Best Sandwich Maker in Egypt: 3-in-1 with Removable Plates

Fixed plates or 3-in-1?

The regular sandwich maker has fixed triangular plates, making only sealed cheese or egg toast. The 3-in-1 comes with 3 sets of plates: toast, ribbed grill, and waffle. You detach one set and attach the other in seconds. If you make only toast every day, the fixed one is enough and cheaper. But if you want waffles for the kids during holidays, or to quickly grill thin chicken breast fillets, the 3-in-1 saves you from buying two appliances and taking up counter space. Just keep in mind that the grill plate here is smaller than a dedicated electric grill, so if you'll be grilling a lot, check out the electric grills guide.

Removable plates are key for cleaning

Melted cheese and butter stick to the edges. If the plates are fixed, you will wipe them in place and never reach the corners. Removable plates are washed in the sink with warm water and a soft sponge, and some are dishwasher-safe depending on the model. Before you buy, make sure the sales page says the plates are Removable and not just Interchangeable, because some plates are swapped with screws and aren't meant to be taken out every day.

Power and size to suit your home

• One or two people: A 2-sandwich appliance, from 700 to 800 watts is enough.
• Family of 4 or more: A 4-sandwich appliance with around 1200 to 1400 watts of power, so you don't wait batch after batch while everyone waits for breakfast.
• If you will grill on it: Higher power makes a difference in grilling, and an appliance that opens 180 degrees gives you a larger surface area.

Home breakfast and school lunchbox

The sandwich maker finishes school sandwiches in 5 minutes: smoked turkey cheese toast, or scrambled eggs, or white cheese with tomatoes and thyme. You can make the waffle at night and reheat it in the morning. And if you're putting the sandwich in the lunchbox, let it cool for two minutes on a wire rack before closing the container, so the steam doesn't make the bread soggy. And don't put the cheese all the way to the edge, because it will melt out and burn on the plate.

Mistakes that ruin the sandwich

• Too much filling: The lid won't close and the cheese will melt out. Two tablespoons of filling per sandwich is enough.
• Don't wait for the light: If you put the toast in before the "ready" light comes on, it will come out dry without being toasted.
• Thick bread: Triangular plates are made for regular toast, and thick baladi bread or stuffed fino bread belong on the grill.
• Butter inside only: If you want a golden crust, lightly brush the outside of the toast with a thin layer of butter or oil.

Before you buy

• Check who the seller is: Amazon itself, the brand store, or another seller, and the warranty type: local warranty from the agent is better than an "international warranty".
• Make sure the appliance is 220 volts and that the plug is Egyptian or comes with a reliable adapter.
• As soon as it arrives, count the plates and make sure all 3 sets are present and there are no scratches on the non-stick coating.

Care so the plates last

Run it empty the first time for two to three minutes so the factory smell goes away. Wipe the plates with a drop of oil using a brush instead of cooking spray, because spray creates a sticky layer over time. Use only a wooden or silicone spoon, and don't use a knife to remove food. Detach the plates while they are warm, not hot, and never submerge the appliance body in water. Store the extra plates with a paper towel between them so they don't scratch each other, and wrap the cord after the appliance has cooled down completely.