The 6 Best Non-Toxic Sandwich Maker & Panini Press Selections 

Sandwich maker. Panini maker. Whatever you call it, once you make the switch, you'll never want to make a sandwich without one again. Versatile, convenient, and easy to use, they can grill a sandwich in the kitchen a breeze using your own fresh ingredients. Both appliances can grill sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, and other food items to a perfect, golden-brown crisp.

When considering the purchase of a sandwich maker or panini press, it's important to note that not all of them are healthy. To assist you in your shopping, we have compiled a list of six of the best sandwich makers and panini presses that are both healthy and safe to use, making them a great addition to any kitchen. All of the sandwich makers featured below are made with non-toxic, PFOA-free non-stick coatings, ensuring that you won't have to compromise your health in your quest for the perfect breakfast sandwich.

The 6 Best Sandwich Makers And Panini Presses

Breville The Toast & Melt™

Best Overall

The Breville Toast & Melt™ is a versatile appliance that, as the name suggests, efficiently toasts bread, melts cheese, and makes unbelievable breakfast sandwiches. Its compact design fits easily on any countertop, where its durable stainless steel construction lends a sleek look. The appliance features a PFOA-free non-stick grilling surface that ensures your food doesn't stick or burn, and it also comes with a floating hinge that allows you to adjust the height of the upper grilling plate depending on the thickness of your food. Thanks to a timer, led indicator lights, and adjustable temperature controls, you can customize your toast to your desired level of crunchiness.

The Toast & Melt™ has evolved from previous models, providing improvements addressing past issues to ensure your sandwich is perfectly toasted and melted in minutes. This model also has a crush control feature, allowing you to adjust the sandwich's height, ensuring that all your ingredients are evenly distributed. With exceptional performance, ease of use, and ease of maintenance, the Toast & Melt™ makes an excellent investment for any sandwich lover.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Ease Of Cleaning: 4.7/5 Durability: 4.8/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Ease of Use: 4.7/5

GreenPan Greenlife Sandwich Maker

Best On A Budget

The GreenPan Greenlife Sandwich Maker is an excellent affordable option for anyone looking to make a quick meal at home. With its non-stick ceramic surface, you can grill a hearty breakfast sandwich, low-fat chicken breast, or ooey-gooey grilled cheese sandwich without worrying about the bread sticking or the filling spilling out. A compact design (offered in a rainbow of color options) allows for easy storage in kitchens of any size.

Its healthy ceramic material sets the GreenPan Greenlife Sandwich Maker apart from its competitors. The non-stick coating is free from harmful chemicals (PFOA, PFAS, cadmium, and lead), making it a safer option for both you and the environment. It's made using recycled materials and requires less energy consumption than most traditional sandwich makers, making it a smart, sustainable choice for budget-conscious shoppers. Its compact size and sleek design make it easy to store in any kitchen, while its sturdy construction ensures long-lasting durability. Plus, it heats up quickly and evenly, so you can enjoy perfectly toasted sandwiches in just minutes.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Ease Of Cleaning: 4.1/5 Durability: 4/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ease of Use: 4.5/5

George Foreman Grill & Broil 6-In-1 Electric Indoor Grill

Best Multi-Purpose Grill

Few countertop appliances are more versatile than this George Foreman Grill & Broil 6-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill. Thanks to interchangeable grill, griddle, and waffle maker plates, it can make far more than just sandwiches. Its ability to grill, broil, bake, roast, and toast makes it a great addition to any home kitchen, particularly those that are short on cabinet space.

One of the standout features of George Foreman's multi-purpose indoor grill is its ability to cook a wide range of foods quickly and evenly. The powerful heating element heats up in just a few minutes, ideal for squeezing in a quick breakfast or lunch when you're short on time. With a temperature range of 350-425°F, you can cook various foods to perfection. This grill features a non-stick cooking surface that is durable and free of PTFE and PFOA, allowing you to cook with less oil, and its signature angled design allows the fat to drain away from the food, making it healthier and tastier. Cleanup is easy, thanks to a built-in drip tray that catches excess grease before it hits the counter. Plus, the compact size of this electric grill makes it perfect for smaller kitchens and apartments.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Ease Of Cleaning: 4.1/5 Durability: 4.3/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ease of Use: 4.3/5

GreenPan Premiere Multi Grill, Griddle, and Waffle Maker

Worth the Splurge

If you're willing to splurge, do so on a multi-purpose grill like this Greenpan Premiere Multi Grill, Griddle, and Waffle Maker. Equipped with an interchangeable waffle plate, it'll become a go-to appliance for all your cooking needs. With its versatile 3-in-1 design, you can easily switch between grilling, griddling, and waffling, making it the perfect appliance for busy mornings, lazy weekends, and everything in between.

