favorite meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
Through an ideal combination of even weight and distributed heating, every sandwich cooked on the 25460A comes out with a golden-brown crust. Even after being cooked to perfection, your sandwich won’t stick to the non-stick surface of this grill’s cooking plates.
Hamilton Beach 25460A owners overwhelmingly love their grill – including those who bought it for personal use and those who received one as a gift. Many focused on the appliance’s durability and affordability, especially when compared to other comparable sandwich grills. While the 25460A may not have all of the added features of some other sandwich grills, it makes up for it by providing a reliable, no-frills result during each and every use.
Through and through, the Hamilton Beach 25460A is a great choice for any type of kitchen. College student, parent, single urbanite, and more – everyone can use this sandwich grill to spice up their daily menu.
Avantco P85S
Specs
- Grill inserts – Dual flat sandwich plates
- Cooking Surface –Non-stick, cast iron
- Material – Cast iron and stainless steel
- Temperature Range – 120 and 570 degrees
- Size footprint – 22”x12”
Features
- High efficiency out put
- Heavy-duty construction
- Removable grease trap
If you or your business needs to step up production while preserving quality, the Avantco P85S is precisely the sandwich grill you need.
With 3500W of heating power, this double smooth sandwich grill has the heating capability to double your production rate while preserving flavor and aesthetic appearance. Even if your sandwich shop is strapped for space, this grill’s 22”x12” footprint will easily fit in among other kitchen implements.
This grill’s potential isn’t even limited to sandwiches and paninis. Hamburgers and quesadillas cook like a charm on this non-stick, easy-to-clean surface. No matter what you cook with the Avantco P85S, you’ll be able to make use of its specialized hinges. They allow the top plate to always lay flat upon the food item – rather than at an angle – ensuring full and even contact with the cooking surface.
Maintenance on the Avantco P85S is also easy, with a removable grease trap located below the main cooking surface. Moreover, the cooking surface is tilted slightly forward, allowing grease to run smoothly into the grease trap and preventing pooling. When cooled, the cooking surface requires only light scrubbing with soap and water in order to return it to its original shine.
Whether you run a restaurant, a food truck, or a concession stand, the Avantco P85S has what it takes to stand up to high-volume usage and remain consistent in its output. Even for its considerable cost, this sandwich grill will quickly pay for itself.