The 3 Best Waffle/Sandwich Makers (With Buying Tips)
Looking for a combination appliance that is a waffle maker and also a sandwich maker?
You’re in luck.
There are dozens upon dozens of waffle/sandwich makers available today.
So many, you’ll have a HARD time choosing one.
To make things more difficult, waffle/sandwich makers look identical to waffle makers.
If you’re not careful, you’ll get an appliance that will make you waffles but NOT sandwiches!
In other words, a huge disappointment.
That’s where we come in. We’re here to help!
Today, we’re taking a look at the top 3 waffle/sandwich makers, including our top choice for the best waffle and sandwich maker. We’ll also throw in some buying tips so you’ll NEVER go wrong.
- George Foreman Multi-Plate Evolve Grill
- Cuisinart Silver Griddler – Top Choice
- T-fal EZ Nonstick Sandwich and Waffle Maker
Are you ready? Let’s get started!
5 Tips for Buying a Sandwich and Waffle Maker
If you want to be sure that you get the perfect sandwich and waffle maker for YOU, follow these 5 tips.
1. Read the Description (or Ask for Details)
The reason why people mistake waffle/sandwich makers for waffle makers is that they don’t read or ask.
They just assume right away from the images.
It’s always good to ask a salesperson about the appliance you’re about to buy. Ask if it comes with waffle and sandwich plates.
However, if you’re buying at a big box store or retailer, there won’t be any salespeople around. And if you happen to find an employee, they won’t know any more than you do.
If you’re buying online, you need to read the descriptions thoroughly.
But you might be wondering, “how will I know if it’s a sandwich and waffle maker combo kitchen appliance?”
If it comes with both sandwich and waffle maker plates.
Always make sure to read or ask about the plates before purchasing so you don’t go buying the wrong one.
2. Don’t Forget to Read Reviews, Too!
Customer reviews always come in handy, especially when dealing with kitchen appliances.
If the images make it look like a sandwich and waffle maker appliance when it isn’t, you’ll surely hear about it from reviews.
What’s more, reading reviews is a great way to learn about its quality and what to expect.
We recommend reading reviews on Amazon as you’ll get a whole bunch of opinions – both positive and negative.
With this, you’ll get a broad idea of what the kitchen appliance is like.
But of course, you can’t let that dictate you.
You have to consider your needs and preferences. Which leads us to…
3. Be Specific About What You’re Looking For
Sure, you’re looking for a sandwich and waffle maker.
But what type are you really looking for?
What features do you need?
Are you only making waffles and sandwiches on it?
Are you looking at making Belgian waffles or classic waffles?
Are you looking at making sandwiches or paninis? Do you really need a panini waffle maker?
Before you go and make a purchase, you need to ask these questions and answer them.
Trust us, it’ll be so much easier finding the right one if you do.
For example, if you’re into grilling, there are waffle/sandwich makers that come with grill plates as well. It’ll be a 3-in-1 appliance!
You might be looking for a waffle griddle maker or a waffle panini maker.
Or, if you’re making waffles for a family of 4-6, it’ll be best to get a bigger sandwich and waffle maker with more quantity.
Once you think through your needs and wants, you can then begin looking for the right sandwich/waffle maker for you.
4. Set Your Budget
Another great tip is to set. your. budget.
This might sound obvious. But you’ll be surprised how few people actually do this.
Without a set budget, every sandwich/waffle maker you find will be added to your list.
In that case, it’ll be 10x harder to pick one.
With a set budget, you only consider those within the price range.
It’s always easiest to look at kitchen appliances below a certain amount.
For example, look at sandwich waffle makers that are below $100, or below $75, that way you’ll have clear guidelines on your budget.
Again, this makes it much easier to get the one that suits YOU.
5. Choose Practical
A practical sandwich and waffle maker is better than a fancy one.
I mean, let’s get real. You’d rather have a sandwich/waffle maker that’s easy to clean with dishwasher safe plates and practical indicator lights than one that doesn’t have that but looks good on a kitchen countertop.