The multi-grill has a large cooking surface, allowing you to cook up to four servings at a time, and an adjustable temperature control, so you can cook your food to your desired level of doneness. On the weekends, use the griddle plates to make breakfast favorites like eggs, bacon, and pancakes, and the waffle plates for crispy, fluffy waffles in just minutes. This high-performance non-stick surface ensures easy food release and effortless cleanup, while the patented Thermolon ceramic technology guarantees even heat distribution and durability. Plus, its sleek and modern design will elevate any kitchen décor. 

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.9/5 Ease Of Cleaning: 5/5 Durability: 4.9/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Ease of Use: 5/5

Green Pan Ceramic Nonstick 3 in 1 Grill, Griddle And Waffle Maker

Best Value

This versatile Ceramic Non-stick 3-in-1 Grill, Griddle, And Waffle Maker from Green Pan is an excellent addition kitchen. Its reversible plates and easy-to-use design make it ideal for a busy individual or a couple, and its versatility allows for endless possibilities when it comes to sandwich-making and more.

The non-stick sandwich maker features two fast-heating cooking surfaces with a PFOA, PFOA, lead, and cadmium-free, non-stick finish. The non-stick ceramic surface ensures that your food will never stick or burn, while the three interchangeable plates allow you to cook anything from fluffy waffles to juicy burgers with ease. With a lay-flat design, you can use it as an open grill. To make cleaning a breeze, pop off the griddle plates and place them in the dishwasher. Plus, with its sleek and modern design, it looks great on any kitchen countertop. This appliance is designed to be both convenient and efficient, saving you time and energy in the kitchen.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Ease Of Cleaning: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Ease of Use: 4.5/5

Lodge Cast Iron Square Panini Press

Best Cast iron panini press

Don't have space in your pantry for yet another techy countertop gadget? Make your grilled sandwiches the old-fashioned way with this Lodge Cast Iron Square Panini Press. Crafted from high-quality cast iron, it can withstand the high heat conditions of a stovetop, oven, or outdoor grill. Pre-seasoned with vegetable oil, making it easier to clean and maintain. The reliable material has excellent heat retention and distribution, ensuring every centimeter of your sandwich is nice and crispy. Its ribbed surface with top plate will create classic grill marks on your food, bringing an authentic grilled flavor to meat, chicken, and veggies.

Cleaning and using the Lodge Cast Iron Square Panini Press is a breeze, as it's pre-seasoned and ready to use right out of the box. Instead of hand-washing it alongside your other pans, simply wipe down the cooking plates with a damp cloth after each use. Its handle is made from thick, heat-resistant silicone for a safe, comfortable grip. Unlike the other products on the market, this press stands out for its square shape and durability. While this press does require some maintenance to ensure its longevity, with its durable construction, even heating, and versatility, it's an excellent addition to any kitchen.

Our Ratings

Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Ease Of Cleaning: 4.8/5 Durability: 4.7/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Ease of Use: 4.6/5

What To Consider When Shopping For A Sandwich Maker

Size: Consider the size of the sandwich maker and how many sandwiches you want to make at once. If you plan on making sandwiches for a family or large group, you may want a larger size with multiple slots.

Non-stick surface: Non-toxic, non-stick cookware has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its numerous benefits. Unlike traditional non-stick cookware, which often contains harmful chemicals like PFOA and PFAS, non-toxic non-stick cookware is made with safer materials that do not release toxic fumes when heated. This makes it a healthier choice for both you and the environment.

Adjustable temperature: An adjustable temperature allows you to customize the heat level based on your sandwich type. For example, a panini may require higher heat than a grilled cheese.

Versatility: Some sandwich makers feature interchangeable cooking plates, meaning your panini press can double as a waffle maker for weekend brunch. Consider whether you want a sandwich maker that can do more than just make sandwiches.

Durability: Look for a sandwich maker that is made of high-quality materials and has a durable construction. This will ensure that it lasts for years and can withstand frequent use.

Ease To Clean: A sandwich maker with removable plates makes cleaning a breeze. These types of plates can be easily removed, washed, and returned to the sandwich maker. A sandwich maker that is non-stick and dishwasher-safe plates is also a great option for those who want a hassle-free cleaning experience. 

How We Picked

The items showcased here were chosen through a meticulous process that involved personal testing, an extensive analysis of customer feedback on various retail channels, and consultations with professional chefs and recipe developers. We have prioritized choosing sandwich makers and panini presses that prioritize healthier materials, durability, versatility, ease of cleaning, and storage.