Breville VST026 4 Slice Sandwich Press Stainless Steel

I'm very pleased indeed with this sandwich toaster from Breville. The machine is well built in chrome and black (plastic/metal) and gets to temperature quickly (a green light on the top of the device turns OFF). The sandwich toaster comfortably fits four rounds of bread - even if you're using a taller kind such as a slices taken from fresh split tin, or a Warburtons sliced loaf - so is plenty big enough to feed an average-sized family. There is no temperature control dial, but this seems to regulate itself fairly well, so that sandwiches crisp up nicely on the outside but don't burn before fillings have had a chance to warm.

The metal plates are - unusually - flat, so you don't get a liney, griddle-style effect on your cooked food, but they're also very effectively non-stick. The latter point means that there's no need to use butter or spread on the outside of your bread.

After use, the sandwich toaster cools quite slowly, so you do have to wait a while before you can put this away. For cleaning purposes this is good - but could be better. The non-stick plates wipe clean very easily but as this is intended for sandwich toasting rather than use as a multi-pupose grill there's no drainage channel. Combine this with a raised lip (about 0.5cm) that goes all the way round the bottom heating plate and it's not quite as easy to get crumbs out as it could be. I end up flicking crumbs out of the corner with a pastry brush.

The lid to this sandwich toaster is quite tall when raised - and in my kitchen (which has top cupboards all the way round above the worktop areas) there isn't quite room to open the lid to the point where it stays open on its own as the handle hits the cupboard above.

This is our second sandwich toaster, our previous one being bought in the 1980s is still going strong.

When I received and opened this, I will admit, I was a little disappointed, but this was mainly due to the fact that I didn't know what to expect - I have never seen a panini sandwich before. Once I realised it was a type of bun I became more enamoured of my new kitchen gadget. I have always wanted a way to toast sandwich-buns and this works perfectly.

The sandwich press is a lot larger than I thought it would be - at approximately 30 cm by 27 cm by 4.5 cm (deep) it is around a third bigger than our old one.

The "toaster" consists of 2 large, flat, non-stick trays. The bottom tray has a curved lip which is approximately 0.5 cm high, to help contain any overflow from the sandwich contents.

My first doubt came when I discovered that there was no temperature control. I am used to being able to adjust the temperature in order to ensure that the filling is heated properly without burning the bread casing.

I found that the toaster plates take longer to heat up than our old model, this may be due to the fact that they are so much bigger, however, it is only really a matter of a minute or 2 difference in timings. It has a ready-to-cook light on it so you know when it is up to heat. Once at full heat it is a matter of judging when you believe that your toastie is ready. This can be a hit and miss affair, but once you have the hang of timings things become a lot easier. There are certain foods that you don't want to be lukewarm, such as chicken, for safety reasons, so I would recommend that you test before you serve.

The second issue I had was with the lack of a lid clip. On our old machine the lid is held in place by a clip so that the toasting is even. The toasting (so far) has been quite even, this may be due to the fact that the lid is on a pivot, or I may simply have been lucky, only time will tell.

I would recommend that you clean the machine carefully with a damp cloth while it is still warm, as this makes it easier to get the overspill off the non-stick hot plates. The manual recommends waiting until the plates are cool before closing the machine and putting it away. It takes a long time for it to cool down so there is plenty of time for cleaning.

The stainless steel shell can get a little warm, but not very hot, however I would recommend not moving the machine while it is in use, or cooling down, as you can singe your fingers by accident.

There are non-slip feet on the bottom which adds to the safety of the machine and a wrap-around cord storage area, should you find that you don't need all of the cord that is provided. The open-close handle on the lid is heat resistant, so, as long as you don't get hold of the lid or the base directly, you shouldn't get burnt.

There is no need to worry about the size of the machine taking up a large area of your workspace, as it folds (the lid locking into place by using a slide switch on the side) so that it can be stood on end. I have it stood between the cupboard and the toaster for storage, because, though it looks stable, I have a fear of it toppling over and damaging the worktop (but that is my problem).

The best thing about making your own toasted sandwiches is that you are in control of what goes in them. If you don't like hot lettuce or tomatoes then you don't put them in, or if you fancy smoked salmon, Branston pickle and chocolate sauce then you have the freedom to have that without any strange looks from other people.

Over the past few weeks of using this toastie maker I found that it is easy to use, to clean and (once I got use to the cooking times for the various buns and fillings) it makes great filled toasted buns. If you are looking for a sandwich press then I would recommend this one for your consideration.

I have no hesitation in giving the Breville VST026 5 stars, because it is really good at what it does.

I have long been a fan of toasties, but my old toasted sandwich maker used to languish in the back of the cupboard because it was horrible to clean, and would only take the square bread ... unless you resorted to surgery on your freshly baked bloomer ... and if you put more than a spoon full of filling in, it would bubble out of the side ... going back to point one.

The Breville 26 has a largish flat plates that are easily big enough for 2 rounds of the big home made loaves we make, or 4 Paninis. 2 Ciabatta, or even 9 - 12 (depending on size) english muffins or crumpets. This means that my wife and I can actually sit down to our lunch of delicious toasties at the same time.

Back to the machine, there are no switches or dials, you simply plug in, and when the green TEMP light goes off ... you are ready to cook. This takes just under 2 minuets, so if you switch on before you start to construct your favourite snack, it will be ready and waiting for you.

Cooking time is down to taste but I find that most sandwiches are ready in less than 5 minutes, or when you hear things start to sizzle ... I have learned that having the filling at room temperature helps, (but not essential) as does keeping the slices of the individual fillings on the slim side. We have found that putting the cheese on top means that it has the chance to melt into the other ingredients ... although I have been know to go belt and braces and put cheese on the bottom deck too!

My current favourite sandwich is smoked ham, emmental cheese, sliced red pepper and rocket ... bloomin delicious, and I would like to see you try and get that lot into one of the old toasie makers.

We have the smaller version of this panini press, but this is definitely the one to go for. The lead length is better by a good half a metre and the sliding catch on side, to lock the plates together for storage is simple but effective.

We have also used the Panini press to make omelettes, fried egg, to heat up garlic bread, naan bread, and mexican wraps. As for cleaning, and this is where I wish I could award bonus points, it is simplicity itself ... a quick wipe with a kitchen towel (best done whilst still warm).

So, no hesitation in giving the highest possible rating for this versatile kitchen essential.