Even something as seemingly simple as making a toastie can go wrong in surprising ways. After years of testing sandwich presses and collecting reader feedback, we've identified the most common mistakes that lead to disappointing results, damaged appliances, or safety hazards. Learning from these errors will save you frustration and help you master the art of the perfect toasted sandwich.
Mistake #1: Not Preheating the Sandwich Press
One of the most frequent errors is placing food on cold plates. Many people turn on their sandwich press and immediately load their sandwich, assuming it heats quickly enough. This leads to:
- Uneven cooking—outer edges may burn while the centre stays cool
- Longer overall cooking time as the press tries to come up to temperature with food inside
- Cheese that doesn't melt properly
- Bread that's dry and tough rather than crispy and golden
The fix: Always preheat your sandwich press for 3-5 minutes until the indicator light (if equipped) shows it's ready. Some models have no indicator—in these cases, wait until you can feel significant heat radiating from the closed lid.
If your press lacks an indicator light, carefully hold your hand about 5cm above the closed lid. You should feel strong heat radiating upward when properly preheated.
Mistake #2: Overfilling the Sandwich
We get it—generous fillings seem like a good idea. But cramming too much into your sandwich creates multiple problems:
- Fillings squeeze out the sides during cooking, making a mess
- The lid can't close properly, resulting in uneven pressure and cooking
- Excess moisture from too many ingredients prevents proper toasting
- Cheese overflow bakes onto the plates, requiring difficult cleanup
- The structural integrity of the sandwich fails when cut
The fix: Limit fillings to about 1-2 centimetres total thickness. Keep ingredients away from the edges (about 1cm margin) so they have room to expand without escaping. Less is genuinely more when it comes to toastie fillings.
Mistake #3: Using Cold Ingredients
Taking ingredients straight from the refrigerator and expecting them to heat through properly is a recipe for disappointment. Cold fillings:
- Cool down the sandwich press plates
- Don't heat through before the bread burns
- Create temperature gradients that prevent even melting
- May remain cold in the centre even when the outside looks done
The fix: Let refrigerated ingredients sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Alternatively, briefly microwave cold fillings (especially meats and thick cheese slices) for 10-15 seconds to take the chill off.
Mistake #4: Forgetting to Butter the Bread
Buttering the outside of your bread isn't just about flavour—it's essential for achieving that perfect golden, crispy exterior. Without butter (or oil):
- Bread sticks to the plates despite non-stick coating
- The exterior dries out rather than crisping
- You won't achieve that appealing golden colour
- The sandwich may tear when removed
The fix: Always butter the outer sides of your bread. Use softened butter for easier spreading, or try olive oil for a slightly different flavour profile. A thin, even layer is sufficient—thick butter just adds unnecessary calories without improving results.
For an extra crispy exterior, try spreading mayonnaise instead of butter on the outside of your bread. It contains oil and eggs that create an exceptionally golden, crispy crust.
Mistake #5: Opening the Lid Too Often
Constant checking might seem careful, but repeatedly opening the sandwich press causes problems:
- Each opening releases heat, extending cooking time
- Temperature fluctuations prevent proper caramelisation
- The compression that creates proper sealing is interrupted
- Steam escapes, which can dry out fillings
The fix: Set a timer for your typical cooking time (usually 3-5 minutes) and resist checking until at least the 3-minute mark. With experience, you'll learn your press's rhythm and won't need to check at all until the sound and smell indicate completion.
Mistake #6: Using the Wrong Bread
Not all bread performs equally in a sandwich press. Common bread-related mistakes include:
- Using bread that's too thin—it tears or becomes too crispy
- Using bread that's too thick—the inside doesn't heat through
- Using stale bread—it becomes rock-hard
- Using bread with large holes—fillings escape
The fix: Choose bread that's fresh but not too soft, with a slice thickness of about 1-1.5cm. Standard sandwich bread works well, as does sourdough, Turkish bread, and ciabatta. For more guidance, see our article on choosing the best bread for toasties.
Mistake #7: Cleaning with Abrasive Materials
Using steel wool, metal scourers, or abrasive cleaners on your sandwich press plates is a fast track to destroying the non-stick coating. Once damaged:
- Food sticks relentlessly to the scratched surface
- Cleaning becomes harder, not easier
- The damage is permanent and unfixable
- Eventually, you'll need to replace the entire appliance
The fix: Only use soft cloths, non-abrasive sponges, and wooden or silicone utensils on your sandwich press plates. For stubborn residue, soak with warm water or use a baking soda paste—never scrub aggressively with anything abrasive.
Even one cleaning session with steel wool can cause visible scratches that permanently compromise your non-stick coating. There's no way to repair this damage—prevention is the only option.
Mistake #8: Ignoring the Drip Tray
Many sandwich presses include a drip tray to catch grease and overflow. Forgetting about it leads to:
- Accumulated grease that goes rancid and smells
- Overflow onto the counter or inside the appliance
- Potential fire hazard from grease buildup near heat elements
- Pest attraction from food residue
The fix: Empty and wash the drip tray after every use. It takes 30 seconds and prevents unpleasant problems down the track.
Mistake #9: Storing While Still Warm
Rushing to put away your sandwich press before it's fully cooled causes several issues:
- Condensation forms in enclosed storage, leading to moisture damage
- Heat can damage cabinet interiors or nearby items
- Trapped heat stresses plastic components
- Any remaining residue bakes on harder
The fix: Allow at least 30 minutes of cooling time with the lid slightly open before storing. For more storage tips, see our guide on how to store your sandwich press safely.
Mistake #10: Using Metal Utensils on the Plates
Grabbing a knife or metal spatula to remove your toastie or scrape off stuck food is an easy habit that causes lasting damage:
- Metal scratches the non-stick coating, causing the same problems as abrasive cleaning
- Scratches accumulate with each use
- Eventually, food sticks in the scratched areas
The fix: Keep wooden, silicone, or heat-resistant plastic utensils near your sandwich press. Use these exclusively for placing and removing sandwiches. If something sticks, soften it with a damp cloth rather than scraping with metal.
- Always preheat before cooking
- Don't overfill—less filling means better results
- Butter the outside of your bread
- Use soft materials for cleaning and handling
- Let it cool completely before storing
Bonus Mistakes Worth Mentioning
Using the Wrong Power Settings
If your sandwich press has adjustable temperature, higher isn't always better. Delicate breads and thick fillings benefit from medium heat and longer cooking times. Maximum heat works for quick toasting but can burn bread before fillings warm through.
Making Sandwiches in Advance
Pre-assembled sandwiches sitting in the refrigerator become soggy as moisture from fillings seeps into the bread. Assemble your sandwich immediately before cooking for the best texture.
Using Cooking Spray Directly on Plates
While a light coating of oil can help, aerosol cooking sprays build up a sticky residue over time that actually makes the non-stick surface less effective. Use a paper towel with a small amount of oil instead, or simply rely on buttered bread.
Ignoring Strange Sounds or Smells
Unusual sounds, burning smells (when nothing is cooking), or visible damage to the cord or housing are warning signs. Don't ignore them—these indicate potential electrical problems that require attention before continued use.
Making These Mistakes Already?
If you recognise some of your habits in this list, don't worry—you're not alone. Most of these mistakes are easily corrected once you're aware of them. Start with the basics: preheat properly, don't overfill, butter your bread, and use non-abrasive tools. These four changes alone will dramatically improve your toastie game.
For those with damaged non-stick coatings from past mistakes, unfortunately the damage is permanent. However, you can still use the press with extra butter or oil and careful handling. When the cooking experience becomes too frustrating, it's time for a replacement with your new knowledge guiding your habits.