How To Clean Your Sandwich Maker

Whether you call it a Sandwich Maker, Panini Press or Toastie Maker, it has many variations,  although there is a difference they all do the same job of making some delicious treats and snacks and they really are not difficult to clean. Here we will give you the simple steps on how to clean sandwich maker and help you on your way.

A sandwich maker is the toastie lover’s best friend at home. What better way is there to enjoy a hot, toastie than in the comfort of your own home, with all your favorite ingredients?

Being able to fire up your Panini press or Panini grill (what’s the difference?), cook up a quick masterpiece, and hit the couch to watch Netflix is something special…

The benefits are incredible… but cleaning a sandwich maker is a must if you want to keep on making A+ paninis. Lucky for you, most panini grills are pretty easy to clean and we aim to show you that here in our how to clean sandwich press article.

4 Simple Steps To Cleaning A Sandwich Maker

Cleaning a panini press or grill is pretty straight forward, especially if you have a sandwich press with removable plates. But if it doesn’t, have no fear. After making some awesome sandwich maker recipes, all you need to do is follow these simple steps you will have a clean panini press as good as new. These steps also apply to the question of how to clean a panini grill

Pssst… If yours are non-removable, then you can skip past these 5 steps for your how-to!

Step #1: Turn It Off and Unplug It

Before you get started with cleaning a panini press, make sure to turn it all the way off and unplug it.

While it’s unplugged and still warm, but not hot, begin cleaning it.  This will help remove any crumbs or oily residue before they’ve had a chance to stick on.

Step #2: Take Out the Removable Plates

How to clean a panini press with removable plates.

Take out the plates with oven mitts and place them in your sink for a wash. Don’t soak the plates as it could damage the non-stick coating.

If the plates are dishwasher safe, you can put them in at this stage. Always check the instruction manual to see if they’re dishwasher safe before putting them in though as it could ruin the plates.

Step #3: Wipe Down the Plates with a Sponge or Cloth

Step 3 of how to clean a panini maker is just so easy you will wonder why you ever questioned yourself.

Take a hot and soapy cloth or sponge, but not too wet or soapy and gently wipe over the plates to remove the worst of any debris left from your scrummy snack. Then wipe the surface down firmly a second time, and gently rub any food residue that may remain. Remember to consider the grooves in the plates (if there are grooves) where food can get stuck and clean around each groove.

Step #4: Still struggling with residue between the grooves?

If you find that it’s still too difficult to get the residue from between the grooves, then try out this helpful tip: grab a chopstick (or the round end of a butter knife) and wrap it with a damp dishcloth, then try cleaning between the grooves again to loosen up any remaining grime.

Cleaning Non-Removable Plates

Follow these 4 easy steps on how to clean sandwich maker that has non-removable plates. You’ll have your clean panini press ready and clean in no time for more mouth-watering toastie recipes!

Step #1: Switch it Off

Turn off and unplug it.

Step #2: Wipe Away Excess Food

Get rid of any loose crumbs with a dry cloth.

Step #3: Use a Soapy Sponge

Take a soapy sponge or cloth and squeeze out any excess water. Carefully wipe the plates down with your cloth. Get the cloth soapy again and re-wipe it down if there is still residue.

Step #4: Use a Dry Cloth

With a dry cloth, wipe the plates down again to finish cleaning the plates. Then just wipe the outside with a dry cloth or paper towel and there you have it.

Warnings When Cleaning a Panini Press or Sandwich Maker

• Never put your press into water or the dishwasher as it will damage the electrical circuit.
• Before cleaning, make sure it is fully unplugged and only warm, as it could burn your hand.
• Don’t use heavy-duty cleaning pads, brushes, or abrasive cleaners on the plates as they can damage the non-stick coating.

There you have it, we hope we have put your mind to rest about how to clean panini grill and sandwich makers and how easy it is along with what not to do to avoid damaging it while cleaning. Happy Sandwich eating.

Bonus Tips When Using Sandwich Makers or Panini Presses

• As a rule of thumb, always do a quick double-check of the manufacturer’s instruction manual before cleaning your sandwich maker.
• Use a little bit of olive oil, butter, or margarine on the outside of your bread to prevent any sticking to the sandwich maker. Or try the non-stick cooking spray on the plates. (This will also give you a slightly crispier, golden-brown crust!)
• If you’re still having issues with super stuck-on residue after trying the above steps, soak some paper towel in soapy water, and let it sit on the plates for 10 minutes, then try wiping them down again. This will break up any remaining residue
• To cut down on cleaning, make sure it is fully preheated before placing your toastie on it to help ensure nothing sticks.