Here’s another example. A sandwich/waffle maker with basic features is better than one that has a lot but doesn’t do the basics well.
If you’re offered both, wonderful!
However, if you’re left with a choice between practical and fancy, choose practical. It makes life easier.
The Top 3 Waffle/Sandwich Makers
With those 5 tips, you should get a great waffle and sandwich maker every time.
1. George Foreman Evolve Grill
- Versatility - Expand your food horizons! This Evolve model includes premium ceramic grill/Panini plates and...
- Digital Timer and Temperature Controls - Perfect heat is the secret ingredient. The digital controls give you...
- 500°F Searing - Put a delicious crust on your favorite grilled meats. The special searing button raises the grill...
- Removable Plates - Easy cleanup is essential, and that’s what the removable grill plates are all about. Pop them...
The George Foreman Evolve Grill is a 3-in-1 multi-functional appliance.
Not only is it a waffle maker and a panini sandwich maker, but you’ll be able to switch out the interchangeable plates and grill on it!
Imagine that! That’s the benefit of having a 3-in-1 appliance.
You can either make 2 huge waffles to share with the family or panini/grill a serving of 5.
There’s something for the whole family with the George Foreman Evolve.
It’s also super easy to use!
There are 5 buttons – up, down, sear, temp/timer, and power.
For the timer, you can go up to 20 minutes. The temperature ranges from 300° to 425°F.
The screen will tell you what set time or temperature you’re in.
The way the sear works is that it reaches 500°F for 60 seconds before going back to the set temperature. This puts a perfect crust on your grilled meats.
What’s more, you can even adjust the angle of the base. In case you need some oil to slide down and out.
It looks very attractive with its red and stainless steel.
And having removable plates means it’s easy to clean. And yes, the removable plates are also dishwasher-safe plates!
To back it all up, this great appliance comes with a 3-year Limited Warranty.
However, it comes with a few downsides as well.
For one, a lot of people were not THAT impressed with it. They say a general it-could-have-been-made-better.
Another thing is that it’s expensive.
The price tag might scare you away, especially if you’re still new to these appliances.
But overall, we’d say a wonderful grill, sandwich maker, and waffle maker.
Check out this review of the George Foreman Evolve:
George Foreman Evolve GRP4842RB Chart
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 appliance. You can grill, and make waffles and paninis.
- It’s super easy to use with its digital controls and screen.
- It can a searing option
- The angle is adjustable.
- The red stainless steel gives off great aesthetics
- Backed up with a 3-year Limited Warranty.
What We Don’t Like:
- People say in general it could have been made better.
- It’s expensive.
2. Cuisinart 5-in-1 Grill/Panini/Waffle Griddler GR-4N
- Griddler is brushed stainless-steel housing; sturdy panini-style handle; floating cover to adjust to thickness of...
- Nonstick baking plates for easy release of waffles
- Removable and reversible nonstick cooking plates drain grease for healthy cooking; integrated drip tray
- Waffle plates bakes 4 deep pocketed, 3/4-inch thick Belgian waffles
Another great sandwich maker and waffle maker combo is the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Grill/Panini/Waffle Griddler GR-4N.
That’s right, it’s not a 2 in 1 or even a 3 in 1, it’s a 5 in 1!
The 5-in-1 involves a contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, and half grill/half griddle. Plus you get a removable dishwasher-safe plates attachment that makes Belgian waffles.
Instead of using digital controls, this appliance has 3 dials.
The center dial controls the dual thermostat. If you turn it to the “griddle” sign, it’ll only heat the bottom plates. Both the bottom and top plates are heated if you turn it to the “grill/panini” sign.
But what stands out with this appliance is that it allows the hinge to fall out. This means you can lay the top down and use it as a full grill or griddle.
Not only that, but you can also attach the hinges to make it into a panini press.
This appliance is very well designed.
