Not essential, but makes a great sandwich
I am a sucker for a good grilled cheese sandwich. I just use regular sandwich bread, layer in some slices of cheddar or fresh mozzarella cheese, spread a little butter on the outsides of the bread, and then let the Toastmaster two-section sandwich maker do its thing. It can be difficult to close and latch into place (usually my bread is just a little too big for the sandwich press). It has a handy light on top that turns from red to green when the sandwich is cooked to perfection--the bread is golden brown and crispy, the cheese is gooey and delicious. While it's possible to cook a good grilled cheese on a griddle or in a frying pan, the sandwich press is faster, and the compression of the sandwich gives it a different texture. I don't use it often, but it is quite small, so it doesn't take up much room in the cupboard. Ease of Cleaning Because the grill plates are non-removable, you have to settle for just wiping the unit out with a wet rag. I don't recommend using detergents as they may leave a residue on the grill, and you don't want a soapy sandwich.
elledent
San Antonio, TX