While both brands make toasted sandwiches, Breville and Sunbeam sandwich presses cater to different needs and budgets. Breville offers premium, feature-rich appliances with superior build quality and a higher price tag, whereas Sunbeam focuses on providing affordable, reliable, and straightforward sandwich makers for everyday use.
This guide compares them on price, performance, and design to help you decide which brand is right for your kitchen.
Sunbeam Sandwich Press
Sunbeam is a household name known for producing dependable and accessible kitchen products for over a century. Their sandwich presses are designed for simplicity and value, offering a no-frills solution for making quick and easy meals without a significant investment.
- What it is: A line of budget-friendly, user-friendly sandwich makers designed for reliable, everyday performance.
- Key features: Non-stick cooking plates, compact designs suitable for small spaces, simple status indicator lights, and upright storage capabilities.
- Price: Typically ranges from $20 to $50.
- Style: Functional and utilitarian, with clean lines and basic color schemes like black, white, or silver.
- Materials/Construction: Generally made with durable plastic housings and standard non-stick coated aluminum plates.
- Pros: Highly affordable and excellent value. Extremely easy to use with minimal controls. Compact and lightweight, making it easy to store. Widely available in major retail stores.
- Cons: Lacks advanced features like adjustable temperature. Plastic construction feels less premium and can show wear over time. Less versatile for thick, artisanal breads or paninis.
A Sunbeam sandwich press is perfect for students, casual users, or anyone in need of a simple, affordable appliance for occasional use.
Shop this product: sunbeam.com
Breville Sandwich Press
Breville is a premium kitchen appliance brand that focuses on innovative design, high-end materials, and superior performance. Their sandwich presses are built for culinary enthusiasts who appreciate precision and are willing to invest in a durable, versatile, and stylish appliance.
- What it is: A premium sandwich press offering advanced features, robust construction, and a sleek design for home cooks who want professional-level results.
- Key features: Adjustable height control for various sandwich thicknesses, durable Quantanium non-stick surfaces, locking storage clips, and precise temperature controls.
- Price: Usually priced between $100 and $200.
- Style: Modern and sophisticated, featuring brushed stainless steel finishes that complement contemporary kitchen décor.
- Materials/Construction: High-quality stainless steel housing for durability and heat retention, with reinforced non-stick cooking plates designed for longevity.
- Pros: Superior build quality and durability for long-term use. Stylish, premium aesthetic. Advanced features like height control allow for more versatility. More consistent and even cooking results.
- Cons: Significantly higher price point. Can be larger and heavier, taking up more counter space. May have more features than a casual user needs.
This appliance is an excellent fit for serious home cooks, families who use a sandwich press frequently, and anyone who values performance and design in their kitchen tools.
Shop this product: breville.com
Sunbeam vs. Breville Sandwich Press Comparison
Price & Value
This is the most significant differentiator. Sunbeam sandwich presses are firmly in the budget category, often costing less than $50. They offer fantastic value for someone who just needs to make a classic toasted sandwich now and then. In contrast, Breville models are an investment, starting around $100 and going up from there.
The extra cost of a Breville gets you vastly better materials, more precise cooking, and a much longer potential lifespan. For basic use, Sunbeam provides better immediate value. For frequent use and long-term durability, Breville's premium price is justified.
Materials & Construction
Sunbeam primarily uses durable plastic for the housing of its sandwich makers. While perfectly functional, it doesn't offer the same feel or longevity as metal. Their non-stick plates are effective but may wear down faster over years of use.
Breville uses high-quality brushed stainless steel for its exteriors, which not only looks better but is also more durable and easier to clean. The construction feels solid and heavy-duty, designed to withstand frequent use for many years, making Breville the clear winner in build quality and longevity.
Style & Aesthetic
Sunbeam's design philosophy is straightforward and practical. Their appliances are functional and compact but aren't intended to be statement pieces on your countertop. Breville, however, puts a strong emphasis on sleek, modern aesthetics. The brushed stainless steel finish and minimalist controls of a Breville sandwich press are designed to look great next to other high-end kitchen appliances.
Cooking Performance & Features
A Sunbeam press excels at its one job: making standardized toasted sandwiches. It heats up quickly and gets the job done. Breville raises the bar with features like adjustable height control, which allows you to toast delicate croissants or thick artisan bread paninis without crushing them. The even heating and higher-quality non-stick surfaces on a Breville contribute to more consistent, professional results batch after batch.
Who Each One Works Best For
Sunbeam is the ideal choice for budget-conscious shoppers. It’s perfect for college students in dorms, people in their first apartments, or families who only pull out the sandwich maker for a quick snack on occasion. Its compact size also makes it great for kitchens with limited storage.
Breville is designed for the avid home cook or larger families who will get regular use out of the appliance. If you appreciate great design, want the versatility to make more than just basic sandwiches, and view kitchen tools as a long-term investment, Breville is the superior choice.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both brands offer quality products for their respective markets, but they are built for fundamentally different users.
Choose a Sunbeam if:
- You're shopping on a strict budget.
- You only make toasted sandwiches occasionally.
- You need a simple, no-fuss appliance that is easy to use and store.
- You have limited kitchen counter or cabinet space.
Choose a Breville if:
- Durability and long-term performance are your top priorities.
- You want a stylish, premium appliance that looks great on your counter.
- You plan to use it frequently for thick paninis, quesadillas, or other versatile recipes.
- You are willing to invest in a higher-quality tool that will deliver consistent results for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between Sunbeam and Breville sandwich presses?
The main differences are price, materials, and features. Sunbeam is a budget-friendly brand using plastic construction and offering basic functionality. Breville is a premium brand with stainless steel construction, advanced features like adjustable height control, and a much higher price point.
Is Breville worth the extra money?
If you plan to use your sandwich press frequently and value durability, versatility, and a stylish design, then Breville is absolutely worth the extra money. For occasional use, a Sunbeam is a more practical and cost-effective choice.
Which brand is more durable?
Breville is significantly more durable. The stainless steel construction and higher-quality components are designed to last for many years of regular use, while Sunbeam's plastic models may show wear more quickly.
Are the non-stick plates easy to clean on both?
Yes, both brands feature non-stick plates that are easy to wipe clean after use. However, Breville often uses higher-grade non-stick coatings that tend to be more resilient and last longer before showing signs of wear.
Can you make more than just sandwiches in them?
While Sunbeam presses are primarily designed for standard sandwiches, the adjustable height features on many Breville models make them more versatile. You can easily toast thick paninis, wraps, quesadillas, and even reheat items without crushing them.
Which brand is better for a small kitchen?
Sunbeam is generally better for a small kitchen. Their presses are typically more compact, lighter, and designed for upright storage, making them easier to tuck away in a cabinet or pantry.
Where can I buy Sunbeam and Breville appliances?
Sunbeam products are widely available at big-box retailers like Walmart and Target, as well as on Amazon. Breville appliances are found at specialty kitchen stores, high-end department stores like Williams Sonoma, and online.
How long do sandwich presses last?
A basic Sunbeam sandwich press might last 3-5 years with regular use. A well-maintained Breville, because of its robust construction, could easily last 7-10 years or longer, making it a better long-term investment.
At Interior Insider, we're dedicated to curating the best in home decor, interior design, and home essentials to help you discover brands we think you'll love. Every brand we feature is independently selected by our editorial team based on quality, design, and craftsmanship. When you make a purchase through our links, Interior Insider may earn a commission - which helps support our small team and allows us to continue bringing you inspiration and expert advice for creating your perfect space.
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our curated design guides to find your next favorite piece.