Another thing is that it’s super easy to clean with its removable grease holder. And, you can wash all the removable plates in the dishwasher while the stainless steel is easy to wipe.
One downside is that the dial lights are confusing.
The worst part is that there’s no information on this in the instruction manual. You’ll have to guess a bit.
Along with that, it might need a little getting used to with the dials.
Check out this video reviewing the Cuisinart 5-in-1 Grill/Panini/Waffle Griddler:
Cuisinart 5-in-1 Grill/Panini/Waffle Griddler GR-4N Chart
What We Like:
- It’s a 5-in-1 appliance. Contact grill, panini press, full grill, full griddle, half grill/half griddle. Also comes with dishwasher-safe waffle plates.
- It’s a Belgian waffle maker!
- You can lay the top down for a bigger grilling/griddling surface.
- You can remove the hinge to create a panini press.
- Is very well designed.
- It’s super easy to clean.
What We Don’t Like:
- The lights in the dial are confusing
- It needs getting used to
3. T-fal 1500637135 SW6100 EZ Nonstick Sandwich Maker and Waffle Maker with removable plates
- 2 sets of interchangeable sandwich and waffle plates
- Waffle plates make 2 square shaped Belgian style waffles at a time
- Use the sandwich plates to to make delicious pocket sandwiches any time of day
- On/ready indicator lights; cord storage; nonstick and dishwasher safe plates for easy cleaning
- Indicator lights advise if power is on and when the plates are ready for cooking
If you don’t need a grill, then the T-fal sandwich/waffle maker is for you.
The waffle plates make 2 square, Belgian waffles. While the sandwich plates make 4 pocket sandwiches in one go.
The best part is that these are removable plates, allowing you to switch from Belgian waffles to sandwiches without even having to clean anything.
Unlike the other two appliances, this one is more like an actual waffle maker that also makes sandwiches.
There’s no temperature control, timer, grill, etc…
Its simplicity is what adds to its beauty.
All you need to do is pour the waffle batter in, close the lid, and wait for the indicator lights to guide you. The same goes for when you’re using it as a sandwich maker.
So if you’re not into fancy waffle/sandwich makers, then we recommend this for you.
The nonstick plates are also dishwasher safe.
Another thing we love about this appliance is that it’s compact and space-saving.
Not only are the dimensions small (12.7″ x 11.9″ x 6.8″), but you can also store it vertically. To add to that, you can neatly keep the cord in the cord wrap.
One last thing. This appliance is a bang for your buck! It’s VERY affordable.
As usual, it comes with some downsides.
Some people complain that it isn’t easy to clean even though it’s advertised as an EZ Clean appliance.
T-fal 1500637135 SW6100 EZ Waffle and Sandwich Maker Chart
What We Like:
- Makes 2 Belgian waffles and 4 pocket sandwiches.
- The easy to clean nonstick sandwich plates can be easily interchanged.
- It’s very simple.
- Its small dimension, vertical storage, and cord wrap make it space-friendly.
- It’s super affordable!
What We Don’t Like:
- Has some complaints that it isn’t easy to clean
Conclusion
So what will it be?
The George Foreman Evolve which makes classic waffles is a panini sandwich maker and has non-stick plates.
The 5-in-1 Cuisinart that is a panini sandwich maker, makes Belgian waffles, has dishwasher-safe plates, has a full grill, half griddle, and half and half?
Or the simple T-fal that is a pocket sandwich maker, makes square waffles, and also has dishwasher-safe plates?
Overall, our top pick for the best sandwich maker that also makes waffles is the Cuisinart Griddler. It makes great sandwiches, and delicious waffles, has nonstick baking plates which make the cooking surface easy to clean up, and is perfect for your home kitchen. Breakfast will never be the same with this multi-functional appliance.
Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a waffle and sandwich maker that makes cooking waffles and sandwiches easy and fun.
So go get one today and start cooking your waffles, and sandwiches, or enjoy grilling!
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