Cooking on a budget with a sandwich maker
Sandwich makers and their cousin, the panini press, whip up meals in minutes and are great for small spaces.
Key points
- Sandwich makers are cheap to buy and run
- They prepare quick meals that go beyond sandwiches
- The more expensive panini press also functions as an indoor grill
A sandwich maker is very cheap to purchase. For anyone living without a full kitchen, it can cover a surprising range of meals. It heats up in two minutes and cooks in roughly the same time by sealing a wrap around some filling.
Budget cooking is about making the most of inexpensive staples. Sandwich makers can whip up much more than just a grilled cheese sandwich. Beans, rice, eggs, veggies, and even some leftovers work well as fillings, with bread or tortillas providing the wrap.
A toasted sandwich filled with seasoned black beans and some cheese costs very little and takes under five minutes from start to finish. Eggs can even be cooked directly in the plates for fluffy omelettes.
Here are some suggestions, tested by online content creators:
- Hack Your Sandwich Maker 13 Ways! by Hamilton Beach
- Breakfast Burrito by Food.
- Omelette by kavey eats
- Grilled Chocolate Sandwich by Raks Kitchen
A panini press is more expensive to buy than a sandwich maker but offers additional menu options:
- 20 Things That Are Not Sandwiches! by Frugal and Thriving
- 15 Surprising Things You Can Make In A Panini Press by Williams Food Equipment
