Chocolate-toastie fans with small kitchens
You want a sweet toastie without leaving another appliance on the worktop. An upright-storing model may be useful if it also fits your cupboard.
Who might use one?
People concerned about escaping filling
You want melted chocolate to stay inside the sandwich. Enclosed or cut-and-seal plates are worth considering, alongside the maker’s filling guidance.
Frequent toastie makers who value easy cleaning
You expect to clean the appliance often and would consider removable, dishwasher-safe plates rather than wiping fixed plates in place.
What should you check?
Check where the closed appliance will live before comparing plate designs: a toaster that suits the worktop still needs to fit its storage space.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Storage fit | Compare the closed dimensions with your shelf space. Confirm upright storage and a locking lid if you intend to stand the toaster up. | If I have to clear the worktop after each use, I need the closed toaster to fit my cupboard; around 46% of consumers put storage fit first. |
| Filling containment | Look for enclosed or cut-and-seal plates if you want sealed toasties, and follow the model’s filling guidance. | When chocolate melts, I want it to stay inside the sandwich rather than spill around the plates; roughly 36% of consumers prioritise filling containment. |
| Cleaning | Decide whether cooled, fixed plates that wipe clean will do, or whether you want removable dishwasher-safe plates. | If I make toasties regularly, reaching residue around the plates matters to me; about 18% of consumers put easier cleaning first. |
Common buying mistakes
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Assuming deep-fill plates cannot overflow
Extra room for filling does not prevent melted chocolate from escaping if the sandwich is overfilled.
Follow the model’s filling guidance and close the lid without forcing it.
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Buying by the word ‘compact’ alone
A toaster can look small yet fail to fit the shelf or drawer where you plan to keep it. Upright storage also depends on the specific model.
Measure your storage space and compare it with the appliance’s dimensions and permitted storage orientation. Salter lists the EK2017S at 24.5 × 10.5 × 29.3 cm; use the dimensions of any other model you are considering, not those of the Salter.
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Assuming every non-stick plate goes in the dishwasher
Fixed wipe-clean plates and removable dishwasher-safe plates need different cleaning routines.
Check the exact model: Breville UK describes removable dishwasher-safe plates for the VST101, while the Russell Hobbs UK 24520 product information lists no dishwasher-safe parts.
Brands to consider for this type of toaster
Russell Hobbs
The Russell Hobbs UK 24520 is a two-portion sandwich maker whose product information explicitly describes chocolate-and-fruit dessert toasties.
- The 24520 stores vertically and has non-stick plates designed to wipe clean.
- Its product information lists no dishwasher-safe parts, so check whether cleaning fixed plates suits your routine.
Breville
Breville UK describes deep-fill toastie makers with sealed-pocket designs, including the VST091 and VST101.
- Breville UK describes upright storage for both models and removable dishwasher-safe plates for the VST101.
- If removable plates matter to you, check the model number: the VST091 is described with wipe-clean rather than removable plates.
Salter
Salter describes chocolate among the sweet fillings for its two-toastie EK2017S deep-fill model.
- Salter publishes dimensions of 24.5 × 10.5 × 29.3 cm for the EK2017S, so you can compare the unit with your available space.
- Confirm how the EK2017S should be stored if standing it upright is essential to your cupboard layout.
Joybuy microwave toastie maker
The Drew & Cole Clever Micro is a microwave toastie maker to consider if you want to put a small toastie-making item away between uses. Check its dimensions against your storage space and follow its instructions for the fillings you plan to use.
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Drew & Cole Clever Micro Toastie Maker
For microwave toasties in a small kitchen, compare this maker’s dimensions with the space where you would keep it.
Check which components are dishwasher-safe, and consult the instructions for chocolate fillings and microwave use.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make chocolate sandwiches in a sandwich toaster?
Yes, some models explicitly describe chocolate toasties: Russell Hobbs UK mentions melted chocolate and fruit for the 24520, and Salter describes sweet fillings for the EK2017S. Follow the instructions for your model and avoid overfilling; Salter’s manual warns that excess filling can overflow.
Do I need deep-fill plates for chocolate toasties?
Not necessarily. Deep-fill plates are worth considering if you want more filling while still closing the lid normally; Breville UK describes enclosed, cut-and-seal designs intended to help reduce leakage. You still need to follow the model’s filling guidance.
Are removable plates necessary for cleaning melted chocolate?
No. Fixed non-stick plates can be wiped after the appliance cools, while removable dishwasher-safe plates offer another cleaning option. Breville UK describes removable dishwasher-safe plates for the VST101; check the cleaning instructions for whichever model you choose.
How should I clean and store a sandwich toaster?
Unplug the appliance and let it cool fully before cleaning or putting it away. Follow its manual for cleaning the plates and other components; Salter’s instructions also say not to immerse electrical components.